The MUBS Education Officer can help you understand your rights of appeal if you are treated unfairly at uni. Here are some general questions and answers:

• What happens if I have failed an assignment?
• What happens if I am accused of collusion or plagiarism?
• What happens if I fail a subject?
• What happens if I fail more than half my subject?
• What happens if I'm not being treated fairly by a member of staff?
• What is a near pass?

What happens if I have failed an assignment?

Generally speaking, most faculties have a policy in place that to fail a student for an assignment, at least two academics must agree. Failing an assignment is not usually a big deal! Often, it just means that you have misunderstood what is required of you. The first thing that you should do is arrange a time to talk to the tutor who marked your paper to see what went wrong.

If you feel that you have been incorrectly dealt with, feel free to come and see me.

What happens if I am accused of collusion or plagiarism?

There is a process that the academic who accuses you of collusion or plagiarism must follow. They may give your work no mark or refer you to the relevant faculty manager. You should talk to someone from student rights or me if you believe that you have been wrongly accused of either of these things.

You should also talk to someone at student rights if you have been accused of either of these things and you are guilty, because they can often advise you of the best course of action to minimise the consequences.

What happens if I fail a subject?

To fail a subject, a student must be failed by the board of examiners, which means, at least two academics. Failing a subject is not the end of the world. You should try to talk with someone i.e., your tutor to see how you may improve for next time you attempt the subject.

Language & Learning Services are free services provided to Monash University students to assist them with their academic practices. You should get in contact with them as they can help you improve your strategies for study, exams etc. Check out the Centre for Learning and Teaching Support website.

What happens if I fail more than half my subject?

If you fail more than half of your subjects, or you fail the same core unit twice, you will be called before the Academic Progress Committee.

What happens if I'm not being treated fairly by a member of staff?

If any student has a grievance with a member of staff they should feel free to contact either myself or student rights at Clayton. We will not act on your behalf unless you want us too, therefore do not be worried that by talking to us, we will create problems for you.

The university policy is for the student to try to resolve the problem with the member of staff in question, informally and in person as the first step. If you cannot do this successfully, you should seek advice from us.

What is a near pass?

A Near Pass (NP) grade is awarded for a mark of between 45 and 49 per cent in any one of the six compulsory common core first year units provided the student has completed all assessment tasks and sat the final examination. The Faculty also awards a grade of Near Pass for a mark of between 45 and 49 per cent in a unit confirmed as the last unit necessary to complete an undergraduate course provided the unit has been undertaken in the last 12 months of study, all the work for the unit has been completed, and the student has sat the final examination.

If granted a Near Pass a student will be given the normal credit points for the unit (normally six), but it is recognised that the student has not met the normal criteria for success and a full pass in that unit.

Check out the Business & Economics Website for more info.