Alternate assessment

If your internet drops out during your exam, you can navigate back into your exam and continue with the exam from your last saved response. In most instances clicking the refresh button on your browser will re-load your exam. You should make note of any responses entered on the page (eg take a screenshot and save to your desktop or copy your responses to a blank document), then try to reconnect.

If you cannot re-enter your exam immediately, you must contact USQ for support within 15 minutes of losing access to your online exam, using the contact information below. Be sure to take a screenshot at the time you encounter the issue.

A member of the support team will verify your drop out and allow you access back into your exam. The questions you have already answered will be saved and you will continue from your first attempt.

Students may be granted a second attempt if necessary but will not be granted multiple additional attempts.

Ensure you have carefully reviewed all the Technical FAQs below prior to taking your online exams to assist in mitigating issues as far as possible.

24/7 support during the Alternate Assessment period

24/7 support is available for students completing their alternate assessment.

Urgent enquiries:

Ph: +61 7 4631 2285

Ph: 1800 007 252 (within Australia only)

Other enquiries:

For general or non-urgent queries please phone during business hours or email assessment.support@usq.edu.au and one of our team will be with you as soon as possible.

If you are required to submit a PDF document for your Online Exam or Take Home Exam there are many options.

If you do not need to include any handwritten workings or notes:

• Submit your assessment as a Word document.

If you need to include any handwritten workings or notes the methods below may assist you:

• Use a scanner or photocopier scanner to scan your handwritten workings to a PDF file.
• Use the OneDrive App on your phone to scan a document – Watch the instructional videos below:

• Android https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/scan-a-whiteboard-document-business-card-or-photo-in-onedrive-for-android-d74d52bc-dd44-4a20-babb-b75621c32da0
• iPhone https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/scan-a-whiteboard-document-business-card-or-photo-in-onedrive-for-ios-7b5425d5-754f-4201-b88f-13fc765d7d3a

USQ Students are able to access OneDrive via Office 365- Watch the video on how to download the app.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6ilUXRi-T0

• Use a smartphone app such as Genius Scan to scan your document.
• Use the notes app on your iOS device to scan and email to yourself as a PDF.
• Use your smartphone to take photos of your hand written solutions, email to yourself or save the images to a One Drive/Google Docs area, then copy and paste the images from the drive or your email to a Word file in the correct order of the exam questions, resize each image to a single page A4 and then save as a PDF file

Other important tips:

• If you are scanning workings or notes, write your name, the course code/name and page number at the top of each page before scanning.
• Use a black pen to write your exam and not a pencil as pencil does not provide good contrast when scanning.
• Ensure you use good lighting to take your photos or scan images, and avoid shadows if possible.
• Check the final image quality.
• Test this process before you start your exam.
• Where instructed, compile to a single file with the specified naming convention e.g. Course Code_Full Name e.g. CMG1001_Michael Jackson.pdf
• Submit your PDF file/s to the online exam area on StudyDesk- Do not email files directly to your lecturer.
• Ensure you have uploaded the correct files and that all necessary pages have been included. 

Please be sure to submit PDF files, not pictures/images (i.e. Do not submit the jpg image from your scanner or camera).

If your course requires you to use other file types ensure you follow these directions. If you are not sure about the file type required for your course/s. please check with your course examiner.

If you experience any technical issues with creating and uploading your documents, during your exam you must contact Assessment Support immediately by telephone where possible. 

24/7 support available during the Alternate Assessment period.

For urgent enquiries phone:
Ph: +61 7 4631 2285
Ph: 1800 007 252 (within Australia only)

If you encounter a serious disruption that is outside your control and you believe this has impaired your performance, you may apply for Special Consideration.

Examples of a serious disruption may include a:

• power outage
• internet outage
• medical emergency
• evacuation or other emergency.

To apply, you must:

1. Complete the Special Consideration Application form under 'Assessments and results'.
2. Submit the completed application with supporting documentation no later than five University business days after the closing date and time of the assessment item.
3. Your special consideration application form must be submitted with supporting documentation. Examples might include verification from your power or internet service provider, medical certificate, emergency services report or other third-party verification.

