These Regulations relate to all coursework programs and units in coursework programs other than higher degrees by research (which is covered by the Higher Degree Research Regulations). Rules specific to individual programs should be read in conjunction with these Regulations.
It is the responsibility of students to familiarise themselves and comply with University rules, regulations, policies and associated procedures.
2.2.1 The roles and responsibilities for Academic and Student Matters are subject to the Delegations of Authority Policy and Register.
2.2.2 These Academic Regulations delegate the following roles to the Head of School or equivalent as follows:
2.2.3 A Course Coordinator may undertake roles under these Regulations in accordance with delegations from the Head of School, or equivalent, in a particular program.
3.1.1 The preferred method of correspondence with an applicant/student is email unless another form is required under specific ACU policies.
3.1.2 A notice or advice to an applicant/student is sufficient if it is in writing and is:
3.1.3 Unless a later delivery date can be proven, any notice or advice is deemed to have been received:
3.2.1 Correspondence from a student will take effect from the date it is received by the University, except where the correspondence is received on a day which is not a business day or after 5:00pm when it will be deemed to have been received on the next business day.
3.3.1 Students must formally notify the University immediately, in accordance with the prescribed administrative process, of:
3.4.1 Any document or form submitted by a student and all correspondence between the University and a student is retained by the University and is disposed of according to the University's Retention and Disposal Schedule.
5.1.1 Credit may be granted towards an ACU program for formal, non-formal or informal learning in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
5.1.2 Credit may be in the form of any one or more of the following:
5.2.1 Applications for credit and/or recognised prior learning should be made in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
5.3.1 There is no maximum credit that may be granted for:
5.3.2 The maximum credit that may be granted in any other circumstances for recognised prior learning is:
5.4.1 Normally a student must complete at least one-quarter of the units required for a program, and at least one-quarter of the units required for a major, double major or specialisation:
5.5.1 Credit will only be granted for prior learning acquired within the last 10 years.
5.5.2 Credit for prior study or learning based on any completed award may be granted only once towards an award at ACU.
5.5.3 If a student has been granted the maximum available credit, in accordance with Regulation 5.3.2, for studies undertaken at another institution or for recognised prior learning, approval will not normally be granted for other units to be undertaken elsewhere on a cross-institutional basis.
5.5.4 Credit will only be granted for a whole unit.
5.5.5 Credit for formal learning can normally only be granted for:
5.5.6 A student may not be granted credit towards any program for any study, learning, professional experience or community engagement undertaken elsewhere during any period of termination of enrolment, suspension or exclusion from this or another University or other educational institution.
6.1.1 Requirements for enrolment and re-enrolment
To become an enrolled or re-enrolled student, a person who has been offered a place or a student who is continuing in a program must, by the prescribed date:
6.1.2 Continuing enrolment
6.1.2.1 All continuing students are required to re-enrol in at least one unit in any two study periods across the academic year unless they:
6.1.2.2 A student who fails to re-enrol for more than two consecutive standard study periods will have their enrolment inactivated and will be required to re-apply for admission.
6.1.2.3 A student must maintain their enrolment by ensuring they:
6.1.3 Fee for late re-enrolment or variation
A student who fails to complete the process for re-enrolment or variation of enrolment by the due date will be required to pay a late fee in order to be an enrolled student.
6.1.4 Constraints on enrolment
6.1.4.1 The University may limit the number of enrolments in any unit in any study period and may make any unit available only to students in a nominated cohort(s) or program(s).
6.1.4.2 A student may not normally enrol concurrently in more than one program at ACU. This provision may be waived in exceptional circumstances with the approval of the Academic Registrar. This constraint is not applicable to students enrolled in approved programs where concurrent enrolment is intended and specified in the course rules, or to students enrolled in double degrees who are enrolled in one program of study, but two courses.
6.1.4.3 International students:
6.1.5 Non-acceptance of enrolment or variation of enrolment after prescribed date
Enrolment in a program or unit, or variation of enrolment, will not be accepted after the relevant date prescribed in the University Calendar and is subject to Regulation 6.3 and Regulation 6.4.
6.2.1 With the prior written approval of the Course Coordinator a student may be enrolled concurrently at ACU and another tertiary institution in a unit or units which, if successfully completed, will be credited to the student’s program at ACU.
6.2.2 Cross-institutional enrolment will only be approved:
6.2.3 Cross-institutional enrolment will only be approved as a substitute for a unit failed at ACU where the unit is necessary for completion of the student’s program.
6.3.1 Period for adding units
A student may add a unit to an existing enrolment, provided that such changes are actioned:
6.3.2 Late addition of units
A student may add a unit to an existing enrolment after the periods noted in Regulation 6.3.1 above only if authorised by the Lecturer in Charge and approved by the Course Coordinator before the census date; any such late change may incur additional fees and charges.
