Academic Progress

Academic Progress is the University of Adelaide’s process for monitoring the academic performance of students.

This process is used to identify students who are experiencing difficulties in their studies as early as possible to provide advice or support.

  • Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy

    The Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy provides the framework for identifying and assisting coursework students whose academic performance falls below set standards.

  • Review periods

    Each review period will occur after the semester results for Replacement and Additional Assessments (R/AA) have been published. There are three review periods in the academic year:

    Period Description Enrolment periods

    Review Period 1

    August notifications

    		 First-half year courses Summer School, Semester 1, Trimester 1, Melbourne Campus Trimester 1, Melbourne Campus Trimester 3, Quadmester 1, Quadmester 2, Term 1, Term 2, Online Teaching Period 1, Online Teaching Period 2, Online Teaching Period 3

    Review Period 2

    January notifications

    		 Second-half year courses Winter School, Semester 2, Trimester 2, Trimester 3, Melbourne Campus Trimester 2, Quadmester 3, Quadmester 4, Term 3, Term 4, Online Teaching Period 4, Online Teaching Period 5, Online Teaching Period 6

    Review Period 3

    January notifications

    		 Full-year courses The year-long period used for a Yearly Program which concludes after the annual examination

  • Risk status types and email notifications

    If a student does not make satisfactory academic progress, they will receive a change to their risk status at the end of a review period. All student notifications will be sent to their University email account, it is the student’s responsibility to read and respond to all official University communications.

    Risk 1 The first time a student is identified as not making satisfactory academic progress their Status will be changed to Risk 1.
    Risk 2 The second time the student is identified as not making satisfactory academic progress their Status will be changed to Risk 2.
    Unsatisfactory The third time the student is identified as not making satisfactory academic progress their Status will be changed to Unsatisfactory. They will be sent an Intention to Exclude notice.

    NOTE: There are only two risk levels for students enrolled in yearly programs, Risk 1 and Unsatisfactory.

  • Satisfactory Progress

    As outlined in the Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy, to make satisfactory progress students must:

    • pass more than 50% of their enrolled units in a program during Review Period 1 and 2; or
    • pass their annual examination if enrolled in a Yearly Program; or
    • not fail the same course for a second or subsequent time, including if the course was studied and failed while enrolled in a Pathway Program from the University of Adelaide College.

    If a student believes there has been an error, they are encouraged to read the Policy, review their grades, and contact their Faculty Office as soon as possible.

A student is considered ‘at risk’ the first time they are identified as not making satisfactory progress to meet the academic requirements of their program. When this happens, the University contacts the student to ensure they:

  • Are aware and understand their Risk 1 status.
  • Are made aware of relevant support services and help.
  • Are encouraged to self-reflect, self-identify solutions and commit to appropriate action.

Support to students includes:

  • Guidance on how to check and confirm their Risk status to ensure it is accurate. For example, exams and/or grade updates after replacement exam periods might not be captured. Students should contact their Faculty Student Success Advisors to request any updates.
  • Access to a Self-Reflective Survey, which will identify relevant support services based on responses made. This survey is not monitored by staff, it is confidential and accessed by the student only.
  • A personalised phone-call from one of the Succeed@Adelaide Ambassadors to talk through Risk 1 meaning. A subsequent call will be made later in the semester to check-in with students and discuss their progress in the current enrolment period.

To understand how students’ Risk 1 status can be reversed, please refer to the Risk 1 process chart.

If a student continues to make unsatisfactory progress they will be required to ‘show cause’ and explain to the Faculty Academic Progress Committee why they should be permitted to remain enrolled in their program. The Faculty Academic Progress Committee will take into consideration what actions the student has taken to improve their performance.

When a student is identified for a second time as ‘at risk’ of not making satisfactory progress in the same program, the University will contact the student and ensure they:

  • Are aware and understand their Risk 2 status.
  • Are offered a personalised meeting and study guide.

Support to students includes:

  • Access to a Self-Reflective Survey, which will identify relevant support services based on responses made. The survey will also be used to guide a consultative meeting with a Student Success Advisor.
  • A meeting with a Student Success Advisor to discuss the student’s current situation and co-design a plan to best support academic and personal success.

If a student continues to make unsatisfactory progress they will be required to ‘show cause’ and explain to the Faculty Academic Progress Committee why they should be permitted to remain enrolled in their program. The Faculty Academic Progress Committee will take into consideration what actions the student has taken to improve their performance.

Students will receive this notice if they have not made satisfactory progress for a third time (or second time for some Health & Medical Science yearly programs).

The Intention to Exclude Notice has a link to complete a Show Cause submission. The submission asks students to provide information such as:

  • Describe the issues, both personal and academic, that have reduced the student’s performance.
  • Explain any actions taken, and intervention strategies applied, to address academic progress.
  • Explain any actions the student will take in the future to ensure satisfactory academic progress.
  • Provide supporting evidence, e.g. a doctor’s certificate.
  • Students will also be given the opportunity to state if they would like to attend the Show Cause Committee Meeting in person and bring a support person such as a friend, family member, counsellor or Education and Welfare Officer. The support person must not act as a legal representative.

