1. ASSESSMENT
Assessment is the process of ascribing value to any work that a student undertakes whilst engaged in a course of studies. It can be formative or summative.
(a) Formative Assessment
The purpose of formative assessment is to enhance student learning,
optimising learning outcomes. Examples may include: self evaluation exercises,
multiple choice and true/false quizzes, participation in tutorials, forums
and discussions. Feedback plays a significant role here, allowing students
to improve their knowledge and skills before completing summative assessment
tasks. However, none of these examples are uniquely formative as the intent
rather than the task is the determinant of the formative nature of assessment.
(b) Summative Assessment
Summative assessment contributes to a student's final grade. Examples
include: examinations, essays, reports, presentations, assignments and
practical performance. Summative assessment may include formative components
and assessment of affective as well as cognitive outcomes. Summative assessment
is often beneficially an extension of formative assessment.
Students shall be assessed in subjects on the basis of a combination of norm and criterion referencing with marks and grades being awarded by referencing to a combination of predetermined standards and the performance of other students in the subject with the expectation that:
(a) the number of students who pass the subjects will normally decrease from PS through to HD; and
(b) the number of students who fail the subject (FL, FW) will normally be fewer than those who pass the subject (PS to HD).
2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSESSMENT
The Faculty Board is responsible for deciding the manner in which a subject will be assessed, including whether or not a final examination will be conducted in the subject. The Faculty Assessment Committee of the Faculty Board is responsible for awarding a grade to students enrolled in a subject.
2.1 Confidentiality
The University regards assessment as a confidential matter. No person involved in the process shall divulge to any unauthorised person any information about grades in any subject.
3. SUBJECT OUTLINES
3.1 Definition
A subject outline is a document which sets out the students' and the University's obligations with respect to the teaching and assessment of a subject.
3.2 Issuing Subject Outlines
A subject outline shall be prepared and issued to students each session for each subject taught by the University. Subject Coordinators or Subject Convenors if appointed, shall be responsible for the preparation of subject outlines. Subject outlines shall be issued to students in distance education subjects with their teaching materials and to students in internal subjects during the first two weeks of classes.
3.3 Content
As a minimum, subject outlines shall contain as appropriate the information listed in clauses 3.3.1 to 3.3.6 below. Subject Coordinators or Subject Convenors if appointed may include additional information in the subject outlines of particular subjects.
3.3.1 Subject and Lecturer Identification
A subject outline shall contain:
a) the subject code;
b) the subject name;
c) the name of the lecturer(s) who will teach the subject; and
d) the lecturer(s)' contact details (telephone, facsimile and e-mail addresses) and consultation hours.
If the information in c) or d) is not available when the subject outline is prepared, advice on how and when that information will be provided to students shall be included in the subject outline.
3.3.2 Aims, Objectives and Curriculum
A subject outline shall contain:
a) a statement of the aims and objectives of the subject including for level 1, 2 and 3 undergraduate subjects a statement of the particular skills, attributes and values that the subject aims to impart;
b) a brief overview of the content of the subject which may be in the form of a summary of the topics or modules that comprise the subject;
c) a description of the ways in which the subject will be taught including for example:
d) the prescribed textbooks and other resources including equipment the student is required to have access to to complete the subject;
e) the teaching and support strategies for the subject additional to those that may have been covered above including for example:
3.3.3 Assessment Information
3.3.3.1 Assignment Information
A subject outline shall contain a list of the assignments to be submitted by students and for each assignment:
a) whether the assignment is compulsory or optional;
b) if compulsory whether it contributes to a student's grade in the subject;
c) the assessment scale to be used for the marking of each assignment and the point on that scale required for a pass;
d) the due date for the receipt of the assignment and the return date for the marked assignment which applies to assignments received by the due date (see also clause 16.4 below);
e) details regarding the late receipt of assignments, in particular any assessment penalties late assignments will incur;
f) whether or not the assignment may be submitted by e-mail (see clause 16.8 below);
g) the circumstances, if any, under which the assignment may be submitted by facsimile (see clause 16.9);
h) arrangements for the return of the assignment; and
i) for students enrolled in the distance education mode, action that a student may take if the assignment is not returned by the return date (see clause 16.7 below).
3.3.3.2 Test and Examination Information
Examination refers to formal end-of-session examinations conducted by the Examinations Office. Tests are examinations conducted by Faculties during session (usually in regular class times or during residential schools).
