2023 Academic Regulations

2.1 Student responsibilities

It is the responsibility of students to familiarise themselves and comply with University rules, regulations, policies and associated procedures.

2.2 Staff roles and responsibilities

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:

1. determine minimum rate of progress in a program of study;
2. approve recognition of prior learning and credit transfer for coursework students;
3. determine that the requirements for a degree have been satisfied for coursework students; and
4. terminate candidature of a coursework student for failure to progress.

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 Correspondence to applicants/students

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:

1. emailed to the applicant/student:
   1. for admission purposes, at the email address provided on the application for admission;
   2. for other purposes, to the student’s University email address;
      OR
2. posted to the student:
   1. for admission purposes, at the address provided on the application for admission;
   2. at the mailing or semester address shown on the student's most recent enrolment, if posted during a study period;
   3. at the mailing address shown on the student’s most recent enrolment, if posted outside a study period;
      OR
3. sent via electronic communication to a mobile phone number supplied by the student; or
4. posted for students, on ACU’s learning management system, during any study period.

3.1.3 Unless a later delivery date can be proven, any notice or advice is deemed to have been received:

1. if sent by email or electronic communication on the first working day after it was sent;
2. if sent by post to an address within Australia, on the fifth working day after it was sent, subject to any published service disruption alerts;
3. if sent by post to an address outside Australia by airmail, on the fifteenth working day after it was sent, subject to any published service disruption alerts;
4. if posted on ACU’s learning management system, on the first working day from the date and time at which it was posted.

3.2 Correspondence from student

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, when it will be deemed to have been received on the next business day.

3.3 Personal or correspondence details

3.3.1 A student's full legal name must be recorded on their student record and will be used on all official academic documents.

3.3.2 Students must formally notify the University within 5 working days, in accordance with the prescribed administrative process, of:

1. any change of name; or
2. address; or
3. mobile phone number.

3.4 Record keeping

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 Records Retention and Disposal Schedule.

5.1 Types of credit

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:

1. Specified Credit: credit granted for one or more units of the program. Specified Credit will only be granted if the student has previously passed units substantially the same as the unit/s for which Specified Credit is sought.
2. Block Credit: credit granted for complete sections of a program in an articulation process, equivalent to at least one semester. Block credit will be applied automatically to students with the agreed completed qualification in an articulation pathway but must be granted against a combination of specified and unspecified (elective) units of programs.
3. Unspecified Credit: credit granted for elective components of programs where previous study does not correspond precisely with components of the program. It cannot be granted in programs which do not contain electives.

5.2 Credit applications

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 Maximum allowable credit

5.3.1 There is no maximum credit that may be granted for:

1. a designated suite of courses or courses within a qualification pathway which are designed to allow full credit transfer between the awards; or
2. units undertaken by a student at ACU that have not been used towards the completion of another award.

5.3.2 The maximum credit that may be granted in any other circumstances for recognised prior learning is:

1. Non-award course, a maximum of one-half of the course;
2. Sub-Bachelor programs, a maximum of one-half of the course;
3. Bachelor Degree of 3-years standard length, a maximum of two-thirds of the course;
4. Bachelor Degree of 4-years standard length, a maximum of three quarters of the course;
5. Double Bachelor Degree, a maximum of one-half of each course comprising the double degree;
6. Bachelor Honours Degree, in addition to the maximums applied according to (c) and (d) above, a maximum of one-half of the Honours units, excluding theses, dissertations or research projects;
7. Postgraduate coursework degrees, a maximum of one-half of the course excluding theses, dissertations or research projects.
8. Bachelor and Masters clustered qualifications, the maximums of each component degree at (c)-(g) apply

5.4 Minimum level of studies required for an award of ACU

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:

1. by studies undertaken at ACU; and
2. in units not credited towards another completed award.

5.5 Limits on credit for recognised prior learning

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 A student may not seek credit for a failed unit unless the application is based on equivalent tertiary study successfully completed after the failure in the unit.

5.5.4 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.

