Show Cause
To 'Show Cause' means you would like to make an appeal to the Faculty Academic Progress and Discipline Committee (FAPDC). This would be in response to a letter sent to you by the FAPDC regarding its intention to restrict or exclude you for one or more semesters of study because of unsatisfactory academic progress over your previous two active semesters of study.
To appeal (or 'Show Cause' against) the FAPDCs intention to exclude or restrict you, you must follow these steps:
- Prepare a written submission (see example).
- Collect any relevant supporting documentation (eg. medical certificate or letter from your doctor, counsellor etc, statutory declaration, and so on).
- Decide if you want to attend the hearing or make a written submission only. If you will be attending the hearing, you may be accompanied by one person (such as a DUSA representative, friend, family member and so on) as long as that person is not practising lawyer.
- Complete the application form attached to the letter from the FAPDC.
- Send your written submission, supporting documentation and application (as detailed above) to the FAPDC within 10 working days of the date on the FAPDC letter. Late submissions will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. Ensure you keep a copy of all documents for your own reference.
What happens next?
- When the FAPDC receives your application to Show Cause, you will be sent details of the date, time and venue for the Show Cause hearing (you only need to attend this hearing if you have chosen to do so; written applications will be considered at the hearing in your absence).
- If you appear in person, the outcome of the hearing is generally communicated to you on the day of your appeal.
- You will be advised in writing of the outcome of your appeal within 10 working days of the hearing (whether you appeared in person or not).
Can I appeal the outcome of the Show Cause hearing?
If your Show Cause was not successful and you wish to appeal the FAPDCs decision, you have the option to appeal before the University Academic Appeals Committee (AAC) at a later date (information
on AAC appeals). Contact the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) for support in submitting an appeal.