6.3.3 Credit point limit in a study period
A student may not enrol in more units than a standard full-time program load in any study period without the approval of the Course Coordinator except where concurrent enrolment in two courses is intended and allowed for in the course rules. The student's previous academic record will be considered in determining the application.
6.3.4 Repeating a previously completed unit
6.3.4.1 Students who are required by the Course Coordinator to re-enrol in a previously completed unit following an interruption to their studies for two or more standard-study periods under 6.6.4, may do so in a Commonwealth-supported place. Each attempt will be recorded on the transcript and will contribute to the calculation of the GPA.
6.3.4.2 With the approval of the Course Coordinator, students who wish to re-enrol in a previously completed unit, may do so on a fee paying basis. Each subsequent attempt will be recorded on the transcript and will not contribute to the calculation of the GPA.
6.4.1 Withdrawal from units or program of study
Students are responsible for seeking advice from the Course Coordinator before withdrawing from units or their program of study. Completing the formal withdrawal process and the consequences of the withdrawal are also the responsibility of the student.
6.4.2 Non-effective enrolments
6.4.2.1 Enrolment for a study period will be regarded as non-effective, and will not be recorded on the student’s transcript if a student withdraws from all units, or their program of study:
6.4.2.2 If a commencing student withdraws from their program of study up to the census date in their first study period, the enrolment will be regarded as non-effective and they will be deemed not to have accepted their offer of enrolment. Such students will be required to re-apply for admission.
6.4.3 Withdrawal without academic or financial penalty
6.4.3.1 A student may withdraw from a unit without academic or financial penalty up to the following dates:
6.4.3.2 Under special circumstances specified under the Higher Education Support Act a student may apply to be withdrawn from a unit without financial penalty.
6.4.4 Withdrawal without academic penalty
6.4.4.1 A student may apply to the Head of School, or equivalent, to be withdrawn from a unit without academic penalty:
6.4.4.2 Withdrawal without academic penalty can only be approved by the Head of School, or equivalent, under the following circumstances:
6.4.5 Withdrawal of a student with academic and financial penalty
A student will be recorded as having withdrawn with academic penalty (WN) if the student withdraws from the unit after the date for withdrawal without academic penalty but prior to:
A student will be liable for fees relating to a unit if the student withdraws after the census date for the relevant study period.
6.4.6 Withdrawal from professional experience unit or unit containing professional experience for unsatisfactory performance.
6.4.6.1 On the advice of the relevant Course Coordinator, Professional Experience Coordinator or Clinical Coordinator, a student may be withdrawn from a professional experience or community engagement placement by the Head of School, or equivalent if the student:
6.4.6.2 In any such case, the Head of School, or equivalent, will advise the student within 10 working days in writing of:
6.4.7 Withdrawal from professional experience unit or unit containing professional experience for other reasons
On the advice of the relevant Course Coordinator, Professional Experience Coordinator or Clinical Coordinator, a student may also be withdrawn from a professional experience or community engagement placement by:
6.4.8 A student who has been withdrawn from a professional experience unit or unit containing professional experience will be awarded a Fail (NN), Fail Hurdle (NH) or Fail Ungraded (NU) grade for that unit and will be subject to the requirements under Regulation 11.3.1. The exception is that a student who has been withdrawn under Regulation 6.4.7(b) will be withdrawn without academic or financial penalty (WW) and will be required to gain approval from the Head of School, or equivalent, for readmission to the unit in any subsequent placement period.
6.5.1 In special circumstances the Course Coordinator may approve a student's substituting an equivalent unit from this or another university for a required unit in a program. Where a substitute unit was undertaken at ACU, that unit will be recorded on the student's academic transcript. Where the unit was undertaken at another university, it will be handled as cross-institutional study.
6.6.1 A student who has completed and achieved final results for at least one study period in their current program may interrupt their studies, subject to visa requirements in the case of international students.
6.6.2 A student may formally interrupt their studies for up to a maximum of two standard study periods over the duration of their course.
6.6.3 A student may apply to the Course Coordinator for further interruption of studies under exceptional circumstances. Such an extension will:
6.6.4 Where an interruption of studies is approved for more than two standard-study periods, the Course Coordinator may attach conditions to the student’s return to studies, including requiring the student to:
6.6.5 A student who does not re-enrol following their period of interruption will have their enrolment in the program cancelled and will be required to re-apply for admission.
6.7.1 If the program rules change during the currency of a student's enrolment for the program, the student must follow the approved transition plan.
