DEAKIN UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATION INC. ADVOCACY AND WELFARE: THE EASY GUIDE TO SHOW CAUSE WHAT IS SHOW CAUSE What is show cause and why have I received a letter? Advocacy & Welfare Officer, can help and support you through this process. Show cause is when a student is asked to write a written submission in response to one of the following academic issues: Section One assists you with identifying the problems or issues that are directly affecting your academic success. There is an easyto-follow table that allows you to look up corresponding suggestions and possible solutions to the problems identified. • A proposal to restrict • A proposal to exclude • A proposal to automatically exclude • An appeal against a faculty outcome You’ve received this formal letter (via email) from the University because your academic progress has fallen below what is required by Deakin University standards. It is important that you take the time to respond properly as this is your opportunity to show the University the reasons for your unsuccessful academic progress. This guide, together with a DUSA Inside this guide. The Easy Guide To Show Cause has two clear sections that assist you in writing your written submission to the faculty committee. Section Two provides real student show cause written submission examples. Contacting Deakin services. Throughout this guide, you’ll notice reference is made to websites where you can access the contact details to support service professionals to make appointments. For Deakin support service providers, use the search function on the home page to find out the direct contact details. What is next? Once you’ve completed your written submission letter, you can send the draft to dusa-advocacy@ deakin.edu.au for review. If you’d like DUSA support at your hearing, notify your advocate of the hearing time and date as soon as possible as the Advocates are very busy during academic progress review periods. If you currently don’t have an advocate assigned to you, send the details of your hearing, when you know them, along with your draft submission to dusa-advocacy@ deakin.edu.au. DUSA | ADVOCACY – EASY GUIDE TO SHOW CAUSE The Advocacy & Welfare team along with DUSA can provide you with academic and personal resources and support systems to help you enjoy your time at Deakin. CONTENTS SECTION ONE Identification and resolution of problems Your plan for academic success 03 10 SECTION TWO Kang Wu Xaio’s example 11 Angela Ferrero’s example 13 Notes 15 HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED | 2 DUSA | ADVOCACY – EASY GUIDE TO SHOW CAUSE IDENTIFICATION AND RESOLUTION OF PROBLEMS Identify the problem/ Explain the problem or issue Possible solution Evidence to support your case Medical/Health Do you have a physical or mental health issue? Will you continue to receive regular support from counsellor/doctor/specialist/disability support officer? Medical Certificate/Report/Letter Is it ongoing? Through the Deakin website www.deakin.edu.au you can make the following appointments: • Free counselling service • Deakin Medical Centre (automatic bulk-billing available for domestic students) • Physiotherapist For ongoing medical or mental health issues, you can register with the Deakin Disability Resource Centre. Personal 1. Have you suffered from an external event that has had a great impact on your emotional/ mental health? For example the death of a family member or a close friend? 2. Have you been the victim of a crime or had any legal issues? 3 | HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED 1. Have you considered seeking support from a counsellor or mental health service professional? Apart from the Deakin University free counselling service, you can go to Headspace which is the national mental health youth foundation. Contact details can be found at: www.headspace.org.au There are a number of Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse support services available in the community. Please speak to a DUSA Advocate for contact details. 2. DUSA has a free legal advice service for students: http://legalservices.dusa.org.au/ Letter from a Counsellor/ Psychologist Letter from Disability Support Officer Appointment time and date with Counsellor/Doctor/Specialist/ Disability Support Officer Letter from Counsellor/Doctor/ Specialist/Disability Support Officer detailing your support plan Death Certificate Statutory Declaration Copy of Police Report/Letter from Lawyer Letter from Counsellor/ Psychologist Letter from a Lawyer SECTION ONE IDENTIFICATION AND RESOLUTION OF PROBLEMS Identify the problem/issue Explain the problem or issue Family 1. Are you having relationship issues? 2. Is a member of your family ill? Are you their primary carer? 3. Are you from a Non English Speaking Background? 