What happens if I fail a subject?
- Do I have to repeat a subject I have failed?
- What is the 'Final Subject Rule'?
- What is Student Progress?
- What are the different categories of Student Progress and what do I have to do if I fall into one of the categories?
- What happens if my progress is considered unsatisfactory?
- How do I prepare for a meeting with the Unsatisfactory Progress Committee?
- Can I reapply for admission to my course if my enrolment is terminated?
- What services are available to assist me with my studies, or any personal difficulties that may affect my studies?
Do I have to repeat a subject I have failed?
Was the subject compulsory for your degree? |
Yes |
No |
|---|---|---|
| You must repeat the subject. Please note if you fail a subject for a second time, your progress is considered unsatisfactory (refer to information on student progress below). If you fail a compulsory subject for a third time, it will be recommended that your enrolment in the Bachelor of Commerce be terminated. | You are not required to repeat the subject. You may choose a different subject to make up the credit points instead. | |
| Was the subject a prerequisite for another subject you wish to undertake? | Yes |
No |
You must repeat the subject. You will not be permitted to undertake any subjects for which this subject is a prerequisite without passing the prerequisite subject. Please note if you fail a subject for a second time, your progress is considered unsatisfactory (refer to information on student progress below). You may not repeat a non-compulsory subject for a third time. If it is a prerequisite subject for other subjects you wish to undertake you will need to select different subjects instead. |
You are not required to repeat the subject. You may choose a different subject to make up the credit points instead. |
As you need to make up the points from any subject you have failed, subject failure will increase the length of time required to complete the degree (with a corresponding increase in fees and HECS liability) and may make selection into quota subjects or other courses more difficult as selection is usually based on academic merit.
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What is the 'Final Subject Rule'?
Students in the final year of their Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Commerce double degree who have less than 25 points of study to complete due to subject failure may be offered additional assessment in the failed subject. Students should refer to the Course and Subject Handbook to check their eligibility.
What is Student Progress?
At the end of each semester the Student Progress Committee reviews the academic performance of students whose progress is considered unsatisfactory in accordance with the unsatisfactory progress guidelines. The Committee's primary role is to determine the most suitable arrangements for a student's academic future and not to discipline a student for unsatisfactory progress.
What are the different categories of Student Progress and what do I have to do if I fall into one of the categories?
There are several categories into which students who have failed multiple subjects fall, and each requires follow up action as detailed in the table below:
| Category | Results Status | Responses Required |
|---|---|---|
| Students at Risk | Students who fail two or more subjects attempted in their first semester or full year, or those whose performance was well below expectations | You will be required to meet with a Faculty Panel to discuss strategies for improving your academic performance. Attendance at this interview is required for continued enrolment in your course. Your enrolment in your next semester of study (including summer) will not be approved if you have not attended this interview. The panel may make recommendations regarding strategies to improve academic performance, including making appointments to see a learning skills specialist from the Faculty Teaching and Learning Unit. |
| Warning | Full-time students who fail for the first time in half of their course load in two consecutive semesters (not including summer); or Part-time students who fail for the first time in all their course load in two consecutive semesters; or Full-time students who fail in more than half of their course load (but less than 100%) in their first two consecutive semesters; or Part-time students who fail in half or more of their course load in their equivalent first year of study |
You will be required to meet with a course adviser to discuss strategies for improving your academic performance prior to your next semester of study. Attendance at this appointment is compulsory for continued enrolment in your course. Your enrolment in your next semester of study (including summer) will not be approved if you have not attended this appointment. At this appointment a course adviser may make recommendations for you to seek assistance from student support services such as the Teaching and Learning Unit, Counselling or the Disability Liaison Unit. You will be required to meet regularly with a course adviser during your following semester of study. Students are also normally instructed to attend the Teaching and Learning Unit. You will be advised that further failure may lead to the termination of your enrolment in the course. |
| Students who fail a non-compulsory subject twice | As above. You will not be permitted to enrol in that subject again. |
|
| Students who fail a compulsory subject twice | As above. You will be permitted to enrol in that subject for a third and final time. |
|
| Students who fail in any combination of subjects required to meet the level-2 quantitative requirements of the degree at three attempts | As above. You will be permitted to enrol in one of the level-2 subjects required to meet the level-2 quantitative requirements of the degree for a combined fourth and final time. |
|
| Unsatisfactory Progress | Full-time students who have failed more than half of their course load in two consecutive semesters (not including summer), subsequent to the first two semesters of study (or four consecutive semesters for part-time students); or Students who fail in all of their course load in the first two consecutive semesters (not including summer); or Students who fail the same three or more subjects at two attempts; or Students who fail a compulsory subject at three attempts; or Students who fail in any combination of subjects required to meet the level-2 quantitative requirements of the degree at four attempts; or Students who fail any subject after receiving a warning letter. |
You will be invited to appear before the Student Progress Committee and to submit written evidence detailing any extenuating circumstances you feel should be taken into account by the committee before it makes its decision. In considering a student's progress the committee will normally take into account personal, financial and study problems. Students are advised, however, that excessive commitments outside their studies are not considered extenuating circumstances. In particular, full-time students should not take more than six to eight hours of employment per week in the academic year. |
What happens if my progress in considered unsatisfactory?
