What happens if I fail a subject?

Do I have to repeat a subject I have failed?

Was the subject compulsory for your degree?
Yes
No
  You must repeat the subject. Please note if you fail a subject for a second time, your progress is considered unsatisfactory (refer to information on student progress below). If you fail a compulsory subject for a third time, it will be recommended that your enrolment in the Bachelor of Commerce be terminated. You are not required to repeat the subject. You may choose a different subject to make up the credit points instead.
Was the subject a prerequisite for another subject you wish to undertake?
Yes
No
 

You must repeat the subject. You will not be permitted to undertake any subjects for which this subject is a prerequisite without passing the prerequisite subject. Please note if you fail a subject for a second time, your progress is considered unsatisfactory (refer to information on student progress below).

What if I have failed a non-compulsory subject for the third time? You would be strongly advised to not repeat the subject again. If you wish to do so you will need make an appointment with a student advisor, at the commerce student centre, to discuss.

You are not required to repeat the subject. You may choose a different subject to make up the credit points instead.

As you need to make up the points from any subject you have failed, subject failure will increase the length of time required to complete the degree (with a corresponding increase in fees and HECS liability) and may make selection into quota subjects or other courses more difficult as selection is usually based on academic merit.

What is the 'Final Subject Rule'?

Students in the final year of the BCom or BCom double degree requiring no more than 25 points to graduate owing to having failed no more than one subject (ie. one 6.25, 12.5 or 25 point subject) in their final year1, and:

  1. have achieved at least 40% in the failed subject; and

  2. have not previously sat for a special test in the failed subject (unless special consideration was the reason)

may be offered additional assessment in the failed subject. Such additional assessment is to constitute 100% of assessment in that subject and may only be awarded a maximum of 50% (P).

Students are warned that only very short notice of this additional assessment can be given (minimum 48 hours) and it is important therefore that students who are eligible are available and can be reached via their University email account and at the address held by the University as no rescheduling of additional assessment is possible.

Please Note:

  1. Final subject assessment is not available to students who receive an NH grade where that NH grade was awarded due to failure to submit a piece of assessment that was a hurdle requirement, or failure to attend or participate in the subject as required.
  2. Final subject assessment is available to students who receive an NH grade where that NH grade was awarded due to a failure to satisfactorily pass an examination where passing that assessment component was a hurdle requirement.

 

1 Defined as the final three semesters including summer, or for a part-time student this explicitly means subjects taken in the final year of enrolment and not those required for the last 100 points of the degree.

What is Unsatisfactory Progress?

At the end of each semester the Faculty reviews the academic performance of students whose progress is considered unsatisfactory in accordance with the unsatisfactory progress guidelines located on the University's Academic Services policy website. The Faculty's primary role is to determine the most suitable arrangements for a student's academic future and not to discipline a student for unsatisfactory progress.

Have I made Unsatisfactory Progress?

6.2 Students will be considered to have made unsatisfactory progress when they:

What happens if I am invited to appear before the Course Unsatisfactory Progress Committee (CUPC)?

Please be aware that if your results are not satisfactory, the CUPC will consider your continued enrolment in the course.

Should you be invited to appear before the Committee, it will be noted whether you have participated in the services available to you as a student, including course advice sessions and Teaching and Learning Unit appointments. It is therefore in your best interest to address any difficulties you may be having and heed the advice offered by advisers in the University, including course advisers, TLU staff, or staff from other student support services.

The committee will determine the best course of action for the student's academic future as follows:

The committee may permit a student to continue if there is evidence that difficulties will be overcome and it is likely the student can complete the course successfully. Students permitted to continue will be expected to meet with course advisers and staff from the Faculty's Teaching and Learning Unit regularly and may be restricted in the number and nature of subjects to be taken. Students may also be directed to seek help from the University's Student Support Services (including financial aid, housing) or advised to apply for leave of absence.

The committee may recommend to the Academic Board that a student's enrolment in the course be terminated. Where such a recommendation is made, students have the right to be heard by the board, but, if the board confirms the recommendation, the student is then excluded from the course. Students whose enrolment in the course is terminated, or who discontinue from a course, may apply to be re-selected into the course in competition with other applicants during the selection period once they have demonstrated academic rehabilitation (see below).

Preparing for a meeting with the Course Unsatisfactory Progress Committee (CUPC)

If you wish to seek assistance in preparing for your meeting with the Course Unsatisfactory Progress Committee, you could:

Can I reapply for admission to my course if my enrolment is terminated?

Students whose enrolment in the course is terminated may apply for re-admission. They will only be re-admitted if they can demonstrate academic rehabilitation, (ie that they do have the ability to successfully undertake tertiary study) or a change in their circumstances such that there is a reasonable chance that they could successfully complete their course.

Students may be able to undertake academic rehabilitation by enrolling at another tertiary institution either in Australia or overseas, or at the University of Melbourne through the Community Access Program (CAP). Students wishing to explore this option should approach the relevant tertiary institution, or visit the CAP website. Please note that restrictions may apply to students enrolling through the Community Access Program and students are advised to seek advice from the Commerce Student Centre prior to enrolling on this basis.

Further information regarding academic rehabilitation is detailed in the University's Academic Progress Review Procedure (UOM0486)

What services are available to assist me with my studies, or any personal difficulties that may affect my studies?

Further information on help availble can be found on our Getting Assistance pages.

If you require further information about 'Unsatisfactory Progress', please contact the Commerce Student Centre during office hours or send an email to commerce-studentprogress@unimelb.edu.au.

Other References: