2012
Examinations Ofﬁ ce
Instructions to
Examiners and Assessors

Deadline dates for receipt of information at the Examinations Ofﬁ ce
Summer School
Sem 1
Sem 2
Q1
Q 2
Q 3
Q 4
Nominations for Examiners
07 Dec (2011
17 Feb
13 Jul
09 Dec
16 Mar
29 Jun
14 Sep
and Assessors and
for 2012)
(2011 for
Examination Details
2012)
Question Paper Submission:
Papers in Week 1
02 Feb
14 May
01 Oct
(Thu–Sat)
Papers in Week 2
21 May
08 Oct
(Mon–Sat)
Papers in Week 3
28 May
15 Oct
(Mon–Mon)
Quarters
21 Mar
13 Jun
25 Aug
29 Nov
Examinations begin
13 Feb
07 Jun
25 Oct
31 Mar
23 Jun
15 Sept
08 Dec
Examinations end
15 Feb
25 Jun
12 Nov
Final deadline for
21 Feb
05 Jul
22 Nov
11 Apr
02 Jul
24 Sep
17 Dec
results submission
Examination staff contacts – City Campus
Graeme
Roberts
Examinations
Manager   89644
Robin Bruce
Examinations Deputy Manager

87328
tba
Aegrotats/Missed
Examinations/

Examination Papers/Results

87557
Martin
Wilson
Examination
Timetable/Supervisors
87749
Rashmi
Vinod
Examination
Timetable/Supervisors
81373
Kitty
Huang
Examination
Papers/Results
81406
Jane
Hay
Examination
Papers/Results
81403
Chip McKenzie
Out of Centre/Out of Time Examinations

87176
Sarah Jones
Examinations under Special Conditions

81405
Examination Centres during the examinations
City Campus

Enquiries

87737
Epsom Campus

Judy Hand

48209
Manukau Campus

Enquiries

87176
Tai
Tokerau
Campus
Enquiries
87176
Tāmaki
Campus
Derrick
McKee
87581/2
Editor: Robin Bruce, Examinations Ofﬁ ce

Contents
Contents
1
General
2
Coursework
2
Academic roles in courses and examinations
5
Music performance examinations
6
Setting written examinations
8
Special examination conditions
10
The day of examination
11
Marking and assessing written examinations
11
Examining and assessing theses, dissertations, research portfolios and projects
12
Disputed results
13
Results
14
Conceded passes
17
Deferred results – Bachelor of Optometry
20
Doctor of Clinical Psychology
20
Aegrotat and compassionate consideration
21
Missed examinations
24
Announcement and publication
24
Recount of marks
25
Availability of examination scripts
25
Storage and disposal of examination material
25
Publication of examination papers
26
Examiners’ reports – theses
26
This booklet is available online at www.auckland.ac.nz/examinations

General
Scope
Notiﬁ cation
Assessment is carried out in a number of ways
Assessment requirements and other course
at The University of Auckland
information should be notiﬁ ed to students in
•  By tests and assignments during the  course outlines which are signed off by course
teaching of the course concerned, normally
directors and forwarded to Academic Heads.
called coursework
•  By practical, aural and oral work
Conﬁ dentiality
•  By written (or performance) examination
Examiners and assessors must observe strict
normally conducted at the end of the  conﬁ dence in the setting of examination papers
semester or year
and in the whole marking process. This applies
•  By dissertation, thesis or other research
to the marking of theses and dissertations as
projects.
well as examination scripts.
These instructions are primarily concerned with
the last two of these categories.
Security
Strict security must be maintained at all times:
Requirement to sit an examination
•  In the preparation and storage of
In order to pass a course, a student must have
examination papers
completed to the satisfaction of the examiners
•  In the storage and handling of examination
any prescribed examination.
scripts
Uniformity of standards
Deﬁ nition of “department”
Academic Heads are responsible for ensuring
For the purposes of this booklet, the term
that uniform standards are maintained within
“department” also refers to any equivalent
their department for all assessment. Examiners
institute or teaching unit within the University.
must therefore make available all assessment
material (including scripts) to Academic Heads
when requested.
Coursework
Procedure
being allocated to the written examination.
Coursework may be allocated a percentage of
These allocations are the subject of:
the marks awarded for the course, the remainder
• Departmental consultation
•  Academic Head’s recommendation
All approved coursework and examination
•  Approval by Dean or nominee.
details must be forwarded to the
Examinations Ofﬁ ce by the following dates:
Guidelines
Summer School
07 December (2011 for 2012)
Education Committee has established the
Semester 1
17 February
following guidelines for coursework:
Semester 2
13 July
1  Stage I Courses
Credit for coursework should not exceed 50
Quarter 1
09 December (2011 for 2012)
percent.
Quarter 2
16 March
Quarter 3
29 June
2 Group
Projects
Quarter 4
14 September
a  Group projects may contribute to the
ﬁ nal coursework percentage awarded in
Summer School
14 December (2012 for 2013)
a course.
2 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

b  Assessment should be based on a  Māori. Ideally such staff are competent in both
combination of a group mark for the
Te Reo and the subject matter of the course.
completed work and an individual mark
for contribution to the process. The
For courses taught in Te Reo Māori coursework
individual mark may come from peer or
and examinations will be assessed in Te Reo
peer-moderated self-assessment.
Māori.
c  Assessment criteria should be established
and cover both the output of the group
A student may not use Te Reo Māori for
project and the process by which it is
coursework or examinations where:
produced, including the contribution of
•  a course is taught fully or partly in a
individuals.
language other than English or Māori and
d  Each group working on a project should
the course requires students to demonstrate
be of a limited size and not normally
their knowledge and understanding in that
exceed a membership of four.
language, or
e  where marks allocated for group projects
•  where knowledge and understanding in the
are part of the ﬁ nal percentage, such
English language is central to the objectives
marks should not normally constitute
of all or part of the course.
more than 20% of the total marks for
the course.
Where courses are not taught in Te Reo Māori,
students who intend to present all or part of
Advice to students
an examination or coursework in Te Reo Māori
Before  or  at  the  commencement  of  the  course
are required to give notice in writing to the
concerned, students are to be informed of the
course coordinator (or appropriate person) in
coursework allocations and other coursework
the relevant Faculty or Department. This notice
requirements. This advice should include dates of:
is intended to allow the University time to make
• Tests
suitable arrangements for marking including
•  Submission of assignments.
translation and external assessment. This notice
Such advice should be posted on departmental
should be given within the ﬁ rst week of the
or faculty notice boards, and copies of the notice
semester or the ﬁ rst week of the quarter in which
be distributed in class.
the course is being taught. If inadequate notice
is given, assessment tasks presented in Māori
Format
will still be marked. However, processing may be
Students may present all work for marking
delayed and the opportunity to have the writing
in handwritten form other than where the
marked in Te Reo Māori may be reduced.
regulations require a typed presentation, eg,
thesis. A staff member may, in the interests
The University will endeavour to make the results
of marking, and ease of reading, indicate that
of an examination or coursework presented in Te
a typed or wordprocessed presentation is
Reo Māori available to the candidate within the
desirable but there can be no compulsion upon
ordinary timeframe. However, students should be
a student to present work in this format.
aware that owing to the process of translation
delays in returning coursework may occur.
The use of Māori for assessment
purposes
In the event that a suitable person is not
The University endorses the right of its students
available to assess the work in Te Reo Māori a
with an appropriate level of language ﬂ uency to
certiﬁ ed translator will be recommended by the
use Te Reo Māori in course assessments, both
Māori Language Advisory Group in consultation
for coursework and examinations. It ensures
with the Ofﬁ ce of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori).
that competent staff are available to assess
It is the intent of the University that a translator
work submitted either fully or partially in Te Reo
be used only when reasonable efforts to ﬁ nd a
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  3

