University Rules:

Admission, Enrolment and Academic Progress Rules

Table of Contents

1 Governance ................................................................................................................................................................ 2

2 Admission to the University ....................................................................................................................................... 8

3 Enrolment .................................................................................................................................................................. 8

4 Academic Progress ................................................................................................................................................... 12

5 Research Programs in Bachelor Honours Degrees..................................................................................................... 21

6 Higher Degree by Research ....................................................................................................................................... 22

7 Awards ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29

8 Service ...................................................................................................................................................................... 30

9 Timing ...................................................................................................................................................................... 31

10 Persons acting on behalf of a decision-maker ........................................................................................................... 31

11 Transitional Provisions ............................................................................................................................................. 31

12 Informal Review ....................................................................................................................................................... 31

13 Formal Review .......................................................................................................................................................... 32

14 Academic Progression Status Review ....................................................................................................................... 33

15 Support persons in reviews ...................................................................................................................................... 35

16 Composition of the Student Appeals Committee ...................................................................................................... 35

17 Appeals to the Student Appeals Committee ............................................................................................................. 36

18 Decisions of Student Appeals Committee ................................................................................................................. 38

19 Provisional enrolment .............................................................................................................................................. 39

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PART 1: GENERAL

1 Governance

1.1 Preliminary
These Rules are made under Statute No 30 - Admission, Enrolment and Academic Progress.

1.2 Definitions

The following definitions apply in these Rules.

Term Definition

Academic Board The board established by section 18 of the Edith Cowan University Act
1984.

Academic Penalty Date The final day a Student can withdraw from a Unit without an academic
penalty being officially recorded for that Unit.

Academic Progression Status The status the University applies to a Student’s academic progress.

Amber Status The Academic Progression Status applied to a Student making marginal
academic progress.

Assessment Task A process or task to determine a Student’s achievement of identified

learning outcomes, which may include written or oral work, demonstration
or performance.

Associate Dean (Discipline1) A member of a School Executive who reports to the Executive Dean,
responsible for leading a cluster of staff within one or more academic
disciplines (or a substantially equivalent role within a School or Teaching
Area), or a person acting in that position.

Associate Dean (Research) A member of a School Executive who reports to the Executive Dean,
responsible for research and research training within the School (or a
substantially equivalent role within a School or Teaching Area), or a
person acting in that position.

Associate Dean (Teaching and A member of a School Executive who reports to the Executive Dean,
Learning) responsible for curriculum, teaching, learning and the Student
experience of these within the School (or a substantially equivalent role
within a School or Teaching Area), or a person acting in that position.

Australian Qualifications The national policy for regulated qualifications in the Australian education
Framework (AQF) and training system.

Award A qualification conferred by the University recognised under the

Australian Qualifications Framework.

Award Course A Course leading to an Award.

Cancel The removal by the University of a Student’s enrolment in one or more

Units. “Cancelled” and “Cancellation” will have a corresponding meaning.

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Term Definition

Candidate A Student who is enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research (includes

provisional candidates).

Central Examination A centrally coordinated Examination, administered by Student

Administration on behalf of a School or Teaching Area.

Combined Course A Course leading to a single combined Award or designed to meet the
requirements of more than one Award, based on the concurrent study of
two Courses of the same Course type (i.e. two bachelor degrees),
otherwise known as a ‘Double Degree’.

Conflict of Interest A conflict of interest as described in the University’s Conflicts of Interest

Policy, including a Conflict of Interest (Actual), Potential Conflict of
Interest, or a Perceived Conflict of Interest. These terms are defined in
the Conflicts of Interest Policy.

Course A program of study approved for delivery.

Course Coordinator An academic staff member responsible for the coordination of a Course,
or a person acting in that position.

Course WAM The average mark a Student achieves in their nominated Course,
weighted by each Unit’s Credit Point value.

Coursework Unit A Unit which is not a Thesis Unit or VET Unit.

Credit The number of Credit Points or VET units of competency gained or

granted towards completion of a Course.

Credit Point A measure used to identify the Credit achieved through the successful
completion of a Unit.

Dean, Graduate Research The person holding the position of Dean, Graduate Research at the
University (or substantially equivalent role), or a person acting in that
position.

Designated Unit A Unit, which is a fundamental Course requirement, determined with

Academic Board approval to be a Designated Unit.

Double Major The requisite Units required to complete two Majors in a single Course.

Effective Full-Time Days Number of full-time days that a Candidate is permitted to complete each
Milestone.

Enabling Course A Course which enables a person to undertake an Award Course.

Enabling Courses do not include an Award Course or any Course that
the Minister determines is not an enabling course under the Higher
Education Support Act.

Examination An invigilated form of assessment, where a Student is required to

undertake specific Assessment Tasks within a specified period of time,
and where the location and access to external assistance is regulated
(excludes a thesis examination, but may include a Central Examination,
School Examination, or both as the context requires).

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Term Definition

Exceptional Circumstances Verifiable unexpected or exceptional personal or medical

circumstances beyond the Student’s control which:
a) have had a substantially detrimental effect on a Student’s ability to
participate in or study for an Assessment Task, or meet a relevant
deadline; and
b) the Student did not have a reasonable opportunity to prepare for in
advance of the relevant Teaching Period or deadline.
The following, depending on the context, may constitute Exceptional
Circumstances:
• an onset, or acute flare-up, of a medical or psychological condition,
illness, or trauma;
• the death of, or an onset or acute flare-up of, a medical or
psychological condition, illness, or trauma affecting, a close family
member or friend;
• recent separation or divorce from a de facto partner or spouse;
• acute personal hardship or trauma, including being a victim of crime,
sudden loss of income or employment resulting in severe disruption
to domestic or study arrangements, or motor vehicle incidents
preventing attendance;
• military deployment, emergency service or jury duty commitments;
• representation at a national or international level (inclusive of those
who are participating in the University’s Elite Athlete Program);
• representation in significant cultural events (other than events such
as weddings, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, christenings, etc.); or
• compulsory employment-related intrastate, interstate or overseas
travel.
The following typically will not be considered as constituting
Exceptional Circumstances:
• routine employment;
• lack of knowledge of the requirements of academic work;
• difficulties with English language;
• recreational or family travel;
• moving house;
• events such as weddings, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs,
christenings, etc.;
• misreading information in relation to an Assessment Task, such as
submission or Examination dates;
• normal stress or anxiety associated with examinations or
coursework; or
• a matter which is already suitably addressed as part of a Student’s
Learning Access Plan.

Exclude Exclusion from admission or enrolment into a Course. “Excluded” and

“Exclusion” have a corresponding meaning.

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Term Definition

Executive Dean An executive leader of a School appointed by the Vice-Chancellor (or a

substantially equivalent role within a School or Teaching Area, including
the Director, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA),
the Dean, South West Campus, the Head, Kurongkurl Katitjin, or the
Director, Centre for Learning and Teaching), or a person acting in that
position.

Expel The preclusion of admission or enrolment of a Student from the

University. “Expelled” has a corresponding meaning.

Financial Penalty Date The final day a Student can withdraw from a Unit without incurring a
financial liability for that Unit.

Fitness To Study Report A report provided by a medical officer or professional advisor, who is
endorsed by the Director, Student Life, advising on a Student’s fitness
to study.

Green Status The Academic Progression Status applied to a Student who is in

academic good standing.

Higher Degree by Research A Masters Degree (Research) or Doctoral Degree.

Honours Student A Student of the University who is undertaking a research program in a

Bachelor Honours Degree.

Inherent Requirements Essential abilities, knowledge, skills and behaviours required to achieve
the learning outcomes of the Course or Unit.

Intermit The administrative status applied to a Student who has applied for and
received approval to defer studying a Course for a specified period.
“Intermitted” and “Intermission” have a corresponding meaning.

Intervention Strategy A documented strategy developed by the University for Students at risk
of not meeting satisfactory progression requirements, which includes a
Progression Plan.

Learning Access Plan A written plan, designed to assist a Student to achieve their Unit and
Course Learning Outcomes, which outlines the type and level of
support, variation to assessment, or other adjustments, that the
University will provide to a Student in relation to a verifiable physical or
psychological disability, injury or condition (which may be permanent,
temporary or episodic in nature) to themselves or to an immediate family
member (or equivalent) or person in their direct care.

Level 0 Unit A Unit that is allocated a unit level of less than 1000 by the University.

Major A Unit Set comprising related Units determined as a Major by the

Academic Board in accordance with the University’s Curriculum Design
Procedure and any professional accreditation requirements.

Milestone A mandatory academic progression requirement in Higher Degree by

Research.

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Term Definition

Minor A Unit Set comprising related Units determined as a Minor by the

Academic Board in accordance with the University’s Curriculum Design
Procedure and any professional accreditation requirements.

Panel Chair The academic staff member appointed under Rule 6.9.1.

Postgraduate Award A postgraduate Award described as such in the Australian Qualifications

Framework.

Postgraduate Course A postgraduate Course described as such in the Australian Qualifications

Framework.

Prescribed Module A non-Credit bearing module that a Student must undertake as part of
their Course as prescribed in accordance with Rule 4.8.

Prescribed Process The method or process, including any online method or process,
prescribed and published by the University from time to time, by which an
action is permitted be taken.

Principal Supervisor The supervisor who takes the lead in terms of overall accountability for
an Honours Student’s or Candidate’s research progress in a Bachelor
Honours Degree or Higher Degree by Research.

Progression Plan A written agreement between a Candidate and their Principal Supervisor
identifying milestones and achievement dates for the purposes of
academic progression, developed in accordance with the Higher Degree
by Research Academic Progression Procedures and Guidelines 6:
Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Progression Plan.

Progression Panel A School based committee responsible for making individual Student
progression decisions.

Progression Period The period at the end of which a Student’s Academic Progression Status
is formally assessed and determined by the University.

Progression Period WAM The weighted average mark (WAM) a Student achieves during a
Progression Period in their nominated Course, weighted by each Unit’s
Credit Point value.

Purple Status The Academic Progression Status applied to a Student who has been
Excluded as a result of poor academic performance.

Red Status The Academic Progression Status applied to a Student at risk of being
Excluded as a result of poor academic performance.

SAC Executive Officer A staff member appointed by the Director, Strategic and Governance
Services Centre in accordance with these Rules to assist the Student
Appeals Committee.

School An academic organisational unit of the University, including the Western

Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), but not including the
Graduate Research Services, South West Campus, Kurongkurl Katitjin,
the Centre for Learning and Teaching, or other Teaching Areas.

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Term Definition

School Examination An Examination conducted by a School or Teaching Area (commonly

referred to as a test or mid-semester exam).

School Executive Members of staff defined within the University’s Academic Leadership
Roles Policy as holding School Executive Leadership Roles.

Senior Officer Any or all Staff (as the context requires) appointed to or acting in a
position of Vice-Chancellor, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Deputy
Vice-Chancellor or Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

Specialisation A Unit Set that provides a coherent and rigorous enquiry in a single
discipline or interdisciplinary area of study, determined as a
Specialisation by the Academic Board in accordance with the University’s
Curriculum Design Procedure and any professional accreditation
requirements.

Statement of Academic Record An official University transcript that contains the essential academic data
pertaining to a particular Student.