If a student does not submit Show Cause, in accordance with Clause 8 of the Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy, they will be excluded from their study program.

Note:

  • From the date of the Intention to Exclude notification, a student will not be able to seek an internal transfer or apply for a place in another program. The AP process will take precedence.
  • You should continue with classes as per normal until you have received notification of the outcome of your Show Cause submission.
  • Education & Welfare Officers (EWOs) are available to assist you in preparing your Show Cause submission or provide further advice about the process. Please contact Student Care on studentcare@adelaide.edu.au or +61 8 8313 5430.

The following University services may help in providing supporting documentation:

Counselling counselling.centre@adelaide.edu.au
Disability disability@adelaide.edu.au
Student Care studentcare@adelaide.edu.au

A student is notified via email of the meeting time and date. The student is encouraged to attend their Show Cause meeting to discuss their Show Cause submission with the Faculty Academic Progress Committee which is comprised of professional and
academic staff.

During the meeting, the Committee will consider the student’s submission and the student may ask questions and provide clarification as required. After the meeting, the Committee will discuss the student’s submission.

The student will receive notification about the outcome of their Show Cause submission within 5 business days of the meeting date.

The Faculty Academic Progress Committee will recommend an outcome to the student’s Executive Dean who is responsible for making a final decision. Outcomes include one of the following:

Conditional re-enrolment

The student is permitted to remain in their program but will be required to meet conditions - such as limited and/or prescribed course enrolments.

If the student fails to meet the Conditions, they will be excluded from their program in the next Review Period. The student’s Faculty will notify them when this action has been taken. If the student is enrolled at the time, their courses will be deleted.
Exclusion

The student is excluded from study at the University for 12 months.

Exclusion means the following:

  • The student is prevented from studying in this program for a period of 12 months (unless you were excluded from a double, concurrent, or combined degree, in which case you may be able to transfer to the relevant single degree – contact the Faculty Office for more information);
  • Applications for admission to a university program at the same level or higher will not be considered for a period of 12 months from the date of this Exclusion Notice;
  • Applications for re-admission to the University will follow normal procedures and are not guaranteed. If re-admitted, you may be given an academic progress status of Risk 1 or Risk 2.
Leave of absence Allows the student to suspend their studies for up to one year while remaining admitted in their program (degree) at the University.

 

  • Exclusion from the University

    Exclusion notice

    When a student is excluded, they are sent an Exclusion Notice to their University email account. The notice explains the reasons why the student is excluded and provides information about how to appeal the decision.

    Future studies

    A student who is excluded will not be able to study at the University for 12 months, unless they want to study a program at a lower level. For example, if a student is excluded from studying a Masters, they could potentially study a Bachelor program. After the 12-month exclusion period, the student will be eligible to apply for entry into a University Program.

    It is not possible for a student to continue studying in their program after they have been excluded for 12 months. However, while any appeal is ongoing, the student can remain enrolled in their courses for a subsequent study period.

    If a student is excluded from their program, any existing enrolments in a future teaching period will be deleted from their record and the student is eligible to apply for a refund of fees already paid. This considers the lengthy period of time for an outcome of
    an appeal to be administered.

    If a student is excluded from a double degree, they may apply to transfer to a relevant single degree providing they are making satisfactory progress in the single degree program in the most recent Review Period. If the student is permitted to transfer to the
    single program, a Risk 1 status will be applied to their academic program status the single degree program.

    Students can seek advice from their Faculty Office.

    Exclusion appeal

    A student can appeal the exclusion decision within 20 business days of receiving the Exclusion Notice in accordance with the University’s Student Grievance Resolution Process on the sole ground that there has been non-compliance with this Policy (e.g. a serious defect in the Executive Dean or delegate’s decision to exclude the student from their program). This means the student cannot appeal just because they don’t like the decision. This is the only and final appeal within the University.

    Student Care can provide independent advice by email studentcare@adelaide.edu.au or phone +61 8 8313 5430.

  • Cognate programs

    Definition

    Programs are cognate if they are in closely allied or related disciplines or a defined branch of study or learning. The University assesses the Programs it offers to determine which are cognate.

    A students Academic Progress Status will remain unchanged where they transfer to a program that is cognate to their current program. If they transfer to a program that is not cognate the status will be changed to 'New'.

    Cognate programs lists

    The cognate lists show all programs which faculties have determined are cognate to each other. The content of the lists are correct as of the date stated; please be aware that faculties may have made changes since this date. To find a program, use the shortcut Ctrl+F (or Command+F on a Mac) to being up a search box in the top right corner of the screen.

    Details of cognate programs:

  • Student support services

    The University offers a range of support services to help students maintain satisfactory progress. Please find a detailed guide below.

