Student Development

"Show Cause Hearing"

Higher Education, University of Ballarat - MIT

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 your Program Manager 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?

Where can you go for Help?

Your Program Manager can help you to plan your approach to the "show cause" hearing and answer your questions about them.
Further information can be found in the Handbook or at: http://www.ballarat.edu.au/vco/legal/legislation/Legislation_pdf/Chapter2/r2%272appealscomm.pdf

Can you Appeal?

Your School will let you know the outcome of your hearing within 7 days of making the decision.

If you are unhappy with the outcome of your appeals to the School, you are entitled to appeal to higher authorities but only under the following circumstances:

you have new evidence, not known to you at the time of your appeal to the School;
you believe that there were irregularities in the procedures followed by the School.

You should write your appeal to the Secretary, Appeals Committee within 7 days of receiving notification from the School.

It is a good idea to talk to the UB Program Manager if you are planning an appeal to the Academic Board.

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.

Staff in the International Student Programs office 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.

Contact

University of Ballarat, tel: (03) 53279018 or email mitstudents@ballarat.edu.au