Student A person who meets one or more of the following criteria:

a person enrolled in a Course or Unit (including where a Student
has Intermitted their studies, or for the purposes of applying these
Rules has been Excluded, Suspended or Expelled);
a person eligible for an Award, where that person’s work is being
or has been assessed, but on whom the Award has not been
conferred; or
a person or category of persons that Council has designated as a
Student.

Student Appeals Committee A committee established in accordance with these Rules.

Suspend The preclusion of admission or enrolment of a Student for a specified

period. “Suspended” and “Suspension” have a corresponding meaning.

Teaching Area An area within the University, other than a School, which has ownership
of, or responsibility for delivery or supervision of a Course or Unit,
including the Graduate Research Services, South West Campus,
Kurongkurl Katitjin and the Centre for Learning and Teaching.

Teaching Period The period within which a Unit is undertaken and formally assessed and
for which assessment results are confirmed by the University.

Testamur A formal parchment issued for a designated Award under the provisions
of Statute 26.

Thesis Unit A Unit in a Bachelor Honours Degree or Higher Degree by Research

designated as such for the purposes of enrolment.

Thesis Examination Advisory A University committee convened at the direction of the Dean, Graduate
Committee Research, for the purpose of assisting and providing advice in relation to
thesis examination, consisting of at least four Associate Deans
(Research) or their delegates.

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Term Definition

Unit A unit of study or competency delivered by or on behalf of the University

(and for Academic Progression Status purposes, includes an equivalent
Unit, or a previous version of the same or an equivalent Unit).

Unit Coordinator An academic staff member responsible for the coordination of a Unit, or
a person acting in that position.

Unit Review Committee A University committee responsible for critically reviewing Unit and
assessment integrity and results.

Unit Set A group of Units which a Student must complete in order to fulfil part of
the requirements of a Course.

VET Vocational Education and Training.

Unless the contrary intention appears, any terms which are not defined in these Rules but are
defined in University Statute No.1 - Interpretation will have the meaning given to them in that
Statute.

The word including is not used as a word of limitation and means “including but not limited to”.

2 Admission to the University

2.1 Admission requirements and conditions

The Academic Board (as delegated by Council) determines admission requirements and
conditions, to be published in its admission policies and procedures, which apply to Students
who are applying for admission to a Course or enrolment in a Unit.

2.2 Admission to a Course

The Director, Student Administration may prescribe from time to time the closing date(s),
forms and any other additional processes that an applicant for admission is required to follow,
including the provision of written and other evidence of the applicant’s qualifications and
identity.

The University may, but is not obliged to, make an offer of admission to an applicant. An
applicant becomes a Student of the University on the date of admission recorded on the
University’s Student management system, subsequent to the acceptance of an authorised
offer of admission by the applicant.

3 Enrolment

3.1 Dates and Procedure

Subject to the directions of the Academic Board, the Director, Student Administration may specify the
procedures, forms and opening and closing dates, for each period during in which Students may enrol
in Units to begin or continue their Course.

3.2 Enrolment Process

Subject to Rule 3.5, a Student is deemed to be enrolled in a Unit if the Director, Student
Administration is satisfied that:
the Student has applied to be enrolled in the time and manner specified by the Director,
Student Administration;

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the Unit constitutes part of the Course requirements, unless the Student has written
approval of the Director, Student Administration to enrol in a Unit outside of their current
Course;
any specified pre-requisite, co-requisite, and Unit requirements have been met, unless
the Student has written approval to waive the requirements from the relevant Associate
Dean (Teaching and Learning);
all prescribed costs and charges have been paid by the due date(s);
the Student’s Academic Progression Status, or any other academic or progression
determination, does not preclude the Student from enrolling in that Unit;
if the Student holds a Commonwealth Government issued student visa to study in
Australia, the Student is enrolled in accordance with the Enrolment Loads for
International Students Policy;
if the Unit is designated as a postgraduate Unit, the Student is enrolled in a
Postgraduate Course; and
if the Unit is designated as an undergraduate Unit, but the Student is enrolled in a
Postgraduate Course:
(i) the Unit forms part of the Course; or
(ii) written permission has been given by the relevant Course Coordinator.

Any Student wishing to enrol in more than 80 Credit Points in a single Teaching Period must
obtain the prior written permission of the Director, Student Administration or relevant Course
Coordinator.

Any Student wishing to enrol in more than 40 Credit Points in a winter Teaching Period must
obtain the prior written permission of the Director, Student Administration or relevant Course
Coordinator.

A Student will not be enrolled in more than one Course at the same time except with the prior
written approval of the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Deans
(Research) of the relevant Schools.

3.3 Student Guild Officers

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Rule, the Council may permit a person holding the office
of President or General Secretary of the Student Guild to be enrolled as a Student on such terms and
conditions as the Council may determine.

3.4 Enrolled Status

Subject to any appeal rights, a Student will continue to be enrolled as a Student until the date
the Student:
completes their Course, as determined by the relevant Progression Panel;
with the requisite approval, discontinues from a Course;
is Excluded, Expelled, or has all of their Unit enrolments Cancelled; or
allows their Course enrolment to lapse:
(i) without providing notice under Rule 4.2.1 to discontinue;
(ii) without obtaining approval under Rule 4.3 to Intermit; or
(iii) after their permitted Intermission period has ended.

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Notwithstanding any other Rule, a Student will not obtain Credit towards the completion of a
Course during any period between an event in Rule 3.4.1 occurring, and the Student being
re-enrolled.

3.5 Refusal, Suspension or Cancellation of Admission or Enrolment

The relevant Executive Dean or Director, Student Administration may refuse an application
for admission or enrolment, or Suspend or Cancel an existing enrolment, in a Course or Unit,
where:
the enrolment does not comply with the conditions set out in Rule 3.2.1;
the applicant or Student does not fulfil the requirements for admission or enrolment,
including circumstances where the applicant does not meet the requirements of, or has
otherwise not complied with a provision of, the Act, a Statute, Rule or By-law of the
University;
the Course or Unit in which the applicant seeks to enrol will not be offered in the relevant
Teaching Period;
the Cancellation is required to correct a clear error;
the applicant or Student has failed to return any University property;
the applicant or Student has failed to pay any amount owed by them to the University
by the due date;
the enrolment is in breach of state or federal legislation;
the applicant or Student has gained, or seeks to gain, enrolment by misrepresentation,
falsification of documents or other dishonest or fraudulent means;
if the Student holds a Commonwealth Government issued student visa to study in
Australia, the Student has not enrolled in accordance with the Enrolment Loads for
International Students Policy or has not complied with an Intervention Strategy; or
in relation to refusal of admission only (not Cancellation of enrolment), an applicable
quota of Students would be exceeded.
Any Credit Points obtained by a Student whose enrolment is Cancelled under Rule 3.5.1(a),
Rule 3.5.1(g) or Rule 3.5.1(h), will be deemed not to have been awarded.

The Director, Student Administration may refuse an application for admission or enrolment to
a Unit or Course, or Suspend or Cancel an existing enrolment into a Unit or Course, where
they are satisfied that due to:
a criminal conviction;
the conduct of the applicant or Student; or
on any other reasonable ground,
the admission or enrolment of an applicant or Student is likely to be prejudicial to the interests
of the University, bring disrepute upon the University, or cause damage to the reputation of
the University.

The Director, Student Administration may refuse an application for admission to a Course
where they are satisfied that the applicant cannot, or is unlikely to be able to, meet the Inherent
Requirements of the Course.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) may cause the University to Suspend or Cancel a
Student’s existing enrolment in a Unit or Course where they are satisfied that the Student
cannot, or is unlikely to be able to, meet the Inherent Requirements of the Unit or Course.

A Senior Officer when responding to a fitness to study concern, may in accordance with the
University’s Fitness to Study Policy:

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summarily and with immediate effect, prevent a Student from accessing University
facilities or premises for any period that may be reasonable in the circumstances;
restrict or cancel a Student’s enrolment in one or more Units or Courses, without
academic penalty and with a relevant tuition fee refund;
require a Student to direct all communications to one or more nominated Staff
members;
prohibit a Student from accessing University facilities or premises;
require a Student to provide Fitness To Study Reports, or other suitable medical or
professional evidence of their fitness to study, and evidence that the Student will have
ongoing support to manage their studies;
require a Student to engage in specific activities to resolve any fitness to study concerns
before and during a Student’s return to study; and
impose any other lawful condition or determination.

Where a Student enrolled in a Level 0 Unit, before the census date of the relevant Teaching
Period, does not within the Unit:
submit any Assessment Tasks;
where applicable, attend or participate in any scheduled lectures or tutorials; and
respond to the University’s attempt to contact the Student by telephone or email,
the Director, Student Administration may cancel the Student’s enrolment in the relevant
Course.

Where a Student enrolled in one or more Thesis Units, does not for a period of 12 weeks or
more:
submit any Assessment Tasks;
attend any supervision meetings;
where applicable, attend or participate in any scheduled activities; and
respond to the University’s attempt to contact the Student by telephone or email,
the Director, Student Administration may cancel the Student’s enrolment in the relevant
Course.

A Student whose application for admission or enrolment has been refused, or current
enrolment Suspended or Cancelled under this Rule 3.5, will be notified in writing by the
University, with reasons for the refusal, Suspension or Cancellation.

3.6 Re-instatement of Enrolment

Where a Student’s enrolment has been Cancelled under Rule 3.5.1(e), the Student's
enrolment and previous Academic Progression Status may be reinstated by the Director,
Student Administration, effective for the current Teaching Period or subsequent Teaching
Period, on return in good order of the University's property.

Where a Student’s enrolment has been Cancelled under Rule 3.5.1(f), the Student's enrolment
and previous Academic Progression Status may be reinstated by the Director, Student
Administration, effective for the current Teaching Period or the subsequent Teaching Period
at the Director, Student Administration’s absolute discretion:
upon payment of all outstanding charges and other money; or
on the agreement to pay outstanding amounts by instalments.

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If a Student's enrolment is reinstated under Rule 3.6.2(b), and the Student defaults in paying
an instalment, the Student’s enrolment may be Cancelled.

3.7 Withdrawal from Units

A Student who wishes to withdraw from a Unit must notify the Director, Student Administration
using the relevant Prescribed Process.

The effect of withdrawal from a Unit on a Student's financial liability and the process to
withdraw without financial penalty is prescribed in the University Rules: Fees Rules.

The effect of withdrawal from a Unit on a Student's Academic Progression Status is:
if the notification is received on or before the Academic Penalty Date then academic
progression will not be affected; or
if the notification is received after the Academic Penalty Date then the Unit will be
deemed not to have been completed and that outcome will be considered in the
assessment of academic progress, subject to Rule 3.7.6 – 3.7.8.

If a Student withdraws from a Unit (other than a VET Unit):

on or before the Financial Penalty Date, a grade of WE will be recorded;
after the Financial Penalty Date but on or before the specified Academic Penalty Date,
a grade of W will be recorded; and
after the Academic Penalty Date, a grade of WF will be recorded, except in the case of
a Thesis Unit in which case a grade of W will be recorded.

If a Student withdraws from a VET Unit, they will be awarded the relevant grade as set out in
Rule 4.5.4.