4. Are you the First In Family to attend University? Possible solution 1. Have you considered counselling? Relationships Australia can provide specialist advice on relationship issues: www.relationships.org.au Evidence to support your case Letter from a Counsellor Letter from a Doctor 2. Will this be ongoing? Do you have any other person who can assist you? Do you yourself have a support network during this difficult time? 3. Are your parents familiar with the Australian University tertiary sector and the demands of studying? Parents can speak to DUSA Advocates. 4. Have you considered finding a mentor? Each faculty has their own mentorship program. Information is available on their webpage. HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED | 4 DUSA | ADVOCACY – EASY GUIDE TO SHOW CAUSE IDENTIFICATION AND RESOLUTION OF PROBLEMS Identify the problem/issue Explain the problem or issue Housing/Accommodation 1. Do you have a difficult living situation? Are you having trouble finding long-term accommodation? Do you live in sharehouse accommodation? Are you homeless? 2. Do you have a dedicated study environment? Do you have access to a computer and/or the internet? 3. Do you live far away from University? 5 | HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED Possible solution 1. Do you have tenancy issues? DUSA has a free legal services where you can speak to a lawyer about such issues directly. Do you need to change your living circumstances? The OffCampus Housing Service can assist you with any housing issues. Their contact details can be found at www.deakin.edu.au 2. Do you need to talk to family about creating a dedicated study environment? Have you made use of the several 24-hour study areas at Deakin? 3. Is it possible to move closer to your campus? If you travel on public transport, is it possible for you to use this time to study or read notes? Is it possible for you to buy a car? Evidence to support your case Rental Agreement Letter from Real Estate Agent Proof of Current Address SECTION ONE IDENTIFICATION AND RESOLUTION OF PROBLEMS Identify the problem/issue Explain the problem or issue Administration 1. Have you applied for special consideration? If not, why not? 2. Are you having issues with DSA (Division of Student Administration)? 3. Should you be studying a full-time or a part-time study load? 4. International Students: Are you having visa issues? Possible solution Evidence to support your case 1. Have you become familiar with the process of special consideration? 2. Have you been proactive about solving issues with DSA? Do you need help navigating the system? Have you considered speaking to a DUSA Advocate? 3. Have you spoken to a Course Advisor or counsellor? 4. Have you spoken to an immigration lawyer? DUSA has a free legal service for Deakin students. HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED | 6 DUSA | ADVOCACY – EASY GUIDE TO SHOW CAUSE Identify the problem/issue Explain the problem or issue Transition 1. Are you an International Student experiencing problems adjusting? 2. Are you experiencing TAFE to Higher Education transition issues? 3. Are you a regional student? 4. Are you finding it hard to make friends? Possible solution 1. Have you visited an International Student Advisor? www.deakin.edu.au. Have you considered joining one of the DUSA Clubs? www.dusa.org.au 2. Have you considered seeing a counsellor? Have you considered a mentor? (Visit your faculty home page for more information). Have you considered joining/forming a study group? www.deakin.edu.au. Have you visited a Language and Learning Advisor? www.deakin.edu.au 3. Have you considered meeting with a mentor? (see faculty website for more information). Have you spoken to your tutor/lecturer? 4. Have you considered joining one of the DUSA Clubs? www.dusa.org.au 7 | HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED Evidence to support your case Letter from Counsellor Transcript from previous TAFE course Letter from family doctor Other support networks/social groups you have joined SECTION TITLE HERE Identify the problem/issue Explain the problem or issue Academic 1. Are you a DeakinCloud student? 2. Do you have language difficulties? 3. Is your social life affecting your studies? Do you spend an adequate amount of time studying? (the University recommends a minimum 10 hours per unit per week) 4. Have you attended all your classes? If not, why? 5. Are you having issues with setting regular study habits? Why? 6. Is this the course you want to be studying? Why? Possible solution Evidence to support your case 1. Have you joined the online discussion forum and boards? Have you considered joining DUSA Distance? http://dusadistance.ning.com Emails/details showing who you have asked for help 2. Have you spoken to a Language and Learning Advisor? www.deakin.edu.au Details of contact with any Deakin services 3. Have you considered speaking to a Language and Learning Advisor. Finding the right uni-life balance can be difficult – have you thought about speaking to either a counsellor or a Learning and Language Advisor? www.deakin.edu.au Contact with your lecturer/unit chair Outline your long-term plans 4. Have there been any issues that affected your attendance? Is there any way you can structure your timetable to make sure you attendance increases? 