Academic course progression
Did you receive an Academic Progression Notice?
During your studies, CDU will keep an eye on your progression to ensure you are on track to complete your course. This applies to all domestic and international students enrolled in Higher Education courses, Enabling and/or non-award programs at the University.
This does not apply to Higher Degree by Research students and international students enrolled in a TAFE course.
All students start their Higher Education course with a 'satisfactory' academic status.
We recognise that your academic performance may vary during your studies due to a range of factors. By monitoring your academic progress, we can identify if you are at risk early and find the proper support to help you achieve success and finish your degree.
Contact us
For detailed information on course progression, you can download the Higher Education Academic Progression Policy or view the Progression flowchart.
Review periods
Your academic performance will be assessed twice a year. This will happen after the release of grades at the end of Semesters 1 and 2.
Click the tabs below to see the review periods.
Review Period 1
Assesses your academic performance in Semester 1, Intensives 1, 2, 3 of the current year, and Intensive 6 and Summer Semester from the previous year.
Review Period 2
Evaluates your academic performance in Semester 2, Intensives 4 and 5 of the current year.
Outcomes
At risk of unsatisfactory progress
If you are at risk of unsatisfactory progress, it means you may have:
- failed the same unit or a previous version of the same unit two times; and/or
- received fail grades in more than 50% of units attempted; and/or
- failed a simulation block, placement or capstone unit.
An At Risk of Unsatisfactory Progress Notice will be emailed to your CDU email address. This will give you instructions on next steps and who you can contact if you have any questions. The email will also ask you to complete a student response via an online Progression Questionnaire.
The Comeback Strategy Plan template will help you develop strategies to improve your studies that are tailored to your needs.
View a student flowchart of your At risk of unsatisfactory progress and options.
If you need help with your Comeback Strategy Plan, contact the Retention and Progression Team.
Unsatisfactory progress
You are assessed as making unsatisfactory progress if:
- you have met the criteria for being at risk of unsatisfactory progress for two or more consecutive periods; and/or
- you have failed a unit for the third time or more; and/or
- you have failed a simulation block, placement or capstone unit for the second time or more; and/or
- you have previously been identified as having made unsatisfactory progress in the previous review period and have failed to meet a condition of enrolment.
An Unsatisfactory Progress Notice will be emailed to your CDU email address, and you will be asked to complete a student response about your learning via an online Progression Questionnaire.
The questionnaire link is provided in the email and allows you to provide the following information:
- issues that have impacted your academic performance
- actions you have undertaken to improve your academic performance
- Support Services you have accessed to help you improve your academic performance
- any supporting documentation such as a medical certificate or support letter from a counsellor.
You will be notified in writing within ten (10) working days of the decision of your Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor.
View a student flowchart of your Unsatisfactory progress options and outcomes. This includes how to appeal a decision of exclusion.
Under special circumstances, an extension may be granted to submit your Student Response. Email the Retention and Progression Team stating your special circumstance to be considered.
International students - for student visa holders, maintaining a satisfactory academic status is a visa condition. Book an appointment online with the International Student Support Team Leader for further information about how your progression status may affect your enrolment and what support services are available.
Exclusion
Where the Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor decides to exclude you from the course, an Intent to Exclude Notice will be emailed to your CDU email address.
You have 20 working days to appeal your exclusion by sending an email to appeals@cdu.edu.au.
International students - for student visa holders, maintaining a satisfactory academic status is a visa condition. Book an appointment online with the International Student Support Team Leader for further information about how your progression status may affect your enrolment and what support services are available.
Returning to study after exclusion
If you're returning to study after exclusion, send an email to progression@cdu.edu.au so you can be assisted on how to get back onboard with your studies. Your re-enrolment application will be considered in relation to the course entry requirements and the overall demand for places in that course. You will be re-enrolled into the current version of the course, and where possible, credit will be transferred to the current course enrolment.
Support
Get in touch with the Retention and Progression Team if you are concerned about your studies or when you receive your first fail grade. By getting support early, you can minimise the impact on your studies.
We have also created a bunch of short videos on tips to help you settle in, how you can stay on top of your studies and how you can get involved in the community.
You can also access other support services at CDU. Check out the different support options on Life, health and wellbeing.