What is a notice of referral?

This is your warning that you are in breach of the academic progress rules. You will be asked to respond in writing.

YOU MUST RESPOND if you do not then you can be automatically EXCLUDED from your course!!!

Continued enrolment at University is dependent on your satisfactory progress towards completion of your course.

You will receive a notice of referral to the Academic Progress Committee asking you to explain why you should be permitted to continue if you fail to meet these criteria by:

Failing the same compulsory unit twice

Failing 50% or more of your study load for the year

and/or;

Failing to comply with any terms or conditions imposed by an Academic Progress Committee of your Faculty.

Responding to an APC In your written response you should include:

What caused your unsatisfactory progress such as serious illness, trauma, loss or bereavement, financial hardship or other cause and detail how it affected your studies. You should include any evidence that supports your case, such as medical certificates or details of your financial situation. Identify strategies to make sure these issues are addressed and won't affect your studies in future. Stating your commitment to completing your course and what you want to do when you are finished your course.

A request for a specific outcome for example re-enrolment, permission to repeat failed subjects or transfer to alternative subjects.

MUGSU's Student Rights Service can help you prepare your case. Appeals Appeals are limited to being granted on the basis of new evidence (not available at the time of hearing) and procedural irregularity. Consult the student advocate if you wish to submit an appeal. Not responding to a notice of referral is not a valid basis for appeal.

If I have to attend a hearing Teleconferencing can be arranged for you to attend this hearing.

1. Arrange to talk to a student advocate about your case.

2. Provide a copy of your academic history, hearing notice, notice of referral response and any documents relating to the reasons for your poor performance.

3. Notify the APC secretary that a student advocate will accompany you to the hearing.

4. Brief the student advocate fully on any circumstances that may have impacted on your studies. You will be advised on how best to present this information.

5. You will meet your student advocate outside the hearing venue. They will accompany you and provide advice and support during your hearing.

6. Arrange a de-brief or exit support meeting if necessary.

Contact the Student Advocate and Support Coordinator for support and representation on 0351 226 154 or cassandra.webb@mugsu.monash.edu.au. For more information see www.adm.monash.edu.au/execserv/progress/index.html or to download a complete brochure about Academic Progress procedures. Click here .