Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

• Workshops
• StudyWise
• Academic Integrity Module for Students
• Ask a Learning Adviser

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Special instructions for this unit

Turn-it-in

All written work in this course is required to be uploaded onto turnitin by students at the time of submission. Work that is not uploaded onto turnitin will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero. Instructions on how to submit work onto turnitin will be posted onto ilearn.

Essays will be failed for the following reasons

1. Plagiarism – for example, where sentences or paragraphs are taken word-for-word or nearly word-for-word from another source and presented as original expression.   See the University's Academic Honesty Policy for an in depth explanation of what constitutes plagiarism.  Plagiarism is taken very seriously by the Convenor and the Department generally.  A plagiarised essay will get zero marks and the student will receive a fail grade. In addition it is Faculty policy that a note of the offence is placed on the student’s academic record. If this is a second offence the penalties may escalate to failure of the course, and expulsion from the degree.

2. Excessive use of direct quotes may result in a fail grade.  As a general rule no more than 10% of your overall word length should appear in direct quotes.  You must try to express your ideas and arguments in your own words as much as possible.  This demonstrates true understanding.

3. Identical or nearly identical essays will all fail – regardless of the original authorship.

4. Work that is significantly below the required word length.

5. Essays written with poor English grammar and expression may be failed if the marker is unable to understand the argument(s) raised.

Examination 

The only exception to sitting an examination at the designated time (above) is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Special Consideration. Consult the Disruption to Studies Policy (above) for further information.

If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Disruption to Studies process, the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.

You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, that is the final day of the official examination period.

Extensions and Penalties

The following policies will apply in relation to the short paper and major research paper.

EXTENSIONS

Any student seeking an extension of time to submit their research paper must, except in extraordinary circumstances, submit to the Convenor (or have submitted on their behalf) a request in writing and supportive documentary evidence before the due date. Extensions will not be given other than in exceptional cases of illness.  In such cases, a certificate signed by a medical practitioner must be submitted as supportive documentary evidence. In extraordinary circumstances where a written request for an extension cannot be submitted, an application for an extension can be sought verbally. However, in such cases, any extension granted will be subject to the student subsequently submitting such documentary evidence as is deemed appropriate by the Convenor.  If an extension is sought due to the death of a family member, proof must be provided in the form of a death certificate.

Whilst we do understand that many or most students support themselves through paid employment, extensions cannot be granted on this basis alone.  Students must manage their time and workloads accordingly.  Essay topics will be made available by the end of the first week of semester leaving ample time for essay preparation.  Meeting deadlines for assignments is treated very seriously in this course. Accordingly, the penalties for late submission are high.

PENALTIES FOR LATE SUBMISSION

Any research paper that is submitted after the due date and without having obtained an extension will be penalised at a rate of 3% per day.  For example: 

• •a 9% penalty will be applied to an assignment that is 3 days late
• •a 21% penalty will be applied to an assignment that is 7 days late.

Any paper that is submitted after the 10th day will not be marked and the student submitting such a paper will be deemed not to have completed and submitted the paper.