In respect of any test or examination to be conducted in a subject, the subject outline shall specify:
a) the date and starting time (tests only - this information for examinations shall be published in the examination timetable by the Examinations Office);
b) the duration;
c) a general indication of the format of the test or examination which may include for example-
3.3.4 Residential School Information
For subjects that include a residential school, the subject outline shall specify:
a) if the residential school is compulsory or optional;
b) the duration and location of the residential school;
c) a statement of the purpose of the residential school and a summary program of activities.
3.3.5 Grading Information
A subject outline shall specify:
a) which assignments have to be submitted to pass the subject;
b) which assignments have to be passed to pass the subject;
c) which tests and/or examinations have to be passed to pass the subject;
d) what other conditions must be met to pass the subject (attendance at classes or residential school, acquisition of generic skills attributes and values etc);
e) how the marks or grades for the various assessable items are conflated to determine a final grade in the subject.
3.3.6 Other Information
A subject outline shall contain:
a) a brief statement of the tenets of acceptable academic practice and the rights and obligations of students with respect to academic matters;
b) a brief statement bringing to the notice of students their right to seek special consideration if misadventure or extenuating circumstances affect their performance in, or prevent their completion of the subject;
c) details of any enhancements made to the subject which are the outcome
of a Student Subject Survey conducted by the Academic
6
Staff Development Unit in accordance with the University's policy
for such surveys.
3.4 Variation of Subject Outlines
3.4.1 Variations Affecting All Students
Any variations made during session to the assessment or examination requirements in a subject outline affecting all students enrolled in the subject shall be approved by the Head of the teaching School.
3.4.2 Variations for Individual Students
Variations to the assessment or examination procedures may be made for an individual student, by the Head of the teaching School on the advice of the Subject Coordinator or Subject Convenor if appointed. Such variations shall only be made in exceptional circumstances and with the student's concurrence.
3.4.3 Notification of Variations
All variations of subject outlines shall be conveyed in writing to students, to the Head of the teaching School and, in the case of distance education students, to the Open Learning Institute by the Subject Coordinator or Subject Convenor if appointed. Such changes shall not disadvantage students.
4. VARIATION OF SUBJECT OUTLINES
This section has been replaced by 3.4, 3.4.1, 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 above.
5. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
This section has been rescinded and is replaced by the Student Academic Misconduct Rule - see section G12.
6. GRADES
The following grades are to be awarded for subjects offered by the University.
6.1 Grading Scale
HD High Distinction:
an outstanding level of achievement in relation to the assessment process (85%-100%);
DI Distinction:
a high level of achievement in relation to the assessment process(75-84%);
CR Credit:
a better than satisfactory level of achievement in relation to the assessment process (65-74%);
PS Pass:
a satisfactory level of achievement in relation to the assessment process (5064%);
PT Terminating Pass
(See Regulation 8). This grade was not awarded after Spring Session 1994;
FL Fail:
an unsatisfactory level of achievement in relation to the assessment process (049%).
Percentage Ranges
The percentage ranges for the above grades relate to the final scaled aggregate mark for the subject. The scaled aggregate mark for a student may be different from the sum or aggregation of the raw marks awarded for individual assessable items in the subject.
6.2 Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
The satisfactory (SY) and unsatisfactory (US) grading scale applies to:
6.3 Other Symbols
AA Additional Assessment
The subject has been marginally failed but the student has been invited to complete item/s of additional assessment which, if completed at the prescribed standard, will result in the student passing the subject (see clause 8).
AE Additional Examination
The subject has been marginally failed but the student has been invited to sit a further formal examination which, if completed at the prescribed standard, will result in the student passing the subject (see clause 8).
AW Approved withdrawal:
Approval was granted for the student to withdraw from the subject without incurring a failure in the subject. At graduation, subjects graded AW are deleted from a graduate's transcript (introduced in 1996).
FW Fail Withdrawn:
The student withdrew from the subject and did not apply for or was not eligible for approved withdrawal; or the student did not submit for assessment all the compulsory assessable items and/or did not sit for the final examination in the subject; or the student was granted a supplementary examination but did not sit for the supplementary examination and either did not seek special consideration for not having sat it or applied for special consideration but was not granted special consideration.
GP Grade Pending:
A substantive grade must be awarded when work outstanding is submitted. Assessment must normally be finalised by the end of the second teaching week of the following session (see clause 7.5.1 below).
IP In Progress:
Not yet due for final grade; subject taken over two or more sessions. The grade IP will be entered against the subject for each session except the final session when a substantive grade will be awarded.
TA To be Assessed:
Result is not yet available. A substantive grade will be awarded when assessment is completed.
