Planning international students' program of study: Guidelines for Faculty Enrolment Officers
The following guidelines may be used as the basis for decision-making when Faculty Enrolment Officers / Course Advisers are consulting with identified academically at-risk students as it is necessary to review the course study plan and account for the visa expiry date of an international student.
Examples of intervention strategies
Strategies for assisting students at risk (including students whose academic performance is subject to FAPDC action) could include, but are not limited to, the student:
- receiving a letter from the faculty highlighting support services to improve academic performance
- attending academic skills programmes;
- attending tutorial or study groups;
- receiving individual case management;
- attending study clubs;
- attending counselling;
- receiving assistance with personal issues which are influencing progress;
- receiving mentoring;
- being placed in a suitable alternative subject within a course or a suitable alternative course; or a combination of the above and a reduction in course load;
- an approved intermission;
- enrolling in Summer Semester Studies; or
- recommending a change to Diploma level studies at MIBT (if entry to Deakin had been direct) as pathway and/or packaged visa offer.
An intervention strategy could be activated by:
- a letter to the student;
- personal contact with the student by a suitably authorised staff member;
- contact with the student by the course counsellor/convenor; or
- other methods in accordance with the provider’s policy.
Examples of compassionate or compelling circumstances
Generally, compassionate or compelling circumstances may be assessed for support if there is evidence that the circumstance is a one-off situation in which influences, beyond the control of the student, have, or potentially have, a negative impact on the student and/or their intended study program. These could include, but are not limited to:
- serious illness or injury, where a medical certificate states that the student was unable to attend class;
- bereavement of close family members such as parent or grandparent (Where possible a death certificate should be provided);
- major political upheaval or natural diaster in the home country requiring emergency travel and this has impacted on the student’s studies; or
- a traumatic experience which could include: involvement in, or witnessing of a serious accident; or witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime, and this has impact on the student (these cases should be supported by police or psychologist’ reports)
- where the registered provider was unable to offer a pre-requisite unit;
- where a student in final semester seeks an extension to complete a final unit for an additional major sequence, or
- inability to begin study on the course commencement date due to delay in receiving a student visa.
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