6.7.2 In exceptional circumstances, where the student has pursued the program without interruption and pursuit of the transitional program would substantially disadvantage the student, the Course Coordinator may permit them to complete the program under the rules applicable at the time of initial enrolment, within a timeframe approved by the Course Coordinator. The maximum period during which a student would be permitted to complete a program under these circumstances would be four standard study periods beyond the minimum time for course completion.
ACU will set fees or charges associated with student enrolments, due dates for payment and penalties for failure to adhere to the due date for a nominated course of action, or failure to pay the prescribed amount by the relevant due date.
7.2.1 A student who is in debt to the University because of non-payment of any fee, charge or other debt and who fails to make satisfactory settlement of that debt after notice from the University may be prevented from:
until the debt is repaid or arrangements, satisfactory to the Academic Registrar, have been made for settlement of the debt.
7.2.2 A student will have their enrolment cancelled if they do not:
Students who wish to resume study following a cancellation of enrolment will be charged a late payment and reinstatement fee in addition to the outstanding fees.
A Commonwealth-supported place will be available only for study in units prescribed for completion of the relevant course. If a student seeks to enrol in units not so required, they may do so only on a fee-paying basis and is subject to the approval of the Course Coordinator.
This section should be read in conjunction with the Assessment Policy and Assessment Procedures.
8.1.1 To complete the requirements for a unit a student must:
8.1.2 Failure to complete all the requirements of Regulation 8.1.1 will result in failure of the unit.
Any allegation of academic misconduct will be investigated and resolved in accordance with the Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
10.1.1 Allocation of results
Results in a unit are assigned by the Lecturer in Charge, and must be ratified by the Head of School, or equivalent, or nominee prior to release to student.
10.1.2 Change of results
A student's result in a unit may be changed:
10.1.3 Release of results
Results will be released by Student Administration on the published date.
10.2.1 Unit results
All units will be assessed and unit results will be recorded as:
Final Result Grade | Notation | Mark Range (%) | Grade Point Value |
---|---|---|---|
High Distinction | HD | 85-100 | 7 |
Distinction | DI | 75-84 | 6 |
Credit | CR | 65-74 | 5 |
Pass | PA | 50-64 | 4 |
Fail | NN | 0-49 | 0 |
Fail Hurdle | NH | 49 | 0 |
Final Result Grade | Notation | Mark Range (%) | Grade Point Value |
---|---|---|---|
Pass Ungraded | PS | no mark | |
Fail Ungraded | NU | no mark | 0 |
10.2.2 Fail grade
Subject to Regulation 11.5.4.2, a student who fails a unit may either re-enrol in that unit in a subsequent study period in which it is offered or, if the unit is not a core curriculum or compulsory discipline unit, enrol in another unit consistent with the relevant course rules.
10.2.3 No final grade assigned
Where a student cannot be awarded a final result for a unit at the end of the study period, an interim grade will be recorded or the grade will remain blank. If no final grade has been assigned to the unit by the deadline set by the University, a Fail (NN) or Fail Ungraded (NU) grade will be assigned to the unit.
10.2.4 Record of results for credit
Credit will be recorded as follows:
The following administrative grades will be recorded in accordance with these Regulations.
Result Grade |
Notation | Grade Point Value | Descriptor |
---|---|---|---|
Credit Granted | CG | When a student has been granted credit for the unit based on equivalent studies (Regulation 5) | |
Fail absent | NL | 0 | When a student has made no attempt at any assessment for a unit |
Withdrawn - Fail | WN | 0 | When a student withdraws from a unit outside the provisions of Regulation 6.4.3 |
Withdrawn Without Academic Penalty | WW | When a student withdraws from a unit in accordance with Regulation 6.4.4 |
The following interim grading codes will be temporarily recorded and will be converted to an academic or administrative grade according to the Results Procedures.
Result Grade |
Notation | Descriptor |
---|---|---|
Current Exchange | CE | Interim grade pending a final result when a student is studying an equivalent unit on a study abroad arrangement. |
Continuing Unit | CU | Interim grade for a thesis, dissertation, project, research, performance unit extending over more than one standard study period:
|
Deferred examination | DE | Interim grade pending a Deferred Examination |
Incomplete Practicum | IP | Interim grade pending completion of required professional experience within a unit |
Interim Fail | NF | Interim grade pending supplementary assessment. |
Result Pending | RP | Interim grade pending completion of an assessment item within a unit. |
Result Withheld | RW | Interim grade where a student has been awarded a result but the result is withheld because of non-payment of any fee or fine or withholding of results has been directed because a matter concerning the student is under investigation under the Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy or the Student Conduct Policy. |
All Honours courses will be assessed and recorded according to the codes listed in Table 5.
The award of the overall Honours Grade will be based on results obtained in all units required in the Honours course, weighted according to their credit point values.