A Student may apply to withdraw without academic penalty after the relevant Academic
Penalty Date, provided that:
the Student has not passed the Unit’s requirements;
the Student applies to the Director, Student Administration using the Prescribed
Process; and
the application is lodged within 12 months of either the Student withdrawing from the
Unit, or within 12 months of the end of the relevant Teaching Period, whichever occurs
sooner.

Where there are reasonable grounds for doing so, the Director, Student Administration may,
in their absolute discretion, extend the time required for an application to be made pursuant
to Rule 3.7.6.

In determining a Student’s application for withdrawal without academic penalty, the Director,
Student Administration, will consider whether the Student can demonstrate there are special
circumstances that:
were beyond the Student’s control;
did not make their full impact on the Student until on or after the relevant Academic
Penalty Date; and
made it impracticable for the Student to pass the Unit requirements during the Teaching
Period in which the Student undertook, or was due to undertake, the Unit.

4 Academic Progress

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4.1 Time Requirements to complete

Subject to Rules 5 and 6, for Students enrolled in a Course commencing:

before 1 January 2021, the Student must complete the Course within 36 months or
three times the University’s standard full-time duration of the Course (whichever is the
greater) calculated from the date the Student’s first Unit in the Course commences; and
on or after 1 January 2021, the Student must complete the Course within the period
that is two times the University’s standard full-time duration of the Course, plus two
years, calculated from the date the Student’s first Unit in the Course commences.

Rule 4.1.1 is subject to any accreditation, professional accreditation or legislative

requirements of a Course.

The Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean (Research) of the relevant
School or Teaching Area in which that Course is based may, in one or more extensions of
time, extend the time period referred to in Rule 4.1.1:
by any reasonable period, where a delay in the time to complete has been caused by
the University;
by any reasonable period, where an action has been taken under Rule 3.5.1, 3.5.2,
3.5.4 or 3.5.5; and
by a total of up to 12 months, where the Student’s progress has been affected by
Exceptional Circumstances.

Where a Student has not completed a Course within the period referred to in Rule 4.1.1, then
subject to Rule 4.1.2 and 4.1.3, the relevant Progression Panel may decline to recognise any
Units completed outside that period as Credit towards that Course, and may require a Student
to repeat any excluded Units.

4.2 Discontinuance from a Course

A Student who wishes to discontinue their Course must notify the Director, Student
Administration using the relevant Prescribed Process.

Discontinuing a Course will not affect a Student's Academic Progression Status provided the
notification is given before the Academic Penalty Date.

A Student who withdraws from all Units during a Teaching Period and has not applied to
Intermit (Rule 4.3), will be deemed to have discontinued their Course.

A Student who has discontinued their Course, and later wishes to resume their Course, must
apply in writing to the Director, Student Administration and meet current admission
requirements and conditions. The Student may be required to complete the Course under a
modified structure if the Course has been modified.

4.3 Course Intermission

Upon a Student’s written application using the University’s Prescribed Process, the Associate
Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean (Research) (for Candidates) of the School
or Teaching Area in which a Course is based, may allow a Student who has passed at least
one Unit in the current Course, to Intermit their Course, subject to any relevant Commonwealth
legislation and University policy (including the Enrolment Loads for International Students
Policy).

Except in Exceptional Circumstances, the relevant Associate Dean will not grant Intermission
for more than twelve months.

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4.4 Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning

The University may grant a Student Credit as recognition of prior learning, in accordance with
the University’s Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Credit and Recognition of
Prior Learning Procedures.

4.5 Assessment

A Student will be assessed in such manner, will participate at such times, and will comply with
such other requirements and procedures as are specified in the relevant Unit outline, and the
University’s Curriculum Design Policy, Assessment Policy, and the Assessment, Examination
and Moderation Procedures.

A Student (other than in a Student in a VET Unit or Thesis Unit) may be granted a variation to
assessment as set out in the Assessment, Examination and Moderation Procedures.

For each Unit, other than a VET Unit or a Thesis Unit, a Student will receive a Unit Grade as
set out in the Assessment, Examination and Moderation Procedures.

For each VET Unit or Thesis Unit, the relevant Progression Panel will approve a final Grade
consistent with the following Grading Schema:

Higher Degree by Research Thesis Units (known as Grading Schema 3)

Grade Description Explanation

UP Undifferentiated Pass The Student has passed the Unit which is a pass/fail unit.
UF Undifferentiated Fail The Student has failed the Unit which is a pass/fail unit.
SP Satisfactory Progress The Student has achieved satisfactory progress during the relevant Teaching
Period in relation to their candidature.
MP Marginal Progress The Student has achieved only marginal progress during the relevant
Teaching Period in relation to their candidature.
TS Thesis Submitted^ The Student has submitted a thesis for examination.
W Withdrawn The Student has withdrawn after the relevant Financial Penalty Date but
before the relevant Academic Penalty Date.
WF Withdrawn Fail The Student has withdrawn after the relevant Academic Penalty Date.
WL Withdrawn Late The Student has been permitted to withdraw without academic penalty.

Admin Description Explanation

Code

WE Withdrawn Early The Student has withdrawn before the relevant Financial Penalty Date.
WR Withdrawn The Student is withdrawn without academic penalty and with remission of
(Remission) debt.

VET Grading Schema (known as Grading Schema 5)

Grade Description Explanation
CO Competent# The Student has reached competency in the Unit.
NC Not Competent not The Student is not yet competent in the Unit.
Achieved/Not
Competent*#

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VET Grading Schema (known as Grading Schema 5)

Grade Description Explanation
W Withdrawal - no The Student has withdrawn following participation, after the Financial
refund Penalty Date (with form) - no refund*
WR Withdrawn - with The Student has withdrawn following participation, after the Financial
refund Penalty Date (with form) - refund approved*.
DF Discontinued The Student has discontinued following participation, after the Financial
Penalty Date (without form) - no refund*
WE Withdrawn early The Student has withdrawn following participation, before the Financial
Penalty Date (with form) - refund approved*.
DC Discontinued The Student has discontinued following participation, before the Financial
Penalty Date (without form) – no refund*
PR Prior Learning Competency achieved through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) #
UR No Prior Learning Competency assessed not to have been achieved through RPL
(Recognition of Prior Learning)#
EX Exemption Exemption granted by Credit Transfer
SU Superseded Superseded subject. Used when the training activity was started in a unit
of competency or module but was not completed when superseded by
another subject against which the final outcome will be recorded.
CE Continuing enrolment Continuing enrolment into the following collection year

Blank Continuing enrolment Continuing enrolment (ending in this collection year) - not yet competent -
granted a short re-assessment period
NS Never Started The Student never started the Unit, no withdrawal form submitted.

WN Withdrawn - Never The Student never started the Unit, withdrawal form submitted.
CC Started cancelled
Course The Unit has been cancelled by the University.

WT Withdrew – Withdrew – Transferred.

Transferred.
WC Enrolment cancelled The Student’s enrolment has been cancelled by the University.
by ECU
NP Withdrawn – Not The Student’s enrolment has been cancelled by the University following a
Participating period of non-participation.
• # = Full assessment documentation required
• * = Evidence of participation required (i.e. class roll)

A Student will not repeat a Unit that they have passed, unless it:
is necessary as a result of Course, Unit or accreditation requirements;
relates to a Thesis Unit graded on the basis of satisfactory progress; or
is required by the University in accordance with Rule 4.1.4.

4.6 Academic Progression Status

Unit Review Committee and Progression Panel

The University will establish Unit Review Committees and Progression Panels to review
assessment integrity and results, approve final Grades, and determine academic progression

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matters, in accordance with these Rules and the Unit Review Committee and Progression
Panel Procedures.

If a Student is entitled to two or more Academic Progression Statuses, the relevant

Progression Panel will determine the Academic Progression Status to be applied.
Academic Progression

At the commencement of a Student’s first Teaching Period in a Course, a Student will be given
a Green Status, subject to the following:
where a Student transfers from an incomplete Course to a new Course, their most
recent Academic Progression Status will apply;
where a Student has multiple prior Course attempts with different Academic
Progression Statuses, their most recent Academic Progression Status will apply;
a Student who completes their Course, and then commences a new Course at the same
or a lesser AQF level, will retain their most recent Academic Progression Status;
a Student who completes their Course, and then commences a new Course at a higher
AQF level, will be given a Green Status; and
a Student who is Excluded, and then permitted to re-enrol in the same or a different
Course, will be given a Red Status.

Academic Progress Statuses will be reviewed and determined by the relevant Progression
Panel in accordance with the criteria set out in these Rules, at the end of the following
Progression Periods:
for Students enrolled in VET Courses, at the end of each calendar year;
for Students enrolled in accelerated online Courses, at the end of each Teaching
Period;
for Students enrolled in Courses delivered through international partners in overseas
locations, at the end of each Teaching Period; and
for all other Students, at the end of each period determined and published by the
Director, Student Administration to be a Progression Period.
A Progression Panel may elect not to assess academic progression for an Academic
Progression Period where results are unavailable.
Progression Mandatory Requirements

Students must comply with mandatory requirements (within any relevant timeframe) set out in
the Academic Progression Procedures and Higher Degree by Research Academic
Progression Procedures. If a Student does not comply with any mandatory requirement, the
Director, Student Administration may:
impose an administrative encumbrance against the Student record;
withhold official notification of the Student’s Unit results; and
refuse to allow the Student to enrol in any further Units, pending successful completion
of any mandatory requirements.
Failing to submit work

If a Student (other than a Candidate) attains a grade of FN (Fail – no submission) in all Units
in which they were enrolled during any Progression Period, irrespective of whether they are a
part-time or full-time Student:
their Academic Progression Status will be changed to a Red Status; and

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the Director, Student Administration may require a Student to attend a mandatory

progression planning meeting as a precondition of their continued enrolment. A Student
who fails to, upon reasonable notice, attend a mandatory progression planning meeting
before the next census date, may be discontinued from their Course by the Director,
Student Administration.
Academic Progression Status – Award Courses and Enabling Courses (excludes VET Courses and
Higher Degree by Research Courses)

A Student will be given a Green Status if, during the Progression Period, the Student:
attained more than 50% of the available Credit Points for Units they were enrolled in;
where applicable, achieved a Progression Period WAM of at least 50; and
does not meet the criteria for Amber Status, Red Status or Purple Status.

A Student will be given an Amber Status if, during the Progression Period, the Student held a
Green Status and:
attained 50% or less of the available Credit Points for Units they were enrolled in; or
where applicable, achieved a Progression Period WAM of less than 50,
and the Student does not meet the criteria for Red Status or Purple Status.

A Student will be given a Red Status if the Student:

during the Progression Period:
(i) failed a Designated Unit;
(ii) failed a non-Designated Unit for the second or subsequent time; or
(iii) held an Amber Status and attained 50% or less of the available Credit Points for
Units they were enrolled in; or
(iv) held an Amber Status and, where applicable, achieved a Progression Period
WAM of less than 50;
is enrolled to attempt a Designated Unit for the second time; or
is enrolled to attempt a non-designated Unit for the third or fourth time,
and the Student does not meet the criteria for Purple Status.