competent examiner or co-examiner capable
percent to the ﬁ nal result, and there is no
of assessing the work have been exhausted.
ﬁ nal examination, coursework must be
The translator may seek clariﬁ cation from the
available to the assessor, either in full or
examiner or course coordinator if ambiguities
in such proportion as will permit effective
occur in the script but he/she must not correct
assessment.
errors  in  the  original  script  or  make  any
embellishments.
2 Tests
Academic Heads are expected to make
If the coursework and/or examination script are
appropriate provision for supervising
to be externally assessed, the external institution
tests counted towards the ﬁ nal result for
undertaking the assessment will be requested
the course, where necessary obtaining
to indicate whether an assessor is available
the assistance of the Examinations Ofﬁ ce.
to  assess  the  work  in  Te  Reo  Māori.  If  not,  a
The tests should be conducted under
translation will be sought as above.
examination conditions before the pre-
examination Study Break.
The student’s use of language shall not be
improved in the process of translation by the
3 Assignments
correction of errors or improvement of sentence
Academic Heads must make adequate
structure.
arrangements for the safe receipt of essays
and assignments etc, especially where these
It may be necessary for students to provide
are counted towards the ﬁ nal result for the
a glossary of technical terms to assist the
course.
translator. They will be required to prepare this
in advance in consultation with their examiner.
4 Illness
Te Reo Māori may be used in an oral assessment
a  Illness or misfortune affecting written
only when all key participants have the
tests is covered by the aegrotat and
appropriate ﬂ uency in Te Reo.
compassionate regulations.
b  Where illness or misfortune prevent a
Presentation of the PhD in Te Reo Māori is
student completing other coursework,
governed by the Statute for the Degree of
such as assignments or essays, Academic
Doctor of Philosophy.
Heads may take the circumstances into
account and extend submission dates
A Māori Language Advisory Group, a sub-
or make other arrangements (including
committee of the Rūnanga, will advise on the
estimating marks) as they see ﬁ t.
appropriate usage of Te Reo Māori within the
University.
5  Return of work
Coursework will normally be handed back
Management
to students, but they should be advised to
1 Coursework
retain it in case it needs later to be made
When the coursework contributes to a
available to the Academic Head before
percentage of the ﬁ nal result, towards which
the ﬁ nal result for the course has been
a written examination also contributes, the
determined.
Academic Head may at his/her discretion
make such coursework available to the
6 Privacy
assessor of the written examination.
Care should be taken to ensure personal
privacy in the display of student marks when
If the coursework contributes 100
returning assignments and tests.
4 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

Academic roles in courses and examinations
In recommending the appointment of course
examiners and assessors are then approved by
directors, examiners and assessors, Academic
the Dean or nominee. Academic Heads will be
Heads are to consult as appropriate within their
informed of any recommendation that is not
departments. The nominations of directors,  approved.
Academic roles:
Course Director
The person responsible for:
•  Overseeing course design (sequencing and prioritisation of content)
•  Ensuring new research ﬁ ndings and methods are included in the course
•  Determining appropriate resource provision (readings, texts etc)
•  Designing the assessment process
•  Ensuring that the course outline is signed off and forwarded to the Academic
Head
•  Acting as (one of) the examiner(s) for the course (as speciﬁ ed below)
•  Leading examiners meetings
•  Leading the process of course review.
Course Coordinator   The person responsible for organisational and administrative activities relating
to the course, for example, maintaining records of marks and grades, assisting
with preparation and distribution of course materials. The course coordinator
may also assist with delivering teaching and marking student work.

In many cases the course director may also be the course coordinator. Where
course coordinators teach under supervision, they report to a Course Director
appointed by the Academic Head.
Examiners

The people primarily responsible for the setting and marking of assessed work
(including examinations) and the determination of grades. Examiners are normally
appointed from within the University but there may be courses for which external
examiners are required. Staff teaching under supervision may not be examiners.
Assessors

The people appointed to assist with maintaining adequate standards at all stages
of the examining process, including the setting of an appropriate and accurate
examination paper (not appointed examiners). Staff teaching under supervision
may not be assessors.
•  Assessors for undergraduate courses may be appointed from within the
University or from outside it.
•  Assessors for Bachelors Honours, Postgraduate Diploma and Certiﬁ cate,
and Masters courses should normally be external to the University, but there
may be instances where internal appointments are necessary because of
expertise in the ﬁ eld or where the course is subject to a process of external
moderation.

Often external assessors will come from a single department in another university
in New Zealand. In these cases, it will sufﬁ ce that the Academic Head in the
assessing university be nominated. In other cases, it will be necessary to name
individual assessors.

The appointment of an overseas assessor is appropriate where there is no suitable
assessor in New Zealand. Financial considerations preclude an overseas assessor
being invited to visit New Zealand.

Where Bachelors Honours, Postgraduate Diploma or Certiﬁ cate, or Masters
courses are subject to a speciﬁ ed regular process of external moderation,
assessors may be appointed from within the University. An assessor should be
appointed for any course which has only one examiner.
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  5

Examination
The course director, examiner(s) or assessor(s) checks that the examination
Paper Checker
paper is correct for printing and signs to conﬁ rm this on the stationery form and
the back of the ﬁ nal page of the examination paper. The stationery form is to be
countersigned by the Academic Head.
Result Sheet Signers   The Academic Head (Cover sheet only) plus
•  the course director and one examiner, or,
•  where an assessor is appointed, the assessor and the course director.
Moderator
Moderation requires the formal appointment of a moderator external to the
University who will undertake, for all or some postgraduate courses taught by
an academic unit, a review of the content and grading of examination papers
and/or (a sample of) other assessed work. The moderator shall report to the
Academic Head as to the appropriateness of the examination and grading given
course content and recognised academic standards. Moderation should take
place on a one or two year cycle.

External moderators are not required to sign results sheets for any individual course
or examination period.
Each course is to be examined by more than one
All nominations must be forwarded to
member of staff or examined by one member of
Examinations Ofﬁ ce by:
staff and assessed by another. The Dean may in
exceptional cases, vary this requirement.
Summer School
07 December (2011 for 2012)
Examiners, assessors and moderators appointed
Semester 1
17 February
from within the university system are not paid a fee.
Semester 2
13 July
If, for any reason, a change in nominations of
Quarter 1
09 December (2011 for 2012)
director, examiner or assessor is necessary, the
Academic Head, through the Dean or nominee,
Quarter 2
16 March
should immediately notify the Examinations
Quarter 3
29 June
Manager on the appropriate form (AS-44).
Quarter 4
14 September
Any arrangements proposed as an alternative
to assessment should also be notiﬁ ed by the
Summer School
14 December (2012 for 2013)
following dates.
Music performance examinations
Undergraduate
2  Another member of the School of Music staff,
All students are examined by a panel of two,
or if necessary or appropriate, an external
consisting of:
examiner of recognised standing in the
1  A member of the School of Music staff,
instrument.
normally the Head of School or nominee, who
The teacher will be in attendance to act as adviser
shall act as a moderator for all examinations
to the examiners but will not participate in the
within any one semester. Where the number
decision-making process.
of students is high, it may be necessary to
Part 1 and 2 performance examinations are
divide one semester’s examination entry into
not open to the public. Part 3 performance
two groups and to appoint two moderators.
examinations are to be held as public recitals.
6 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

Postgraduate
2  A specialist in the instrumental or vocal area
All students are examined by a panel of three,
being examined from within the School, or
consisting of:
from outside where necessary. This may not
1  A member of the School of Music staff,
be the teacher of the candidate.
normally the Head of School or nominee, who
3  An external examiner with broad experience
shall act as a moderator for all examinations
of tertiary performance examining, and,
within any one semester. Where the number
if possible with direct expertise in the
of students is high, it may be necessary to
instrumental or vocal area being examined.
divide one semester’s examination entry into
Performance examinations for all postgraduate
two groups and to appoint two moderators.
degrees are to be held as public recitals.
Examiners and assessors for theses, dissertations,
research portfolios and projects
These instructions apply to theses, dissertations,
1  For  theses  or  research  portfolios  with  a
research portfolios and projects, excluding
value of 90 points or more
theses for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy,
•  Two examiners (one of whom may be the
named and higher doctorates. The examination
Supervisor or Co-supervisor).
regulations for doctoral theses are contained
•  One assessor (who may not be the
in the degree regulations in the University
Supervisor or Co-supervisor).
Calendar and in the Guidelines for examiners
•  One of the examiners or assessor must be
available at: www.postgrad.auckland.ac.nz
from outside The University of Auckland,
must not hold an honorary position at
Examiners and assessors for theses, disser-
The University of Auckland, and must not
tations, research portfolios and projects are
have been part of the supervisory team.
appointed on the recommendation of the
2  For dissertations or research projects with
Academic Head and approved by the Dean or
a value of between 30 and 80 points
nominee in the relevant faculty.
•  One examiner (who may be the
Supervisor or Co-supervisor).
Academic Heads should note that an examiner
•  One assessor (who may not be the
is required to make an independent assessment
Supervisor or Co-supervisor).
of the piece of work and to provide a written
•  Either the examiner or assessor should
report substantiating the recommended
normally be appointed from outside The
grade and/or mark. Where two examiners
University of Auckland.
are required, reports are independently  Appointment recommendations should be
produced and the examiners must not confer
approved by the Dean or nominee on form GC-512,
as to their recommendations. An assessor is
Part A, before theses etc are marked. Form GC-512
required  to  assess  the  piece  of  work  in  light
is available from departmental administrators or
of the prior examiner(s’) report(s) and to  at: www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/forms
provide a commentary on the validity of the
recommended result.
Fee for examiners/assessors
Examiners or assessors for theses, dissertations
For further information on the responsibilities of
or research projects appointed from within
examiners and assessors, refer to the section on
the New Zealand university system are not
examining and assessing theses, dissertations
paid a fee. The fee paid to appointees from
and other research projects on p12.
outside the New Zealand university system is
set by Universities New Zealand at $125 per
Examiners and assessors are nominated as follows:
assignment.
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  7

