Higher Education - Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Policy

1. Purpose

To ensure that:

• students are given appropriate support to complete higher education courses and
• places in CIT higher education courses of study are not occupied by students who have demonstrated that they are unable to make satisfactory progress.

2. Scope

All CIT students in higher education courses of study.

International students are also subject to additional requirements regarding academic progress.

3. Principles

3.1  CIT will provide a learning environment that assists students to reach their learning goals.

3.2  CIT will monitor and review the progress of students every term and/or semester and identify students needing extra learning support and resources

3.3  A student is expected to be enrolled in at least one subject at any time, unless they have applied for a course suspension.

Prescribed course duration

3.4  In order to ensure that the student’s course remains current and relevant to industry and to  employment outcomes, a student must complete all requirements of their course within the period of time which is prescribed in the table:

3.5  A different period may be prescribed and approved by the Higher Education Committee.

3.6  The commencement of the period is calculated from the time the student enrols in the course of study.

Failure to complete within the prescribed period

3.7  A student who fails to complete all course requirements within the prescribed period (and, where relevant, any extended period) will:

• have their enrolment cancelled and
• will be notified in writing that their enrolment has been cancelled.

3.8  A student may suspend their course of study by notifying the Head of Department in writing. The suspension does not increase the maximum period for completion of the course. If the suspension exceeds two years, the student may be required to complete additional study to ensure that the qualification is current and relevant.

Extensions

3.9  In exceptional circumstances, a student approaching the end of the prescribed period may apply for an extension of the period. The application must be made in writing to the Executive Director, Education and Training Services, who will determine whether the period may be extended based on:

• The student's exceptional circumstances - such as health or family problems. Work commitments will not be a sufficient ground for extension
• the student’s past academic performance
• whether the student notified CIT of their intention to suspend their study and
• the likelihood that the students will complete the course within 2 additional semesters of study.

3.10  Within 4 weeks of receiving the extension application, the Head of Department will notify the student in writing of:

• the decision on the extension application (ie approved, rejected, approved with conditions) and
• the student's right to appeal the decision.

Third enrolments

3.11  Students enrolling in a subject twice without successfully completing may be offered additional support and counselling to improve their chances of completing the subject.

3.12  Students who are still unsuccessful after two attempts at a subject will only be allowed to re-enrol in the subject with the approval of the Head of Department and/or College Director, and subject to completing a learning plan approved by the Head of Department.

4. Documentation

Complaints Students and Community Members Policy

Student Conduct Policy.

Academic Appeals Policy

5. Definitions

All terminology used in this policy is consistent with definitions in the CIT Definitions of Terms.

6. Policy Contact Officer

Director, Education Services.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au for further information.

7. Procedures

This policy is implemented through the associated procedures. Authority to make changes to the procedures rests with the policy owner.