A Student will be given a Purple Status and Excluded if during the Progression Period the
Student:
held a Red Status and attained 50% or less of the available Credit Points for Units they
were enrolled in;
held a Red Status and, where applicable, achieved a Progression Period WAM of less
than 50;
failed a Designated Unit (one or more times), is not permitted to repeat the Unit, and is
not permitted to remain in their Course; or
failed a non-Designated Unit (three or more times), is not permitted to repeat the Unit,
and is not permitted to remain in their Course.
Academic Progression Status – VET Courses

A Student will be given a Green Status if, during the Progression Period, the Student:
achieved competency in more than 50% of the Units they were enrolled in; and
does not meet the criteria for Amber Status, Red Status or Purple Status.

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A Student will be given an Amber Status if, during the Progression Period, the Student:
held a Green Status;
achieved competency in 50% or less of the Units they were enrolled in; and
does not meet the criteria for Red Status or Purple Status.

A Student will be given a Red Status if the Student:

during the Progression Period:
(i) failed a Designated Unit;
(ii) failed a non-Designated Unit for the second or subsequent time; or
(iii) held an Amber Status, and achieved competency in 50% or less of the Units they
were enrolled in;
is enrolled to attempt a Designated Unit for the second time; or
is enrolled to attempt a non-designated Unit for the third or fourth time,
and the Student does not meet the criteria for Purple Status.

A Student will be given a Purple Status and Excluded if during the Progression Period the
Student:
held a Red Status and achieved competency in 50% or less of the Units they were
enrolled in;
failed to achieve competency in a Designated Unit (one or more times), is not permitted
to repeat the Unit, and is not permitted to remain in their Course; or
failed to achieve competency in a non-Designated Unit (three or more times), is not
permitted to repeat the Unit, and is not permitted to remain in their Course.
Academic Progression Status – Higher Degree by Research Courses

A Candidate will be given a Green Status if during the Progression Period the Candidate:
where applicable, attained a grade of Satisfactory Progress (SP);
where applicable, passed all Coursework Units;
for integrated PhD Course Candidates, achieved a Progression Period WAM of at least
70; and
does not meet the criteria for Amber Status, Red Status or Purple Status.

For integrated PhD Course Candidates undertaking their Coursework component, a

Candidate will be given an Amber Status if the Candidate:
during the Progression Period, passed all Coursework Units and achieved a
Progression Period WAM of at least 65 but less than 70; and
does not meet the criteria for Red Status or Purple Status.

A Candidate will be given a Red Status if the Candidate during the Progression Period:
was required by the University to enter a Progression Plan pursuant to Rule 6.5.6 or
Rule 6.7.1;
where applicable, attained a grade of Marginal Progress (MP); or
for integrated PhD Course Candidates, passed all Coursework Units and achieved a
Progression Period WAM of at least 50 but less than 65;
and the Candidate does not meet the criteria for Purple Status.

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A Candidate will be given a Purple Status and Excluded if the Candidate has:
during the Progression Period, held a Red Status, and attained a grade of Marginal
Progress (MP);
attained a grade of Marginal Progress (MP) in two consecutive Progression Periods;
failed to achieve a Milestone within the relevant time permitted (including extensions);
failed to satisfy the requirements of a Progression Plan, as determined by the relevant
Principal Supervisor;
failed a Coursework Unit (the relevant Progression Panel may, in their absolute
discretion, waive this Rule for a doctoral Candidate (other than Masters by Research or
integrated PhD Course) who has elected to undertake Coursework Unit, which is not a
compulsory part of their Course, in which circumstance the failed Unit will not otherwise
change the Student’s Academic Progress Status); or
at the end of the coursework component of an integrated PhD Course, achieved an
overall Course WAM of less than 70, unless approved to continue in the Course by the
relevant Progression Panel (in which circumstance the Student will be given a Red
Status for the next Progression Period).

A Candidate who is given a Red Status must enter a Progression Plan, unless they have
already otherwise done so in accordance with Rule 6.5.6 or Rule 6.7.1 during the previous
Progression Period .

If a Candidate fails to satisfy the requirements of a Progression Plan in the Progression Period
to which it applies, unless otherwise determined by the relevant Progression Panel, the
Candidate will be awarded a grade of F (coursework units) or MP (Thesis Units) for any
relevant Units.

4.7 Final attempts, restrictions, Exclusion and re-enrolment

Restricted enrolment

A Student or Candidate who has a Red Status will be restricted to an enrolment of no more
than 45 Credit Points at any one time, unless otherwise approved by the Director, Student
Administration, in consultation with the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate
Dean (Research) of the relevant School or Teaching Area.
Designated Units

If a Student fails or achieves a grade of NC in a Designated Unit, the Student will not be
allowed to repeat the Designated Unit unless approved by:
the relevant Progression Panel;
an Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean (Research) as part of
an Academic Progression Status Review; or
an Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean (Research) as part of
an application to re-enrol under Rule 4.7.6 to 4.7.8.
No more than two attempts at a Designated Unit are permissible under any circumstances.
Where a Student is permitted a second attempt, they will be given a Red Status during the
period they are enrolled to complete the Unit.

If a Student fails or achieves a grade of NC in a non-Designated Unit three times, the Student
will not be allowed to repeat the Unit unless:
the fourth attempt would become part of the Student’s final 60 Credit Points of their
Course (assessed as at the time the Student failed the Unit for the third time); and
the proposed fourth attempt is approved by either:

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(i) the relevant Progression Panel;

(ii) an Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean (Research) as
part of an Academic Progression Status Review; or
(iii) an Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean (Research) as
part of an application to re-enrol under Rule 4.7.6 to 4.7.8.
No more than four attempts at a non-Designated Unit are permissible under any
circumstances. Where a Student is permitted a fourth attempt, they will be given a Red Status
during the period they are enrolled to complete the Unit.

If as a result of being unable to repeat a Unit, a Student is unable to complete one or more
Unit Sets, they will be excluded from the relevant Unit Set(s).

If as a result of being unable to repeat a Unit, a Student is unable to complete their Course,
they will be given a Purple Status and Excluded.

A Student who is Excluded (Purple Status) may apply to re-enrol in a different Course, subject
to any conditions imposed by the relevant Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or
Associate Dean (Research) of the School that the Student intends to enrol into.

A Candidate who is Excluded (Purple Status) may apply to re-enrol in a different Higher
Degree by Research Course, subject to any conditions imposed by the Dean, Graduate
Research, and the relevant Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean
(Research) of the School that the Student intends to enrol into.

A Student or Candidate who is Excluded (Purple Status) may apply to re-enrol in the same
Course, subject to all of the following conditions:
at the time when the Student recommences their study in the Course, at least 12 months
will have elapsed since the date the Student’s Exclusion took effect (provisional
enrolment does not defer the date on which a Student’s Exclusion took effect);
the Student will not be permitted to undertake a third attempt at a Designated Unit;
if the Student needs to attempt a non-Designated Unit for the fourth time, the Student
must be in their final 60 Credit Points of their Course, at the time when the Student
recommences their study in the Course;
the Student must apply for re-admission or re-enrolment at least one month before the
relevant Teaching Period;
approval must be given by the relevant Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning), or
the Associate Dean (Research) for Candidates; and
any other conditions that may be imposed by the relevant Associate Dean (Teaching and
Learning), Associate Dean (Research) or Dean, Graduate Research.

A Student who has been re-admitted or re-enrolled following a period of Exclusion will be
given a Red Status for the next Progression Period.

A Candidate who has been re-admitted or re-enrolled following a period of Exclusion will be
given a Red Status for the next Progression Period and required to enter into a new
Progression Plan.

4.8 Prescribed Modules

The Vice-Chancellor may prescribe that one or more groups of Students must, within a
nominated period, complete or pass one or more Prescribed Modules.

If a Student does not complete or pass a Prescribed Module as required, the Director, Student
Administration may do one or more of the following:

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if applicable, refuse to issue confirmation of candidature;

impose an administrative encumbrance against the Student record;
withhold official notification of the Student’s results; and
refuse to allow the Student to enrol in any further Units, pending the Student completing
or passing the relevant Prescribed Modules.

Unless required as part of an “Outcome” under the Academic Misconduct Rules (Students) or
General Misconduct Rules, or as otherwise prescribed by the Vice-Chancellor, once a Student
completes or passes the relevant Prescribed Module as required, they do not need to repeat
it in a subsequent Course.

5 Research Programs in Bachelor Honours Degrees

5.1 Application
The Management of Research Candidature in Bachelor Honours Degrees Policy applies to all
Honours Students completing a Bachelor Honours Degree.

5.2 Bachelor Honours Degree Research Candidature

The research candidature of Bachelor Honours Degrees will be managed and assessed in accordance
with the Management of Research Candidature in Bachelor Honours Degrees Policy.

5.3 Appointment of Supervisors

The relevant Associate Dean (Research) will appoint at least one supervisor before the
commencement of any relevant Coursework Units.

The Principal Supervisor for each Honours Student will be a member of the full-time or part-
time academic staff at the University, unless the Associate Dean (Research) determines it is
otherwise appropriate in the circumstances.

5.4 Duration

Except where the relevant Associate Dean (Research) otherwise directs, an Honours Student
must submit the thesis for:
a one-year Bachelor Honours Degree, after no more than two academic semesters (or
part-time study equivalent); or
a four-year Bachelor Honours Degree after no more than eight academic semesters (or
part-time equivalent).

In Exceptional Circumstances, the relevant Associate Dean (Research) may extend this
duration if appropriate.

Except where the relevant Associate Dean (Research) otherwise directs, the research
program of an Honours Student must be completed in consecutive Teaching Periods.

5.5 Appointment of Examiners

For an Honours Student, the relevant Associate Dean (Research) will appoint at least two
examiners.

Unless the Academic Board otherwise determines, the relevant Associate Dean (Research)
will not appoint as an examiner a person who is a supervisor of the Honours Student or who
the relevant Associate Dean (Research) otherwise believes has a Conflict of Interest. The
relevant Associate Dean (Research) may, at the request of an Honours Student or at the
request of an examiner, discharge the examiner and appoint another person in their place.

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5.6 Requirements of Bachelor Honours Degree Theses

Unless the relevant Associate Dean (Research) otherwise determines, the text component of
a thesis must be written in English. The assessment of a thesis will be conducted in English.

A thesis must incorporate an account of research conducted during the Course and the
outcomes of the research.

The relevant Associate Dean (Research) may approve an amendment of the title of a thesis.

Except with the approval of the relevant Associate Dean (Research), an Honours Student
must not submit for examination any work previously submitted for a degree of the University
or of any other institution of higher learning.

5.7 Defamatory Material

If an examiner believes that the thesis may contain defamatory material, the examiner will
notify the relevant Associate Dean (Research).

Upon notification under Rule 5.7.1, the relevant Associate Dean (Research) will seek legal
advice as to whether the thesis contains defamatory material.

If the thesis contains material that is, or may be, defamatory, the relevant Associate Dean
(Research) will notify the Honours Student that such material must be removed from the thesis
before the thesis can be further assessed. The Honours Student must amend the thesis to
remove the defamatory material before the Honours Student is permitted to resubmit the
thesis for assessment.

5.8 Examination of Bachelor Honours Degree Theses

The examiners will report to the Associate Dean (Research) their assessment of each thesis
within 4 weeks after submission.

