A timetable clash occurs when a student has two teaching events scheduled at the same time. There are two types of clashes.
Allowable timetable clashes
An allowable timetable clash is defined as a timetable clash between teaching events, where at least one of the teaching events has pre-approved arrangements in place for managing the clash. This means that the student is permitted to miss part or all of one teaching event, provided they follow the published instructions for managing the clash.
Students are not normally permitted to have more than one allowable timetable clash per week, per teaching period (i.e. Summer School, Semester 1, or Semester 2).
Students are expected to attend all scheduled teaching events for their papers wherever possible. Allowable clashes are intended for limited and specific situations only.
The allowable timetable clash search is a useful tool to check whether a timetable clash is allowable and provides paper-specific details about which teaching event may be missed and how to manage the clash. If no result is returned for a paper, the clash is not considered allowable.
Exceptional timetable clashes
An exceptional timetable clash is any timetable clash that is not considered allowable. This includes any clash between Summer School papers. Exceptional timetable clashes are only approved in limited circumstances and require an application to be submitted.
Exceptional timetable clashes will not be permitted if:
- You are in your first year of study
- Your GPA from your previous year of study is less than 4
- You already have another timetable clash in the same teaching period
- Your proposed course of study exceeds 72 points in the relevant semester
In addition, exceptional clashes are normally only approved where both papers are core, major or minor requirements (or prerequisites for them), the clash can be effectively managed, and the total clash time does not exceed one hour per week.
The University of Otago does not encourage timetable clashes. Applications should only be made when the timetable clash is absolutely necessary. If the University approves a timetable clash, it is the student's responsibility to manage the consequences of the clash.
Students who believe an exceptional timetable clash is necessary must apply through eVision during paper selection. The request must include an explanation of why the clash is required and how it will be managed. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in the application being delayed or declined.
For a clash to be allowable, at least one of the papers must be listed in the allowable timetable clash search, and the clash must match the details of clash to be allowed.
If approved, include the stated instructions for management of timetable clash in the comments box on the eVision Review and submit page. Allowable clashes are still assessed during course approval and may be declined.
Student Development Advisers can help with paper selection: