Understanding Special Consideration at National University of Singapore (NUS)

Introduction

National University of Singapore (NUS) recognizes that students may face unforeseen circumstances that may affect their academic performance. Special consideration is a process that provides students with the opportunity to have their academic performance reassessed if they have been significantly affected by extraordinary mitigating circumstances.

Eligibility

Students are eligible to apply for special consideration if they have been:

• Unable to prepare adequately for or sit for an examination due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, accident, or bereavement.
• Significantly affected by other circumstances beyond their control, such as natural disasters, personal emergencies, or religious obligations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not applying for special consideration within the specified timeframe.
• Not providing sufficient evidence to support the mitigating circumstances.
• Not attending the required medical or other appointments.
• Submitting false or misleading information.

How to Apply

To apply for special consideration, students must:

1. Contact the Faculty Office or Course Coordinator as soon as possible after the mitigating circumstances occur.
2. Complete the Special Consideration Form and submit it along with supporting documentation within the specified timeframe.
3. Attend a Medical Appointment or other required appointments as directed by the Special Consideration Committee.
4. Check the Decision on the NUS Online portal once the committee has made a decision.

Step-by-Step Approach

• Identify the Mitigating Circumstances: Clearly define the unforeseen circumstances that affected your academic performance.
• Gather Supporting Documentation: Provide medical certificates, official letters, or other evidence to support your circumstances.
• Submit the Application: Complete the Special Consideration Form and submit it to the Faculty Office or Course Coordinator within the specified timeframe.
• Attend the Medical Appointment: If requested, attend a medical appointment or other required assessments to provide further evidence of your condition.
• Follow Up: Monitor the NUS Online portal for updates on the decision made by the Special Consideration Committee.

Why Matters

Special consideration allows students to demonstrate the true extent of their abilities by:

• Reassessing academic performance in light of mitigating circumstances.
• Providing opportunities for students to catch up on missed coursework or examinations.
• Reducing the impact of unforeseeable events on academic progression.

Benefits

• Flexibility: Special consideration provides students with flexibility in managing their academic commitments during difficult times.
• Fairness: It ensures that students are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
• Support: It provides students with access to support services and resources to help them cope with challenging circumstances.

Call to Action

If you are facing unforeseen circumstances that may affect your academic performance, do not hesitate to contact the Faculty Office or Course Coordinator immediately. Applying for special consideration promptly and providing sufficient evidence will increase your chances of a successful application. Remember, special consideration is not a guarantee of a positive outcome, but it is an essential step in ensuring fairness and support for students facing challenging circumstances.

Additional Resources

• NUS Special Consideration Policy
• NUS Faculty of Medicine Special Consideration Guide
• NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Special Consideration Policy

Tables

Table 1: Special Consideration Eligibility Criteria

Table 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Table 3: Benefits of Special Consideration