Student progress

If you are studying at one of our campuses in Melbourne and have received a notification via your VU email address advising that you are making unsatisfactory academic progress, please ensure you follow these steps:

• Step 1: Complete the self-reflection questions to prepare for your appointment with your Student Advisor.
• Step 2: View support services available to you. Would any of these services help you improve your academic performance? For example, if you need to work on your study skills or need personal support, please book an appointment with the relevant service.

If none of the options at Step 2 apply, please go to:

• Step 3: Book an appointment with a Student Advisor (call +61 3 9919 6100 if you need help making the appointment). They will review your needs and suggest other support options that may help.

You may also like to view our video outlining what to do if you’re making unsatisfactory progress.

Note: If you are going to be excluded from your course you need to carefully follow the instructions in your letter. Do not book an appointment with a Student Advisor.

If you have received a notification via your VU email address advising that you are making unsatisfactory academic progress, please ensure you follow these steps:

• Step 1: Complete sections 1 & 2 of the  Academic Action Plan, and make an appointment to discuss your situation (see contact information below).
• Step 2: If you are going to be excluded from your course – and would like to attend a Show Cause Panel to explain your circumstances – you have 10 working days from the date of the email to submit a  Request to Show Cause.

Johor Bahru contact

If you are in Johor Bahru, book an appointment with (and submit your Request to Show Cause):

Ms Vera Lim, Assistant Manager
Email: siewfengl@sunway.edu.my
Phone: +607 – 3596 880 (extension 210)

Kuala Lumpur undergraduate student contact

If you are in Kuala Lumpur, and an undergraduate student, book an appointment with (and submit your Request to Show Cause to):

Ms Sharmila Subramaniam, Executive Administration
Email: sharmilasu@sunway.edu.my
Phone: 03-7491 8622 (extension 3165)

Kuala Lumpur postgraduate student contact

If you are in Kuala Lumpur, and a postgraduate student, book an appointment with (and submit your Request to Show Cause to) one of the following:

• Dr Hendry Ng Han Swee (hendryng@sunway.edu.my)
• Kavitha Ambigabadi (kavithaa@sunway.edu.my)
• Wan Ilyani Wan Zakaria (ilyaniz@sunway.edu.my).

If you have received a notification advising that you are making unsatisfactory academic progress, please complete sections 1 and 2 of the  Academic Action Plan and make an appointment to discuss your situation.

This means you have been identified as being ‘at risk’ of unsatisfactory course progress because you have failed a unit twice and/or failed half your enrolled units for a study period. It is important that you follow the instructions in the official notification via VU email carefully. You will be asked to meet with a student advisor to develop an academic action plan to help you get back on track with your progress next study period.

You can also seek assistance from VU student support services.

If you are at level 1 or 2 unsatisfactory progress you need to meet with a student advisor to develop an Academic Action Plan.

The Academic Action Plan summarises what you have agreed to do to improve your studies.

Some of the actions you will be asked to consider will include:

• Seek assistance with your study skills.
• Talk to your college about reducing your enrolment load or changing your major.
• Reduce your working hours or other non-university commitments.
• Take an intermission (take a break from your studies).
• Get assistance from VU support services.
• Apply for a 'better fit' course (we recommend you consult with our Careers team for advice).

When you commit to do something, make sure you really can complete it. For example, if you agree to reduce your working hours, make sure you are able to follow through. You will be asked to agree to the academic action plan, which is then kept on your student file.

Prepare your documentation. Write down some dot points to take to the hearing, outlining the factors that have impacted on your course progress, for example:

• Health issues – present evidence such as a medical certificate or report.
• Financial issues – consider current work commitments. One option may be to work less hours or reduce your study load next study period.
• Relationship difficulties – if possible, provide a letter of support from your doctor or counsellor.
• Academic support – if you have sought help from Academic Support and Development at VU or external sources (for example, tutoring) then provide evidence of the help you have received.
• Other – some examples may include disability, family or work. Explain how these external factors have affected your studies.

Once you have stated the reasons why you have been making unsatisfactory progress you need to offer solutions for continuing in your course. This includes outlining to the College how you plan to continue successfully, for example seek counselling, reduce working hours, or receive extra tutoring.

If you require assistance to prepare for your hearing, contact Student Advocacy.

In certain cases, an Advocate may be able to accompany you to the hearing. You can also bring a friend or family member to the hearing with you as personal support if needed.