5.5.5 Credit will only be granted for a whole unit.

5.5.6 Credit for formal learning can normally only be granted for:

1. successful study in a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree at AQF Level 5 or AQF Level 6 into a Bachelor degree in the same or related discipline; or
2. equivalent (or higher level) of formal study consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF); or
3. up to a maximum of 40cp towards any 160cp Masters on the basis of a completed three-year or four-year Bachelor degree at AQF Level 7, or Bachelor degree with Honours at AQF Level 8, in the same or a related discipline; or
4. for Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diplomas at AQF Level 8 into a Masters degree at AQF Level 9.

5.5.7 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.

5.5.8 A student who transfers from a Double Bachelor Degree to one of the component Bachelor Degrees must meet the requirements of that Bachelor Degree. A student will only receive credit for units that are consistent with the applicable program rules of the Bachelor Degree.

6.1 Program enrolment

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:

1. complete the required enrolment or re-enrolment process;
2. make a declaration to comply with the Statutes, Regulations and Policies of the University;
3. be enrolled in at least one unit;
4. pay all relevant University and government fees and charges.

6.1.2 On the advice of the relevant Lecturer in Charge, the Course Coordinator may recommend to the Head of School, or equivalent that a student’s enrolment in a unit is cancelled before the relevant census date where the student:

1. is studying online and has not accessed the unit in the learning management system in the first study period of their enrolment; or
2. has made no attempt at any assessment due, where relevant; or
3. has not met any participation requirements, where relevant.

6.1.3 Continuing enrolment

6.1.3.1 All continuing students are required to re-enrol in at least one unit in any two study periods across each academic year unless they:

1. have applied to interrupt their studies under Regulation 6.6; or
2. have completed the requirements for their award; or
3. are a mid-year commencing student in the year of commencement; or
4. are suspended or excluded from study under the relevant University Policy.

6.1.3.2 A student who fails to re-enrol for more than two consecutive standard study periods will be deemed to be inactive and will be required to apply for readmission.

6.1.3.3 A student who fails to re-enrol for more than four consecutive standard study periods will have been deemed to have abandoned their studies and will be required to lodge a new application for admission.

6.1.3.4 A student must maintain their enrolment by ensuring they:

1. are enrolled in units in accordance with the applicable program rules unless approval to vary has been granted by the Course Coordinator; and
2. will complete the requirements of their program within the maximum time limit under Regulation 11.1.2; or
3. in the case of an international student will complete their program within the expected duration specified on their Confirmation of Enrolment.

6.1.4 Fee for late re-enrolment or variation

6.1.4.1 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.

6.1.4.2 A student who incurs a fee under Regulation 6.1.4.1 will remain liable for that fee if they withdraw from the relevant unit(s).

6.1.5 Constraints on enrolment

6.1.5.1 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).

6.1.5.2 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.

6.1.5.3 International students:

1. may only enrol in up to one-third of the total units of their program in online mode; and
2. must enrol in at least one unit in attendance mode or multi-mode in each standard study period, unless the student is completing the last unit of their course and that unit is only available in online mode.

6.1.6 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 Cross-institutional enrolment

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:

1. if the unit is necessary for completion of, or progression in, the student’s program and is not available at ACU in the required study period; and
2. where no equivalent unit exists.

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 Addition of units

6.3.1 Period for adding units

A student may add a unit to an existing enrolment, provided that such changes are actioned:

1. within the first two weeks in a standard study period; or
2. within the first week of a non-standard study period.

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 Withdrawal

6.4.1 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 Withdrawal from a program of study

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:

1. up to the census date in that study period; or 
2. in the case of professional experience or community engagement units, prior to commencement of a placement.

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 student 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 from a unit without academic or financial penalty

6.4.3.1 A student may withdraw from a unit without academic and financial penalty up to the relevant census date of the study period unless Regulation 6.4.3.2 applies.

6.4.3.2 A student who has commenced a professional experience placement prior to the relevant census date of the study period may only withdraw from the unit without academic and financial penalty:

1. where 20% or less of the placement has been completed; and
2. if they have not been withdrawn from the placement by the Head of School under Regulation 6.4.5 or 6.4.6(a).