NA Not Assessed:
The student was not assessed in this subject.
SX Supplementary Examination:
A substantive grade will be awarded when the supplementary examination has been held.
WD Withheld/Fees Due:
The result is withheld for administrative reasons. A substantive grade will be released when the matter is resolved.
7. INCOMPLETE OR DELAYED ASSESSMENT
7.1 Misadventure and Extenuating Circumstances
Students are advised to inform the subject co-ordinator of any circumstances which could adversely affect their performance in the subject.
Students who experience misadventure or extenuating circumstances (see Special Consideration Regulation 3) which will prevent them from completing the subject by the end of the session or from sitting for the final examination, may apply for a grade pending or a supplementary examination respectively.
Applications should be lodged in writing as required by Special Consideration Regulations 4.5, 4.6.1 or 4.6.2.
7.2 Supplementary Examinations
SX will be recorded on students' transcripts for subjects where they are granted permission by the Head of the teaching School on the recommendation of the Subject Co-ordinator to sit for a supplementary examination.
7.3 Grade Pending
GP will be recorded on students' transcripts for a subject where the
Head of the teaching School on the recommendation of the Subject Co-ordinator
approves an extension of time for the students to
submit assessable work in a subject; or where, through mail delays or similar
reasons beyond the students' control, assessable work is not received by
the due date.
7.4 Time Limit for Conversion of SX and GP to Substantive Grades
In the case of a GP or SX, a substantive grade must be awarded when assessment is finalised. Unless an extension of time is granted under clause 7.5 below, a substantive grade must be awarded no later than the end of the second week of the following session excluding the Summer session. In the case of a GP, the Subject Co-ordinator may recommend an earlier date for the submission of the work.
7.5 Extension of Time Limit
7.5.1 Grade Pending
The Head of the teaching School on the recommendation of the Subject Co-ordinator may approve an extension of time beyond the end of the second week of session to convert a GP. Such an extension may not be beyond the last day of the following Session (excluding Summer sessions) unless the GP involves attendance at a residential school or the completion of a practicum.
Where, to satisfy a GP, a student has to attend a residential school in a subject the next time the subject is offered, the GP will stand until the subject is next offered in the distance education mode and the residential school can be attended.
7.5.2 Supplementary Examinations
(See Examination Regulation 10.3)
7.6 Notification
7.6.1 Grade Pending and Supplementary Examination
The Student Administration Office will advise students whether or not a grade pending or supplementary examination has been approved as soon as a decision has been made.
Where a grade pending is approved, the Subject Co-ordinator will advise the students in writing of the work to be completed and the date by which it must be submitted for assessment.
7.6.2 Extension of Time Limit
Where an extension has been granted under clause 7.5 above students will be advised in writing by the Student Administration Office.
8. ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT
8.1 Additional Assessment Defined
8.1.1 The Offer of Additional Assessment
Subject to qualification by any Faculty or School policy regarding the extent to which additional assessment may be granted, a student who marginally fails a subject may be offered the option of completing additional assessable work which, if competed at the prescribed standard, will result in the student passing the subject.
8.1.2 Marginal Fail
The term "marginal fail" as used in 8.1.1 above shall mean:
a) an aggregate mark in a subject which is marginally below the mark required for a pass in the subject;
b) where "marginally below the mark required for a pass" is defined as a range of marks; and
c) that range of marks is calculated as five percent of the total possible marks attainable in the subject.
8.1.3 Authority to Offer Additional Assessment
Schools, through the person to whom authority has been delegated (normally the subject co-ordinator), shall have discretion to determine the nature of the additional assessment offered to the student which need not be the same type of assessment item as the item failed.
8.1.4 Not Available for Passing Grades
A student may not be offered additional assessment in a subject where the student is marginally below the aggregate mark required for a credit or a distinction or a high distinction in the subject.
8.2 The Offer of Additional Assessment
8.2.1 Notification of Offer
A student to be offered additional assessment in a subject will be notified of the offer by means of the grade awarded in the subject:
a) the grade AA (Additional Assessment) will denote that the student is being offered additional assessment involving the completion of an item of assessment to be set by the School;
b) the grade AE (Additional Examination) will denote that the student is being offered additional assessment involving the sitting of a formal examination administered by the Examinations Office and to be held during the period in which the supplementary examinations for that session are held.
8.2.2 Acceptance of the Offer
A student who wishes to accept the offer of additional assessment shall, by the date specified by the Director of Student Administration, remit the prescribed fee to the Division of Financial Services.