Overall Honours Grades | Mark Range % | Code |
---|---|---|
First Class Honours | 85-100 | HI |
Second Class Honours - Division A | 75-84 | HIIA |
Second Class Honours - Division B | 65-74 | HIIB |
Third Class Honours | 50-64 | HIII |
Fail | 0-49 | NN |
10.6.1 The grade point average is calculated as the average of unit grades obtained by the student, weighted by the credit point value of each unit (illustrated by the formula below). Numerical equivalent of grades for this purpose are as listed in Table 1 and Table 2 to Regulation 10.2.
10.6.2 Pass Ungraded (PS), Credit Granted (CG) and Withdrawn Without Academic Penalty (WW) grades are excluded from the calculation of the grade point average.
11.1.1 A student must maintain satisfactory academic progress in a program or non-award course.
11.1.2 Unless the program rules otherwise specify, or the Head of School, or equivalent, otherwise approves, a student must complete the requirements of the program within a maximum time limit calculated from the first undertaking of any units counted or credited towards the program requirements, and not including an interruption of studies to a maximum of two standard study periods authorised under Regulation 6.6.2. The time limits are:
11.1.3 A student’s academic performance will be formally assessed at the completion of the following progression review periods:
11.1.4 Notwithstanding Regulation 11.1.3, a student’s academic performance may be assessed following any study period where the Head of School, or equivalent determines it is necessary.
11.2.1 A student who has failed 50% or more of enrolled units or credit points during a progression review period will be warned that they are at risk of not making satisfactory academic progress.
11.2.2 The student will be formally notified by the Course Coordinator of their at risk status. The notice must be consistent with the correspondence requirements of Regulation 3.1 and will normally be issued within 20 working days from the date of finalisation of their results for the relevant progression review period to:
11.3.1 A student’s academic progress will be determined as being unsatisfactory in the following circumstances:
11.3.2 A student who is assessed as making unsatisfactory academic progress will be:
11.4.1 The student will be formally notified by the Course Coordinator of the requirement to show cause as to why their enrolment should not be terminated. The notice must be consistent with the correspondence requirements of Regulation 3.1 and will normally be issued within 20 working days from the completion of the relevant progression review period.
11.4.2 Any submission from a student showing cause why their enrolment should not be terminated must be:
11.4.3 Failure to show cause in the format required under Regulation 11.4.2 may result in termination of enrolment.
11.4.4 The student’s show cause submission will be assessed by the relevant Course Coordinator who will consider:
11.4.5 The Course Coordinator will determine whether the student:
11.4.6 The student will be advised of the decision within 20 working days from the date of the student’s lodgement of the show cause submission.
11.5.1 Unless otherwise determined by the Head of School, or equivalent, a student’s enrolment in a program or non-award course is terminated if the student:
11.5.2 Effective date of termination
11.5.2.1 Where a student does not apply for a formal review or appeal of the decision to terminate under this Regulation, the termination will take effect from the end of the study period during which the student became liable for such termination.
11.5.2.2 Where the decision to terminate under this Regulation is subject to a formal review or appeal under Regulation 12:
11.5.3 Request for review of termination
11.5.3.1 A student may apply for review of any termination of enrolment under the provisions of Regulation 12.
11.5.3.2 Failure to apply for a review of a termination of enrolment decision may result in an international student receiving a Notice of Intention to Report to the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
11.5.3.3 Where no application for review of a termination decision has been submitted by an international student, there are no further appeal rights relating to the Notice of Intention to Report to the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
11.5.4 Application for re-admission or re-enrolment following termination
11.5.4.1 An applicant whose enrolment, at this or another university, has been terminated for unsatisfactory progress, may only be considered for re-admission into a course or individual unit(s) after two standard study periods have elapsed from the date of termination unless they are applying for admission to remedial or preparatory study at ACU. Such study will not be credited towards any program.
11.5.4.2 A student who has failed the same unit or its equivalent on three occasions and whose enrolment has been terminated may not enrol in units in that discipline until at least two standard study periods have elapsed from the date of termination; re-enrolment in such units is subject to the approval of the Head of School, or equivalent concerned.
13.1.1 To be eligible to be admitted to any award of the University, a student must:
13.1.2 Failure to complete all the requirements of Regulation 13.1.1 will result in ineligibility for admission to the relevant award.
13.1.3 Where the course rules provide for an exit point, a student who has satisfied relevant course requirements may apply to take out the lower level award.
In instances where it has been confirmed that an award was wrongly conferred, either through administrative error or based on provision of fraudulent or misleading information, ACU may rescind or revoke the award in accordance with the Procedures for Revocation or Rescission of an Award.
Conferral and Graduation Policy.
We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday
If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.