6.4.3.3 Where a student has withdrawn from a unit in accordance with Regulation 6.4.3.1 or 6.4.3.2, the unit will not be recorded on the student’s transcript.

6.4.3.4 Under special circumstances specified under the Higher Education Support Act a student may apply to be withdrawn from a unit without financial penalty.

1. The assessment of applications for withdrawal without financial penalty after census date can only be made by the Academic Progress and Fees section of Student Administration.
2. Where a student has been granted a refund of fees due to special circumstances, the student will be withdrawn from the relevant unit without academic penalty with the exception of any fail grade which has been applied as a penalty for academic misconduct, or under Regulation 6.4.7.
3. Where no final grade is assigned, the Academic Progress and Fees section of Student Administration will consult the Course Coordinator before withdrawing the student without academic penalty. 

6.4.4 Withdrawal from a unit without academic penalty

6.4.4.1 A student may withdraw from a unit without academic penalty and receive a Withdrawn Without Academic Penalty (WW) grade after the dates specified in Regulation 6.4.3.1 and:

1. up until the end of classes in each study period; or 
2. in the case of a professional experience or unit containing professional experience where the student can produce evidence that they have completed no more than two-thirds of the placement.

6.4.4.2 A student will not be able to withdraw from a unit without academic penalty under Regulation 6.4.4.1 where:

1. the student has been withdrawn from a professional experience placement under Regulation 6.4.5.1 or 6.4.6(a); or
2. a student has received a penalty of failure in the unit under the Student Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy.

6.4.4.3 Withdrawal without academic penalty after the dates specified in Regulation 6.4.4.1 may be approved by the Executive Dean or Head of School, or equivalent, as an outcome from an application for formal review or appeal or the resolution of a formal complaint.

6.4.4.4 A student will be liable for fees relating to a unit if the student withdraws after the census date for the relevant study period.

6.4.5 Withdrawal from a professional experience placement for unsatisfactory performance

6.4.5.1 On the advice of the relevant Course Coordinator or Professional Experience Coordinator, a student may be withdrawn from a professional experience placement by the Head of School, or equivalent if the student:

1. has not satisfactorily completed a course of studies or administrative requirement specified in the unit outline which constitute prerequisites for such a placement; or
2. has failed to maintain a current working with children check or other legislative requirement required to undertake a placement as defined by the relevant state or territory legislation; or
3. is consistently unable, after due instruction and guidance, to perform the skills required at an appropriate standard attainable through supervision by University staff or on-site supervisory staff; or
4. is considered by the supervising organisation or the responsible ACU staff member to be hindering and disrupting the conduct of the business, or the day-to-day activity, of the placement provider; or 
5. is considered by the supervising organisation or the responsible ACU staff member to be unsafe or not complying with directions.

6.4.5.2 In any such case, the Head of School, or equivalent, will advise the student within 10 working days in writing of:

1. the reasons for the withdrawal under Regulation 6.4.5.1 (a)-(e);
2. the specific detail of the circumstances that have led to the withdrawal; 
3. that a Fail (NN), Fail Hurdle (NH) or Fail Ungraded (NU) grade will be awarded for the unit under Regulation 6.4.7; and
4. the Regulations pertaining to unsatisfactory progress at section 11.

On the advice of the relevant Course Coordinator or Professional Experience Coordinator, a student may also be withdrawn from a professional experience placement in accordance with:

1. the Student Conduct Policy if the student is alleged to have committed an act of misconduct including a breach of the professional conduct expectations or placement guidelines of the supervising organisation, or the published Faculty or School policy, procedures, protocols and/or guidelines relating to such placements; or
2. the Serious Student Health Conditions Policy if the student is in a state of health, whether mental or physical, which makes the student unfit to undertake the placement at that time.

6.4.7 A student who has been withdrawn from a professional experience placement 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 6.4.6(b) will be withdrawn without academic or financial penalty 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 Substitution

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 Interruption of studies

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:

1. only be granted for a maximum of two additional standard study periods over the duration of their course; and
2. will not extend the maximum time in which a student must complete their course under Regulation 11.1.2.

