Unsatisfactory progress
At the end of each semester the Faculty of Science reviews the academic progress of all students.
A student will be deemed to have made 'unsatisfactory progress' when they:
- pass less than 75% of the subjects attempted in any one semester; and
- have failed a core subject of their degree for a second or subsequent time.
Table 1: Unsatisfactory progress response guide outlines what responses are required based on a student's results.
| Results status | Reponses required |
|---|---|
| Passed more than 50% but less than 75% of the subjects attempted in any one semester | The student will be required to meet with a Student Adviser to discuss strategies for improving your academic performance. Non-attendance will be recorded. |
| Passed 50% or less of the subjects attempted in any one semester - first occurrance | The student will be required to meet with a Student Adviser to discuss strategies for improving your academic performance. Non-attendance will be recorded. |
| Passed 50% or less of the subjects attempted in any one semester - repeat occurrance | The student will be required to meet with the full Unsatisfactory Progress Committee to justify why the student should be permitted to keep their place in the course (ie not be recommended for termination). |
| Failed a core subject for a second or subsequent time for students in courses with compulsory subjects (BIS, BOptom BBiomed) | The student will be required to meet with the full Unsatisfactory Progress Committee to justify why the student should be permitted to keep their place in the course (ie not be recommended for termination). |
What should I do, if I have not made satisfactory progress and am required to meet with the unsatisfactory progress commitee?
Students are given an opportunity to make a written submission or to appear before the committee or to do both. In considering a student's progress, the committee will normally consider the student's results, attendance at lectures, practical classes and tutorials, and any extenuating circumstances, such as personal difficulties, financial hardship and study problems.
Every student who has made unsatisfactory progress will receive a letter detailing what action is required.
Note: It is in the interest of the student to take action, including a response to the letter.
The Committee will determine the best course of action for the student's academic future and make one of three decisions:
- take no action (i.e. the student is able to continue in the course with no restrictions); or
- restrict the student's enrolment for the following semester or year; or
- recommend to the Academic Board that the student's enrolment in their course be terminated. Students recommended for termination have the right to appeal to the Academic Board before a final decision is made. Students should note that if their enrolment is terminated, they will lose their place in the course and will not be re-admitted until they have demonstrated academic rehabilitation.
At the very least, unsatisfactory progress will:
- increase the length of time required to complete the degree (with a corresponding increase in fees and HECS liability);
- make selection into quota subjects or other courses more difficult as selection is usually based on academic merit.
Preparing for a meeting with the Unsatisfactory Progress Committee
Students may seek assistance in preparation for an Unsatisfactory Progress Committee meeting. Students may:
- attend a MU Advocacy Service Information Session;
- attend a session at the Counselling Service;
- meet with staff at the Academic Skills Unit to discuss strategies for improving study techniques if permitted to continue in the course;
- if appropriate, register with the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) for support and assistance;
- if appropriate, register for classes at the Academic Skills Unit;
- meet with a Student Adviser at the Science Student Centre to discuss strategies for putting a case forward, and gathering the supporting documentation.
Academic rehabilitation
Students whose enrolment in their course is terminated can apply for re-admission. However, they will only be re-admitted if they can demonstrate 'academic rehabilitation', or a change in their circumstances such that there is a reasonable chance that they could successfully complete their course.
What is academic rehabilitation?
In order to demonstrate academic rehabilitation (ie that a student has the ability to successfully undertake tertiary study) the Science Student Centre requires students to successfully complete a number of tertiary-level science subjects within one calendar year with strong results before applying to resume their course.
These subjects can be completed at the University of Melbourne by enrolling under the Community Access Program (CAP). Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents may enrol via CAP (ie not International students), and must pay the required tuition fees upfront. Applications forms are available from the Science Student Centre. Once completed, the form should be submitted by the due date for consideration by the teaching department(s) and Faculty.
Students may be able to undertake academic rehabilitation by enrolling at another tertiary institution either in Australia or overseas. Students wishing to explore this option should approach the relevant tertiary institutions.
Further information
- Science Student Centre
- Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- University Statute 11.5 - Unsatisfactory Progress
- Student Diary