Setting written examinations
Preparation of question papers
Format
Where two or more examiners have been
The standard format for a written examination is:
appointed in any subject they are to confer in
•  A three-hour examination plus ten minutes
setting papers.
for perusal, or a two hour examination plus
ten minutes for perusal.
If any difference of opinion arises in the setting
•  Questions are not known by the students in
of papers among examiner(s) and/or assessor,
advance of the examination.
the Academic Head shall, after making due
•  The students are not permitted to bring any
attempt to resolve the difference, determine
material into the examination.
the outcome.
Questions announced in advance
Layout of question papers
1  Lecturers may announce during lectures,
Instructions regarding the layout, guidelines
the apportionment of the questions in the
and the examination paper template may be
ﬁ nal examination in relation to the material
obtained from
covered in the course.
www.auckland.ac.nz/examinations
2  Actual questions may be announced in
Deadlines for submission of question
advance, all or part, only through Academic
papers
Head recommendation and approval of the
The examination period for semesters covers
Dean of the Faculty or nominee.
three weeks:
  Lecturers must ensure that any
Week 1 – a short week from the ﬁ rst day of
announcements about examinations
exams (Thursday) to the ﬁ rst Saturday;
made under 1 and 2 above are available
Week  2  –  from  Monday  to  the  second
to all students in the course and that, so
Saturday; and
far as is possible, all students receive the
Week 3 – from the following Monday to the
same information. The information should
next Monday excluding Sunday
be available to all students by way of
a  formal  public  notice  on  noticeboards
Dates for the submission of question papers
where information about the course is
to the Examinations Ofﬁ
ce have been
normally displayed, or by written or email
set according to the week in which each
communication, or a combination of these
examination is timetabled. Departments
methods. Once such information has been
should ensure papers are submitted by the
made available, lecturers must ensure that
appropriate dates.
the examination paper follows the format
and arrangements so announced.
Deadlines for receipt of papers
timetabled in:
Book details for examinations
Week 1    Week 2   Week 3
1 Designations
Summer School
02 Feb
Closed Book – CB
Semester 1
14 May  21 May  28 May
Unless otherwise speciﬁ ed, examinations will
Semester 2
01 Oct  08 Oct  15 Oct
be Closed Book. That is, no written material
Quarter 1
21 Mar
may be brought into the examination room.
Quarter 2
13 Jun
Open Book – OB
Where an examination is designated
Quarter 3
25 Aug
“Open Book”, candidates may take into
Quarter 4
29 Nov
the examination room written or printed
8 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

material including books, Acts etc as well
4  Publication of book list for students
as an electronic calculator. There will be no
If an examination is approved as Restricted,
check on such items, but laptop computers
Supplied, or Open Book these details should
are not allowed. No prepared material taken
be supplied to the Examinations Ofﬁ ce for
into the examination room may be attached
inclusion in the Examination Instructions
to the examination script and submitted for
available online out to every student before
marking as part of that examination.
each examination period.
Note: Dictionaries are not permitted unless
Deadlines for receipt of
they are to be used within the context of
book details by the Examinations
the examination and are speciﬁ ed by the
Ofﬁ ce are:
examiner.
Summer School

Fri 30 Jan
Supplied Book – SB
Semester 1

Thu 5 Apr
Candidates will be supplied with material
Semester 2

Thu 24 Aug
speciﬁ ed by the examiner.
If the examiner is unable to provide details of
Restricted Book – RB, HB, UB
materials by these dates it will then be his/her
a  Restricted Book: may be written upon
responsibility to inform students in writing,
– RB. Candidates may take into the
and in good time, of the material which they
examination room material speciﬁ ed
may take into the examination room.
by the examiner. Such material may be
written on and/or marked in a relevant
5   Check by examiners of books and written
or contextual manner, but no prepared
materials
material may be attached to the
•  Where restricted written material is
examination script and submitted for
permitted in the examination room,
marking as part of that examination.
examiners are required to be present at
b  Restricted Book: may not be written
the commencement of the examination
upon but may be highlighted –
to check material brought into the
HB. Candidates may bring into the
examination room.
examination room material speciﬁ ed
•  It is the responsibility of the department
by the examiner. Such material may not
to ensure that material satisﬁ es the
be written upon but the text may be
stated requirements.
underlined, highlighted or tabbed.
•  The department must arrange for the
c  Restricted Book: unmarked material
inspection of books and other written
– UB. Candidates may bring into the
material, and ensure this is completed
examination room material speciﬁ ed by
during the reading period, at the start
the examiner. Such material cannot be
of the examination. This responsibility
written upon or marked in any way.
may not be delegated to the examination
supervisors and inspection must not
2 Approval
extend into the examination period.
The designation for the Restricted, Open
•  If an examiner discovers unauthorised
and Supplied Book Examinations, must be
material, the student must be identiﬁ ed
approved by the Academic Head.
to the room supervisor. The student may
continue to sit the examination using the
3  Advice to students
materials, but will be required to hand the
All students must be formally notiﬁ ed as
material to the room supervisor at the end
early as possible in the semester, as to which
of the examination. The case will be dealt
book designation their examination will be.
with under the Examination Regulations.
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  9

Electronic calculators
b  Restricted non-alphanumeric calculators
1 Conditions
are permitted – RC
Calculators may be used in examinations
Candidates are permitted to use any
only where explicit approval has been given
calculator which satisﬁ es the general
by the Academic Head.
deﬁ nition and conditions, and which does
not provide the alphabet (whether upper
A calculator is deﬁ ned as an electronic
or lower case).
device capable of processing, storing or
c Speciﬁ ed calculators are permitted – SC
retrieving information, which has a primary
Departments may specify other
purpose of mathematical calculation. It must
necessary or desirable features as
be hand-held, self-powered and noiseless. It
appropriate to the subject.
must not have an audible alarm or facilities
for transmitting or receiving information.
4  Calculator inspection by examiners
Calculators must not be shared or used in
•  It is the responsibility of the department
a manner that interferes with or distracts
to ensure that candidates’ calculators
another candidate.
satisfy the stated requirements.
•  The department must arrange for
2  Advice to students
the inspection of calculators during
All students must be formally notiﬁ ed as
the reading period, at the start of the
early as possible in the semester as to
examination. This responsibility may
whether or not calculators will be allowed
not be delegated to the examination
during an examination and the permitted
supervisors and inspection must not
and expected features. This information
extend into the examination period.
should conform to the details supplied
•  Departments may make special
by the department to the Examinations
arrangements for the supply of
Ofﬁ ce.
acceptable calculators to students.
3 Designations
Changes to standard format
a  Calculators are permitted – CP
The published duration of an examination,
Candidates are permitted to use any
as well as calculator and book details may
calculator which satisﬁ es the general
only be changed through an Academic Head’s
conditions.
recommendation and the approval of the Dean
of Faculty or nominee. The change should be
submitted to the Examinations Ofﬁ ce on the AS-43.
Special examination conditions
A student who is permanently or temporarily
impairment: University Health Services or the
disabled in a manner which affects their
Student Learning Centre.
ability to undertake examinations under
the prescribed examination conditions may,
Out of time and out of centre
upon production of the appropriate evidence,
examinations
obtain from one of the following bodies
Faculty/departmental staff should not give
a recommendation which, subject to the
speciﬁ c advice to students about sitting
approval of the Senate or its representative,
examinations out of time or out of centre.
will enable that student to be examined under
Students should be referred to the Examinations
conditions which take account of the particular
Ofﬁ ce for advice.
10 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

The day of examination
Attendance of examiner
must make arrangements to check these. (See
At least one of the examiners for each paper
previous sections on Book Details and Electronic
must be available at their telephone extension
Calculators).
at the University for the full duration of an
examination. If the examiner cannot be available
Collection of scripts by examiners
at that extension, the Examinations Ofﬁ ce must
Following each examination the scripts will be
be advised of an alternative contact.
released for marking from the Examinations
Centre. Scripts will be available half an hour
The examiner responsible for the paper may
after the completion of the examination, but
be present in the examination room, if he/she
it would be helpful if examiners could make
chooses, for the ﬁ rst ﬁ fteen minutes, having ﬁ rst
arrangements to collect their scripts between
notiﬁ ed the Examinations Manager that he/she
the hours of 9.30am and 11.30am, or 2.30pm
wishes to do so.
and 4.30pm on the half-day following the
examination. Examiners must present their
Examiners responsible for examinations  University of Auckland staff ID card.
where books and calculators are permitted
Marking and assessing written examinations
Marking the scripts
Examiners should mark the scripts as promptly
It is possible, with the approval of the Academic
as possible. Where there is more than one
Head, to invite a candidate to attend the
examiner they should confer. Scripts are  University to read an illegible script to an
available to students on application. Examiners
examiner. In such cases a second member of
must tick or otherwise indicate that they have
the academic staff is required to be present
read each page of a script, and, if possible, the
throughout the proceedings.
ﬁ nal mark for each question should appear on
the script and/or at the front of the script book.
Assessing the scripts
The assessor shall:
Any comments on the script should not be
1 Receive from the examiner(s) such
designed, as with coursework, to provide advice or
information as shall be considered necessary
feedback to students, but should be limited to non-
to inform him/her of the marking system
conﬁ dential aide-memoires for the examiner(s).
to be used and such other information as
he/she may require, or the examiner(s) may
Interim marks and evaluative interchanges
wish to submit;
with other examiners or assessors taking
and
place before the ﬁ nal mark is settled must
2  Assess such scripts as are deemed necessary
be held in conﬁ dence and not be placed on
to ensure that adequate standards are
the script itself.
maintained.
Illegibility of scripts
The Assessor is invited to report to the Academic
Candidates are warned that where an  Head on any issues that the assessment process
examination script is illegible, the examiner
appears to raise relating to the particular course
may award marks for only such parts of the
or examination concerned.
script as are legible and may leave the illegible
parts unmarked. Every effort must be made
Award of marks and grades
to complete the marking of a script; any parts
1 Pass
Marks
that are unmarked because of illegibility must be
A pass mark is 50 percent or over
clearly identiﬁ ed on the script by the examiner.
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  11

2 Grades
the student’s performance is below the
There are ten pass grades and three fail
minimum level of competence.
grades:
or
b  The course is a required part of a
Grade Point Scale
programme but carries no points.
A+
High
ﬁ
rst
9
Note: Ungraded passes do not carry a
A
Clear
ﬁ
rst
8
grade point and are not included in Grade
Point Average calculations.
A–
Bare
ﬁ
rst
7
B+
High
second
6
4 Scaling
B
Clear
second
5
Examiners and Academic Heads should
B–
Bare
second
4
keep records of the scaling or other means
C+
Sound
pass
3
by which marks and ﬁ nal grades are
C
Pass

2
determined for a subject or course.
5
Postgraduate qualiﬁ cations:  Honours,
C–
Marginal
Pass
1
Distinction, Merit
Conceded
Pass   1
a  The University has adopted a consistent
D+
Marginal
Fail
0
standard across the University for the
D
Clear
Fail
0
award of Honours in postgraduate
D–
Poor
Fail   0
Bachelors Honours and Masters
degrees, and Distinction and Merit in
The pass grades may have different al ocated
Postgraduate Diplomas.
percentages in different departments.
b  The standard is:

First Class Honours: GPA of 7.0 or above
3  Ungraded Pass/Fail Results
  Second Class Honours (ﬁ rst division):
After application to the Education
GPA of 5.5 – 6.9
Committee, a course may be approved to

Second Class Honours (second division):
carry an ungraded pass/fail result provided
GPA of 4.0 – 5.4
it meets the following criteria:

Distinction: GPA of 7.0 or above
a The course involves a substantial

Merit: GPA of 5.5 – 6.9
amount of practical work (a minimum
c  Rounding is permitted to one decimal
of 60 percent). The work will usually
place in determining the overall GPA of
be carried out over a period of time in
a qualiﬁ cation (eg, 5.46 may be rounded
which the student is expected to acquire
to 5.5; 5.75 may not be rounded to 6.0).
knowledge, understanding and skills to
a required standard. A fail indicates that
Examining and assessing theses,
dissertations, research portfolios and projects
Examining
only  exception  is  in  cases  of  disputed  results.
Each examiner will provide a recommended
In cases of disputed results, contact between
grade and/or mark accompanied by a full report
the examiners will be initiated by the Academic
that includes the reasons for the recommended
Head, as detailed below.
grade. For examinations that require two
examiners, the reports must be written  Assessing
independently and there should be no contact
Once completed, both examiners’ reports (if
between the examiners, including discussion
there are more than one) and a copy of the work
to produce agreement on a ﬁ nal grade. The
under examination will be sent to the assessor.
12 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

The assessor will provide a report outlining the
grade for the work examined to the Academic
major agreements and differences between
Head. The Postgraduate Committee should be
the two examiners’ reports, and assessing the
chaired by someone other than the Academic
relevance of those to the work examined. In the
Head, and supervisors, examiners and assessors
case of a single examiner’s report, the assessor
of the work should not participate in the
will comment on the validity of the recommended
discussion. The recommended grade should be
result. The assessor may recommend a grade
based on all examination and assessor reports.
for the work, but, in cases where examiners have
recommended different grades, the assessor
Final Result
must not contact the examiners to negotiate an
The determination of the ﬁ nal result is normally
agreed grade.
the responsibility of the Academic Head as a
result of the recommendation from the Chair
Postgraduate Committee
of the Postgraduate Committee. In cases
After receiving the reports and recommended
where the Academic Head is a supervisor or
grades from the required examiners  examiner of the work, the ﬁ nal result should
and assessor, the School or Department  be approved by the Chair of the Postgraduate
Postgraduate Committee will recommend a ﬁ nal
Committee.
Disputed results
Theses, Dissertations, Research
In any cases of disputed results where the
Portfolios and Projects
Academic Head is a supervisor, examiner
In cases where the Academic Head is unable
or assessor of the work, the Chair of the
to determine a ﬁ nal grade due to differences in
Postgraduate Committee will fulﬁ l the duties in
the reports of the examiner(s) and assessor that
their place.
are unable to be resolved by the Postgraduate
Committee, the Academic Head should  All written examination papers,
contact the examiner(s) and assessor to seek
and coursework subject to formal
an agreement on a grade to be awarded. If it
assessment
is still not possible to determine a ﬁ nal  result
The following instructions apply to all
following this discussion, all material relating
written examinations, and to coursework in
to the examination should be forwarded to the
undergraduate and postgraduate taught
Dean of Graduate Studies. This material should
courses that is subject to formal assessment.
be accompanied by a report written by the
Academic Head outlining differences with or
1
Disputes among examiners and/or
within the Postgraduate Committee that made
assessors
it impossible to determine a ﬁ nal result.
In the event of a dispute among examiners
or examiners and assessors which cannot
The Dean of Graduate Studies has the power to
be resolved among themselves, the matter
appoint an external referee, in consultation with
should be referred to the Academic Head for
the Academic Head where necessary, who will
resolution in negotiation with the examiner(s)
consider the work under examination and the
and assessor(s).
previous examination and assessor’s reports
All documents relating to the examination
and any other information they feel is necessary.
and assessment and to the dispute shall
The external referee will provide a report on the
be made available to the Academic Head.
work under examination and the examination
The Academic Head may call for further
process, and recommend a grade for the work.
written reports from the examiner(s) and any
This grade will be the ﬁ nal result.
assessor(s), in such a case making all prior
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  13