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:

1. demonstrate professional competence; and/or
2. complete remedial study including repeating a previously completed unit under Regulation 6.3.4.1; and/or
3. complete the program in accordance with the conditions and program rules in force at the time of the return; and/or
4. transfer to a new course.

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 Applicable program rules

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 within the program rules. 

6.7.3 Students who transfer from a Double Bachelor Degree to one of the component Bachelor Degrees are required to: 

1. meet the requirements of the applicable program rules of that Bachelor Degree at the time of transfer; or 
2. where the program rules have changed, follow any approved transition plan in accordance with sections 6.7.1 and 6.7.2.

6.8 Right of correction

6.8.1 A student may apply for a right of correction where they can demonstrate that a university error caused, or significantly contributed to, an error in their enrolment.

7.1 Levying fees and charges

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 Payment requirements

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:

1. enrolling or re-enrolling in any program or unit;
2. varying enrolment in any program or unit;
3. receiving a result in any program or unit completed; or
4. graduating from any program or receiving any award of the University:

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:

1. pay their tuition fees, or
2. provide a Tax File Number to defer their fees to the Australian Taxation Office (eligible students only).

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.

7.2.3 Any student in a Commonwealth Supported Place or receiving FEE-HELP assistance who believes that the enrolment and/or payment details on their Commonwealth Assistance Notice are incorrect must apply for a right of correction within 14 days of the date of issue of that notice. 

7.3 Units not prescribed in the course requirements

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 Unit completion requirements

8.1.1 To complete the requirements for a unit a student must:

1. comply with all University statutes, policies, procedures, regulations and rules;
2. pay all relevant fees and charges; and
3. successfully complete the requirements prescribed in the Unit Outline to achieve a passing result.

8.1.2 Failure to complete all the requirements of Regulation 8.1.1 will result in failure of the unit.

8.2 Academic misconduct

Any allegation of academic misconduct will be investigated and resolved in accordance with the Student Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy.

10.1 Allocation, change and release of results

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:

1. as a result of an outcome from a formal application for review or appeal under the Student Appeals Policy; or
2. as a result of a student's request for clarification of a mark or grade for an assessment under the Assessment Procedures, with the approval of the relevant Head of School, or equivalent; or
3. within six months of the original allocation of the final result, with the approval of the relevant Head of School, or equivalent; or
4. after six months and up to two years of the original allocation of the final result, by the Executive Dean of the relevant Faculty.

10.1.3 Release of results

10.1.3.1 Results will be released by Student Administration on the published date.

10.1.3.2 Results will not be released to a student where they:

1. have failed to provide a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI);
2. have not paid any applicable fee or fine ; or
3. have failed to complete the University's mandatory academic integrity and respectful relationships training.

10.2 Grading and results

10.2.1 Unit results

All units will be assessed and unit results will be recorded as:

1. marks and grades which correspond with the codes listed in Table 1; or
2. by grade only where the final unit result is Pass Ungraded (PS) or Fail Ungraded (NU).

Table 1 – Academic grading for graded units

Table 2 – Academic grading for ungraded units

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. 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:

1. where approval has been granted to transfer a unit from an incomplete ACU award to another ACU program, the credit will be recorded in the current program with the unit results and will be included in the calculation of the grade point average; or
2. in all other cases, the administrative credit granted (CG) grade will be applied under 10.3.

10.3 Administrative grades

The following administrative grades will be recorded in accordance with these Regulations.

Table 3 – Administrative grading codes

10.4 Interim grading codes

The following interim grading codes will be temporarily recorded and will be converted to an academic or administrative grade according to the Results Procedures.

Table 4 – Interim grading codes

10.5 Honours course grading codes

All Honours courses will be assessed and recorded according to the codes listed in Table 5.

Table 5 – Grading codes - Honours

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.

10.6 Grade point average

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 Satisfactory academic progress

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 credit granted 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:

1. Sub-Bachelor, Bachelor Degree, Double Bachelor Degree and Bachelor Honours Degree according to the formula full time equivalent course length multiplied by two plus one (2n+1); or
2. Graduate Certificate – 2 years; or
3. Graduate Diploma – 4 years; or
4. Masters Degree – 6 years; or
5. Masters Degree leading to an Initial Teacher Education qualification (2n+1).

