Assessment - Assignments

Assignments

On campus units

Unless directed otherwise by your tutor/lecturer, assignments for on campus units should be submitted in hard copy form - not electronically. Open the coversheet (as read-only) in MS Word (or equivalent), fill in the fields, print it off and attach to your assignment.

Off campus units

General requirements

  • Assignments should be submitted by the due date specified in your MyECU (Blackboard) unit site
  • Where the unit includes a final examination, it is necessary for a pass to be obtained in the examination to pass the unit. High grades in assignments cannot compensate for an examination fail
  • Final marks may be subject to scaling as laid down in Assessment Policy
  • Always keep a backup copy of your assignment

Presentation of assignments

For written assignments and emailed attachments, please follow these guidelines of presentation:

  • For emailed attachments, word process your document in a standard word processing application such as Microsoft Word or other appropriate software
  • Use A4 page setup for emailed attachments and leave a suitable margin, (e.g., 3-4cm)
  • Number each page
  • Follow ECU referencing guidelines, unless an alternative referencing system is directly negotiated and agreed with your Faculty. The ECU Referencing Guide outlines correct standards and methods for referencing print and web-based material
  • Here are some useful Academic Skills Guides to help you towards the preparation and achievement of effective and successful study

Academic Misconduct, Plagiarism, Cheating

The University regards acts of plagiarism very seriously and, depending on the severity of the offence, penalties will apply. These penalties range from a loss of marks to cancellation of enrolment.

Plagiarism includes the use of other students’ work, irrespective of whether you have their permission. It also includes the misuse of material from computer programs and audiovisual or electronic sources.

The ECU Referencing Guide outlines correct standards and methods for referencing print and web-based material.

Academic Misconduct Policy

Assignment submission dates

Check your unit information on MyECU (Blackboard) to find out what assignments and activities you have to complete and when they need to be submitted by.

Extensions to assignment submission dates

If you require an extension of time to complete an assignment, you must apply in writing on every occasion to your tutor. Ensure you apply before the assignment due date. You will need to attach documentary evidence (e.g. medical certificate) to support your request and your tutor will notify you of the outcome. Normal occupational commitments and extra curricular activities are not accepted as grounds for granting extra time because you are expected to plan ahead. Extensions cannot be granted beyond the end of semester.

Long extensions of time raise the problem of fairness if other students in the unit have had their assignments returned.

If you submit an assignment after the due date without an agreed extension, or beyond the date of an agreed extension, you will usually incur a penalty. In accordance with the University’s regulations, the penalty is 5% (of the maximum mark available) for each working day that your assignment is late.

If your assignment is submitted more than one week late, you may be awarded a mark of zero by your tutor.

Submission of assignments

  • Assignments for off campus units must be submitted directly to your tutor or lecturer. Please follow the instructions provided in your MyECU (Blackboard) unit site or contact your tutor or lecturer for specific instructions
  • Assignments for off campus units are generally expected to be submitted electronically. In most cases you will be required to either submit assignments through your MyECU (Blackboard) unit site or to email assignments directly to your tutor or lecturer
  • If you cannot deliver your assignments electronically, please contact your tutor to negotiate alternate delivery methods
  • If you have been instructed to submit a hardcopy of your assignment, please post it directly to the lecturer. If a postal address for the lecturer is not given in your MyECU (Blackboard) unit site, please ask the lecturer for their university postal address
  • Always keep a backup copy of your assignment

Cover sheets

Assignments may need an electronic version of the coversheet. Open the coversheet (as read-only) in MS Word (or equivalent), fill in the fields, save it under a different file name, complete all details and submit it with your assignment.

Assignment queries

Any queries about the receipt, content, marking of assignments and extensions to submission dates should be directed to your tutor/lecturer.

Contact details for your tutor will be in your MyECU (Blackboard) unit site under the Unit Contacts/Staff Information link.


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