One of the most common requests counsellors receive is for assignment extensions. But there is often some confusion about how extension requests work, and who can approve them. So in this FAQ, I’ll walk through the usual process for requesting an extension.
A really common question we get here at HCDS relates to extension requests. Students sometimes think counselling services can approve or endorse extension requests, but this isn’t really the case. Extension requests are considered by the Topic Coordinator, usually through the Extension Requests section in FLO
If you need a short extension of up to three University business days, you can generally request this without supporting documentation. In most topics, you do this through the Extension Requests section in FLO (see instructions here). You will need to select the relevant assessment, provide a category or reason for the request, propose a new due date, complete the declaration, and submit the request.
Requests for extensions should usually be made before the due date. If you are applying after the due date, you will need to provide an explanation for the delay.
If you need an extension for longer than three University business days, you will need to provide supporting documentation. This might include, for example, a medical certificate, a letter from a child’s school, or a work roster. If you are asking for more than three days and do not provide supporting documentation, your request may be rejected.
If you have not seen a counsellor or intake/duty worker before, HCDS generally will not be able to provide supporting documentation for an extension request. You will need to seek documentation from someone who knows you and the situation you are in, such as a treating medical professional.
If you have been seeing a counsellor or intake/duty worker regularly, you can speak with that person about your situation. However, keep in mind that the Topic Coordinator is still the person who considers the extension request. HCDS cannot approve the extension on their behalf.
If you have already been granted an extension but still need more time, you can modify your existing request through the Extension Requests section in FLO where this is available (see instructions here). If the request is for more than three University business days, supporting documentation will be required.
Not all topics use the FLO Extension Requests tool, so check the instructions in your topic site. If your topic does not use the tool, or if the tool is no longer available for that assessment, contact your Topic Coordinator directly for advice.
Details about extension requests, along with other assessment variation procedures, can be found in the formal Assessment Variation Procedures document. It might appear a little intimidating at first, but it sets out the rules about what is and is not acceptable in relation to assignment extensions. Familiarising yourself with these rules can help you know what procedure to follow when requesting an extension.
