Academic progress rules
The Faculty appoints a Graduate Studies Progress Committee in relation to students in the Melbourne Law Masters programs. The case of each student who fails any subject is normally considered by the Progress Committee, on the basis that, at the graduate level, failure is, and should be, relatively rare.The function of the Progress Committee is to investigate the circumstances of the student's performance and identify and explore any factors which may assist to explain the failure. These are then taken into account, together with the student's record, when the Progress Committee considers whether action should be taken.
Students should refer to Statute 11.5 Unsatisfactory Progress for further details
Students may appear before the Progress Committee in person, or if they live interstate or in country Victoria, may submit a written statement in relation to their failure. The Progress Committee will determine whether the candidate can proceed with their course and, if so, on what conditions. At the interview, the student is given the opportunity to be heard.
After considering a student's case the Progress Committee may:
- a) Permit the student to continue with their degree
- b) Decide that the subjects for which the student may enroll in the forthcoming year should be specified
- c) Report to the Academic Board that in its opinion the student should be terminated from the course
The Graduate Studies Progress Committee is chaired by the Dean or his/her nominee, and two other members of the Faculty, who are at least the seniority of a senior lecturer, in accordance with Statute 11.5.9.
Students are notified in writing as soon as possible after the hearing.
Students who are reported to the Academic Board are advised of their right to appear before the Board and are given the opportunity of making an explanation to the Board. The Academic Board may suspend the student, limit his or her future enrolment, or permit the student to continue in the course without restriction.
Candidates who fail their final subject for the course will be permitted to continue without attending a Progress Committee meeting unless they have failed the final subject a second time.