The relevant Associate Dean (Research) acting in accordance with the Management of
Research Candidature in Bachelor Honours Degrees Policy, will recommend, and the relevant
Progression Panel will decide:
whether a Student’s thesis will be accepted unchanged, accepted subject to minor
amendments being made to the satisfaction of the supervisor, or rejected;
the final mark for the thesis component; and
the Student’s Honours grade (where applicable).

A Student may review a final mark for their thesis component as a result of an Assessment
Task, subject to the review and appeals processes contained in these Rules.

6 Higher Degree by Research

6.1 Application for Admission

A person seeking to be admitted as a Candidate must, in addition to any other admission

requirement imposed by these Rules, apply in writing (using any applicable Prescribed
Process) setting out all relevant information, including a brief outline of the research proposed
to be undertaken and their existing qualifications.

Applications for admission into Higher Degree by Research under Rule 2 will be assessed
and determined having regard to considerations outlined in the Research Training Policy.
Admission into Higher Degree by Research is conditional upon the approval of the relevant
Executive Dean(s), having regard to University’s ability to provide adequate resources,

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supervision, facilities and support to the applicant, the applicant’s demonstrated skills and
attributes, and alignment between the applicant’s proposed research and the University’s
research priority areas.

A Candidate admitted to a Higher Degree by Research Course must be enrolled in accordance

with Rule 3 and must maintain their enrolment for the duration of the Course.

The Research Training Policy and its associated operational documents and guidelines will
apply to all Candidates admitted to the University and enrolled in Higher Degree by Research.

6.2 Supervision

A Candidate’s supervision will be managed in accordance with these Rules, the Research
Training Policy and Guideline 1: Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Supervision.

The University will appoint a Supervisor Panel to each Candidate upon enrolment.

If a Candidate is experiencing difficulties with supervision, the Candidate must, unless it is

unreasonable in the circumstances to do so, attempt to resolve the problem through
discussion with their supervisor(s).

Subject to Rule 6.2.3, if a Candidate wishes to change their supervisor(s) at any stage before
the first submission of the thesis for examination, the Candidate must make the request using
the relevant Prescribed Process to the relevant Associate Dean (Research), outlining the
reasons for the request. Where a request for change of supervisor(s) is not approved, the
Candidate may apply for a review of this decision by submitting the original request, the
response from the relevant Associate Dean (Research) and any further submission(s) to the
relevant Executive Dean for final determination.

6.3 Attendance at University

Subject to Rule 6.3.2, a Candidate will undertake their Course at the University or at a
University approved location.

With the written consent of the relevant Associate Dean (Research), a Candidate may
undertake part of the Course at another institution or undertake fieldwork relating to the
Candidate’s research under the auspices of another institution, however the total of such
periods cannot be used to satisfy more than one-half of the requirements of the Course
(except in the case of approved joint Doctoral Degrees).

6.4 Milestones

Candidates must successfully complete the following Milestones as further particularised in

Guideline 2: Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Milestones:
Milestone Masters by Masters by Doctor of Integrated
Research Research Philosophy Doctor of
(course (course (PhD) Philosophy
duration 1.5 duration 2 (PhD)
years FTE) years FTE)

Milestone 1: Induction 2 months 2 months 2 months 2 months

Milestone 2: Research 6 months 6 months 6 months 12 months

Proposal

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Milestone 3: Ethics 8 months 10 months 12 months 18 months

and Governance
Approvals

Milestone 4: Mid- 9 months 12 months 24 months 24 months

Candidature Milestone

Milestone 5: Thesis 18 months 24 months 48 months 48 months

Submission (does not
include a period of re-
submission)

Milestone 6: Milestone 6 refers to the period beginning when the Candidate

Thesis/Course receives their thesis classification in accordance with Rule 6.11:
Completion
(a) Level A - within 6 weeks;

(b) Level B - within 6 weeks;

(c) Level C - within 3 months; or

(d) Level D - within 12 months.

The timeframes for Milestones 1 to 5 inclusive are calculated from the date of Course
commencement. If an extension is granted under Rule 6.5, all subsequent Milestones will be
adjusted accordingly.

The timeframes in Rule 6.4.1 are based on full-time study and will be reckoned for Candidates
who are approved to study part-time based on the total number of Effective Full-Time Days
enrolled. The University will advise Candidates studying part-time of their reckoned
timeframes.

Candidates transferring from another University into Higher Degree by Research midway
through their studies are required to provide verifiable evidence of reaching each prior
milestone or its equivalent at their previous institution. Equivalency will be assessed and
determined by the relevant Associate Dean (Research) as part of the Candidate’s Course
enrolment. The timeframes in Rule 6.4.1 will be adjusted by the Associate Dean (Research)
having regard to their assessment of the Candidate’s progress at the prior institution(s). The
University will advise Candidates studying part-time of their adjusted timeframes.

Candidates must not commence recruitment or data collection phases of their research until
Milestone 3 has been achieved.

6.5 Milestone extension

If a Candidate is enrolled in their Course prior to 30 June 2024, the Candidate may, on or
before 31 December 2024, apply for a Milestone extension of up to 12 months or part-time
equivalent using the University’s Prescribed Process.

If a Candidate’s progress has been affected by Exceptional Circumstances, the Candidate

may apply for a Milestone extension of up to 3 months using the University’s Prescribed
Process at least 14 days before the relevant Milestone due date. The maximum permissible
extension is based upon full-time study and will be reckoned for Candidates who are approved
to study part-time based on the total number of Effective Full-Time Days enrolled. The
University will advise Candidates studying part-time of their extended timeframes.

Any Milestone extension application will be determined by the relevant Associate Dean
(Research).

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Candidates will be permitted a maximum of two extensions under Rules 6.5.2 and 6.5.3
inclusive during any one Milestone period, and a maximum of three extensions under Rules
6.5.2 and 6.5.3 inclusive over their entire Course.

Unless otherwise approved by the relevant Associate Dean (Research), if a Candidate has
been granted a Milestone extension, they are not permitted to subsequently Intermit their
Course during the relevant extension period.

A Candidate who receives a Milestone extension under Rule 6.5.3 will be required to enter a
Progression Plan. A Candidate who receives a Milestone extension who is already subject to
a Progression Plan, will be required to enter a new revised Progression Plan.

6.6 Progress Reports

Candidates will be required to complete a formal progress report during their enrolment for
each Progression Period, using the University’s Prescribed Process. The Director, Student
Administration may cancel a Candidate’s enrolment in the Course if they do not submit a
formal progress report within time.

6.7 Progression Plan

A Candidate’s Principal Supervisor, Supervisor Panel or the relevant Associate Dean

(Research), may require a Candidate to attend a mandatory progression planning meeting or
enter a Progression Plan at any time where it is reasonably believed that it will assist a
Candidate in understanding and achieving their progression requirements, or where a
Candidate’s progression is identified as being at risk.

If a Candidate fails to satisfy the requirements of a Progression Plan, unless otherwise

determined by the relevant Progression Panel, the Candidate will be awarded a grade of F
(coursework units) or MP (Thesis Units) for any relevant Units.

6.8 Thesis Requirements

A Candidate’s examination requirements and nomination of examiners and Panel Chair (oral
examinations only) will be managed in accordance with these Rules, the Research Training
Policy and Guideline 3: Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Thesis Examination. The minimum
number of examiners to be appointed by the University is as follows:
Award Number of
Examiners
Masters by Research 2
Doctoral programs with oral examination 2
Doctoral programs without oral examination 3

Doctoral degree Candidates commencing prior to 1 January 2018 may, with the written
approval of their supervisors, elect to undertake an oral examination of the thesis as part of
their thesis examination.

Doctoral degree Candidates commencing on or after 1 January 2018 are required to

undertake an oral examination of their thesis as part of their thesis examination unless:
they seek an exemption from the Dean, Graduate Research in writing; and
an exemption is given by the Dean, Graduate Research before the relevant due date.

A Student may only submit a thesis for examination if the Student is enrolled in the appropriate
Thesis Unit, and they have received supervisor approval.

A Student who wishes to submit a thesis for examination without supervisor approval must
submit a written request to the relevant Associate Dean (Research). In this circumstance, the

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Associate Dean (Research) will arrange for an internal review of the thesis to determine
whether the thesis is considered ready for examination. The Candidate will be provided with
a report based on the internal review. If the review deems the thesis:
can be submitted, the thesis may be submitted with a memorandum of endorsement
signed by the Candidate and the relevant Associate Dean (Research); or
is not ready for examination, the Candidate will be required to address the deficiencies
outlined in the report. The Candidate may then resubmit a request to the relevant
Associate Dean (Research) for reconsideration.

Unless the relevant Associate Dean (Research) otherwise determines, the text component of
a thesis must be written in English. The oral examination of a thesis will be conducted in
English.

The relevant Associate Dean (Research) may approve an amendment of the title of a thesis.

In Exceptional Circumstances, the Dean Graduate Research may vary the arrangements for
the thesis and oral examination, including a variation in the number of examiners, requirement
for oral examination, or otherwise.

Except with the approval of the relevant Associate Dean (Research) a Candidate must not
submit for examination any work previously submitted for a degree of the University or of any
other institution of higher learning.

6.9 Examination of thesis requiring oral examination

A Panel Chair, who is a University academic staff member at the level of Senior Lecturer or
higher, will be appointed by the relevant Associate Dean (Research) to oversee and
coordinate the examination process.

Within 6 weeks after the submission of a Masters Degree (Research) or Doctoral Degree
thesis, each examiner will independently and separately provide a written interim assessment
of the thesis to the Dean, Graduate Research. A report submitted after this deadline may still
be considered.

If an examiner or the Dean, Graduate Research identifies material in the thesis which may be
defamatory, the Dean, Graduate Research, after seeking appropriate advice, may notify the
Candidate and require that the material be removed from the thesis. The Candidate must
amend the thesis to remove the relevant material before the Candidate is permitted to
resubmit the thesis for assessment.

If a fail has been recorded for a Candidate’s thesis under the Academic Misconduct Rules
(Students) then no oral examination will occur with respect to that thesis unless the Candidate
has been successful in appealing that decision to record a fail.

The Dean, Graduate Research may vary the time, date, location or other aspects of the
conduct of the oral examination for the purposes of ensuring:
the attendance of all persons required under these Rules;
the integrity of the oral examination; and
that the Candidate is not unfairly disadvantaged by any factor outside of their
reasonable control.

At the conclusion of the oral examination, the Panel Chair will compile a report approved by
the examiners which summarises and includes the examiners’ assessment of the thesis and
oral examination, and includes a recommendation to the Dean, Graduate Research that the
thesis be given one of the following classification levels:

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Level A - passed without conditions;

Level B - passed, subject to minor amendments being made;
Level C - passed, subject to major amendments being made;
Level D - revised and resubmitted for examination; or
Level E - failed.

If the Panel Chair is unable to obtain approval from all examiners with respect to a report
containing a single recommendation of a classification level, then the Panel Chair must submit
to the Dean, Graduate Research a report containing:
the examiners’ assessments of the thesis and the oral examination; and
a statement summarising why the examiners were not able to agree on a single
recommendation.

6.10 Examination of thesis not requiring oral examination

Within 6 weeks after the submission of a Masters Degree (Research) or Doctoral Degree
thesis, each examiner will independently and separately provide a written assessment of the
thesis to the Dean, Graduate Research. A report submitted after this deadline may still be
considered.

