Unsatisfactory Progress

The conditions for the assessment of unsatisfactory progress differ between coursework degrees (Graduate Diplomas, Masters by Coursework, Bachelor of Letters) and research degrees (Masters by Research and PhDs), so the following information is divided into these two categories. Most of the information supplied is adapted from the University of Melbourne Statutes: Statute 11.5 - Unsatisfactory Progress.

Coursework Degrees

If a postgraduate enrolled in a coursework degree does not pass half of their enrolled subjects, or fails a subject twice they may be identified as making unsatisfactory progress.    

The appropriate faculty must investigate the circumstances and allow the student an opportunity to explain their case.  Usually this is a meeting where the student is interviewed about their progress.

After this process has been concluded, if the faculty is still of the opinion that the student is making unsatisfactory progress, it may notify the student in writing to this effect.The faculty may specify the subjects for which the student may enrol in any subsequent year, or recommend to the University's Academic Board that the student be suspended from the course.    
    

Research Degrees

Because research postgraduates do not receive any formal assessment until the examination of their thesis, an assessment of progress is made by the student's supervisor(s). The PhD Committee recommends that the student and principal supervisor should undertake regular reviews of the student's work at least every six months.

Annual Reports

PhD candidates (and some Masters candidates) are required to submit annual reports. These reports are considered an opportunity for both students and supervisors to review and evaluate progress on the project, and a means by which the Head of Department and the Chair of the PhD Committee can be alerted to any difficulties in candidature. (This is nice in theory but does not always work in practice.)

The Postgraduate Association recommends that if you are experiencing problems with your research (or supervisor), you should address the issue early in the piece. Discuss the problem(s) with your supervisor or, if this is not an option, with the Head of Department or Postgraduate Co-ordinator. Advisers at the Postgraduate Association are also happy to act as sounding boards and to assist with any difficulties.      

If a supervisor is of the opinion that a student is making unsatisfactory progress, (s)he is obliged to report it to the faculty. The faculty is also obliged to take into account the recommendation of the School of Graduate Studies. Once an opinion of unsatisfactory progress is formed at faculty level, the faculty may then issue a written warning to the student. The warning may state that after three months from the date of issue of the warning the faculty intends to:

  1. terminate the student's candidature; or
  2. make such changes to the student's candidature as are specified in the warning. For PhD students this usually means a downgrading of the degree from a PhD to a Masters.    

What should you do if issued with a letter of unsatisfactory progress?

Coursework Postgraduates

You will be invited to attend an unsatisfactory progress meeting. If unsuccessful at this level, the Academic Board is your final court of appeal.     

Contact one of the Advisers at the Postgraduate Association to discuss the process and for help with a submission.

Research Postgraduates    

If you are issued with a warning related to unsatisfactory progress you may, within six weeks of the date of issue of the warning, notify the faculty or Academic Board of your wish to be heard in relation to the warning.

If you give this advance notification, the faculty or Academic Board is obliged to conduct a hearing of the matter within three months of the date of issue of the warning. Advisers at the Postgraduate Association are experienced in helping students with such appeals and will attend a hearing with you at your request. After such a hearing, and subject to any conditions it thinks fit, the Academic Board may decide to:    
    
  • terminate your candidature; or
  • make changes to your candidature; or
  • permit you to continue the course.

For Further Information

If you are faced with the situation of having to be heard  before the Unsatisfactory Progress Committee (UPC), the Association recommends that you  seek advice from our Postgraduate Advisers. They will assist you with the preparation for hearings, clarifying the issues, and putting together a submission. Contact the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association for further information or an appointment, by phone: (03) 8344 8657; fax: (03) 8347 1257; or email: gsa (at) gsa.unimelb.edu.au
    

Last updated July 2007
      
    

 


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