5. Have you set up a realistic weekly study routine? 6. Have you considered speaking to a Careers Counsellor? www.deakin.edu.au 7. Have you considered speaking to a Counsellor? 7. Are you experiencing motivational issues? Why? HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED | 8 DUSA | ADVOCACY – EASY GUIDE TO SHOW CAUSE OWeek Camp provides a fun opportunity for students to meet new people and form friendships. SECTION ONE YOUR PLAN FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS NETWORK OF SUPPORT WILL YOU BE JOINING A WEEKLY STUDY GROUP? WILL YOU USE THE MENTORING SERVICES? TIME MANAGEMENT HAVE YOU DETERMINED THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN STUDYING/ WORKING/SOCIALISING/FAMILY TIME AND SELF CARE? STUDY SKILLS HAVE YOU CONSIDERED JOINING A DUSA CLUB? HAVE YOU PLANNED YOUR WEEK ON A TIMETABLE, INCLUDING 10 HOURS PER UNIT PER WEEK AS A MINIMUM? HOW WILL YOU DEAL WITH DIFFICULT SUBJECTS? HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR UNIT CHAIR/LECTURER/TUTOR? HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO A LANGUAGE AND LEARNING ADVISER OR COUNSELLOR ABOUT HOW TO KEEP MOTIVATED DURING TRIMESTER? DO YOU NEED HELP WITH WRITING AND RESEARCH? PREPARING FOR EXAMS? GROUP WORK OR ORAL PRESENTATIONS? HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED | 10 DUSA | ADVOCACY – EASY GUIDE TO SHOW CAUSE KANG WU XAIO’S EXAMPLE The Secretary The Faculty Academic Progress Committee Faculty of Health Deakin University 221 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 INTRODUCTION 09/07/2015 SHOW CAUSE APPEAL AGAINST EXCLUSION I, Kang Wu Xaio wish to appeal against the exclusion imposed in my course, Bachelor of Nursing pursuant to University Regulation 5.3(1). I am in the second year of my course and have failed a practicum. So far, I have been doing all right with my studies although I am finding some aspects hard. Back home, I was a very good student and so failing this practicum has been difficult for me. KANG WU’S SITUATION Sometimes I have difficulty understanding what is being said at the hospital where I had the practicum. Sometimes, there are words or phrases that I have trouble understanding especially when the person is speaking too fast. I want to do a good job and because I do not want to show myself as not understanding or being bossy or pushy, I have not asked for the person to repeat what they are saying. I also think they had trouble understanding me. I also found that my buddy nurse would not let me do anything and it was hard for me to tell him to let me learn by doing which meant I did not feel confident with hands on patient care. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM I realise that my language difficulties affects my confidence in being able to practice what I have learnt in class. This is the first time I have lived overseas far away from my family and friends and I have found it difficult to make Australian friends. I realise that this would allow me to practice my English. If I am allowed to continue, I will focus on making the effort to practice my English outside of the classroom in real circumstances. It is easy to stay at home and not do this but I came to study at Deakin not only because of the course but also to improve my English skills. My girlfriend will also be visiting me for a month during the summer and this will help with some of the FOCUS ON THE SOLUTION 11 | HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED SECTION TWO I am very committed in doing well and passing all my subjects. If I am allowed to continue, I will be joining one of the DUSA clubs, in particular the Deakin Burwood Basketball Association. This will allow me to make friends and practice my English in a social setting. I will also be joining the Deakin Nursing Society which I have found out are very proactive socially. Here I will be able to meet other nursing students and practice my English skills. I will also overview the theory of the practicum to ensure that I fully understand the information. Finally, I will speak with a Language and Learning Adviser to see other ways I can improve my English language skills. I also spoke to faculty staff for advice in positive communication skills (especially when on placement). PLAN FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS My priority is to do well in my studies. I now know about the services available to me and I will be using them to make sure that I get the most out of my course here at Deakin. I thank the committee for their time in considering my case. Yours sincerely, Kang Wu Xaio Kang Wu Xaio Student ID: XXXXXX Mailing address: 123 Example Street, Burwood VIC 3125 Telephone number: 0400 000 000 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] The Secre tar The Faculty y Academic Faculty of Progress Co Health mmittee Deakin Un iversity 221 Burw ood High wa y Burwood VIC 3125 09/07/2015 SHOW CA USE APPE AL AGAINS I, Kang Wu T EXCLUS Xaio