Students affected by compelling circumstances occurring prior to commencing their alternate assessment, should apply for a Deferred Assessment using the Deferred Examination process (ensuring appropriate supporting documentation is provided) and should not attempt the assessment item.

Students cannot claim Special Consideration for circumstances or conditions that are the consequences of their own actions or inaction.  If you would like further advice, please contact your support team.

USQ does recommend some minimum hardware and software requirements for students.

You will need a computer/laptop and internet connection to access and submit your assessment in your StudyDesk courses.

You may also require a printer, scanner or mobile device to capture and upload hand written workings. Check your StudyDesk for further details.

Clearing your cache, cookies and internet history may improve the performance of your internet browser.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with your system prior to commencing your alternate assessment, it is recommended to clear the cache on your browser.

Find out how to clear your cache for:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Internet Explorer
• Microsoft Edge

Prior to completing your alternate assessment:

1. You should know what StudyDesk is, and how to navigate it.
2. A link to your StudyDesk can be found within UConnect, this is where you will access your alternate assessment.
3. Prior to completing your alternate assessment, check USQ’s recommended configuration settings for your computer.
4. Ensure you have completed the mandatory Academic Integrity Training for students. This is available as a StudyDesk course that is linked on your Assessment page.  

You can access your  alternate assessment in your course StudyDesk.

Before you start, it is recommended that you log out of your StudyDesk on all other devices prior to starting your assessment (mobile phone, tablet, other computers).

1. Login to UConnect > access the relevant StudyDesk course on your preferred device (e.g. Computer or Laptop).
2. Go to the Navigation menu on the left, and click on ‘Assessment’.
3. Scroll down the Assessment page to locate your assessment item/s and click the relevant assessment item link.
4. Carefully read the instructions provided.
5. Commence your assessment item.
6. Complete/Submit your assessment within the set time frames.

If you have any problems accessing your assessment item phone your SRO for support Ph: +61 7 4631 2285 or  Ph: 1800 007 252 (within Australia only).

If you are experiencing slow internet, the below may assist in improving the speed within your home.

Having other household members using streaming or gaming services while you are completing online study, may impact your experience.

Check if other family/household members are using the internet prior to taking your assessment

(Note: This could be hard connected by Ethernet cable OR by Wi-Fi)

• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Smart phones
• Smart televisions
• Tablets
• Gaming consoles
• Google Home mini or other smart speaker

Ask if they can switch to using their mobile data or wait until after you have completed your exam.

Check if you are running multiple programs needing internet connection

Check all of your devices and close all other running programs, for example email, music streaming etc.

• If other applications/programs are needed, perhaps consider if they all need to be open especially ones that are computer intensive

Other things to consider

Check your modem is turned on, and is connected successfully to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

• Do not wait until the last minute to commence your exam, or submit your assessment. Plan for possible technical issues, to allow you time to find and fix the issue and get back online.
• If you have problems connecting to the internet, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) outages page.

Examples:

• https://outages.telstra.com.au/

• https://www.nbnco.com.au/support/network-status

• To find the best setup for Wi-Fi and ethernet cabling for your home network, consult your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further advice on in-home optimisation.

Note: It is your responsibility to know how to check and use your modem.  If you need additional support to understand your modem prior to taking your assessment, you will need to contact your ISP support staff.

You can access any printed or written materials and calculator whilst completing your assessment.

You should check on your StudyDesk for each course, for specific instructions. Use of online textbooks, StudyDesk materials and other resources may also be required/recommended for your course.

If you require further advice on what resources you need to access during your exam, contact your course examiner at least 2 weeks prior to commencing your exam.

Finally, you should be aware of USQ’s expectations for academic integrity as they apply to this assessment.

Online Exams in StudyDesk have an auto save function built in and saves every 2 minutes.

There is no ‘Save’ button within the online exam. Questions are marked as ‘saved’ once you navigate to the next page.

Your responses to questions are saved when you move between pages of the exam, though many types of question, such as short-answer or multiple-choice, will save your work in progress every two minutes. Note however that questions which require you to upload files are only saved once you move to the next page of the quiz.

