Grading and Assessment

Assessment is a crucial quality measure in higher education, a key motivation for student learning, and an important part of curriculum and learning task development. Information on this page is a summary of a selection of University policies relevant to assessment. test

All students should consult the full suite of University Policies and Procedures prior to commencing your course of study. University Policies and forms directly relevant to assessment are linked at the end of the page.

Grading

Grades are based on weighted assessment tasks which are awarded a whole percentage point from 0 to 100. These are based on grade descriptors to the following bands:

• High Distinction (HD) = 85–100
• Distinction (D) = 75–84
• Credit (C) = 65–74
• Pass (P) = 50–64
• Fail (F) = 0–49

For more information about grade descriptors, refer to the Assessment Policy (Schedule B).

Extensions and Special Provisions

It is expected that students studying at a tertiary level will be able to manage their time and workload to complete tasks by the assigned due dates. However, there are provisions for extensions when unforeseen circumstances apply. Unforeseen circumstances include (but are not limited to):

• Serious illness or injury
• Pregnancy or childbirth
• Serious illness or bereavement of an immediate family member
• Traumatic experiences
• Serious upheaval or a disaster
• Legal responsibilities, such as jury service
• Military service or emergency services responsibilities
• Unusually restricting employment commitments, such as being sent overseas

These provisions are outlined in the University’s Assessment Policy.

Students requiring an extension during the semester, before the assessment due date, should apply for a Lecturer’s Extension.

Students requiring an extension beyond the end of the exam period will need to apply for a Dean’s Extension.

Late Penalties

Work handed in after assigned due dates will receive a penalty as per the University of Divinity’s Assessment Policy. Penalties are applied on the following basis:

• Up to 24 hours late: at lecturer’s discretion
• Over 1 day and up to 1 week late: 10%
• Over 1 week and up to 2 weeks late: 20%
• Over 2 weeks and up to 3 weeks late: 30%
• Over 3 week and up to 4 weeks late: 40%

Student Progress within a Course

If you are experiencing difficulties with your course of study, your course advisor can provide information about student support services, including academic skills classes. If you are experiencing serious difficulties, your course advisor may discuss an intervention strategy with you as set out in the Support for Students Policy.

Results

The University’s Student Information Management System, Paradigm, allows students to check your enrolment information and access your results online. Check the key dates to see when results will be released.

• Go to Paradigm
• Log-in using your student username and password
• Click ‘Units’ in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen

The screen will display the units in which you are enrolled for this course. The overall grade you have received for the unit is listed under the ‘Grades’ column.

Appeals and Complaints

All members of the University, including students and academic staff, must abide by the University of Divinity’s Code of Conduct. Included in the Code is the assurance that members of the University and those seeking admission to the University have a right to seek a review of, or to appeal, a decision made by an officer of the University, and to make a complaint if they believe in good faith that a breach of the Code of Conduct may have occurred.

The Appeals Policy details the processes for appealing a decision made by the University.

The Complaints Policy details the processes where a member of the University is alleged to be in breach of the Code of Conduct, the Conduct and Misconduct Policy, or associated policies.

Queries

If you have any queries regarding grading and assessment, contact your College Registrar or Course Advisor.