8.2.2.1 Late Acceptance of the Offer
The Director of Student Administration may receive and process a late acceptance of the offer of additional assessment if the reasons for lateness are compelling and, in a case involving an AE grade, if there is sufficient time available to organise the examination.
A late fee is payable where a late acceptance is received and processed. Where a late acceptance is not received and processed any fees paid shall be refunded to the student.
8.2.3 Notification of Assessment Requirements
8.2.3.1 Additional Assessment Graded AA
A student whose acceptance of the offer of additional assessment in a subject graded AA is received on time or is accepted despite being late, will be advised in writing by the School of the work to be submitted for assessment and the date for its submission.
In setting or extending a time limit for the completion of the work and the conversion of the AA to a substantive grade, the School shall be bound by the time limits specified for the conversion of GP grades in clause 7 above.
8.2.3.2 Additional Assessment Graded AE
A student whose acceptance of the offer of additional assessment in a subject graded AE is received on time or is accepted despite being late, will be notified by the Examinations Office of the date and time of the examination.
8.2.4 Non-Acceptance of Additional Assessment
A student who does not accept the offer of additional assessment will be graded FL or US when non-substantive grades are converted to substantive grades.
A student may apply for a review of the FL or US grade so awarded under clause 13 (Review of Grades).
8.3 Converting AA or AE to a Substantive Grade
8.3.1 Satisfactory Completion of Additional Assessment
A student who completes the additional assessment by the prescribed date and attains the required standard shall be awarded the substantive grade of PS or SY.
Neither AA nor AE may be converted to a CR, DI or HD.
8.3.2 Unsatisfactory Completion of Additional Assessment
A student who completes the additional assessment by the prescribed date but does not attain the required standard shall be awarded the substantive grade of FL or US.
8.3.3 Failure to Complete Additional Assessment
A student who accepts the offer of additional assessment but does not complete the assessment by the specified date shall be graded FL or US in the subject unless the student applies for special consideration under clause 7 (Incomplete or Delayed Assessment).
8.4 Review of Grade AA or AE
8.4.1 Additional Assessment Completed
Where a student has accepted the offer of additional assessment and is graded FL or US after the completion of the work, the student may seek a review of the FL or US under clause 13 (Review of Grade).
In determining a review, the Faculty shall not offer the student an opportunity for further additional assessment but shall determine whether the FL or US shall stand or whether the substantive grade of PS or SY shall be awarded.
8.4.2 Additional Assessment Not Completed
Where a student has accepted the offer of additional assessment but fails to complete the additional assessment and is graded FL or US, the student may not seek a review of grade.
8.4.3 Additional Assessment Not Accepted
Where the student does not accept an offer of additional assessment resulting from review and is graded FL or US, the student may not seek a review of grade.
9. FAILURE BEFORE THE END OF SESSION
The Head of the teaching School on the recommendation of the Subject
Co-ordinator, Practicum Coordinator or Supervisor of a
student's project or research, may decide that a student should not be
permitted to complete the subject, practicum or project/research and/or
to sit for the final examination in the subject. Such a decision may be
taken in cases where the student has failed to submit work in the subject
practicum or project/research or has submitted work of an inferior quality
such that the student will fail the subject irrespective of the standard
of work which may be submitted in the remainder of the session, or the
result achieved in the final examination.
In such cases, the Head of the teaching School shall recommend to the Presiding Officer of the Faculty Assessment Committee that the student be graded: FW if the student failed to submit work; or FL if the work was submitted but was not of pass standard.
Where the Presiding Officer decides to grade the student FW or FL in the subject, the Presiding Officer shall advise the Director, Student Administration who will advise the student in writing and have the grade FW or FL recorded on the student's transcript. Such decisions of the Presiding Officer shall be reported to the next meeting of the Faculty Assessment Committee.
A student receiving a Fail grade under this regulation may apply for a review of the decision under clause 13 below.
10. NOTIFICATION OF GRADES
The only official grades are those transmitted to students with the authority of the Director, Student Administration. Students will be able to access their results as soon as possible after the end of the examination period or as soon as possible after a variation to a grade. Access will be provided through the CSU Express Call System and over the Internet.
Grades or information about performance in examinations will not be given over the telephone.
11. ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS
A transcript will be issued to students, without charge, when they withdraw or are excluded from a course, when they receive a change of grade, or when they graduate from a course.
A transcript may be purchased at any time through the Express Call system, through the World Wide Web, or from the Student Administration Office. Please refer to the Financial Information section of the Handbook.
