Student absences and impairments (2nd and 3rd year students)

Absences and requesting leave

Complete the online Physio Student Leave Application form to request any of the following:

• Sick leave
• Planned leave (e.g. to attend a significant family event, to participate in a national sporting event, to participate in cultural events, etc.)
• Bereavement/tangihana leave

Physio Student Leave Application form

You must apply for planned leave prior to making travel arrangements.

If you are unwell and rostered for clinical placement, you must also contact your clinical educator directly at least 30 minutes before placement.

Coursework – Impairment in Internal Assessment

If your performance in a piece of coursework is impaired and/or you need to request an extension, complete an Application for Impairment in Internal Assessment form:

Application for Impairment in Internal Assessment form (PDF)

Send your completed form by email to your lecturer or to:

Email physiotherapy@otago.ac.nz

You must apply for an extension at least 2 working days before the coursework due date.

Mid-year assessments and final examinations – Special Consideration

If your performance in an exam, or preparation for an exam, is significantly impaired, or you are unable to sit an exam because of something unexpected and beyond your control, you can apply for Special Consideration.

The School of Physiotherapy does not use eVision for Special Consideration. Instead, complete an Application for Special Consideration form:

Application for Special Consideration form (PDF)

Send your completed form to:

Email physiotherapy@otago.ac.nz

You must submit your Application for Special Consideration within 48 hours of your last examination/assessment.

Consideration process

Your Application for Special Consideration will be considered by the School of Physiotherapy's Board of Examinations and Assessments, and you will be notified whether your application for Special Consideration has been accepted or declined and what form of Special Consideration will be offered (if applicable).

Situations covered by Special Consideration

Examples of the kind of situations Special Consideration covers include:

• Serious illness or injury
• Severe psychological impairment
• Bereavement of a significant other
• Being the victim of a crime

Examples of the kind of situations NOT covered include:

• Exam anxiety
• Having a cold
• Having a known impairment like a chronic illness

Alternative arrangements

If you experience difficulty sitting examinations or tests under normal circumstances due to a disability or impairment, you may be able to apply for alternative arrangements via Disability Information and Support.

Alternative arrangements can be things like special assistance or equipment, extra time, a different location, or other arrangements that meet your documented needs. For more information about what you can ask for and how to apply, visit the Disability Information and Support website:

Alternative arrangements for examinations and tests