Early Warning Letter

Definition

A letter sent in July/August to every student who may be at risk of breaching the faculty’s academic rules at the end of the year. Note that this letter will be sent to your registered address. It is your responsibility to provide your current mailing address to the University.

Reality Check

This is just a warning.

Some faculties send this letter to every student who has failed even one compulsory unit.

It is an opportunity to reflect on your failure, so you can understand the cause and the actions needed to prevent repeating your mistakes.

You will only be contacted by the Academic Progress Committee if you

• pass less than half your units for the year
• or fail a compulsory unit twice
• or fail to meet a condition which has been previously placed on you by an Academic Progress Committee

Academic Progress Committees only meet in January, not in the middle of the year.

Reflect

This is an opportunity to take steps to improve your performance.

This letter is sent to you to encourage you to be be more active in seeking opportunities to improve your studies. Are these the studies you want to complete or have your interests changed?

Information Sessions

• Early Warning Information Sessions

Contact

This letter may suggest a specific person or you may wish to contact any of the services listed below

Explain

Make sure you understand what factors contributed to your performance and how they impacted on you.

Prepare

• Take appropriate steps to address the issues you identified above which have hampered your success?
• If you have personal or health problems, seek professional advice and guidance.
• Consider whether you need to discontinue any units (See withdrawal dates). NOTE: International students, on a student visa, are expected to complete their course within the time period specified in their eCOE (electronic confirmation of enrolment). You need to complete an underload application form if you wish to reduce your load.
• Consider taking intermission and deferring your studies.

Implications

• You may have to spend extra time to complete your course
• You will incur additional costs in fees and HECS charges
• You may be called to Academic Progress Committee (APC) if you pass less than half your units or fail a compulsory unit twice
• Your course progression may be affected
• Contact the Student Advisors at your campus Hub to discuss your visa implications.