If you experience an internet outage and you continue working while your device is not connected to the internet, your answers will not be auto saved. It is imperative that you monitor your internet connection during your exam.  If you are typing lengthy answers you should enter these into the online exam, but may also like to regularly save a copy of your responses locally in a word document.

Yes. Our assessment team will be available during all assessment opening and closing windows, to provide assistance for any urgent technical issues you experience.

You are required to phone within 15 minutes of experiencing technical issues or dropouts during your online exam.

24/7 support during the Alternate Assessment period

24/7 support is available for students completing their alternate assessment.

Urgent enquiries:

Ph: +61 7 4631 2285

Ph: 1800 007 252 (within Australia only)

Other enquiries:

For general or non-urgent queries please phone during business hours or email assessment.support@usq.edu.au and one of our team will be with you as soon as possible.

You must report technical issues within 15 minutes of their occurrence when taking your online assessment.

If you have been unable to access and complete your alternate assessment at all during the 48 hour time frame provided, you will need to contact Assessment Support by telephone urgently for advice.

Confirmation from your Power or Internet service provider would be required if a severe outage occurred on your grid or network.

Ensure you complete your alternate assessment well within the closing date and time.  This will allow you time to resolve any issues before the timeframe closes.  Be sure to contact the University if you require assistance. 

24/7 support during the Alternate Assessment period

24/7 support is available for students completing their alternate assessment.

Urgent enquiries:

Ph: +61 7 4631 2285

Ph: 1800 007 252 (within Australia only)

Other enquiries:

For general or non-urgent queries please phone during business hours or email assessment.support@usq.edu.au and one of our team will be with you as soon as possible.

As you would in a face-to-face exam, you can query the content of your alternate assessment.

Please phone the university immediately if you feel the need to ask a question relating to your exam so our support team can provide you with further guidance.

24/7 support during the Alternate Assessment period

24/7 support is available for students completing their alternate assessment.

Urgent enquiries:

Ph: +61 7 4631 2285

Ph: 1800 007 252 (within Australia only)

Other enquiries:

For general or non-urgent queries please phone during business hours or email assessment.support@usq.edu.au and one of our team will be with you as soon as possible.

Your Alternate Assessment Schedule details the type of assessment you have been set for each of your courses and the timeframes in which your assessment must be completed and submitted.

To access your Alternate Assessment Schedule:

1. Log into UConnect.
2. Select 'Student Centre'.
3. Select the 'Exam' tile.
4. Select the 'Alternate Assessment Schedule' menu item.
5. Select each course to view specific instructions relating to the type of assessment you have been assigned.
6. Use the scroll bar located on the right of the screen to move down the page to view all details.

If you have any questions, the iconnect team and your Student Relationship Officers are here to support you on Live Chat and Zoom Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm, Fridays 8am – 5pm and from 12pm – 5pm on weekends.

No, you do not need to travel to your exam centre or a campus for your  alternate assessment for 2021. Exams will be conducted online in 2021.

Be sure to check your course StudyDesk for details on how to access and submit each of your assessment items.

Your Alternate Assessment will be conducted online in 2021.

Your examination timetable has been replaced by your official Alternate Assessment Schedule.

Your Alternate Assessment Schedule will contain details of the type of assessment you have been set for each of your courses and the timeframes in which your assessment must be completed and submitted. The schedule will be made available to students no later than six weeks prior to the alternate assessment period on Uconnect.

If you have any questions, the iconnect team and your Student Relationship Officers are here to support you on Live Chat and Zoom Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm, Fridays 8am – 5pm and from 12pm – 5pm on weekends.

Paper exams have been replaced with the following assessment types:

1. Online Exam
2. Take Home Exam

The type of assessment has been selected and set within your course by your Course Examiner.

You must check your Alternate Assessment Schedule and course StudyDesk for the full details of your Online Exams and Take Home Exams.

 If you have any questions, the iconnect team and your Student Relationship Officers are here to support you on Live Chat and Zoom Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm, Fridays 8am – 5pm and from 12pm – 5pm on weekends.

Please check your Alternate Assessment Schedule and your StudyDesk for details specific to each course and type of assessment.

You must ensure you have completed and submitted the assessment by the closing date and time.

