Course extension and exam process updates
Changes to course extensions and exam booking coming on June 1, 2022
You used to have to request your exam 20 calendar days ahead of when you wanted to write it.
You also had to give a 1-month notice if you were a non-funded student and wanted to extend your course contract.
But soon, this will change!
In an effort to streamline and improve the student experience, the Office of the Registrar is making it easier for undergraduate students to apply for course extensions and exams. This includes removing several fees and steps, simplifying the process for students.
These changes come into effect June 1, 2022.
Course extensions
For non-funded students:
- Undergraduate students who are not currently accessing student financial aid will have the flexibility to purchase a course extension online right up to their current contract end date.
- Students can request a maximum of three two-month extensions.
- With each extension, access to course materials (including digital materials) is maintained with full tutorial support.
- Extensions can be requested online through myAU.
For students receiving financial aid:
- The process is not changing for course extensions. All details can be found on the financial aid website.
Exams
- Students will be required to write their exams within the active course contract.
- If you are nearing the end of your contract and have not requested your exam, you can request a course extension to allow you enough time to prepare with tutorial support and to arrange for an exam time that works for you.
- When you’re ready to request your exam, you will be required to provide 10 days’ notice, which must be within the course contract.
- If you need to cancel and re-book your exam, you can do so. Re-booking and multiple exam fees will not be charged.
- Exams will remain available with your invigilator for 5 days after the scheduled write-date in case of any technical issues, outages, or emergencies. You can write anytime in these 5 days without the need to re-schedule with AU.
Exceptions:
- Students requiring exam accommodations through Accessibility Services will continue to be required to give 20 days’ notice when scheduling exams.
- If students are requesting the approval of a new invigilator that is not on the approved listings, they should allow 30 days’ notice when scheduling exams.
AU will no longer charge students for:
- Late exam fee: $118
- Exam rebooking fee: $118
- Multiple exam fee: $58
Frequently asked questions
Please find the answers to what we anticipate will be the most commonly asked questions for these changes to course extensions and exams.
The Undergraduate Calendar contains all relevant regulations for course extensions, requesting an exam, and exam request deadlines.
I'm a graduate student. How does this affect me?
These changes affect undergraduate students. Should you have concerns with program extensions or any other questions, graduate students should contact their faculty.
I received student financial aid and want to get an extension. What should I do?
Funded students must follow government funding agency regulations. More information can be found on our financial aid site.
I am just getting started with my course(s). Does this affect me?
No. But it’s a good idea to review the suggested study schedule, syllabi, and exam information in your course to ensure you are aware of the important dates.
AU has many student support services and time management tips to help you complete your course on time.
Exams
I have my exam booked but it is scheduled for outside of my contract. Can I still write it?
Yes. AU will honour all existing exam requests.
I was planning to use the late exam request to write my exam outside of my contract end date. Can I still do this?
Yes. AU will allow accommodations until Sept. 1, 2022. We want to ensure you have the time you need to complete your exams. While you will not be able to book your exam online, we can process a late request to help you complete the course you are currently trying to finish. You will need to complete an exam request form and email examunit@athabascau.ca.
Please note, this is not an extension to your contract. All other course requirements and assessments must be submitted within contract. Alternatively, you can request an extension up to the course contract end date, thus gaining a 2-month extension in which you will have full tutorial support, if needed.
It is always in your best interest to maintain tutorial support while preparing for an exam and you may want to consider an extension if you are not feeling prepared to write your exam or need additional time.
How long will AU accept late exam requests?
AU will allow accommodations until Sept. 1, 2022, we want to ensure you have the time you need to complete your exams. After Sept. 1, calendar regulations and exceptions would be considered on a case-by-case basis by submitting an appeal form.
Something has happened and I am unable to write my scheduled exam. What do I do?
If you have experienced an incident (i.e., illness, accident, natural disaster) and are unable to write within the 5 days after your previous exam date, you may submit an appeal form. Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
My invigilator previously was able to hold my exam longer than 5 days. Why is this changing?
During the pandemic, AU made accommodations to extend the length invigilators could keep exams available. This was to accommodate the many unpredictable changes happening to students and was only meant to be used as a temporary solution.
If you are unable to write your exam as scheduled, AU is now allowing students to reschedule within the contract end date with no fees–just complete a new exam request within your myAU account.
I booked my exam, and I am ready to write sooner. Can I do that?
Yes. AU has always allowed students to write their exam earlier than their write date. Just be sure your invigilator can accommodate your changed date and that they have the link to the exam.
Can I still reschedule my exam?
Yes. If you need to reschedule your exam you must login to myAU and submit a new exam request. Your exam must be written within the contract and you must provide 10 days’ notice of the new date. The best part? No exam rebooking fee!
How many times can I reschedule my exam?
Currently there are no restrictions or fees associated with rescheduling an exam. Please note that you must be within your contract and allow 10-days’ notice.
I had an exam booked for the last day of my contract but now I don’t think I am ready to write it. What can I do?
You can purchase an extension if you are within your contract, and then submit a new exam request within the next two months. Please take full advantage of the time in your extension to obtain tutorial support so you can be ready to write successfully.
Are there changes to the supplemental exam deadlines, costs, or procedures?
There are no changes to supplemental exams. Please check the supplemental exams page for further information.
Course extensions
I received student financial aid and want to get a course extension. What should I do?
Students receiving student financial aid will remain unable to request extensions online. This has not changed. You will need to work with a financial aid advisor to ensure that you maintain full-time status and do not compromise your funding (sfa@athabascau.ca).
Please contact your financial aid advisor more than 30 days before your end date if you think you will not be able to complete your course(s) as planned.
Were extensions always available until contract end date?
No. Prior to pandemic accommodations in March 2020, students were always required to request their course extension a minimum of 30 days prior to their contract end date. We started allowing this additional flexibility during the pandemic, and students have expressed that this was an important change to keep in place.
What if I have used all 3 of my extensions?
During the pandemic, AU made accommodations to help the many unpredictable changes happening to students and was only meant to be used as a temporary solution.
For non-funded students, AU will allow a maximum of 3 extensions, which is a full year, to complete coursework.
AU reviewed student success rates and found that students with additional extensions were still not successful in their course.
If you are unable to complete and are in your third extension, you can withdraw from the course to avoid academic penalty or you can write your exam. More details on the withdrawal process can be found on the AU website.
If there are extenuating circumstances, and you have completed the bulk of your course work, you may be considered for an additional extension following the appeal process.
