Student Development

"Show Cause Hearing"

Higher Education, University of Ballarat

Preparation is the Key

If you are reading this it is likely that you have not done well this semester. Your school has doubts about your suitability to continue your course and wants to hear what you think. Read the School's letter to yourself carefully. You may have been asked to meet with some members of staff to "show cause" why you should be permitted to continue your course. Or you may need or choose to respond by letter.

Before you go along to the hearing there are several points you should consider.

Why did you Fail?

Try to think honestly about what went wrong:

Is the course really for you?
Personal/family dilemmas.
The course is not what you thought it would be?
Accommodation is a problem?
Exam anxiety.
Caught up in the mad social whirl.
Uncertainty about the standard of work required.

You may need to speak to your lecturers about what went wrong.

What do you need to do to make sure you pass next Semester?

Extra tutoring.
More balance between study and social life.
Work harder or smarter.
Speak to a Counsellor regarding family, personal or financial problems.

Can these things be sorted out or should you take time off and come back when things have settled down? Perhaps reducing your hours to part-time would be an option?

Where can you go for Help?

Counsellors can help you to plan your approach to the show cause hearing and answer your questions about them.
The Student Association can talk to you about the regulations covering "show cause" and offer advice about appealing decisions.
Further information can be found at: http://www.ballarat.edu.au/vco/legal/legislation/Legislation_pdf/Chapter2/r2_2appeals.pdf

Can you Appeal?

Your School will let you know the outcome of your hearing within 7 days of making the decision. If you feel the outcome is not satisfactory, you can appeal. You should write your appeal to the Secretary, Appeals Committee within 7 days of receiving notification. It is a good idea to talk to the Student Association or a Counsellor if you are planning to appeal.

What Next?

Being asked to show cause gives you an opportunity to review where you're going with your studies and, perhaps, your life. It can be the start of something new, if you can make the necessary changes to the way you've been doing things.

Counsellors can help you to think your way through what you need to do differently, and support you in making the changes. If your study skills need improving, the Student Learning Support Centre will be able to help you too.

Let's make your show cause hearing an opportunity for a fresh start.

Contacts

To contact a Counsellor at the Mt Helen Campus call in to the Student Centre, ground floor T building, or tel: (03) 53279470.

To find Mt Helen Student Association, go to the 1st floor of the U building and they are down the corridor opposite the bookshop, or tel: (03) 53279450.

Student Learning Support, Mt Helen is on the ground floor of the Library, up the back and to your left, or tel: (03) 53279378.