1. Academic Progress
& Exclusion
Information Sessions

2. Why have I been sent this letter?
Monash is concerned that you may not be on a path to complete your course
To make you aware of the support services at Monash
Not a punishment….an early intervention
The goal is not to exclude students but to help students to complete their degrees

3. Unsatisfactory Academic Progress
A student’s academic progress will be considered unsatisfactory if they have:
Passed 50% or less of their enrolment
Failed the same compulsory subject twice
Has not met previous APC conditions
Failed a placement
Student unable to obtain police or other authority check
Completed at least 2/3 of your course and passed 50% or less of your enrollment

4. What happens next?
You need to explain in writing why you should not be excluded from your course
You may also have to appear in person in front of your Faculty’s Academic Progress Committee
Failure to respond may result in exclusion, with no right of appeal
A well-prepared letter can reduce the likelihood of a hearing

5. Course discontinuation
In some cases students may decide to discontinue from their course after receiving a notice of referral and hearing
This can be done either by indicating this decision on your response form or, if unsure, you can discontinue up until the day of the hearing
If your faculty is thinking to exclude you, they must first ask you to attend a hearing

6. Completing your Student Response Form
We recommend that you tick the first box on first page of response form, which states that you would like to make a written submission to the Faculty and also attend a hearing if required
We strongly suggest that you attend a hearing if one is required. Representing yourself either in person may improve the likelihood of you continuing in your course
If you wish a Student Rights Officer to assist you tick the appropriate box. This will allow the Student Rights Officer to access your file and assist you better at your hearing
We recommend that you attach a letter. Please see our letter template available on our student rights webpage:

7. What should you include in your letter?
What happened at university in 2013?
What happened outside university?
What will you do differently next year?
If you are permitted to continue, how will you ensure that your results will be satisfactory next year?
If you have sought advice already on your plan for 2014
Why you want to be in your course and your goals after graduation?
Use bullet points to answer questions concisely
Consider including a timeline of events for 2013 with brief statements on how each event impacted on you at the time
It can be difficult, but try to keep your letter to 2 pages long.

8. Providing supporting documentation
Where reasonably available, it is important that you include supporting documentation. This may include a:
Letter from your doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor or other health professional
Police Report
Insurance Claim
Statutory Declaration
Please note that an honest explanation of events may be sufficient. If unsure, consult with Student Rights.

9. Why students fail: common reasons
Poor study skills, time management
Homesickness, difficulty adjusting to university life
Financial difficulties and/or working too many hours
Severe disruption to domestic arrangements e.g. homelessness
Family crisis e.g. separation, divorce, illness
Death of relative or close friend
Health problem (illness or psychological condition)
Victim of crime

10. Some ideas on how to improve your Academic Performance?
Plan on seeing your course co-coordinator or lecturer in 2014 if you are struggling with a unit
Take advantage of Monash support services. E.g. counseling with Monash Health Service, Disability Liaison Unit
Enroll in SMART Program to improve time management and study skills
Create a realistic study plan
Make an appointment with Learning Skills at the Library to discuss study strategies for next year
Reduce work hours

11. Also consider Private tutor Extra study during holidays
See:
Extra study during holidays
Start a study group
Joining a student club by contacting your student union
Mentor programs available at Monash. E.g. Peer Mentoring, Alumni-Student Mentoring program or enquire with your faculty
Globe Café for fun networking with other students
Non-residential colleges
See:

12. What will happen next? You will receive one of two letters:
A letter requesting you to appear at your Faculty’s Academic Progress Committee.
A letter stating that you can continue in your course. This means you do not have to attend a hearing. This letter may include details of conditions that have been placed upon you. You must comply with these conditions.

13. What happens next: Academic Progress Hearings
Dress neatly and appropriately
(as if you are going to a job interview)
Arrive 15 minutes early
Bring all documents with you
(copies of your response, supporting documents and your academic transcripts)

14. At the hearing Make eye contact Open body language
Talk slowly and try not to rush your words
Ask for questions to be repeated
Be polite
Be clear and focused

15. Support Person
You can nominate one person to accompany you to the hearing. This person can be a:
Student Rights Officer
Counsellor
Family member
Any other person approved by the Faculty

16. What should you do now?
Step 1: Ensure that you tick box to attend your hearing and we recommend that you give permission for Student Rights to receive a copy of your response.
Step 2: Complete your Student Response Form and additional letter
Step 3: Locate any relevant supporting documents/ material
Step 4: Submit your response to the Faculty by the due date

17. Importantly…
Most students sent a notice of referral and hearing are not excluded, however, it can be good to have a back up plan. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you begin applying to other courses and universities now
If you want to discuss the likelihood of being excluded, please speak to a Student Rights Officer

18. Finally….. Please Meet our Representatives from:
Most students sent a notice of referral and hearing are not excluded, however, it can be good to have a back up plan. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you begin applying to other courses and universities now.
If you are unsure of your likelihood of being excluded, please speak to a Student Rights Officer
Please Meet our Representatives from:
Health, Wellbeing and Development’s Counselling Service
Learning Skills at the Library
Student Rights Officers are now available for a 10 minute private consultation.