Please be aware that if your results are not satisfactory, the Student Progress Committee will consider your continued enrolment in the course.
Should you be invited to appear before the Committee, it will be noted whether you have participated in the services available to you as a student, including course advice sessions and Teaching and Learning Unit appointments. It is therefore in your best interest to address any difficulties you may be having and heed the advice offered by advisers in the University, including course advisers, TLU staff, or staff from other student support services.
The Committee will determine the best course of action for the student's academic future as follows:
The committee may permit a student to continue if there is evidence that difficulties will be overcome and it is likely the student can complete the course successfully. Students permitted to continue will be expected to meet with course advisers and staff from the Faculty's Teaching and Learning Unit regularly and may be restricted in the number and nature of subjects to be taken. Students may also be directed to seek help from the University's Student Support Services (including financial aid, housing) or advised to apply for leave of absence.
The committee may recommend to the Academic Board that a student's enrolment in the course be terminated. Where such a recommendation is made, students have the right to be heard by the board, but, if the board confirms the recommendation, the student is then excluded from the course. Students whose enrolment in the course is terminated, or who discontinue from a course, may apply to be re-selected into the course in competition with other applicants during the selection period once they have demonstrated academic rehabilitation (see below).
Normally the Committee will not recomend a student's enrolment be terminated if they have 50 points or less remaining to complete their degree.
Preparing for a meeting with the Unsatisfactory Progress Committee
If you wish to seek assistance in preparing for your meeting with the Unsatisfactory Progress Committee, you could:
- attend a Student Union Advisory Service Unsatisfactory Progress workshop;
- attend a session at the Counselling Service.
Can I reapply for admission to my course if my enrolment is terminated?
Students whose enrolment in the course is terminated may apply for re-admission. They will only be re-admitted if they can demonstrate academic rehabilitation, (ie that they do have the ability to successfully undertake tertiary study) or a change in their circumstances such that there is a reasonable chance that they could successfully complete their course.
Students may be able to undertake academic rehabilitation by enrolling at another tertiary institution either in Australia or overseas, or at the University of Melbourne through the Community Access Program (CAP). Students wishing to explore this option should approach the relevant tertiary institution, or visit the CAP website. Please note that restrictions may apply to students enrolling through the Community Access Program and students are advised to seek advice from the Commerce Student Centre prior to enrolling on this basis.
What services are available to assist me with my studies, or any personal difficulties that may affect my studies?
- meet with a Course Adviser in the Undergraduate Student Centre to discuss any difficulties you are experiencing. Course advisers can assist you with planning your studies, and can refer you to appropriate University services;
- meet with staff at the Teaching and Learning Unit to discuss strategies for improving your study techniques;
- if appropriate, register with the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) for support and assistance;
- if appropriate, register for classes at the Language and Learning Skills Unit;
- if appropriate, make an appointment with the Counselling Service;
If you require further information, please contact the Commerce Student Centre during office hours or send an email to commerce-studentprogress@unimelb.edu.au.
Other References:
- University Statute 11.5 Unsatisfactory Progress
- Student Diary