12. WITHHOLDING GRADES
The end-of-session academic transcript of students who are indebted to the University by reason of the non-payment of any fine, fee or other charge, may be withheld until the debt has been paid, or a satisfactory arrangement for payment has been made.
If an account remains unpaid after written requests for payment have been made, the Student Administration Office may notify the student that unless the account is paid by a specified date, re-enrolment will be refused or, in the case of a graduating student, graduation withheld.
13. REVIEW OF GRADES
13.1 Grounds for Review
An application for review will be considered where:
13.1.1 a student claims disadvantage because the Subject Co-ordinator did not provide a subject outline as required by clause 3 above; or
13.1.2 a student claims disadvantage because the Head of the teaching School or the Subject Co-ordinator varied without consultation or in an unreasonable way the assessment requirements as specified in the subject outline; or
13.1.3 a student claims disadvantage because assessment requirements specified in the subject outline were unreasonably or prejudicially applied to him or her; or
13.1.4 a student is of the view that a clerical error has occurred in the computation of the grade; or
13.1.5 a student claims disadvantage because due regard was not paid to evidence of illness or misadventure which was submitted during the session to explain poor performance in the subject.
Only evidence submitted as required by clause 7.1 above relating to misadventure and extenuating circumstances during the session, or as required by Examination Regulation 8 relating to misadventure in respect of examinations, will be reviewed in cases where a student seeks a review under clause 13.1.5 above. New or additional evidence will not be considered.
13.2 Application for Review
Applications stating the detailed ground(s) on which the review is sought should be made in writing to and lodged with the Student Administration Office.
A separate application should be lodged for each subject, and each application should be accompanied by the prescribed fee which is refundable should the decision be other than that the original grade stand.
Applications must be lodged within 28 days of the date of notification of the grade. Late appeals, which will be accepted only in exceptional circumstances and with the Head of the teaching School approval, must be accompanied by the appropriate late fee which is not refundable.
13.3 Deciding Applications
Applications for review of grades will be referred to the School Assessment Committee for recommendation to the Faculty Assessment Committee. In reviewing grades, the School Assessment Committee shall ensure that all components of the assessment have been included in the final grade, that these components have been added correctly and that any other grounds for review provided for in clause 13.1 above, which are raised by the applicant have been addressed. The School Assessment Committee will recommend to the Faculty Assessment Committee:
The decision of the Faculty Assessment Committee shall be final.
13.4 Notification
After determination by the Faculty Assessment Committee, applications will be returned to the Student Administration Office indicating whether a change of grade is to be made and the reason for the decision. The application fee will be refunded when the review results in a change of grade. Notification of the decision and the reasons for it will be conveyed to students in writing.
14. PROGRESSION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
[This regulation to be effective from Autumn Session and Trimester 1 1999]
14.1 University Expectations
14.1.1 Progression
The University expects a student to progress through his/her course at a rate that will enable the student to complete the course in a specified maximum time.
14.1.2 Academic Performance
The University expects a student, on a cumulative basis, to pass rather than fail or withdraw from the majority of subjects in which he or she enrols.
14.2 Progression Through Courses
14.2.1 Maximum Time
The maximum time for course completion for a student shall be calculated as one session or one trimester for each eight points of study, project work or practicum in the course less the point value of any graded or ungraded credit granted.
14.2.1.1 Leave of Absence
Approved leave of absence in any period of four consecutive calendar years shall not be counted as sessions or trimesters of enrolment when calculating whether or not the student can complete the course in the maximum time.
14.2.1.2 Failure to Enrol
A student who fails to enrol in a session or trimester in which he or she was eligible to enrol shall be contacted by the Director, Student Administration as required by Enrolment Regulation 16 and asked to indicate whether or not he or she wishes to continue in the course.
A student who wishes to continue in the course, and who is permitted to do so by the Dean, shall be placed on leave of absence for that session or trimester and clause 14.2.1.1 above shall apply to such leave.
14.2.1.3 Summer Session
A student who completes subjects in Summer Session as an Associate Student shall not have Summer Session counted as a session of enrolment when calculating whether or not the student can complete the course in the maximum time.
A student who completes subjects in Summer Session as part of his or her course (rather than as an Associate Student) shall have Summer Session counted as a session of enrolment when calculating whether or not the student can complete the course in maximum time.
14.2.2 Minimum Rate of Progression
To complete his or her course within the maximum time permitted, a student must maintain a minimum rate of progress which is to pass on average one standard subject (eight points) in each session or trimester of study.
