Academic Progress Committee (APC) Frequently Asked Questions
APC Hearings
Q: I have been assigned an Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Risk Level Two. Does this mean I will have to attend an APC hearing?
A: There are three Academic Progress risk levels; Level One: Advice, Level Two: Monitoring, Level Three: Intervention. Only students assigned risk level three can be asked to attend an APC hearing. Not all students on risk level three are asked to attend an APC hearing.
Q: What should I do if I receive an email informing me that I have to attend a hearing?
A: You have three days to respond to the email to indicate that you will attend the hearing. If you do not respond, you may not be allowed into your hearing and it will proceed without you.
Q: Is it a good idea to attend a hearing?
A: We highly recommend that you attend your hearing because it is your opportunity to explain your circumstances to the panel and share your plan for achieving satisfactory progress in the next semester.
Q: I am nervous about attending my APC hearing. What can I do?
A: We highly recommend that you contact MONSU Student Rights + Support (SR+S) as soon as you receive the email asking you to attend an APC hearing, We can provide hints and tips on how to prepare for your APC hearing based on your personal circumstances. Our service is free, independent and confidential.
Q: Will the information I disclose at a hearing be kept private?
A: Yes, the information discussed at a hearing is confidential. This means it will be kept secure and not disclosed to unauthorised persons.
Q: Can I take additional supporting documents to an APC hearing?
A: You can submit additional supporting documents two working days before the hearing date. If the documentation is not avaliable until after this due date, you must request permission from the hearing executive officer to submit further supporting documents at the hearing.
Q: How do I arrange for a Student Rights Adviser (SRA) to support me at my hearing?
A: Contact MONSU SR+S. When completing My Academic Progress Response, tick the appropriate section near the end of the form indiciating you give permission for your file to be sent to MONSU SR+S, and we will organise the SRA to support you at your hearing.
Q: Can I object to a hearing panel member?
A: You can object to any panel member on the grounds of actual bias or reasonable perception of bias. You must submit your reasons for the objection to the executive officer within four working days of receieving the hearing notice. You will be informed of the outcome of the objection at least two working days before the hearing.
Q: When will I find out if I need to attend a hearing?
A: Your faculty will email you at least 10 working days before the hearing begins. The email will tell you when the APC hearing takes place and what you need to know. Keep checking your University email account from January–April and from July–October.
MY ACADEMIC PROGRESS RESPONSE FORM
Q: Where can I get advice on how to fill in 'My Academic Progress Response' form?
A: Contact MONSU SR+S. We provide free, independent and confidential advice on how to write a detailed response based on your personal circumstances.
Q: What if I am late to submit my response?
A: Late responses will be taken into consideration by your faculty to decide on support or interventions. For risk level three students who have an APC hearing, your late response may be considered by the hearing panel.
Q: What should I do if I receive my supporting documents after the response due date?
A: You must submit your 'My Academic Progress Response' form by the due date. As soon as you receive your supporting documents, email them to the address stated in the 'Notice of Unsatisfactory Progress' email.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Q: Is it okay if I do not have supporing documents?
A: It is not compulsory to provide supporting documents. However, we recommend that you do not try to provide supporting documents if they are relevant to your circumstances, such as a statement from a counsellor.
Q: What should I do if my supporting documents are not written in English?
A: You will need to get the documents translated into English by an accredited translator who will stamp and sign the translated document. Send the translated documents with your 'My Academic Progress Response' form. You won't have to provide original documents unless your faculty specifically asks you to.
Q: What is a Statutory Declaration?
A: A legally binding written statement which you sign and declare to be true before an authorised witness, A statutory declaration can be used as a supporting documentation. Click here for more information.
Q: What should I do if I do not want to email my supporting documents due to privacy concerns?
A: You should contact Monash Connect to find out how to send your documents so your privacy is protected.
DISCONTINUATION
Q: What does it mean to discontinue my course?
A: This means you have chosen to withdraw from your course and will cease to be enrolled at Monash University.
It is important to note that, if you wish to return to study at Monash University in the future, you'll need to make a new course application and there is no guarentee that you will be selected for entry. If you choose to discontinue after 11:59pm of the current census date, you'll be charged for the units you're enrolled in, and you may receive a fail grade.
Q: If I discontinue my course, do I still need to attend a hearing?
A: If you discontinue your course, the APC process stops and you will no longer be a student at Monash University, therefore you will not be required to attend a hearing.
Q: How do I discontinue my course?
A:
- Tick the appropriate box on the 'My Academic Progress Response' form
- Contact Monash Connect to discuss your option to discontinue your course
- Complete and submit the appropriate form provided by Monash Connect OR you can discontinue your course at an APC hearing.
EXCLUSION
Q: What does exclusion mean?
A: This means the University has decided that you are not allowed to continue your course and your enrolement at Monash University will be cancelled.
Q: If I receive a 'Notice of Unsatisfactory Progress' risk level three, will I be excluded?
A: Students can only be excluded at an APC hearing. However, not all students who are asked to attend a hearing are excluded.
Q: Can I appeal an exclusion?
A: There are limited grounds for appeal and strict deadlines. Contact MONSU SR+S for advice and support, or read more here.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Q: What is an alternative exit?
A: An alternative exit is an official exit from an award course that is different from the course you enrolled in. Your faculty will inform you at an APC hearing if you are eligible for an alternative exit. To be fully prepared, we suggest you contact Monash Connect before your hearing date to see if you are eligible for an alternative exit.
Q: What is a course transfer?
A: A course transfer is an opportunity to transfer from one course to another. For instance, transferring from a double degree to a single degree. Contact your faculty to see if you are eligible for a course transfer. Click here for more information.
Q: What is a compulsory course requirement?
A: A requirement stated by your faculty which must be successfully completed as part of your course. This includes successful completion of placement units, specified vaccinations, a certificate required for vocational registration (such as Working with Childrens Check), successful completion of LANTITE or successful completion of a fitness test. For more information, including to look up compulsory course requirements for your course, click here.
For further questions and advice:
MONSU Caulfield Student Rights + Support
E: studentrights@monsu.org
P: +61 3 9903 2596
W: www.monsu.org/srs/