Unsatisfactory Academic Progress

What is considered unsatisfactory academic performance?

At the end of each semester the Faculty of Science assesses the performance of all students enrolled in single or double degree courses managed by the Faculty of Science.  This is to ensure that they can progress successfully towards completing their course, and to point students to remedial actions when their progress is being negatively affected by various circumstances.

Depending on the semester when the students commence their course, their academic performance may be deemed to be unsatisfactory at the end of either semester one (mid year) or semester two (end of year).

The academic performance of a science student over a one-year period is considered unsatisfactory when

1. by the end of semester two, the student has completed at least two semesters of study in their science course of enrolment and, in the period commencing in December of the previous year failed more than 50% of their enrolment, or
2. the student commenced mid year of the previous year, and by the end of semester 1 of the following year, has completed at least  two semesters of study in their science course of enrolment and failed more than 50% of their enrolment, or
3. the student failed to comply with any conditions imposed by the Faculty Board or by an Academic Progress Committee of the faculty.

Early Warning Letters

Early warning letters are sent to all students who have failed 50% or more of their enrolment in a given semester.
The purpose of these letters is to:

• warn the students  that they  may be at risk of breaching the Faculty  academic progress rules;
• inform the students  about the free support services available to them from the Faculty and the University; and
• urge the students  to take immediate actions to improve their academic performance

Getting help

If you receive a warning letter you will be required to attend an Academic Support Meeting with the Faculty of Science Student Services staff. The details of this meeting will be specified in your letter. It is essential that you assess the reasons for failing units and take action immediately to improve your academic performance. In particular;

• Discuss any study difficulties you are experiencing with course coordinator, unit coordinators, lecturers or tutors. These staff members can assist you in identifying your academic problem areas and explore the options available to you in your course.
• Make use of the services available through the Learning Skills Unit to get help with your study methods, language skills and work presentation.
• Seek help from the University Counselling Service if you think personal or other issues, such as  motivation, adjustment or self-confidence, may be affecting your level of achievement.