If 6 weeks after the submission of the thesis only two examiners’ reports have been received,
the Dean, Graduate Research may determine an outcome in accordance with Rule 6.11 based
on those two reports, or any reports received before the determination is made.

If an examiner or the Dean, Graduate Research identifies material in the thesis which may be
defamatory, the Dean, Graduate Research, after seeking appropriate advice, may notify the
Candidate and require that the material be removed from the thesis. The Candidate must
amend the thesis to remove the relevant material before the Candidate is permitted to
resubmit the thesis for assessment.

The examiners’ reports will include a recommendation to the Dean, Graduate Research that
the thesis be given one of the following classification levels:
Level A - passed without conditions;
Level B - passed, subject to minor amendments being made;
Level C - passed, subject to major amendments being made;
Level D - revised and resubmitted for examination; or
Level E - failed.

6.11 Thesis Classification

After consideration of the reports produced under Rule 6.9 or Rule 6.10, along with any advice
which the Dean, Graduate Research might choose to obtain from any person (including any
Associate Dean (Research) or the Thesis Examination Advisory Committee) with expertise
relevant to the thesis, the Dean, Graduate Research will classify the thesis as either:
Level A - passed without conditions;
Level B - passed, subject to minor amendments to the written thesis being made to the
satisfaction of the Principal Supervisor;
Level C - passed, subject to major amendments to the written thesis being made to the
satisfaction of the relevant Associate Dean (Research);
Level D - requiring revision of the written thesis and re-submission for examination; or

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Level E - failed.

If a Candidate receives a thesis classification of Level B, Level C or Level D, revisions must

be made within the following periods (Milestone 6):
Level B - within 6 weeks for minor amendments;
Level C - within 3 months for major amendments; or
Level D - within 12 months for a thesis being revised and resubmitted for examination.

If the revised thesis is not submitted by the required date (including any extensions), the
Candidate will be awarded the result of Fail.

6.12 Re-submission of a thesis under Rule 6.11.1(d)

A Candidate’s thesis may only be revised and resubmitted once under Rule 6.11.1(d).

The Dean, Graduate Research, in consultation with the relevant Associate Dean (Research),
may refer the thesis for re-examination to one or more examiners in accordance with Rules
6.9-6.10 (as applicable). An examiner’s report on a resubmitted thesis may only recommend,
and the Dean, Graduate Research may only determine, one of the following classifications for
the resubmitted thesis:
an undifferentiated pass without conditions;
an undifferentiated pass, subject to amendments being made to the satisfaction of the
relevant Associate Dean (Research); or
failure.

When determining the classification of a resubmitted thesis, the Dean, Graduate Research,
may take into consideration any aspect of an examiner’s report of the original thesis or the
resubmitted thesis, along with any advice which the Dean, Graduate Research might choose
to obtain from any person (including any Associate Dean (Research) or the Thesis
Examination Advisory Committee).

6.13 Referral to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

In the case where the Dean, Graduate Research cannot determine a thesis classification, or
has a Conflict of Interest, they will refer the matter to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
who may take one or more of the following actions:
make a determination based on the reports produced under Rule 6.10, Rule 6.11 and
Rule 6.12 (as applicable), the recommendations of the Dean, Graduate Research (if
any), and any further information the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) might choose
to obtain from any person with expertise relevant to the thesis or from the Thesis
Examination Advisory Committee; or
appoint an independent (internal or external) adjudicator to provide recommendations,
and make a determination having regard to the independent adjudicator’s
recommendations and the materials described in Rule 6.13.1(a).

6.14 Recommendation for Admission to the Degree

At the conclusion of the examination process the Dean, Graduate Research will recommend
to the relevant Progression Panel that the Candidate be admitted or not admitted to the
degree. The Progression Panel will either:
accept the recommendation and decide accordingly; or

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where the Progression Panel does not accept the recommendation of the Dean,
Graduate Research, refer the matter back to the Dean, Graduate Research for further
consideration.

Where no resolution can be reached on a matter referred back to the Dean, Graduate
Research under Rule 6.14.1(b), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) will determine that
the Candidate be admitted or not admitted to the degree.

6.15 Submission and retention of theses

A digital copy of the entire thesis (text component of the thesis and, if applicable, any
supporting material in digital form) in an approved electronic format must be submitted for
retention by the University Library in accordance with the Research Training Policy and
Guideline 3: Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Thesis Examination.

6.16 Joint, cotutelle or collaborative HDR Programs

A Candidate enrolled in a joint PhD, cotutelle or collaborative HDR Program may be subject
to varied supervision requirements, and may be required to meet additional or varied
examination requirements, including those of a third party institution, to enable them to
complete the relevant Course. Candidates will be notified of these requirements during the
Course.

A Candidate enrolled in a joint PhD, cotutelle or collaborative HDR Program must comply with
both institution’s Higher Degree by Research policies and guidelines, and meet both
institution’s admission, milestone, progress reporting and examination requirements.

7 Awards

7.1 Eligibility

In order to be eligible for any Award, a Student must:

subject to Rule 7.1.2, attain the relevant number of Credit Points or complete the
relevant number of VET Units, and otherwise meet the mandatory requirements for the
relevant Course in which the Student is enrolled; and
satisfy any other applicable requirements of any Statutes, By-laws and Rules of the
University.

The chair of a relevant Progression Panel may, upon recommendation by an Associate Dean
(Teaching and Learning), approve a Student graduating with up to 10 Credit Points less than
the number of Credit Points required to complete the Course. This approval is subject to the
Student having otherwise met the Course requirements.

As part of their Course, the Director, Student Administration, or an Associate Dean (Teaching
and Learning), may allow a Student to undertake an alternative Unit, in substitution for another
Unit, where this would not otherwise negatively affect the Student’s ability to achieve the
relevant Course learning outcomes.

An Award may be conferred on a Student under the Posthumous Conferral of an Award Policy.
Statement of Academic Record and Testamur

All Students who complete an Award Course will be entitled to receive a Statement of
Academic Record and a Testamur.

All Students who complete part of an Award Course will be entitled to receive a Statement of
Academic Record.

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Completion of a Major, Double Major or Specialisation will be recognised on a Student’s

Statement of Academic Record and Testamur.

Completion of a Minor will be recognised on a Student’s Statement of Academic Record only.

7.2 Undergraduate Awards – Major and Double Majors

The recognition of and requirements for a Minor, Major, Double Major or Specialisation, will
be approved by the Academic Board in compliance with the Curriculum Design Procedure.

To complete a Double Major, a Student must complete all required Units for each Major, which
may require the Student to complete Units with a combined Credit Point value exceeding that
required for completion of the Bachelor Degree.

7.3 Combined Courses

A Combined Course can only be awarded where a Combined Course is approved by the
Academic Board.

Students undertaking a Combined Course are required to complete all of the formal
requirements of each of the two Courses as defined by the Academic Board.

A Student enrolled in a Combined Course may undertake honours in either, or both, of the
Courses in which they are enrolled if the Student qualifies to do so.

A Student who completes the requirements of one of the Awards and wishes to graduate with
that Award will transfer enrolment to the single degree Course for that purpose. Continuation
in the other Award will also require the Student to transfer enrolment to the remaining single
degree Course.

7.4 Postgraduate Awards

To qualify for a Postgraduate Award a Student will attain the number of Credit Points specified
in the Course approved by the Academic Board.

To qualify for a Higher Degree by Research Award, a Student must pass any required
Coursework Units and any thesis requirements specified by the Academic Board. Completion
of the Postgraduate Award is not determined by the number of Credit Points attained alone.

The recognition of and requirements for a Specialisation for a Postgraduate Award, will be
approved by the Academic Board in compliance with the Curriculum Design Procedure.

8 Service

8.1 Where a notice or other document is permitted or required by these Rules to be given or served,
service of the notice or document may be effected on the person to be served by:

giving the notice or document directly to that person by hand;

sending, as an email message, the notice or document to that person’s University email
address;

sending, in the body of an email message to that person’s University email address, a URL
(uniform resource locator) link to the notice or document, together with notification that the
person is required to download the notice or document;

posting the notice or document as a letter to that person’s address as recorded on any
University Student management system; or

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leaving it for that person at the address recorded on the University’s Student management
system.

8.2 Where the notice or document is sent in accordance with Rules 8.1.2 and 8.1.3, service is deemed to
occur at the time of sending the message.

8.3 Where the notice or document is posted in accordance with Rule 8.1.4, service is deemed to occur at
the expiration of five days from the time of posting.

9 Timing

9.1 In calculating days as prescribed by these Rules, the following days (“Excluded Days”) will not be
included:

22 December to 4 January (inclusive); and

a public holiday in Western Australia (on the day it is observed by the University).

9.2 Any act that occurs or is due to occur on an Excluded Day, will be deemed to have occurred or be due
to occur on the next day which is not an Excluded Day.

9.3 The Vice-Chancellor may extend or abridge any period specified in these Rules, and may do so after
the expiration of such period, where there are reasonable circumstances for doing so and having
regard to principles of natural justice.

10 Persons acting on behalf of a decision-maker

10.1 A University staff member named (by position) in these Rules may authorise one or more University
staff members to act on their behalf. Any decisions made by an authorised staff member will be
deemed to have been made by the University staff member who has provided authorisation.

11 Transitional Provisions

11.1 Where a new Rule has been implemented, during any period of transition or where there is a pending
application or decision, the Vice-Chancellor has discretion, acting reasonably, to determine whether
these Rules or a previous version of these Rules will apply.

11.2 Progression Panels are authorised to make any decision that a former Board of Examiners or
Assessment and Progression Committee were authorised to make under University rules, policies or
procedures

11.3 The previous version of Rules 4.6.17 – 4.6.20, Rule 4.7.9, Rule 6, and Rule 17.1, together with the
definition of a “Progress Contract”, will continue to apply in relation to any Progression Periods that
end on or before 29 June 2024.

11.4 The revised Rules 4.6.17 – 4.6.20, Rules 4.7.9 – 4.7.10, Rule 6, and Rule 17.1, together with the
definition of a “Progression Plan”, (all approved by Council on 14 December 2023 and 27 June 2024)
will apply on and after 30 June 2024.

11.5 All other Rule changes approved by Council on 14 December 2023 will have immediate effect.

PART 2: REVIEWS

12 Informal Review

12.1 A Student who has reason to believe that their grade/result for an Assessment Task, Examination or
Unit (excluding a Thesis classification for a Candidate) does not reflect their level of achievement, may

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ask (using the Prescribed Process) their assessor, Unit Coordinator or Principal Supervisor, for an
Informal Review of their grade/result. The University has a responsibility to provide an Informal Review.

12.2 As part of the Informal Review, the assessor, Unit Coordinator or Principal Supervisor is to provide
feedback on the Student’s performance. A Student may ask to see their own Assessment Task or
Examination script, and any relevant marking guide or materials.

12.3 The Unit Coordinator, the assessor in consultation with the Unit Coordinator, or the Principal
Supervisor, may (but is not obliged to) revise the grade/result awarded for an Assessment Task,
Examination or Unit as part of the Informal Review process, having regard to equity matters in relation
to other Students enrolled in the Unit when revising a grade/result.