14.3 Academic Performance
14.3.1 Satisfactory Academic Performance
A student shall maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance in the course, for the duration of enrolment, which except as provided for in clause 14.4.1.1 below, shall be measured at any point in time as a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
14.3.2 Grade Point Average
14.3.2.1 Calculating The GPA
A numeric value is assigned to each grade:
The GPA is calculated using the formula:
GPA = [(point value of subjecti) x (numeric value of grade)]/(point value of subjecti)
The GPA is calculated correct to two decimal points. The maximum GPA is 7.00; the minimum GPA is 0.00.
14.3.2.2 Subjects Included in The GPA
All subjects graded:
which are a part of the course, shall be included in the calculation of the GPA. This includes subjects for which graded credit has been approved and failed subjects which may have been passed at a later attempt.
14.3.2.3 Subjects Not Included in The GPA
Subjects not included in the calculation of the GPA include subjects for which ungraded credit has been granted; subjects which are additional to course requirements; and subjects which are graded:
14.4 Reviewing Progression and Academic Performance
14.4.1 Annual Review
A review of student progression and academic performance shall be conducted by the Director, Student Administration once each calendar year in November/December at the conclusion of the Spring Session and Trimester 3.
14.4.1.1 First Review
The first review of a student's progression and academic performance shall not take place until the end of the second calendar year of the student's enrolment in a course unless he or she enrols in forty-eight or more points in the course in the first calendar year in which case the first review will take place at the end of the first calendar year of enrolment.
14.4.2 Liability for Exclusion or Probation
A student who fails to maintain the minimum rate of progression as specified in clause 14.2.3 above and/or who fails to maintain the minimum standard of academic performance as specified in clause 14.3.1 above shall be reviewed by the Faculty under Exclusion Regulation 3.1 which may result in the student being placed on probation or asked to show cause why he or she should not be excluded.
14.4.2.1 Review by the Faculty
To be identified for review by the Faculty a student shall have:
a) a grade point average of less than 2.5; and/or
b) passed subjects of fewer than thirty-two points in the last four sessions or trimesters of enrolment; and/or
c) been graded AW in fifty percent or more of the points attempted in the last two calendar years of enrolment.
15. RESIDENTIAL AND OTHER SCHOOLS
15.1 Compulsory and Optional Schools
As part of their assessment in a subject or a course, distance education students may be required to attend residential or other schools. Some of these schools will be compulsory, others will be optional.
15.2 Exemption from Attendance
15.2.1 Application
Students may apply in writing to the Open Learning Institute for exemption from attendance at a compulsory residential or other school. Applications must be in writing and be made prior to the commencement of the school.
15.2.2 Deciding Applications
Subject Based Schools
Applications will be decided by the Head of the teaching School on the recommendation of the Subject Co-ordinator.
Course Based Schools
Applications will be decided by the Course Co-ordinator.
Grounds for Approving Applications
Applications will normally only be approved on the following grounds:
15.2.3 Notification
The result of applications will be conveyed to students in writing by the Open Learning Institute.
15.3 Failure to Attend Schools
15.3.1 Show Cause
Students who fail to attend a compulsory school and who have not been exempted from attendance will be asked by the Open Learning Institute to show cause why they should not be withdrawn from and failed in the subject (ie graded FW). Where misadventure or extenuating circumstances have prevented attendance, students should consult the Special Consideration Regulations before showing cause.
15.3.2 Deciding Cases
15.3.2.1 Course-Based Schools
Show cause cases relating to course-based schools shall be decided by the Course Co-ordinator who may decide that the student:
a) be granted exemption from attendance; or
b) be required to attend the school the next time it is offered; or
c) be placed on probation and be required under probation to attend the school the next time it is offered; or
d) be asked to show cause to the Dean why he or she should not be withdrawn from the course.
Where a student fails to show cause the Course Co-ordinator may in such cases decide one of the courses of action a)-d) above in respect of the student.
15.3.2.2 Subject-Based Schools
Show cause cases relating to subject-based schools shall be decided by the Head of the teaching School who may decide that the student:
a) be granted exemption from attendance; or
b) be granted approved withdrawal from the subject (AW); or
c) be granted a grade pending (GP) in the subject; or
d) be withdrawn from the subject and failed (FW).
Where a student fails to attend a subject-based compulsory school which is held prior to the start of the session (usually in February or July) the Head of the teaching School may decide that the student:
a) be granted exemption from attendance; or
b) be withdrawn from the subject in which case the subject will be deleted from the student's transcript; or
c) be allowed to remain enrolled in the subject in which case the student will be graded GP in the subject at the end of the session provided the other requirements of the subject have been passed, and the GP shall stand until the next scheduled compulsory school in the subject is attended.
Where a student fails to show cause the Head of the teaching School may in such cases decide one of the courses of action a)-d) or a)-c) above as appropriate in respect of the student.
15.3.3 Notification
Decisions will be conveyed in writing to the student by the Open Learning Institute.
16. ASSIGNMENTS
16.1 General Matters
16.1.1 Definition
An assignment is any piece of work listed in the Assignment Information section of a subject outline (see clause 3.3.3.1 above) which a student is required to complete to satisfy the requirements of the subject.
16.1.2 Timely Feedback
The University recognises the importance of providing students with timely feedback on their progress in their studies. It has, therefore, resolved that all assignments submitted during a session shall be returned to students in timely fashion and shall contain adequate feedback and a grade or mark.
16.1.3 Privacy
16.1.3.1 The University's Obligations
The University regards the assignments submitted by students as private.
As such an assignment
shall not be shown or made available to anyone by the University, other
than to staff involved with its processing or marking, without the student's
permission.
Assignments which are by their nature public (eg seminar presentations, group activities, performances involving an audience, artworks submitted for exhibition) shall be regarded as private to the extent that they shall not be made available to a wider audience by way of audio or visual or other recording without the student's permission.
16.1.3.2 Students' Obligations
Students should take reasonable steps to avoid the possibility that their assignments will be plagiarised.
Plagiarism is using or attempting to use another person's work without acknowledgment. The phrase "using another person's work" includes, but is not limited to:
16.1.4 Confidentiality of Grades or Marks
The grade or marks awarded for an assignment and the comments of staff regarding the assignment shall be confidential to the student or students who submitted the work and to the staff involved with its processing or marking and shall not be disclosed to any other persons without the students' permission.
Feedback given to a student by staff or by other persons in group situations (eg seminar presentations, role plays, auditions) shall be confidential to those taking part in the assignment activity and shall not be disclosed to any other persons without the student's permission.
However, so that students can gauge the level of their performance in relation to the performance of other students who completed the assignment, subject co-ordinators may provide information on the distribution of grades or marks provided confidentiality is respected.
16.2 Receipt of Assignments
16.2.1 Distance Education/Tutorial Mode
Except as provided for in clauses 16.7 and 16.8 below, all assignments for subjects studied in the distance education or tutorial mode must be submitted by mail to the Open Learning Institute in Bathurst or be hand-delivered to the blue mail boxes located on the Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga campuses. Assignments may only be received by academic or other staff with the approval of the Open Learning Institute on the recommendation of the Head of the Teaching School.
16.2.1.1 Receipt Date
The receipt date of a distance education or tutorial mode assignment is the date it is received in the Liaison Office of the Open Learning Institute or in a blue mail box or as provided in clauses 16.8 and 16.9 below.
The Open Learning Institute shall record the receipt date of the distance education/tutorial mode assignments on a database. Should the Open Learning Institute grant approval to a particular staff member or office to receive assignments, the staff member or office shall provide details of those receipts to the Open Learning Institute for recording on the database.
16.2.2 Internal Mode
Except as provided for in clauses 16.8 and 16.9 below, all assignments for subjects studied in the internal mode must be submitted in accordance with the instructions for the submission of assignments printed in the subject outline or issued separately by the subject coordinator.
16.2.2.1 Receipt Date
The receipt date of an internal mode assignment is the date it is received at the location specified under clause 16.2.2 above or as provided in clauses 16.8 and 16.9 below.
16.3 Due Date for Assignments
The subject outline shall contain the due date for assignments which is the date by which each compulsory and/or optional assignment must be received at the locations required by clause 16.2 above.
16.4 Return of Assignments
16.4.1 Distance Education/Tutorial Mode
All marked distance education/tutorial mode assignments shall be returned to students by mail by the Open Learning Institute from the campus on which the assignment was marked. Assignments shall not be returned to students by academic or other staff without the approval of the Open Learning Institute on the recommendation of the Head of the Teaching School.
The Open Learning Institute shall record the return date of all distance education/tutorial mode assignments on a database. Should the Open Learning Institute grant approval to a particular staff member or office to return assignments, the staff member or office shall provide details of those returns to the Open Learning Institute for recording on the database.
16.4.2 Internal Mode
All marked internal mode assignments shall be returned directly to students in class or be made available for collection by students in person but shall not be left for collection from public areas or be returned to them in other unsupervised ways. The procedure for the return of assignments shall be printed in the subject outline or issued separately by the subject coordinator.
