12. Unsatisfactory progress

The Student Progress Committee reviews the academic performance of students whose progress is considered unsatisfactory. It meets at the end of each semester in July and December. The committee's primary role is not to discipline but to identify specific difficulties which have contributed to unsatisfactory performance. The committee aims to determine the most suitable arrangements for a student's academic future and whether a student can successfully complete the course if permitted to continue.

12.1. Unsatisfactory progress is:

failure in one half or more of a course load in two consecutive semesters in which a student is enrolled (not including Summer Semester); or
failure in the same subject twice; or
failure in any subject after receiving a warning letter.

12.2. Procedures

Students in the following categories will be sent a warning letter:

full-time students who fail for the first time in half of their course load in two consecutive semesters (not including summer), or part-time students who fail for the first time in all their course load in two consecutive semesters;
full-time students who fail in more than half of their course load (but less than 100%) in their first two consecutive semesters or part-time students who fail in half or more of their course load in their equivalent first year of study;
students who fail a non-compulsory subject twice will not be permitted to enrol in that subject again;

students who fail a compulsory subject twice will be permitted to enrol in that subject for a third and final time.

The warning letter will advise that there is to be no further failure and that the student must meet with a course adviser prior to the next semester of study and regularly during semester. Students are also normally instructed to attend the Teaching and Learning Unit.

Students will be considered individually by the Student Progress Committee if:

there is failure in more than half of their course load in two consecutive semesters (not including summer) subsequent to the first two semesters of study by a full-time student, or in four consecutive semesters by a part-time student;
there is failure in all of their course load in the first two consecutive semesters (not including summer);
there is a failure of the same three or more subjects at two attempts;
there is failure in a compulsory subject at three attempts;
there is failure in any subject after receiving a warning letter.

12.3. Right to be heard

All students are invited to appear before the Student Progress Committee and submit written evidence detailing any extenuating circumstances which they feel should be taken into account by the committee before it makes its decision.

12.4. Extenuating circumstances

In considering a student's progress the committee will normally take into account personal, financial and study problems. Students are advised, however, that excessive commitments outside their studies are not considered extenuating circumstances. In particular, full-time students should not take more than six to eight hours of employment per week in the academic year.

12.5. Outcomes

Normally a student who has 50 points or less remaining to complete their degree will not be recommended for suspension.

The committee will recommend to the Academic Board that a student be suspended from the course, unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances. Students recommended for suspension by the Faculty to the Academic Board have the right to be heard by the board, but, if the board confirms the recommendation, the student is then excluded from the course. Students suspended from a course, or who discontinue from a course, may apply to be re-selected into the course in competition with other applicants during the selection period.
The committee may permit a student to continue if there is evidence that difficulties will be overcome and it is likely the student can complete the course successfully. Students permitted to continue will be expected to meet with course advisers and staff from the Faculty's Teaching and Learning Unit regularly and may be restricted in the number and nature of subjects to be taken. Students may also be directed to seek help from the University's Student Support Services (including financial aid, housing) or advised to apply for leave of absence.

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