documentation relating to the examination
be discussed with the examiner(s) and
and assessment and to the dispute
assessor(s).
available to each examiner and assessor.
If no agreement is reached, the Academic
The Academic Head, having considered
Head shall call for written reports from the
all the documentation, shall provide a
examiner(s) and assessor(s), and shall state
written report to all parties setting out his/
in writing his/her own grounds for objection.
her ﬁ ndings and proposing a resolution.
All of these documents shall be made
All parties must agree to this resolution in
available to the examiner(s) and assessor(s)
writing before it can be adopted.
for the purpose of further comment which
In the event that no agreement can be
must be in writing.
reached among the Academic Head,
In the event that no agreement can be
the examiners and any assessor, all
reached among the Academic Head,
documentation relating to the examination,
the examiner(s) and any assessor(s), all
assessment and dispute, shall be referred by
documentation relating to the examination,
the Academic Head to the Dean of Faculty.
assessment and dispute shall be referred by
The Dean of the Faculty or the Dean’s
the Academic Head to the Dean of Faculty.
nominee will, after reviewing the
The Dean of the Faculty or the Dean’s nominee
documentation and making any other
will, after reviewing the documentation and
enquiries he/she considers necessary and
making any other enquiries he/she considers
appropriate, propose a resolution in writing
necessary and appropriate, propose a
to all parties. All parties must agree to
resolution in writing to all parties. All parties
this proposal in writing before it can be
must agree to this proposal in writing before
adopted.
it can be adopted.
2   Disputes where an Academic Head is an
4 Referee
examiner or assessor
In any of the above cases, where there
In cases where the Academic Head is an
is still no agreement, the Dean shall
examiner or assessor, the Dean of the Faculty
refer the matter and all documentation
or nominee shall act as the Academic Head.
to the Chair of Education Committee
If the Dean or the Dean’s nominee is unable
who shall act as referee or appoint an
to resolve the dispute, the matter will be
appropriate independent academic as a
referred to a referee as under 4.
referee to consider the script or scripts
and documentation and such further
3  Dispute with the Academic Head
information as he/she shall call for.
An Academic Head may, in pursuit of his/
her duty of maintaining standards, review
The referee shall determine the marks or
examination scripts and results. If he/she
results to be awarded. This determination
sees reason to object, the matter should
shall be ﬁ nal.
Results
Submission of ﬁ nal grades
a later date. The ﬁ nal grade must be
1  For a single course
submitted within the deadlines for results
a  For each class, enter a grade for each
submission (see p16).
student.
c  Enter DNS in all instances if the student
b Enter NA when the grade is not
did not sit the exam.
immediately available but expected at
14 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

d  DNC (Did Not Complete) is to be entered
assessed, an AS-65 form is available at:
in the following circumstances:
www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/forms
•  where a student has gained more
than 50 percent in a course but
4   Undergraduate Bachelors Honours results
has not completed the approved
The class of honours for students completing
compulsory coursework
Bachelors Honours undergraduate degrees
or
should be returned to the Records, Enrolment
•  where a student has gained less than
and Fees Ofﬁ ce on an AS-69 form available
50 percent in an internally assessed
at: www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/forms
course because of the failure to
complete coursework but the entry
5  Final results for Masters degrees
of a fail grade would inappropriately
a  Masters results which include theses,
represent the reasons for failure or
dissertations, research portfolios and/
the level of achievement.
or research projects should be submitted
e  Where a student has applied for aegrotat
on an GC-512 form. This form consists of
or  compassionate consideration, the
two parts:
result returned on the result sheet must
Part A: appointment of examiners etc.
be for the work actually submitted
Part B: recording of grades and class of
at the examination. If the student has
honours.
been absent for any paper, the result
Once  both  sections  are  completed,
sheet must record DNS even though the
the form must be sent to the Masters
examiner may intend to recommend an
Administration Ofﬁ cer, Graduate Centre.
aegrotat or compassionate grade.
Academic Heads should ensure that all
f  The Examinations Ofﬁ ce will enter NAX
sections of the form are completed.
on the student record when the script
Notes:
has been retained for misconduct
•  Enter the thesis, dissertation etc, grade, P
investigation.
or F, overall grade for the degree and class
of honours in appropriate sections.
2  Return of results
•  Obtain signatures of all the appointed
Results for classes with more than ﬁ ve
examiners and assessors for the thesis
students  should  be  sent  electronically  in
or dissertation etc. (Alternatively, signed
an approved format to the Examinations
and graded Examiners’ Reports may be
Ofﬁ ce via Cecil. Instructions on presentation
attached to the GC-512).
of results are available from departmental
administrators or the Examinations Ofﬁ ce.
b  Results for Masters degrees completed
Results for classes of ﬁ ve students or less do
by courses only should be entered on an
not need to be sent electronically – a hard
GC-512a form. Forms are available at:
copy is sufﬁ cient. All electronically entered
www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/forms
results must also be accompanied by a hard
copy printout of the results together with
Discrepancies
a cover sheet which must be signed. For
If a discrepancy is found in the schedule of
signature details see p4. Each page of the
students listed on the result sheets, corrections
results and the cover sheet must be signed by
to the list (eg, additions or deletions) should be
the examiner(s) and assessor (if applicable).
made directly on the result sheets.
3  Individually assessed results
Signing
Where undergraduate results are individually
Every result sheet page must be signed by
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  15

the examiner or examiners nominated, with
•  Non-standard coursework dates.
names clearly printed after the signatures. The
•  Late timing of practicums/practical
Academic Head should sign the cover sheet only.
examinations.
•  Illness or other incapacity of an examiner
If an assessor was appointed, the result
or assessor.
sheets must also be signed by the assessor. If
•  An approved extension awarded to the
the assessor is appointed from overseas, the
student for the submission of coursework.
Academic Head may sign the sheet on receipt
•  Study abroad courses.
of the overseas assessor’s written assent and
•  A paper with more than 250 students
attach a copy of their report to the result sheet.
scheduled in the last three days of the
examination period.
Delivery
Signed result sheets, when completed, shall be
4  The Examinations Ofﬁ ce will approve
handed in to the Examinations Ofﬁ ce, Room
applications that meet the above criteria.
144, The ClockTower.
Any applications falling outside of these
Result sheets must not be sent in the internal
criteria will be submitted to the Deputy Vice-
mail but must be hand delivered.
Chancellor (Academic) for consideration.
Changes to results
5  If the result has not been submitted within
Any changes to grades after the results sheets
three months of the deadline, a DNC grade
have been delivered to the Examinations Ofﬁ ce
will be entered.
are to be submitted on Form AS-58. The changes
must be signed by the Academic Head and the
Research courses of between 30 and 80 points:
examiners nominated to sign results for that
1  The result must be submitted within three
course.
months of either the last day of the semester
in which the student was enrolled in the
Deadlines for results submission
course or the last day of an approved and
Taught courses:
enrolled extension.
1  Any results not submitted by the deadline
speciﬁ ed in the Instructions to Examiners
2  If, because of exceptional circumstances,
and Assessors will be notiﬁ ed to Education
a result cannot be submitted within three
Committee.
months, the department must apply through
its faculty ofﬁ ce to the Examinations Ofﬁ ce
2  If, because of exceptional circumstances,
on the appropriate form for approval for late
a result cannot be submitted within a
submission for a period of up to one year
fortnight of the deadline, the department
after the last day of the semester in which
must apply through its faculty ofﬁ ce to the
the course was enrolled or the last day of
Examinations Ofﬁ ce on the appropriate form
an approved and enrolled extension. The
for approval of late submission for a period
application must state the circumstances
of up to three months. The application must
and specify the date by which the result will
state the exceptional circumstances which
be submitted.
have caused this situation and specify the
3  Applications will be approved if the result
date by which the result will be submitted.
is unable to be submitted for the following
reasons:
3  Applications will be approved if the result
•  Illness or other incapacity of an examiner
is unable to be submitted for the following
or assessor
reasons:
•  Dispute over the result.
•  Deferred results that are permitted
under the Examination Regulations.
16 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

4  The Examinations Ofﬁ ce will approve
Deadline dates for return of result sheets
applications that meet the above criteria.
to the Examinations Ofﬁ ce
Any applications falling outside of these
criteria will be submitted to the Dean of
Summer School
Tuesday 21 February
Graduate Studies for consideration.
Semester 1
Thursday 05 July
Semester 2
Thursday 22 November
5  If the result has not been submitted within
Quarter 1
Monday 11 April
one year of the deadline for the course, a
DNC grade will be entered.
Quarter 2
Monday 02 July
Earlier submission of results is encouraged.
Quarter 3
Monday 24 September
However, the date noted above is the ﬁ nal
Quarter 4
Monday 17 December
deadline for each semester.
Conceded passes
1  For the degrees of:
provided that the Dean of the Faculty has
BA

BTheol
the power to award where such power is
BBIM
BPE
authorised by the examiners, in accordance
BCom

BDanceSt
with the following provisions:
BProp
BEd(Tchg)
(i)  one course to a maximum value of 20
BSc

BHSc
points may be conceded
BSocSci (Human Services)
BHumServ
(ii) the concession will allow the student to
BSW

BMus
complete the degree
Conceded passes will be awarded by a
(iii) the course is not one of the core law
meeting of the examiners for the faculty
subjects prescribed by the New Zealand
concerned, provided that the Dean of the
Council of Legal Education
Faculty shall have the power to award where
(iv) the student obtained a grade of D+ in the
such power is authorised by the examiners, in
course
accordance with the following provisions:
(v) the result was achieved in the last two
One course to a maximum value of 30 points
semesters of enrolment, one of which
may be conceded provided:
may be a summer school.
(i)  the concession will allow the student to
complete the degree
3  For the degrees of:
(ii) the course conceded is not counted
BArch

BOptom
towards a student’s major requirement.
BAS

BPlan
(iii) the student obtained a grade of D+ in the
BE/BE(Hons)
BTech
course
BFA

BVA
(iv) the result was achieved in the last two
Conceded passes will be awarded by a
semesters of enrolment, one of which
meeting of the examiners for the faculty
may be a summer school.
concerned, provided that the Dean of the
Faculty shall have the power to award where
2  For the degree of LLB
such power is authorised by the examiners,
Conceded passes will be awarded by a
in accordance with the following provisions:
meeting of the examiners of the faculty,
(i)  that by the award of a conceded pass
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  17

the student will complete a Part or all
(vi ) that the reassessed grade in that course
courses enrolled for in that year
(or courses) be no greater than a grade
and
of C+.
(ii) a maximum of 20 points per part and
a maximum of 20 points in any one
5 Conjoint
degrees
academic year may be conceded
For all conjoint degrees consideration for
and
the award of conceded passes shall be
(iii) that to be eligible for the award of a
in accordance with the provisions for the
conceded pass in any course the student
particular component degree as set out in
must have achieved a grade of D+ and an
clauses 1 to 3 of this section.
overall GPA of 2.5 or better in that year.
6  Medical and Health Sciences
4  For the degree of BEd(TESOL)
a  For the degree of MBChB Parts II and
Conceded passes will be awarded by a
III:
meeting of the Committee of BEd(TESOL)
Each Part must be passed as a whole.
examiners, provided that the Dean of the
Conceded passes will be awarded by a
Faculty has the power to award where such
meeting of the Committee of MBChB
power is authorised by the examiners, in
examiners, provided that the Dean of
accordance with the following provisions:
the Faculty has the power to award
(i)  that by award of a conceded pass the
where such power is authorised by
student will complete that Part
the examiners, in accordance with the
and
following provisions:
(ii)  a maximum of 15 points in any one Part
(i)   that by award of a conceded pass
be conceded
the student will complete that Part
and
and
(iii) that to be eligible for the award of a
(ii)   one course to a maximum value of 30
conceded pass the student must have
points in any one Part be conceded
achieved  a  grade  of  D+  in  that  course
and
(or courses) and an overall GPA of 2.5 or
(iii)   that to be eligible for the award of
better in that Part.
a conceded pass the student must
Where a candidate has a fail grade of D+
have achieved a grade of D+ in that
in a course (or courses) and the examiners
course (or courses) and an overall
deem that the failure(s) may be redeemable
GPA of 2.5 or better in that Part.
by satisfactory completion of additional
Where a candidate has a fail grade of
work, then a pass in that Part may be
D or D+ in a course (or courses) and the
awarded under the following provisions:
examiners deem that the failure(s) may be
(iv) that the award of a grade for that
redeemable by satisfactory completion
course (or courses) be deferred until a
of additional work then a pass in that
prescribed course of additional study
Part may be awarded under the following
and/or examination be completed to the
provisions:
satisfaction of the examiners;
(iv)   that the award of a grade for that
and
course (or courses) be deferred until a
(v)  deferred results be limited to a maximum
prescribed course of additional study
of 15 points in any Part;
and/or examination be completed to
and
the satisfaction of the examiners
(vi) that to be eligible for a deferred result a
and
student must achieve an overall GPA of
(v)   deferred results be limited to no
2.5 or better
more than two courses with a total
and
18 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

maximum value of 45 points in any
by the additional work, the student will
one Part
fail that Part.
and
c  For the degree of BNurs, Part I:
(vi)   that to be eligible for a deferred result
Conceded passes will be awarded by
a student must achieve an overall
a meeting of the Committee of BNurs
GPA of 2.5 or better (including the
examiners, provided that the Dean of
grade of the deferred result)
the Faculty has the power to award
and
where such power is authorised by
(vii)  that the reassessed grade in that
the examiners, in accordance with the
course (or courses) be no greater
following provisions:
than a grade of C+.
(i)   that by award of a conceded pass
b  For the degree of MBChB Parts IV, V
the student will complete that Part
and VI:
and
Conceded passes in components of
(ii)   a maximum of 30 points in the Part
the Part will be awarded by a meeting
be conceded
of the committee of MBChB examiners,
and
provided that the Dean of the Faculty
(iii)   that to be eligible for the award of
has the power to award where such
a conceded pass the student must
power is authorised by the examiners, in
have achieved a grade of D+ in that
accordance with the following provisions:
course (or courses) and an overall
Parts IV and V
GPA of 2.5 or better in the Part.
Where a student has not achieved a pass
Where a candidate has a fail grade of
in a particular component or components
D or D+ in a course (or courses) and
of a Part the examiners may:
the examiners deem that the failure(s)
(i)   withhold the result pending the
may be redeemable by satisfactory
completion of speciﬁ ed additional
completion  of  additional  work  then  a
work and/or examination to the
pass in that Part may be awarded under
satisfaction of the examiners
the following provisions:
and/or
(iv)   that the award of a grade for that
(ii)   grant a conceded pass for a single
course (or courses) be deferred until
component of the Part.
a prescribed course of additional
If in the opinion of the examiners for
study and/or examination be
MBChB a particular weakness in a
completed to the satisfaction of the
component or components is such that
examiners
it cannot be addressed by the setting of
and
additional work and/or examination, the
(v)   deferred results be limited to a
student will fail that Part.
maximum of 30 points in any Part
Part VI
and
Where a student has not achieved a pass
(vi)   that to be eligible for a deferred
in a particular component or components
result a student must achieve an
of this Part, the examiners may withhold
overall GPA of 2.5 or better
the result and require a further period
and
of assignment to a department. This will
(vii)  that the reassessed grade in that
involve postponement of qualiﬁ cation.
course (or courses) be no greater
If in the opinion of the examiners for
than a grade of C+.
MBChB a particular weakness in a
d  For the degree of BPharm:
component or components is such that
Conceded passes will be awarded by a
it cannot be, or has not been, addressed
meeting of the Committee of BPharm
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  19

examiners, provided that the Dean of
and/or examination be completed to
the Faculty has the power to award
the satisfaction of the examiners
where such power is authorised by
and
the examiners, in accordance with the
(vi)   deferred results be limited to a
following provisions:
maximum of 30 points in any Part
(i)   that by award of a conceded pass
and
the student will complete that Part
(vii)  that to be eligible for a deferred
and
result a student must achieve an
(ii)   a maximum of 15 points in any one
overall GPA of 2.5 or better
Part be conceded
and
and
(viii)  that the reassessed grade in that
(iii)   that to be eligible for the award of
course (or courses) be no greater
a conceded pass the student must
than a grade of C+.
have achieved a grade of D+ in that
course (or courses) and an overall
7 Undergraduate
diplomas
GPA of 2.5 or better in that Part
For all undergraduate diplomas comprising
(iv)   a maximum of two conceded passes
240 points or more a conceded pass may
are awarded for the degree.
be awarded by a meeting of the Examiners
Where a candidate has a fail grade of
for the Faculty concerned, provided that the
D or D+ in a course (or courses) and
Dean of Faculty has power to award where
the examiners deem that the failure(s)
such power is authorised by the Examiners,
may be redeemable by satisfactory
in accordance with the following provisions.
completion  of  additional  work  then  a
One course to a maximum value of 20 points
pass in that Part may be awarded under
may be conceded provided:
the following provisions:
(i)  that the conceded pass may only be
(v)   that the award of a grade for that
awarded where it would permit the
course (or courses) be deferred until a
student to complete his/her diploma.
prescribed course of additional study
(ii)  that the student has obtained a grade of
D+ in that course.
Deferred results – Bachelor of Optometry
Where a weakness occurs in the clinical practice
In these circumstances, the candidate will be
component in certain double semester Stage
required to complete additional work to the
III and IV courses, the result of the course or
satisfaction of the examiners. The work will be
courses will be deferred.
examined in the following February.
Doctor of Clinical Psychology
A student who fails any year of the course
requirements and admission requirements for
may be declined permission to enrol again in
the next year. The Review Panel will normally
that  year  of  the  course  or  in  the  course  as  a
consist of:
whole. Where such action is contemplated, the
(a) the Director, Professional Psychology Unit
Academic Head will establish a Review Panel to
and
review the student’s results, any matters raised
(b) a suitably experienced Department of
in relation to their clinical performance and any
Psychology staff member not from the
submissions the student may wish to make. The
Professional Psychology Unit
Review Panel will take into account the course
and
20 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

