Your Reasonable Adjustment Plan
A Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP) is a personalised document that outlines the academic adjustments you need to reduce the impact of your health condition or disability on your studies.
It’s created in collaboration with an AccessAbility Advisor and shared with your teaching staff to support your learning.
Content on this page:
What your RAP may include
Your Reasonable Adjustment Plan may include adjustments across four key areas of study: Classroom Support, Coursework and Assessments, Tests and Exams and Career Ready Placements.
It is developed during your initial appointment with AccessAbility and can be changed at any time.
Your RAP may include adjustments regarding:
- Your attendance
- Physical access requirements
- Furniture
- Inclusive teaching strategies
- Assistive technology requirements
- Information for teaching staff regarding the impact of your health condition on participation in class.
Contact AccessAbility@newcastle.edu.au if you require assistance discussing classroom adjustments with teaching staff.
Common adjustments for coursework and assessments include:
- Extensions for assignments
- Adjustments for oral presentations
- Adjustments for group work
If your RAP lists adjustments for presentations or group tasks, it is a good idea to speak with your course coordinator early. Contact AccessAbiltiy if you require advocacy support.
When you need an extension in your coursework or assessments, follow the steps below:
1. Apply through the Adverse Circumstances Portal
2. You can use your Reasonable Adjustment Plan as supporting documentation if:
a. You have a current RAP
b. The request is related to your registered health condition
c. Your Reasonable Adjustment Plan includes the adjustment “The student may require extensions for assignments.”
Read more about Extensions on the ServiceNow Student Portal.
Your exam adjustments can apply to all timed assessments. This includes in-class tests, online quizzes, take-home exams and formal on-campus or online exams.
Common exam adjustments can include:
- Extra time
- Rest breaks
- Specific room or environmental requirements
- Alternative scheduling
- Use of assistive technology
- Permission for certain items or equipment
- Furniture (such as ergonomic chairs or adjustable desks)
If you’re unsure how your exam adjustments will work, read the information about Examinations in the Service Now Student Portal for detailed guidance.
All programs at the University of Newcastle require career-ready placements. Common adjustments include:
- Local placement location
- Reduced hours or alternative placement scheduling
- Early orientation to placement
Access your RAP
Once your RAP is created, you can access it anytime, share it with staff, and update it when your circumstances change.
- Log in to ServiceNow.
- Under My Active Items, select Reasonable Adjustment Plan .
If you gave consent in the registration form, your Course Coordinators can view your RAP in ServiceNow.
If not, you’ll need to email it to them directly.
You can change your consent or request an update anytime by:
- Emailing AccessAbility
- Completing the AccessAbility Support and Enquiry Form
Your RAP renews automatically each year unless:
- You request changes to your adjustments or support.
- Your study program changes
- You advise AccessAbility you no longer need adjustments
- Your medical documentation expires or your needs change
You may be asked to update your medical documentation if you have a temporary or fluctuating condition, or if your health professional recommends a review.
View this flowchart on the ServiceNow Student Portal to check if your documentation needs updating.
Privacy and Disclosure
Your privacy is important.
The University of Newcastle is committed to the protection of your personal and health information.
Your disability will only appear on your Reasonable Adjustment Plan if you choose to share this information, and no information related to your health condition will be shared without your prior consent.
The University complies with all relevant privacy legislation as described in the University’s Privacy Management Plan.
Read the University's Privacy Policies
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.