USASA Advocacy Column: Preclusions

‘I just received a preclusion email’
cue internal screams of horror

Before the panic sets in and the screaming starts externally, let’s all relax… breathe in and out. Better? Good, because I am about to tell you about how USASA Advocacy assists students facing these types of issues. But first, let me tell you a little bit about what preclusion is. When an undergraduate, or postgraduate, the student receives a preclusion e-mail or letter, it means they have been identified as making unsatisfactory progress in their program in three or more academic review periods. Academic review periods are implemented as part of good teaching practice and provide staff with information on students who are at academic risk.

Once a student is precluded their enrolment will be discontinued. Precluded students will need to wait two years if they want to apply for the same program and at the same level. It sounds like pretty grim stuff, but there are many underlying reasons as to why a student may be struggling with their studies. Perhaps there are troubles at home, financial difficulties, maybe they are afraid to seek help with assignments, or perhaps they have experienced mental health concerns, or consequently, the student is studying a degree that does not truly fit or fulfil their desires. This is why students who are precluded are given 20 working days to appeal the decision. It’s really important that if a student wishes to continue studying, they write a letter and provide evidence of what happened in the past, but more importantly, they also demonstrate they have created a successful present and future plan.

Although this sounds pretty scary, it’s not all grey and murky skies! UniSA students do not have to go through this alone! USASA Advocacy is a free, confidential and independent service who supports students with academic troubles—including appealing preclusion. The advocacy officers will point you in the right direction, will attend meetings with you, discuss your concerns and help you build the best possible case. They can also help review your appeal letter before you submit it.

To ensure the best opportunity to develop a strong appeal letter, students should contact the team as soon as they receive their academic review letter. The office is located at the City West Campus and is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. All you need to do is visit their website and book your appointment.

USASA.sa.edu.au/Advocacy
USASA.Advocate@UniSA.edu.au