    • Program advice — each faculty has Student Success Advisors who are available to support students with advice and course selection.
    • Academic support services that provide personalised advice to help students achieve success.
    • Personal Support resources that include a free counselling service.
    • Student Care Education and Welfare Officers can provide advice and assistance with helping students navigate University policies and procedures.
    • International Students can contact International Student Support for advice and guidance in their academic success.
    • Indigenous students are encouraged to contact the Student Support Officer in Wirltu Yarlu by phoning 8313 3623 for study plan assistance, free tutoring service or counselling about matters that may impact their academic success.

  • Visa implications for International Students

    International Students with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be maintained only if they are appealing against the exclusion from their program. Students will need to write an email to the Student Affairs team about their intention to appeal within 20 business days of the date of their Exclusion Notice in accordance with Stage 3 of the Student Grievance Resolution Process.

  • FAQs

    General

    • Can I apply for retrospective Withdraw without Failure while the Academic Progress process is underway, or after exclusion?
      Retrospective Withdraw without Failure (RWNF) is a separate process from the Academic Progress process. Applications for RWNF must be made in accordance with any requirements that apply at the time. For more information about RWNF, please contact your faculty.
    • Following the AP process, if I have consecutive periods where I study successfully, will my GPA ever improve?
      The GPA calculation is based on the grades you receive for enrolled courses and unit values. Courses completed successfully will improve the GPA.
    • Can I enrol for the next Semester if I have been excluded?
      No, it is not possible to continue studying after you have been excluded from your program. This applies for 12 months. However, while any appeal is ongoing, you can remain enrolled in your courses for a subsequent study period.
    • Will I be responsible for paying fees for courses I have enrolled in for a subsequent Semester if my exclusion appeal is not successful?
      No, if you are excluded from your program, any existing enrolments in the future teaching period will be deleted from your record, and you will be eligible to apply for a refund of any fees already paid for these. This considers the lengthy period of time for an outcome of an appeal to be administered.

    Risk Level 1 and Risk Level 2 Notice

    • Why have I received a Risk notice?
      The University wants students to succeed in their studies.  A risk notice is sent out as part of the Academic Progress policy if a student is not progressing.  It is a chance for the University to support the student to get on track.  A risk level notice is issued if a student has:
          - Failed 50% or more of their units in a particular study period      ;
          - Failed the same course for the 2nd or subsequent time.
    • How do I know if I have received a Risk notice?
      You will receive a risk notice through your student email account.  It is very important that you check your student email regularly and read any email from your Faculty or to do with Academic Progress as it contains essential information that is often time sensitive.
       
    • How does a Risk notice affect my Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) and student visa?
      You have received a Risk 1 or Risk 2 notice to flag that you are not progressing successfully in your program.  At this stage, your CoE and student visa will not be impacted.  It is very important that you engage with the support offered now and take action to improve your grades.  If you don’t, your risk level may escalate in future study periods and it is then that your CoE and student visa may be impacted.
       
    • Will a Risk notice show up on my transcript?
      A risk level notice will not be recorded on your transcript but can be seen internally by university staff.
       
    • Does the University notify the Department of Home Affairs about a Risk notice?
      We will not notify DHA about a risk notice received by an international student.  We will report to DHA if you are excluded from the University at any stage.
       
    • How does a risk notice affect my scholarship?
      A risk notice will not impact your current scholarship.  However, if you have failed a course and need to re-take it, your scholarship may not apply.  You should check your scholarship Terms and Conditions or contact the Scholarships office.
       
    • Who can I talk to about my risk notice? How can I get help?
      You can talk with your Faculty Student Success Team (ABLE, HMS, SET) or International Student Support when you receive a risk notice.  You should also consult the Academic Progress webpages and engage with any academic or professional support to help you succeed in your studies.
       
    • Can my Risk 1 status ever be removed?
      A student’s Status will be changed from Risk 1 to Satisfactory if they receive a Risk 1 Status in their first Review Period enrolled in their program and then go on to make satisfactory academic progress in the next Review Period in which they are enrolled. This does not apply to students enrolled in a Yearly Program.

    Show Cause

    • I need to submit my Show Cause but I don’t have all my supporting documentation/evidence yet, what do I do?
      The deadline is not negotiable. Please submit the documentation you have before the deadline. Contact your Faculty prior to the deadline if you have specific documentation that you are unable to submit by that date.
    • I missed the Show Cause submission deadline, can I still lodge a submission?
      No, submissions cannot be made after the deadline.
    • I have received an Academic Progress notification and have been asked to Show Cause. Can I discontinue from my program without lodging a Show Cause submission?
      No, you must put in a submission for consideration by the Academic Progress Committee. If you do not you will be excluded from your program.
    • Do I need to attend the Academic Progress Committee meeting in person?
      Attendance is not compulsory. However you are encouraged to attend the meeting with the Academic Progress Committee as it will enable a fuller discussion of matters that might arise from your Show Cause submission.
    • My meeting time with the Academic Progress Committee conflicts with another appointment/teaching session, can I change my meeting time?
      You will need to contact your Faculty for further information. Please note there are strict timelines for the Academic Progress Committee process and it may not be possible to change your meeting time.