Appealing Against Exclusion
Can I be excluded from my course?
You can be excluded if:
- you fail a Key subject twice
Key subjects have been identified for each course, and information on the identity of these subjects will be conveyed to students in course and subject outlines. On the first occasion students fail a key subject they will be placed at risk and will be notified of this status by the Student Administration Office. Subsequent failures of a key subject will result in students automatically being excluded from their courses, but given an opportunity to appeal the decision.
- you do not complete your course in the maximum allowed time (which is twice the standard time to complete a course)
Students need to be aware of the maximum time to complete course requirements when reviewing their progress. Students will generally be given twice the standard time (where the course is also offered in DE mode the default maximum is twice the part-time duration) to complete their courses, which translates to 12 years for a 3 year full-time degree where the course is also available in DE and part-time modes.
If students exceed the maximum time they will have their enrolment in the course cancelled and will have to apply for re-admission. Applicants will have to seek credit for subjects already completed, and there is a risk that some of these subjects will be deemed out of date and students will have to complete new subjects.
Students also need to pass at least one subject by the end of their first two calendar years in a course, otherwise this will invoke exclusion.
- you fail any compulsory practical or fieldwork subject in your course
Failure of a practicum subject and/or other compulsory professional placement will generally lead to a student being excluded.
- you fail a Bachelor Honours subject
Failure of an honours subject will generally lead to a student being excluded.
The grounds for exclusion are detailed in the Academic Progress Regulations.
How will I be advised that I have been recommended for exclusion?
Students recommended for exclusion will be sent a letter via their e-box.
Can I appeal?
Any student facing exclusion can appeal in writing to their Faculty. The decision is made by the Dean or the Associate Dean.
If your studies were impeded by factors beyond your control, you may well have good grounds to mount a successful appeal. It's vitally important that you have supporting documentation to substantiate claims made in your appeal statement, for example a Doctor's Certificate, or a letter from a Health Professional.
If you are recommended for exclusion you will directed to information on how to appeal. The exclusion notice information is also available online.
How long will I have to prepare my appeal?
Students have 10 working days from the date of notification of exclusion in which to lodge their appeal.
This is not a great deal of time to gather information and secure supporting documentation, so it's important that you make a start immediately, and contact your Student Support Officer for advice.
What grounds can I appeal on?
Students can appeal to their Faculty on any grounds including:
a) that the grounds for exclusion were incorrectly applied, and/or the procedures were incorrectly followed; and/or
b) that there were factors outside the student's control which contributed to his or her failure to meet the required academic standard and/or rate of progress to date, and that those factors are unlikely to operate in the future. An appeal based on this ground shall be presented in accordance with clause; and/or
c) that there was a conflict of interest that contributed to the decisions that led to the student's exclusion.
Student appeals may also address any penalty that may apply under this policy if their appeal is not upheld.
The grounds for appeal are detailed in the Academic Progress Regulations in section 6.1.
How do I appeal?
If you wish to appeal your exclusion, the appeal should be lodged by emailing your Faculty. All relevant supporting documentation should be lodged with the appeal (as attachments). See the exclusion notice information for where to send your appeal.
It is advisable that you seek help from a Student Support Officer who can assist you in presenting your case in its best light.
It is the student's responsibility to ensure the appeal is lodged on time.
In general, when appealing students need to:
- say what ground(s) they are appealing on
- give good solid reasons why their academic performance has been poor
- outline the reasons causing poor performance (these need to have been beyond a student's control)
- demonstrate that they have the capacity to pass subjects under normal conditions
- provide as much documentary evidence as possible
- be factual
- show that the problems which caused the exclusion no longer exist
- ensure the appeal is formally and legibly written, and that grammar and spelling are correct
Will I be interviewed?
The Faculty is not required to offer students the opportunity to be interviewed in the hearing of their appeal. However, depending on the circumstances, the Faculty may ask you for an interview.
Late appeals
Late appeals against exclusion are considered at the discretion of the Dean or Associate Dean. If your appeal is late you should include an explanation (supported by documentation, if appropriate) outlining your reason for the lateness.
When will I hear about the outcome of my appeal?
The Dean or Associate Dean will rule on the appeal within 14 days after submission. You will then be notified of the outcome.
What happens if I don't appeal?
If you choose not to appeal against exclusion your enrolment will be cancelled and your exclusion confirmed 21 days after the appeal closing date.
If you would like assistance to prepare your appeal, contact one of the Student Support Officers for assistance.