Frequently asked questions
When you book your appointment with your allocated DLO, you can choose a phone, Zoom or in-person appointment according to the DLO’s availability. Your appointment will take approximately 45 minutes on average. During the appointment, your DLO will:
- spend some time getting to know you and developing an understanding of how your disability may impact your studies, both in the past and currently
- discuss your supporting documentation if necessary
- ask questions about strategies you may have already developed to cope with your studies or explore some ideas that may assist you
- explore your strengths and abilities and make suggestions or discuss some of the other university support services available
- discuss whether you need an access plan and what adjustments may work for you – it is important that you work with your DLO to ensure the right reasonable adjustments and/or exam adjustments will support your studies.
The DLO will develop your Access Plan, and it will be sent to your Deakin student email after your appointment.
You are encouraged to ask your DLO questions about the services offered by the DRC or Deakin, the registration process, your Access Plan, and anything you are not sure about.
No. For students with an Access Plan, additional extensions between 7 and 14 days may be granted by the Unit Chair. However, you will still need to apply for extensions on assessments through your Unit Sites. Go to the Assessments tab, click on the Extension Request Form, and tick the box that indicates you have an Access Plan.
Your Access Plan will have a Review Date listed at the top under Academic Adjustments (your first Access Plan is usually due for review after about 12 months, but this may be longer or shorter, depending on several factors). Please make note of your review date, as it is your responsibility to book an appointment with a DLO to review your access plan.
Your Access Plan does not expire after the listed review date, but it is always a good idea to have a chat with your DLO if your needs change or if you receive a new diagnosis.
Here is a list of our locations:
Burwood – Building B, level 1, room B1.03.
Waterfront – Building D, level 2, located in Student Central.
Waurn Ponds – Building JB, room 2. 314.
Warrnambool – Building B, located in the Medical Centre.
In most cases, we need supporting documentation before an Access Plan can be created, as this documentation will assist the DLO in identifying the right support and adjustments for you. Visit How to request support for a list of relevant registered health professionals. The documentation will need to confirm the diagnosis, and your health professional can then make any recommendations they believe would support you in your studies.
Follow the steps outlined on our How to request support page or contact us if you need help.
Get in touch with the DRC and we can help you with the process.
Email drcentre@deakin.edu.au, call +61 3 9244 6255 or drop in to your closest DRC office. If you can’t find us, go and see the friendly staff at Student Central.
We have provided some information below which should clarify where and how to submit your Special Consideration application. Firstly, you should use this step-by-step guide to walk you through the online application process.
If you have already had an extension granted and you won’t be able to submit the assignment by the due date, you will need to apply for special consideration. You can apply via StudentConnect within 3 university working days after the due date, ensuring that you attach relevant documentary evidence.
Students registered with the DRC still need to apply for special consideration if they are unable to submit an assignment by an extended due date. Unfortunately, being registered with the DRC doesn’t mean that special consideration is always granted. Students registered with the DRC still need to obtain supporting documentation each time, detailing how they were affected during the specific period the assignment was due.
You will receive your Access Plan via email to your Deakin student email account when your DLO has published it. We recommend keeping it in a folder in your email account.
You may wish to save your Access Plan as a PDF. Follow these steps:
- Open the email.
- Click on 'File' in the top left-hand corner.
- Select 'Save as PDF.
You can then attach it as a document to emails. Alternatively, you can also forward the email of your Access Plan.
Please let us know if you have any issues saving as a PDF and we can save it for you.
See the table below for further information on common topics:
| Topic | Where can I get further info? | Who can help me? |
|---|---|---|
| Remission of debt | DUSA for help with an application. Counselling and Psychological Services for supporting documentation (if you have been engaged with the service) or your relevant health professional. | |
| Special consideration | Student Central for guidance on how/where to apply. Counselling and Psychological Services for supporting documentation (if you have been engaged with the service) or your relevant health professional. | |
| Reduced study load | https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/student-life-and-services/international/compliance-visas/reduced-study-load | Student Central for advice and information on the process. ISSO if you're an international student (requires referral). |
| Enrolment | https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/enrolment-and-fees/manage-your-course/handbooks | Student Central for advice and information. |
| Appeal special consideration via complaints | https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/student-life-and-services/complaints-conduct-appeals/student-complaints | DUSA for help with an application. |
| Extensions | https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/study-support/assessments-and-examinations/assessments | Student Central for advice and information on the process. Contact your unit chair if you wish to discuss assessment-specific advice regarding an extension. |
For students with an Access Plan, detailed information about exam adjustments can be found on our dedicated page.