11.1.3 A student’s academic performance will be formally assessed at the completion of the following progression review periods:

1. following Semester 1 results release date inclusive of Semester 1, Summer Term and Professional Term 8 of the previous year and Professional Terms 1-4, ACU Online Terms 1 and 2, and Foundation Terms 1 and 2; and
2. following Semester 2 results release date inclusive of Semester 2, Winter Term and Professional Terms 5-7, ACU Online Terms 3 and 4, and Foundation Terms 3 and 4.

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 At risk process

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:

1. warn that further failure may lead to termination of their enrolment;
2. warn that further failure may mean they will not be eligible for Commonwealth financial assistance to study in a Commonwealth Supported Place or to receive a HELP loan, where relevant;
3. recommend they seek academic advice before continuing in their program; and
4. refer them to relevant support services.

11.3 Unsatisfactory academic progress

11.3.1 A student’s academic progress will be determined as being unsatisfactory in the following circumstances:

1. a student who has failed 50% or more of enrolled units or credit points taken during a progression review period for a second or subsequent time; or
2. a student who has failed the same unit or its equivalent on two occasions; or
3. a student who has failed any professional experience unit or unit containing professional experience; or
4. it is apparent that the student cannot complete the requirements of a program in which they are enrolled either:
   1. within the maximum time limit under Regulation 11.1.2; or
   2. in the case of an international student within the expected duration specified on the student’s Confirmation of Enrolment.

11.3.2 A student who is assessed as making unsatisfactory academic progress will be:

1. required to show cause as to why their enrolment should not be terminated under Regulation 11.4; and
2. may have their enrolment terminated under Regulation 11.5.

11.4 Show cause process

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:

1. in writing;
2. explain the circumstances that led to unsatisfactory performance;
3. demonstrate a strategy to improve academic performance; and
4. be submitted within 20 working days from the date of notification of the requirement to show cause.

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:

1. whether the student has a reasonable prospect of success;
2. the relevance of any evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances provided by the student to support their case;
3. the maximum time limit for completion of the program; and
4. whether there are any relevant:
   1. regulatory and legislative requirements; and/or
   2. professional accreditation or registration requirements of a program.

11.4.5 The Course Coordinator will determine whether the student:

1. may continue in their program or non-award course unconditionally; or
2. may continue in their program or non-award course, subject to specified conditions which are limited to additional requirements for:
   1. academic skills development and/or remedial support;
   2. a reduction in study load for no more than one study period which must not result in a full-time student falling below 75% of the equivalent full time study load;
   or
3. may remain enrolled but must transfer to another program, non-award course, major or specialisation where the student is eligible for admission; or
4. will have their enrolment terminated from their program or non-award course.

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 Termination of enrolment for unsatisfactory academic progress

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:

1. having been required to show cause:
   1. has failed to do so; or
   2. has been recommended for termination by the Course Coordinator who has determined that the cause shown was not of sufficient merit;
   or
2. has failed 50% or more of enrolled units or credit points taken during a progression review period for a third time; or
3. has failed the same unit or its equivalent on a third or subsequent occasion; or
4. has failed the same or any two different professional experience units or units containing professional experience; or
5. fails to meet any conditions previously imposed on the student’s enrolment at Regulation 11.4.5(b); or
6. has exceeded the maximum time limit for completion of their program under Regulation 11.1.2.

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:

1. when the student has not continued in their program of study at any time since becoming liable for termination, then the termination will take effect from the end of the study period in which the student was last enrolled in any units; or
2. when the student has continued in their program of study, then the termination will take effect from the end of the study period in which the matter is finalised.

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) under Regulation 4 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 Eligibility for award

13.1.1 To be eligible to be admitted to any award of the University, a student must:

1. comply with all University statutes, policies, procedures, regulations and rules;
2. pay all relevant fees and charges; and
3. complete all requirements prescribed for the program.

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.

13.2 Revocation or rescission of an 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.

13.3 Conferral of award

Awards will be conferred in accordance with the Conferral and Graduation Policy.