Internal mode assignments not collected by students may be destroyed four months after the end of the session in which the assignment was submitted as required by the Student Records Disposal Schedule.
16.5 Return Date for Assignments
The subject outline shall contain the return date for assignments. In the case of internal mode assignments the return date is the date the marked assignment is available for collection. In the case of distance education/tutorial mode assignments the return date, is the latest date by which the marked assignment shall be mailed from the University.
The return date shall be no later than 21 days after the due date for the assignment.
16.5.1 Assignments Received Late
The return date for an assignment received after the due date shall normally be 21 days from the receipt date.
16.6 Late Return of Assignments
16.6.1 Returns up to 14 Days Late
16.6.1.1 Distance Education/Tutorial Mode
Schools shall advise the Liaison Office of the Open Learning Institute of the reasons for the delay when a distance education/tutorial mode assignment cannot be returned within the 21 day period stipulated in clause 16.4 above. The Open Learning Institute shall use that information to answer enquiries from students under clause 16.7 below.
16.6.1.2 Internal Mode
The subject coordinator shall advise students at a class or in some other way if an internal mode assignment cannot be returned within the 21 day period stipulated in clause 16.5 above.
16.6.2 Very Late Returns
16.6.2.1 Distance Education/Tutorial Mode
Where a distance education/tutorial mode assignment is not returned within 35 days of the due date the Open Learning Institute shall notify the Head of the teaching School who shall:
a) write to the student(s) affected within 7 days of the notification from the Open Learning Institute, advising them of the delay and of any action taken to have the assignment returned to them; and
b) provide a copy of the advice to the Open Learning Institute.
16.6.2.2 Internal Mode
Where an internal mode assignment is not returned within 35 days of the due date the subject coordinator shall notify the Head of the teaching School who shall within 7 days of the notification issue a statement to students advising them of the delay and of any action taken to have the assignment returned to them.
16.7 Student Enquiries and Concerns
16.7.1 Distance Education/Tutorial Mode
16.7.1.1 Enquiries
Students who wish to enquire about the return of a distance education/tutorial mode assignment shall contact the Liaison Office of the Open Learning Institute in the first instance.
16.7.1.2 Concerns Regarding Late Returns
Students concerned that a distance education/tutorial mode assignment was not mailed to them within 21 days of the due date (or within 21 days of its receipt date, if it was received late) and wish to have the matter investigated shall contact the Liaison Office of the Open Learning Institute which shall, if it does not already know the reasons (see clause 16.6 above), consult with the subject coordinator and/or the Head of the teaching School and report its findings to the student.
16.7.2 Internal Mode
16.7.2.1 Enquiries
Students who wish to enquire about the return of an internal mode assignment shall contact the subject coordinator in the first instance.
16.7.2.2 Concerns Regarding Late Returns
Students concerned that an internal mode assignment was not returned
to them within 35 days of the due date (or within 35 days of its receipt
date if it was received late), who have not been advised as to the delay
under clause 16.6.2.2
above may contact the Head of the teaching School who shall investigate
the matter and advise the student accordingly.
16.8 Email Submission of Assignments
Students shall not submit an assignment by email unless they have approval to do so. Such approval shall be given in the subject outline.
16.8.1 Distance Education/Tutorial Mode
To ensure that the receipt date and return date of distance education/tutorial mode assignments submitted by email are recorded on the database (see clause 16.4 above) the Open Learning Institute shall provide to the Subject Coordinator an electronic proforma class list to record the receipt dates and return dates.
16.9 Submission of Assignment by Facsimile
Students shall not submit an assignment by facsimile without first obtaining the approval of the Subject Coordinator. Approval will generally only be given where:
16.9.1 Procedures for Faxing Assignments
Students submitting an assignment by facsimile shall:
16.10 Reporting to Academic Senate
The following reports shall be compiled for distance education/tutorial mode assignments:
a) a confidential report by subject on the performance of each School shall be prepared by the Open Learning Institute at the end of each session and forwarded to the Head of the teaching School;
b) an aggregated report prepared by the Open Learning Institute each session for Academic Senate which shows on a University-wide basis the number and percentage of late returns and the number and percentage of subjects with late returns;
c) the reports referred to in a) and b) above shall as a minimum report on four categories of assignments:
d) a report prepared by the Open Learning Institute each session for Academic Senate on the outcome of investigations regarding the late return of assignments under clause 16.7.1.2 above.