12.4 Within 7 days of undertaking an Informal Review, the assessor, Unit Coordinator or Principal
Supervisor will confirm in writing (using the Prescribed Process) the outcome of the Informal Review.

13 Formal Review

13.1 A Student may only request a Formal Review if they can demonstrate that they have engaged or
attempted to engage in the Informal Review process in relation to the grade/result.

13.2 A Student who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an Informal Review, and who considers their result
for an Assessment Task, Examination or Unit (excluding a Thesis classification for a Candidate) does
not accurately reflect their level of achievement, may lodge a request for a Formal Review (using the
Prescribed Process) of their result on any one or more of the following grounds:

the result was not determined in accordance with the method or criteria specified in the
relevant Unit outline or other written advice given by the University to the Student;

the University has not adhered to its relevant Rules and policies;

the result was affected by discrimination, prejudice, or bias against a Student; or

the result contained, was based on, or was caused by, a clear error.

13.3 A Student may not request a Formal Review based on or in relation to any of the following matters:

the approved learning outcomes and Assessment Task methods for the Unit;

the assessor’s judgement regarding the academic merit of any work submitted for an
Assessment Task, Examination or Unit;

the assessor’s determination of the level of performance or standard required by a Student to

achieve particular marks, including language proficiency;

the Student’s personal, financial, visa or medical difficulties experienced whilst completing an
Assessment Task, Examination and Unit;

financial, career, visa or other personal implications of not passing or achieving a particular
grade/result in an Assessment Task, Examination or Unit;

grade/results received by the Student, or by other Students, in the same or other Units;

the amount of effort put into work completed by the Student; or

an Outcome imposed for Academic Misconduct or Academic Breach.

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13.4 A request for a Formal Review of:

an individual Assessment Task or Examination, must be lodged within 21 days of the result
becoming available; or

a final Unit result, must be lodged within 30 days of the result becoming available.

13.5 A request for a Formal Review must be lodged using the relevant Prescribed Process to the Director,
Student Life, and must include any available evidence. Where a Student wishes to lodge a request for
a Formal Review outside of the periods described in Rule 13.4, the Student must include sufficient
reasons and evidence as to why their request should be considered out of time. The Director, Student
Life may in their absolute discretion, either in Exceptional Circumstances or where delay has been
caused by the University, approve for review a request submitted outside of this period.

13.6 A request that does not use the Prescribed Process, is incomplete or inadequate, does not provide
relevant evidence, or seeks an outcome that is not permissible under these Rules, will be returned to
the Student, providing reasons for the rejection and notifying the Student that they may resubmit the
request within a further 7 days.

13.7 Once accepted or resubmitted, the request will be referred to the relevant School or Teaching Area. A
Formal Review will be conducted and determined by the relevant Associate Dean (Teaching and
Learning), or in relation to Thesis Units, by the relevant Associate Dean (Research). If the Associate
Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean (Research) has a Conflict of Interest, they will refer
the request to another Associate Dean who is not conflicted.

13.8 In conducting the review, the Associate Dean may, but is not obliged to:

consult with any relevant Staff member, including the assessor, Unit Coordinator and Course
Coordinator; and

seek advice from relevant subject matter experts within the University, provided such experts
do not have a Conflict of Interest.

13.9 Within 14 days of the Student’s request for a Formal Review (or resubmission of a request for a Formal
Review under Rule 13.6) the:

Associate Dean:
will determine if there exists a basis for a review of the result/grade;
may nominate an alternative qualified person (which may be themselves) to conduct a
review or recommend an adjustment to the result/grade; and
will determine (with reasons) whether the result/grade should be affirmed, varied or set
aside, and what other actions (if any) are to be taken (a result may be lowered or
increased in appropriate circumstances as part of a formal review); and

University will notify the Student in writing of the Formal Review outcome including reasons
for any decision made and will record this notification in its Student management system(s).

14 Academic Progression Status Review

14.1 A Student may lodge a request for a review of their Academic Progression Status on any one or more
of the following grounds:

the University has not adhered to its relevant Rules and policies;

a University discretion exercised under the Rules, which has adversely affected the Student’s
Academic Progression Status, was affected by discrimination, prejudice, or bias against a
Student;

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there has been a clear error by the University which has adversely affected the Student’s
Academic Progression Status; or

the Student has experienced unexpected and exceptional personal or medical circumstances
beyond the Student’s control, provided that the Student can demonstrate with evidence that
such circumstances:
have had a substantially negative affect on the Student’s ability to participate in or study
for the relevant Unit during the relevant Teaching Period;
such circumstances were not reasonably foreseeable before the relevant Teaching
Period began; and
where a Learning Access Plan is in place, that such circumstances fall outside of, or
are a substantial deviation from the content of, the Learning Access Plan.

14.2 The existence of any of the circumstances in Rule 14.1 does not in itself mean that an Academic
Progression Status Review will be successful, or that a Student will be allowed to repeat a Unit where
this is not permitted by the Rules.

14.3 A Student may not request an Academic Progression Status Review on any of the following grounds:

personal, financial, visa or medical problems not referred to in Rule 14.1.4;

financial, career, visa or other personal implications of the Academic Progression Status
given;

results received by the Student, or by other Students, in Units completed at the University
(such results can be reviewed in accordance with Rules 12 and 13);

the amount of work done or effort given by the Student; or

an Outcome imposed for Academic Misconduct or Academic Breach, or the effect that such
an Outcome may have had on their Academic Progression Status.

14.4 A request for an Academic Progression Status Review must be lodged within 30 days of a Student’s
Academic Progression Status becoming available on the University’s Student information system(s)
or the Student being notified, whichever is earlier.

14.5 A request for an Academic Progression Status Review must be lodged using the relevant Prescribed
Process to the Director, Student Life, and must include any available evidence. Where a Student
wishes to lodge a request for a Formal Review outside the period described in Rule 14.4, the Student
must include sufficient reasons and evidence as to why their request should be considered out of time.
The Director, Student Life may in their absolute discretion, either in Exceptional Circumstances or
where delay has been caused by the University, approve for review a request submitted outside of the
period described in Rule 14.4.

14.6 A request that does not use the Prescribed Process, is incomplete or inadequate, does not provide
relevant evidence, or seeks an outcome that is not permissible under these Rules, will be returned to
the Student, where practicable, providing reasons for the rejection and directing the Student to
resubmit the request within 7 days.

14.7 Once accepted or resubmitted, the request will be referred to the relevant School or Teaching Area.
An Academic Progression Status Review will be conducted and determined by the relevant Associate
Dean (Teaching and Learning), or in relation to Candidates, by the relevant Associate Dean

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(Research). If the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) or Associate Dean (Research) has a
Conflict of Interest, they will refer the request to another Associate Dean who is not conflicted.

14.8 In reaching their determination, the Associate Dean may, but is not obliged to:

consult with any relevant member of Staff, including the assessor, Unit Coordinator and
Course Coordinator;

seek advice from relevant subject matter experts within the University, provided such experts
do not have a Conflict of Interest; and

conduct an interview with the Student, in accordance with the following principles;
the Associate Dean may nominate the relevant Course Coordinator to conduct the
interview and provide a written summary of relevant matters (including the Student’s
response to any relevant matters);
Student interviews may be conducted by any means determined by the Associate
Dean, provided that the Student’s preference is considered;
Students must receive reasonable notice (not less than 7 days) of the proposed
interview;
the Staff Member may be accompanied at any interview by another Staff member who
does not have a Conflict of Interest; and
Students must be given an opportunity to comment on all relevant matters.

14.9 Within 21 days of the Student’s request for an Academic Progression Status Review, the:

Associate Dean will determine whether the Student’s Academic Progression Status should be
affirmed, varied or set aside, and what other actions (if any) are to be taken; and

University will notify the Student in writing of the Academic Progression Status Review and
the reasons for the decision.

15 Support persons in reviews

15.1 A Student may be accompanied at an Informal Review, Formal Review or Academic Progression
Status Review (where an interview occurs) by a Student Guild representative, friend, or family member,
but may not be legally represented. The accompanying person may only act as the Student’s support
person, and may only act as the Student’s advocate where invited to do so by the Staff member
conducting the review.

PART 3: APPEALS AND PROVISIONAL ENROLMENT

16 Composition of the Student Appeals Committee

16.1 There will be a Student Appeals Committee comprising:

an Associate Professor or Professor, appointed by the Academic Board, for a term of up to 3

years, who will act as chairperson;

up to two staff members, who must be at Associate Professor or Professor level, and who
must each be from a different School or Teaching Area to each other and to the chairperson,
appointed by the Academic Board, for a term of up to 3 years, who will act as deputy
chairpersons;

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up to three academic staff members from each School, who must be at Senior Lecturer,
Associate Professor or Professor level, appointed by the Executive Dean of the relevant
School, for a term of up to 2 years, who will act as general members; and

the President of the University Student Guild, and up to three nominees appointed by the
President of the University Student Guild from the Guild Senate, who will act as general
members.

16.2 A person appointed under Rules 16.1.1 – 16.1.3 will not be an Associate Dean (Teaching and
Learning) or Executive Dean, but may act in those positions from time to time during their appointment
to the Student Appeals Committee, provided that they do not hear or determine any appeal whilst
acting in such a position.

16.3 Any member appointed under Rule 16.1can be re-appointed after the expiry of their previous term, but
may not be appointed for more than three consecutive terms.

16.4 Any member appointed under Rule 16.1.3 may be appointed as an acting deputy chairperson by the
Chair of the Academic Board for a period not exceeding 3 months, where a deputy chairperson is
otherwise unavailable.

16.5 For any matter to be heard by the Student Appeals Committee, the chairperson, or if the chairperson
is unavailable or has a Conflict of Interest, then a deputy chairperson, will convene a meeting of a
committee of the Student Appeals Committee to hear and determine (as a decision of the Student
Appeals Committee) the relevant matter(s). The convened committee will consist of four committee
members, namely:

the chairperson or a deputy chairperson;

two University Staff members described in Rules 16.1.2 and 16.1.3; and

one Student described in Rule 16.1.4, who must be an enrolled Student at the time of the
hearing.

16.6 The quorum for a meeting of the Student Appeals Committee is three of these members, one of whom
must be the chairperson or deputy chairperson.

16.7 University staff members on the convened committee must all be from Schools that are different to
each other, and must be from a School which is different to the Student who has lodged the appeal.

16.8 A member of the Student Appeals Committee must not participate in a committee meeting if they:

were directly associated with the decision that is the subject of the appeal; or

have a Conflict of Interest relating to the appeal being considered.

16.9 The convened committee as constituted at the commencement of a hearing may continue to hear an
appeal under these Rules, notwithstanding the expiry of the term of appointment or office of any
member of the convened committee, provided that the relevant member continues to be employed by
or enrolled at the University.

16.10 The Director, Strategic and Governance Services will appoint one or more persons to act as SAC
Executive Officer to assist the Student Appeals Committee. A SAC Executive Officer may assist during
any Student Appeals Committee hearing, but will not be entitled to vote on any Student Appeals
Committee decision.