(c)  a member of the Advisory Committee to the
Head will consider the recommendation
Clinical Psychology Programme (who is by
of  the  Review  Panel,  and  will  then  make  a
deﬁ nition a senior practitioner in the ﬁ eld).
recommendation to the Dean of the Faculty. If
the student is declined permission to enrol again,
The Review Panel shall submit to the Academic
the Academic Head shall provide the student
Head its recommendation and state the reasons
with written reasons for that decision. In the
for that recommendation. The Academic Head
case where the Academic Head recommends the
shall give the student the opportunity to make a
course or part of the course should be repeated,
submission on both the recommendation and the
the recommendation to the Dean will set down
reasons for that recommendation. The Academic
the requirements to be satisﬁ ed.
Aegrotat and compassionate consideration
The regulations are set out in the Examination
Sitting examinations
Regulations in the 2012 University Calendar.
Students should be encouraged to sit
These notes should be read in conjunction with
examinations if at all possible. Medical or
those regulations.
other evidence must establish that a student
is physically or mentally incapable of sitting
Scope
an examination. It is not sufﬁ cient for the
The regulations apply to work which counts
student to be unwell, or to be faced with trying
towards the ﬁ nal result for a course and is
circumstances. Even if a student is advised by
performed under examination conditions at a
their lecturer or doctor not to sit, the University’s
speciﬁ ed place and time, with the exception of
medical or counselling advisers will not approve
performance examinations.
a DNS unless the evidence justiﬁ es it.
The categories to be considered are:
1  Final Written Examinations.
Students with disabilities or temporary conditions
2  Formal Practical or Oral Examinations.
affecting their ability to sit examinations under
3   Final submissions in the practical and studio
normal conditions can apply to sit under
work  in  the  Faculty  of  Creative  Arts  and
special conditions, eg, extra time, a writer,
Industries.
special equipment, separate room. (See p10,
4 Written
Tests.
Special examination conditions.)
Advice to Students
Method of application
Students should be advised to enquire about
1   Aegrotat consideration (temporary illness
aegrotat or compassionate consideration
or injury)
if temporary illness or injury, or exceptional
Students should complete the application
circumstances beyond their control, have
form and see a registered medical doctor
prevented them from sitting an examination,
on the day of the examination, while they
or seriously impaired their examination
are unwell, so that an accurate diagnosis
preparation or their examination performance.
can be made for the medical certiﬁ cate. If
They should contact the Examinations Ofﬁ ce or
preparation for the examination is impaired,
the University Health Services for application
see a registered medical doctor within the
forms and advice. The requirements are
fortnight before the examination.
stringent, and it is essential that students
follow the correct procedures which are fully
2   Compassionate consideration (other
explained on the forms and in the Examination
exceptional circumstances)
Instructions mailed to every candidate before
Students should complete the application
each examination period.
form and see a counsellor at the University
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  21

Health Services on the day of the examina-
Grades recommended as a result of an
tion, so that the counsellor can assess the cir-
application should not be submitted in the
cumstances. If preparation for the examina-
normal return of results process.
tion is impaired, see a counsellor within the
fortnight before the examination.
Deadline dates for academic
recommendation forms
3 Application
deadlines
Completed application forms must be
Summer School

Fri 24 February
returned to the University Health Services no
Semester 1

Fri 13 July
later than one week after the examination.
Semester 2

Fri 30 November
If  more  than  one  examination  is  affected,
the closing date is one week after the last
examination affected. Students must not
Forms should be returned to the Examinations
wait for provisional examination results
Ofﬁ ce as soon as possible, but no later than
before submitting their application.
these dates.
Processing applications
Academic requirements for aegrotat and
1   Applications are assessed by the medical or
compassionate grades
counselling advisers to the University who
1   To recommend an aegrotat or compassionate
consider the medical or compassionate
grade, the Academic Head must be able to
evidence and certify whether or not it supports
certify that:
the application. The applications and a
a  the student’s coursework in the course
conﬁ dential report from the medical doctor
was well above the minimum pass
or counsellor are sent to the Examinations
standard
Ofﬁ ce.  If  the  evidence  is  in  order,  an
and
academic recommendation form is sent to
b  for a student who sat the examination,
the appropriate Academic Head. Medical
the mark attained in the examination was
and compassionate evidence remains with
lower than expected taking into account
the University Health Services. Where the
the student’s coursework in the course
medical or compassionate evidence does
and
not support the application, an academic
c  the student is clearly worthy of a pass in
recommendation is not requested.
the course.
2   The Academic Head is asked to provide details
2   If a recommendation is required for a course
of coursework for the course, and examination
with no coursework, the Academic Head
marks if applicable, and then to make a
may take into account the coursework and
recommendation based on the criteria for
examination performance in any other
aegrotat and compassionate grades set out
courses for the same degree (where this is
on the recommendation form. The options
available to them).
include no recommendation.
3   Instead of recommending an aegrotat or
3
Academic recommendation forms are
compassionate grade, the Academic Head
conﬁ dential and details may not be given
may recommend that the student take
to students. They should be completed and
another examination which may be oral or
returned to the Examinations Ofﬁ ce by the
written. Exceptional circumstances must
dates shown below, so that recommendations
apply, and these should be speciﬁ ed on the
can be considered by the Senate and students
academic recommendation form, together
can be advised in time to complete selection
with the reasons for the recommendation.
and enrolment processes for the next semester.
22 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

4   All recommendations are referred to the
or Programme Coordinator for deferment of
Senate representative who also takes into
that examination.
account the medical and counselling advisers’
assessment of the evidence, and may take
The Academic Head or Programme Coordinator
into account the student’s work in other
may grant a deferment until the Friday of the
courses before making a ﬁ nal decision and
ﬁ rst week of teaching in the following semester.
awarding a grade (which may differ from that
In exceptional circumstances, approval may be
recommended).
given by the Dean on recommendation from the
Academic Head or Programme Coordinator, to
5   No more than one third of the total point
extend this period. If, at this time, the student
value credited to a degree or diploma may be
is unable to undertake the examination, a fail
awarded with an aegrotat or compassionate
grade of “Did Not Sit” should be recorded.
grade.
Note: Applies to qualiﬁ cations in which a
Written tests
student ﬁ rst enrolled in 2007 or later.
A modiﬁ
ed version of the examination
procedures for aegrotat and compassionate
Notiﬁ cation of result
consideration applies to written tests which
1   Students will be advised in writing of the
count towards the ﬁ nal result for a course.
result of their application in all cases, whether
or not an aegrotat or compassionate grade
1   Students who have been prevented from
is approved.
sitting a test or who consider that their
performance in a test has been seriously
2   Departments will be advised only in those
impaired, by temporary illness or injury or
cases where the Senate representative
exceptional circumstances beyond their
approves a different grade to that
control, should contact the Examinations
recommended by the department, or the
Ofﬁ ce or the University Health Services for
application is declined. Where the academic
application forms and advice.
recommendation is approved by the Senate
representative, no advice is required.
2   Students should be encouraged to sit the test
if at all possible. Medical or other evidence
Reconsideration
must be sufﬁ cient to make it clear that the
A candidate may make an application in
student was unable to attend or the test
writing for reconsideration to the Director,
performance was seriously impaired.
Academic Services, following the decision of
the Senate. An application must be made within
3   Students must submit the application form
four weeks of receiving notice of the decision
and evidence within seven days after the date
and must contain further evidence to support
of the test.
the application. Reconsideration of medical
evidence may be referred to an independent
4   Applications are assessed by the medical or
medical referee.
counselling advisers to the University who
consider the evidence and certify whether or
Performance
not it supports the application.
Performance and Clinical Examinations do
not qualify for aegrotat or compassionate
If  the  evidence  is  in  order,  the  application
considerations. Students who, because of
form is sent to the appropriate Academic
temporary illness or injury or exceptional
Head. This does not include the assessed
circumstances beyond their control, are
medical or other evidence, which is held by
unable to sit their examination on the date
the University Health Services.
scheduled, may apply to the Academic Head
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  23

