Have you been asked to Show Cause?
The University monitors your academic performance to ensure you are moving toward successfully completing your program requirements.
If you have not been successful in your studies – for example, if you have achieved a study period GPA of less than 3.0 in more than one study period, or have failed certain courses for a second time – you will be considered for exclusion and asked to ‘Show Cause’. This means you need to demonstrate why you should be allowed to continue your studies.
Exclusion means that your enrolment will be cancelled and you won’t be eligible to study at UniSC for at least 12 months. You will need to apply for re-admission after that time.
Academic progress and unsatisfactory performance is managed under the University’s Monitoring Academic Progress and Exclusion (MAP) academic policy and procedures. These procedures are divided into three stages:
- Early intervention (MAP Stage 1)
- Monitored enrolment (MAP Stage 2)
- Consideration for exclusion (MAP Stage 3)
If you have been asked to Show Cause, it is because you have been identified for consideration for exclusion (MAP Stage 3).
You are considered for exclusion if you have previously been on monitored enrolment (MAP Stage 2) and your academic performance has not improved during this time.
The monitored enrolment period is designed to give you an opportunity to access resources and support that will help you improve your results. At the start of your monitored enrolment period you would have been asked to complete an Academic Improvement Plan, and to record the actions you have taken to improve your academic performance.
You have the right to ‘Show Cause’ against exclusion, to explain why you should not be excluded and allowed to continue your studies. If you do not submit Show Cause Response, you will be automatically excluded from the university for 12 months and will need to apply for readmission after this time.
You must submit your Show Cause Response via the form in your exclusion notice email. You must submit it by the due date in your email notification. If you cannot find or access the Show Cause Response form, please contact Student Central.
Your current Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) lists the date on which you are expected to complete your studies. As you have been asked to Show Cause, it is unlikely that you will be finished by the date specified. Your enrolment will be maintained, and no changes will be made to your CoE until the period for submitting a Show Cause Response has finished or during any subsequent appeal under the Student Grievance Resolution - Procedure.
You may be eligible for a CoE extension if you have had an academic intervention as a result of having to Show Cause. Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Enquiries regarding Confirmation of Enrolment extensions can be directed to UniSC International.
If you are successful in your Show Cause you should consult with Student Central staff for advice regarding the full range of support services available to assist you with your studies.
If you are excluded, UniSC will notify the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) of the cancellation of your CoE. The validity of your Student visa may be affected. At this point you should contact DOHA for advice regarding your Student visa status and any future implications.
You can also contact UniSC International to discuss the implications of this process with regard to your CoE via email to askusci@usc.edu.au.
Show Cause Guide
The ‘Show Cause’ application form gives you the opportunity to explain your situation, outline the steps you will take and supports that you will access, to improve your academic performance. This will help us to understand your circumstances as we consider your request to continue your studies at UniSC.
Please submit your Show Cause application by the date in your email notification. If you do not submit your Show Cause application by this date, you will be excluded from UniSC for a minimum period of 12 months.
Your response should address the following areas, focusing on what feels most relevant to your situation.
Describe the circumstances that contributed to your academic performance, focusing on how they impacted your ability to study rather than providing detailed personal information. You may choose how much detail to include and can describe sensitive experiences in general terms.
Examples may include:
- Health concerns (new or ongoing)
- Personal or financial challenges
- Work or caring responsibilities
- Time management or study challenges
- Adjusting to university standards
How did you try to resolve the challenges that you were experiencing? This may include strategies you tried, supports you accessed, or any challenges that made it difficult to take action.
Where possible, provide examples of what you have done and reflect on what has or hasn't worked. You may find it helpful to refer back to your previous Academic Improvement Plan.
If you continue studying, outline the steps you will take to improve your academic performance. Focus on clear, achievable actions and any supports you plan to access. You may find it helpful to reflect on past strategies and identify what you would do differently moving forward.
You should provide supporting documentation if it is available and feels appropriate to your circumstances and academic performance. This can help us to better understand your situation and connect you with relevant supports, but detailed personal evidence is not required.
Examples may include documentation from a health professional, or a brief statement from a family member, community member or employer who understands your circumstances.
Further examples of suggested supported documentation to support UniSC applications can be found in Supporting Documents for Student Applications.
Where can I get help?
We encourage you to book an appointment with a Student Adviser who can provide guidance on the MAP process.
For assistance with preparing your response, please contact the Student Guild Advocacy Service.
AccessAbility Services supports students who are affected by a disability, neurodiverse condition, learning disorder, mental health issue, injury or illness. They also offer support if you are the primary carer for someone with a disability, or who is fail and aged.
Student wellbeing counselling service is here to support your psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing throughout your academic journey.
To engage with either AccessAbility or Wellbeing Services, please book an initial 20-minute call back with a clinician to discuss your support needs.
If something is impacting your safety, wellbeing, finances, or ability to study, support is available through a range of free and confidential services:
Business hours:
UniSC Student Wellbeing: 07 5430 1226
Outside hours:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Headspace:1800 650 890
Study QLD: 1800 778 839
Griefline: 1300 845 745
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
DV Connect Womensline:1800 811 811
Sexual Assault Helpline: 1800 010 120