Once an online exam closes, you will no longer be able to access it.  Take Home Exams cannot be submitted late and extensions will not be granted.

If you are unsure about the scheduling of your assessment items, the iconnect team and your Student Relationship Officers are here to support you on Live Chat and Zoom Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm, Fridays 8am – 5pm and from 12pm – 5pm on weekends.

The opening date and opening time showing for each of your courses, indicates the time your Online Exam will open on StudyDesk, or when your Take Home Exam can be accessed. These assessments will be available for 48 hours. You must check your Alternate Assessment Schedule to access this information.

The closing date and closing time showing for each of your courses, indicates the time your Online Exam will close on StudyDesk, or when your Take Home Exam must be completed and submitted by.

Please remember all times are shown in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and remember to give yourself plenty of time to complete and submit your assessment before the closing date and closing time shown.

Be sure to:

1. Check the duration of your Online Exam.
2. Complete the assessment item at a time that works for you within the 48 hour window.
3. Complete and submit the assessment by the closing date and time shown. No time extensions will be given.

Please take note:

• If you have an assessment item opening at 8:30am (08:30), your assessment item will close two days (48 hours) later, at 8:30am (08:30) on the closing date.
• If you have an assessment item opening at 2:30pm (14:30), your assessment item will close two days (48 hours) later, at 2:30pm (14:30) on the closing date.

If you have any questions, the iconnect team and your Student Relationship Officers are here to support you on Live Chat and Zoom Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm, Fridays 8am – 5pm and from 12pm – 5pm on weekends.

This will depend on the types of assessment you have been assigned in your course/s, and the types of adjustments that have been approved on your learning support plan.

The Student Equity Team, are available to discuss the services and support you will be able to access when completing your alternate assessment.

USQ is flexible in our delivery of assessment methods for students with disabilities, and we realise that each student’s needs will be different depending on the format of your relevant assessment items.

The Student Equity Team, are available to discuss what services and support are available and will negotiate on your behalf to achieve a reasonable offer of accommodations.

Your course specification and StudyDesk will outline the items you are permitted to access.

Students are responsible for providing their own permitted items. Ensure you have all required items before you start your assessment.

If you are unable to complete your assessment within the specified time frames due to compelling circumstances you may apply for a deferred examination. If your assessment item is already deferred or supplementary from a previous semester, you are unable to defer again.

To defer an assessment scheduled within the Alternative Assessment Schedule you will need to follow the Deferred Examination process and provide evidence to support your application.

You will have five (5) University business days from the closing date of your alternate assessment to submit your application. For Online Exams and Take Home Exams, this will be from the closing date shown on your assessment schedule. 

If you have questions, the iconnect team and your Student Relationship Officers are here to support you on Live Chat and Zoom Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm, Fridays 8am – 5pm and from 12pm – 5pm on weekends.

If you are feeling unwell on the dates your alternate assessment have been scheduled you are encouraged not to attempt the assessment and to apply for deferred examination. If your assessment item is already deferred or supplementary from a previous semester, you are unable to defer again.

If you choose to undertake your assessment whilst you are unwell, you will not be eligible to apply for special consideration. Once you have started an assessment item, you will not be eligible to apply for deferred assessment.

To defer an assessment scheduled within the Alternative Assessment Schedule you will need to follow the Deferred Examination process and provide evidence to support your application.

Due to COVID-19, end of semester paper exams have been replaced with alternate forms of assessment in each of your relevant courses for 2021.

Your exam results are made available via your Student Centre approximately 2 weeks after each exam period. For each semester's results release date, please refer to the important dates.

Instructions on accessing your exam results is available.

Results for EAP and ELICOS students will be released on the last date of the course intake. These dates will vary for each intake and students should check with USQ College if they are uncertain of their end date.

A results legend and glossary is also available. For further explanation, please view our Results Explained video.

The results release date for the current semester is for courses undertaken in that given semester. If you have completed a deferred examination or supplementary examination your result will be manually processed and updated accordingly after the examination, which can be up to 2 weeks after result release. Please contact your course examiner if your deferred or supplementary exam result has not been released after two weeks of the result release date.