If  the  evidence  is  not  in  order,  the
or
Examinations Ofﬁ ce will notify the student,
c  take a viva voce examination
and send a copy of the letter to the
or
appropriate Academic Head.
d  have the percentage of marks al ocated to
5   The Academic Head considers the application
the test reallocated to the examination.
by taking into account the medical and
counselling advisers’ assessment of the
The options on the form include no change,
evidence, and approving one of the options
which may be appropriate for a student who
set out on the form. These are speciﬁ ed in the
sits the test but obtains a mark in line with
Examination Regulations as permission to:
other coursework.
a  sit another written test
or
6   The student should be advised of the decision
b  receive a mark for the test based on the
within 21 days of the test.
average of marks awarded for other
coursework
Missed examinations
The regulations are set out in the Examination
commitment that the script will be marked,
Regulations of the 2012 University Calendar.
ie, Senate will decide at a later date whether
or not the script is to be accepted.
1   A student who misses an examination by
arriving at the wrong time (either too late for
3   All other students should go to the
admission to the examination room, or for the
Examinations Ofﬁ
ce and complete an
wrong session) cannot sit that examination
application for Special Pass consideration,
at another time, unless it is for a Masters,
which is then forwarded to the appropriate
Bachelors Honours degree or Postgraduate
Academic Head who is asked to provide
Diploma, or Postgraduate Certiﬁ cate.
coursework marks and to make a
recommendation.
2   Students enrolled for a Masters, Bachelors
Honours, Postgraduate Diploma or  4   The recommendation is referred to the Senate
Postgraduate Certiﬁ cate, who arrive at the
representative who has discretionary powers
wrong time must go immediately to the
to approve a pass if the student is of at least
Examinations Ofﬁ ce where, if possible, special
B+ calibre in the course, or in that subject,
arrangements will be made for them to sit
or a particular element of hardship exists.
the examination without any undertaking or
Announcement and publication
Results are conﬁ dential until released by the
Masters
University. Provisional and conﬁ rmed  results
Each student’s result notiﬁ cation will show the
are available online. Result notices are not
individual grades for courses and thesis, and
mailed.
the class of honours.
Where a grade has been lowered after  Bachelors Honours, Postgraduate
the result has been conﬁ rmed by mail, the
Diplomas and Postgraduate Certiﬁ cates
department must advise both the student and
Result notiﬁ cation will show the individual
the Examinations Ofﬁ ce in writing.
grades for the courses and the class of Honours,
Distinction or Merit where applicable.
24 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

Recount of marks
By making application not later than seven weeks
that no answer or any portion of an answer
after the last day of the examination period, any
submitted by a student has been overlooked.
student sitting an examination may have the
Recounts should also include a careful checking
marks awarded for their script recounted. The
of the accuracy and inclusion of coursework
fee for such a recount shall be as prescribed in the
marks.  No  information  pertaining  to  the
Fees Regulations.
application will be placed before the examiner.
A recount of marks covers a careful rechecking of
Students may apply for a recount of marks for
the marks recorded by the examiner and ensures
written examination papers only.
Availability of examination scripts
1
By making application during the three
the application forms will be forwarded to
months after the end of the examination
the department concerned for processing.
period for the examination, a candidate may
obtain a photocopy of his or her examination
4   If it is found that a question or section has
script.
not been marked, or there are other errors
of a similar nature, the Academic Head
2   By making application not before three
should notify the Examinations Ofﬁ ce of the
months and no later than four months after
amended grade stating the reason for the
the end of the examination period for the
change. The student will then be advised
examination, a candidate may request the
and forwarded an amended results notice.
return of their original examination script.
5
Students are not permitted to seek a
Note: No further consideration of the
remarking of the script. If it has been fully
examination script will be undertaken after
marked, the examiner’s judgement must
the original script has been returned to the
stand. If a student seeks advice in respect
student. Examination scripts will normally
of the script, that advice must not cover
be retained until at least six months after
detailed discussion with the examiners of
the examination period and thereafter will
particular answers. Broad guidance may,
be destroyed.
however, be given on the general thrust
of the script or on examination technique
3   Applications will be received through the
by the Academic Head or by an examiner
ClockTower Student Information Centre and
speciﬁ ed by the Academic Head.
Storage and disposal of examination material
Examiners may keep the scripts for written
and thereafter be destroyed. In the case of
examinations only for the minimum time required
examinations in Fine Arts, Testimonials of Study
for  marking.  They  must  then  hand  the  scripts
need not be so preserved. Masters scripts should
over to the department/faculty where they
be retained until six months after the assessment
shall normally be retained in secure storage
has been completed for any thesis, dissertation,
until at least six months after the examinations
or research portfolio or project required.
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors |  25

Publication of examination papers
All ﬁ nal examination papers will be made available
made to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
after examinations for students to access through
through the Examinations Ofﬁ ce, with reasons
the Library ExamBase. Consideration for non-
for non-publication stated and supported by the
publication of a paper or part paper must be
Academic Head.
Examiners’ reports – theses
Most  examiners’  reports,  such  as  those  used
PhD candidates who are enrolled under the
to grade masters theses, are supplied to the
2011 PhD Statute will receive the examiners’
University by the examiners on a conﬁ dential
evaluations of their work (Part 2 of the Examiner’s
basis. In such cases, the University promises
Report on Doctoral Thesis) no fewer than ﬁ ve
examiners that, subject to the provisions of the
working days before their oral examination to
Privacy Act 1993, their identity and reports will
assist them with their preparation for the oral
be held in conﬁ dence. The University recognises,
examination. The candidate will not be informed
however, that students will often be anxious to
of the names, or other identifying information,
ﬁ nd out the reasons for the thesis grade and in
of their examiners, except that of the Oral
those circumstances a request for information
Examiner, unless this is speciﬁ cally agreed to
will be considered on a case by case basis.
by the individual examiner on the examiner’s
report. The Board of Graduate Studies (through
Upon request by a student, the relevant  the Dean of Graduate Studies) reserves the right
Academic Head or his or her nominee will
to  remove  from  an  examiner’s  report  made
prepare on behalf of the University and provide
available to the candidate any material that it
to the student a statement of reasons for the
considers should not be released.
decisions. If all the examiners and the assessor
agree to waive the conﬁ dentiality of their
Except  in  the  case  of  students  enrolled  under
reports, the University will consider releasing
the 2011 PhD Statute, examiners’ reports and/
the examiners’ reports, with, or without,  or grade recommendations should not be
deletions. As the assessment is a collective
discussed with students until the examination
decision of the examiners and the University, the
process is completed. Students may be provided
University reports will not normally be released if,
with examiners’ and assessors’ reports only if
for example, not all the examiners have waived
all examiners and  assessors have waived the
the promise of conﬁ dentiality.
right to conﬁ dentiality as set out above.
26 |   2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

Notes
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors | 27

Notes
28 | 2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors

Notes
2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors | 29

www.auckland.ac.nz/examinations

Document Outline

Memo 2012 Ex & Ass booklet for Education Committee
- Internal
- Memorandum
- To:
- Robin Bruce, Deputy Manager, Examinations
- From:
- 5 October 2011
- Date:
- Subject: 2012 Instructions to Examiners and Assessors
2012-Examiners-Assessors-for-EC-11-Oct-2011
VCs statement on ResearchInformedTeaching
- From: [email address].nzU0T 0TU[mailto:[email address]]U0T On Behalf Of Stuart McCutcheon Sent: Wednesday, 31 March 2010 10:05 a.m. Subject: [All-staff] Vice-Chancellor's Statement on Research-Informed Teaching