17 Appeals to the Student Appeals Committee

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17.1 A Student (not including a prospective student) may appeal to the Student Appeals Committee using
the Prescribed Process only against the following decisions:

a decision expressed by a University Statute, Rule, policy or procedure to be appealable

directly to the Student Appeals Committee;

a refusal or cancellation of enrolment under Rule 3.5.1(a), 3.5.1(h), 3.5.1(i), 3.5.2, 3.5.4
(Inherent Requirements), or 3.5.5 (non-submission);

any decision made under Rule 3.5.5(b)-(g) (fitness to study), subject to restrictions on appeals
set out in the Fitness to Study Policy;

a decision made under Rule 8 of the Academic Misconduct Rules (Students) in relation to a
finding or Academic Breach of Academic Misconduct, or the Outcome imposed;

a direction by the University for a Candidate to enter a Progression Plan, but only under Rule
6.7.1;

a Thesis classification of “fail” under Rule 6.11.1(e), 6.12.2(c) or 6.13.1;

non-admission to a degree under Rule 6.14.1 or 6.14.2;

a final determination of a Formal Review under these Rules; or

a final determination of an Academic Progression Status Review under these Rules.

17.2 A Student has 14 days from the relevant decision being made to appeal. Where the Student is
Suspended or Excluded or Expelled as an immediate result of a decision, this appeal period is
automatically extended to 30 days. Any other University rule or policy may also extend this appeal
period.

17.3 A Student may appeal a decision referred to in Rule 17.1 on one or more of the following grounds:

the decision was affected by discrimination, prejudice, or bias against a Student;

a process was not duly carried out in accordance with these or the relevant Rules;

the decision was made contrary to the evidence provided to the relevant decision-maker;

there is new additional information available, which was not available to the previous decision-
maker, which may alter the outcome of the previous decision (information that was available,
or that could reasonably have been obtained by the Student at the relevant time, but was not
provided to the previous decision-maker, will not be considered by the Student Appeals
Committee); or

grounds prescribed in other University Rules affecting the relevant decision.

17.4 The application for appeal will be referred to the Director, Strategic and Governance Services Centre
using the Prescribed Process. An application for appeal that is not made using the Prescribed Process,
or that the Director, Strategic and Governance Services Centre decides (in their absolute discretion)
is incomplete or inadequate will be returned to the Student providing reasons for the rejection and
notifying the Student that they may within a further 7 days resubmit their appeal in accordance with
the Prescribed Process. The Director, Strategic and Governance Services Centre is not obliged to
return an application more than once. Once submitted, the appeal will be dealt with pursuant to Rule
17.6 and the resubmitted documentation will be considered as it has been presented.

17.5 Where a Student wishes to lodge an appeal to the Student Appeals Committee outside of the periods
described in Rule 17.2 or Rule 17.4, the Student must provide sufficient reasons and evidence as to

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why their request should be considered out of time. In Exceptional Circumstances, including delay has
been caused by the University, the Vice-Chancellor may in their absolute discretion, extend the
timeframes in Rule 17.2 or Rule 17.4 where it is appropriate to do so.

17.6 The SAC Executive Officer will refer an accepted or resubmitted appeal to either the chairperson or a
deputy chairperson of the Student Appeals Committee.

17.7 If the chairperson or a deputy chairperson determines that the appeal is frivolous, vexatious or devoid
of merit, or has already been determined in a previous appeal, the appeal may be dismissed. This
dismissal will be communicated to the Student and recorded in the University’s Student management
system(s).

17.8 If the appeal is not dismissed, the chairperson or a deputy chairperson will convene a hearing of a
panel of the Student Appeals Committee. The Student Appeals Committee:

will give the Student a minimum of 5 days’ notice of the hearing date (unless the Student
consents to a shorter period);

may consider evidence presented by University staff member(s) in response to the appeal;

may (but is not obliged to) request the Student or Staff member(s) to provide further written
material on parts or all of the appeal;

may decide on the matters on which it will hear oral evidence or argument;

will invite oral submissions from both the Student and appropriate University Staff member(s),
and provide opportunities for each party to comment on or question the submission(s) of the
other at the hearing;

may limit the time available for presenting the respective cases of parties before it at a hearing,
to an extent that it considers it would not impede a fair and adequate hearing of the matter;
and

may adjourn a hearing at any time.

17.9 The hearing may, at the chairperson’s or a deputy chairperson’s discretion, be conducted in person,
by telephone, teleconference or videoconference or by any other means, provided that the Student’s
preference is considered when making that decision.

17.10 Where Staff provide written material before the hearing, the Student will be provided with a copy of
such material and given reasonable opportunity at or before the hearing to respond to it.

17.11 If the Student does not attend their scheduled hearing, then the Student Appeals Committee may in
any event determine the appeal based on the evidence before it, including any new evidence, and
including any evidence presented by Staff to the Student Appeals Committee at the hearing.

17.12 The Student may appoint a Student Guild representative, friend, or family member to act as an
advocate to conduct the appeal on the Student’s behalf or otherwise accompany or assist them in
relation to the appeal, but may not be legally represented at the hearing.

18 Decisions of Student Appeals Committee

18.1 The Student Appeals Committee will conduct a hearing to affirm, vary or set aside an appealed
decision within 21 days of the date on which the appeal was submitted (or resubmitted under Rule
17.4), or such longer period as may be approved by the Chairperson or a Deputy Chairperson of the
Student Appeals Committee, acting reasonably. The Student Appeals Committee may, where
appropriate, set aside the appealed decision and request that the original decision-maker, an

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Associate Dean, or the Executive Dean, remake the decision. Alternatively, the Student Appeals
Committee may substitute its own decision or outcome.

18.2 Each member of the Student Appeals Committee involved in the hearing of an appeal, including the
chairperson or a deputy chairperson, will have one deliberative vote only. In the event of a tied vote,
the appeal will be declared lost and will be dismissed.

18.3 The SAC Executive Officer will make a written record of the proceedings of the Student Appeals
Committee that is to include:

details of persons in attendance;

a summary of submissions made to the Student Appeals Committee;

the Student Appeals Committee’s decision; and

the reason(s) for the Student Appeals Committee’s decision.

18.4 The University will notify the Student of the Student Appeals Committee’s decision and its reasons for
the decision within 7 days of the decision being made. The decision will be recorded on the University’s
Student management system(s).

18.5 The Student Appeals Committee may, in its absolute discretion, consolidate or separate appeals, and
may make one consolidated determination addressing all matters, having due regard to principles of
natural justice.

18.6 The Student Appeals Committee is the final avenue of appeal within the University.

19 Provisional enrolment

19.1 A Student who has had their enrolment restricted or cancelled pursuant to Rule 3.5.4 (Inherent
Requirements) or Rule 3.5.5 (Fitness To Study), or under the General Misconduct Rules (Students),
will not be entitled to provisionally enrol.

19.2 If a Student is not entitled to be enrolled in a Unit because they have not met a prerequisite or co-
requisite requirement, or have not passed a Designated Unit, and the success of their pending Formal
Review or appeal would give them an opportunity to meet the prerequisite or co-requisite requirement
or pass the Designated Unit, then the Student may only provisionally enrol in the Unit with the authority
of the Director, Student Administration and the relevant Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning),
which authority may be withheld on any reasonable ground.

19.3 Subject to Rule 19.1 and Rule 19.2 (which are paramount), a Student who:

has been Excluded (Purple Status); and

lodges any request for a Formal Review, Academic Progression Status Review or appeal to
the Student Appeals Committee, the result of which may affect their Academic Progression
Status,
pending the determination of the review or appeal, will have a provisional Red Status assigned to
them, and will be entitled to enrol in Units on a provisional basis.

19.4 Provisional enrolment is allowed upon the condition that the Student will not have the right to claim
disadvantage or compensation (subject to Rule 19.6) if the Student’s Formal Review, Academic

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Progression Status Review or appeal is dismissed after completion of any or all Unit requirements or
purchase of Unit materials.

19.5 Provisional enrolment will be Cancelled where:

the Formal Review is dismissed, and the Student does not lodge an appeal to the Student
Appeals Committee within the relevant time; or

an appeal to the Student Appeals Committee is dismissed.

19.6 Provided that the Student has met their responsibilities under these Rules, where the outcome of an
appeal or Formal Review results in Cancellation of the provisional enrolment after the census date in
that Teaching Period, the Student will be eligible for a refund of any charges or other money, which
the Student has been required to pay under the Act, a Statute, Rule or By-law associated with the
Unit(s) for which they were provisionally enrolled (excluding fines or administrative charges, and
excluding monies paid to third parties, if any).

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ADMISSION, ENROLMENT AND ACADEMIC PROGRESS RULES

Approved by Council on 7 December 2006 under Amending Rule No 5 of 2006. Effective from 16 March 2007, the
day Amending Statute No 5 of 2006 (Statute No. 30 – Admission, Enrolment and Academic Progress) was published
in the Government Gazette.

Amendments:
Rule Amendment No 1 of 2008 (13 March 2008)
Rule Amendment No 2 of 2008 (26 June 2008)
Rule Amendment No 3 of 2008 (26 June 2008)
Rule Amendment No 4 of 2008 (26 June 2008)
Rule Amendment No 5 of 2008 (23 October 2008)
Rule Amendment No 6 of 2008 (23 October 2008)
Rule Amendment No 1 of 2009 (27 August 2009)
Rule Amendment No 2 of 2009 (27 August 2009)
Rule Amendment No 3 of 2009 (27 August 2009)
Rule Amendment No 4 of 2009 (27 August 2009)
Rule Amendment No 5 of 2009 (27 August 2009)
Rule Amendment No 6 of 2009 (27 August 2009)
Rule Amendment No 1 of 2010 (25 February 2010)
Rule Amendment No 2 of 2010 (25 February 2010)
Rule Amendment No 4 of 2010 (24 June 2010)
Rule Amendment No 5 of 2010 (26 August 2010)
Rule Amendment No 2 of 2011 (10 March 2011)
Rule Amendment No 3 of 2011 (27 October 2011)
Rule Amendment No 5 of 2012 (13 December 2012)
Rule Amendment No 1 of 2013 (12 December 2013)
Rule Amendment No 2 of 2014 (23 October 2014)
Rule Amendment No 3 of 2015 (10 December 2015) [re-structuring and re-numbering of the Rules]
Rule Amendment No 1 of 2016 (28 April 2016),
Rule Amendment No 2 of 2016 (30 October 2016)
Rule Amendment No. 3 of 2017 (30 August 2017)
Rule Amendment No. 2 of 2018 (18 May 2018)
Rule Amendment No. 5 of 2019 (3 July 2019, effective 15 July 2019)
Rule Amendment No. 6 of 2019 (12 December 2019, effective 1 January 2020)
Rule Amendment No. 1 of 2020 (30 April 2020, effective 5 May 2020)
Rule Amendment No. 2 of 2020 (10 December 2020, effective 1 January 2021)
Rule Amendment No. 2 of 2021 (29 June 2021)
Rule Amendment No. 3 of 2022 (Date 23 June 2022, effective 27 July 2022)
Rule Amendment No. 3 of 2023 (effective 14 December 2023 or 30 June 2024 as set out in Rules 11.3 to 11.5)
Rule Amendment No. 1 of 2024 (effective 30 June 2024 as set out in Rules 11.3 to 11.5)

For further information contact: University Governance, Strategic & Governance Services Centre
Edith Cowan University
Email: [email protected]

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