wish ION to appeal pursuant ag to Universi ty Regulat ainst the exclusion practicum ion 5.3(1) . So . I am in th imposed in my cour Back home far, I have been do e second se, Ba ing all rig , I was a ve ye ar ht with my of my cour chelor of Nursing ry good stu Sometimes studies alt se and ha dent and I ve ho so failing practicum have difficulty unde this practic ugh I am finding so failed a . Sometim rstanding um me aspe ha s been diffi es what is be the perso cult for me cts hard. ing said at n is speakin , there are words or . the hospita phrases th g too fast. not underst at I have tro l where I ha I wa an uble unde d the saying. I als ding or being bossy nt to do a good job rstanding o think th and becaus or pushy, especially ey had tro me do an wh uble unde I have not asked for e I do not want to ything an d it was ha show myse en rstanding the perso confident me. I also rd for me n to repea lf with hand found that to tell him t what they as s on patie to let me I realise th are nt care. learn by do my buddy nurse wo at my langu uld not let ing which in class. Th age difficu meant I did is is the firs lties affec ts my confi not feel t time I ha it difficult denc ve to make Au stralian frie lived overseas far aw e in being able to allowed to practice wh nds. I realis ay from my co at I have lea e that this in real circu ntinue, I will focus fam ily an d friends on wo rnt mstances. and I have It is easy to making the effort to uld allow me to pr because of found actice my the course stay at ho practice my English. If me and no month du but also to I am t do this bu English outside of ring the su the classr mmer and improve my English t I came to I am very oo this will he skills. My study at De m committed girlfriend lp with so akin not on in joining on wi me of the ly e of the DU doing well and pa homesickn ll also be visiting me ssing all my SA clubs, me to ma ess that I for a in ke friends subjects. have been If I am allow and practic particular the Deak feeling. Society wh in Burwoo ed to cont e my Engli ich I have d inu sh Ba found out students in a social e, I will be and are setting. I wi sketball Associatio n. ll also be I fully unde practice my English very proactive socia joining th This will allow lly. Here I rst skills. I will e Deakin will be ab other ways and the informatio also overv Nursing le to meet n. Finally, iew the th I can impr ot I wi eo he ove my En communica glish langu ll speak with a Lang ry of the practicum r nursing tion skills age skills. to ensure uage and (especially I also spok that Learning when on Adviser to e to facult pla ce me Yours since nt). y staff for see advice in rely, positive SIGN OFF Kang Wu Xaio EXAMPLE LETTER Kang Wu Xaio Student ID : XXXXXX Mailing ad dress: 123 Example Str Telephone ee nu Email: kang mber: 0400 000 00 t, Burwood VIC 3125 0 wu@gma il.com or ka ngwu@dea kin.edu.au HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED | 12 DUSA | ADVOCACY – EASY GUIDE TO SHOW CAUSE ANGELA FERRERO’S EXAMPLE The Secretary The Faculty Academic Progress Committee Faculty of Business and Law Deakin University 221 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 INTRODUCTION 09/07/2015 SHOW CAUSE APPEAL AGAINST EXCLUSION I, Angela Ferrero wish to appeal against the exclusion imposed in my course, Bachelor of Law pursuant to University Regulation 5.3(1). I have just finished my first year and unfortunately I have failed half of my units. After trimester 1, I received a letter from the university with a proposal to restrict. As a result, I could only undertake 2 units which I was required to pass in order for the restriction to be lifted. Unfortunately, I could not meet the restriction and now, I am facing the possibility of exclusion. I would like to take this opportunity to explain to the Committee what issues led to my unsuccessful academic progress and why I should be allowed to continue with my studies. ANGELA’S SITUATION I suffer from anxiety which has been diagnosed by a specialist. I was diagnosed with this condition when I was in year 11, however, I had a lot of support from my teachers and school counsellor and managed the stress of year 12 quite well given the circumstances. Before starting university, I took a gap year and found that I was coping quite well with my condition. When I started university, I didn’t think I would need as much help. However, my anxiety has returned and I am finding it difficult to concentrate because of this. In addition, this year I have moved out of my parents house and into share accommodation to be closer to campus. I find it hard sometimes to deal with noisy and inconsiderate housemates and I get sidetracked getting involved in silly arguments with them instead of concentrating on my studies. I also find the amount of the material that I have to go through overwhelming and this affects my motivation to study regularly. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM 13 | HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED SECTION TWO I realise that my anxiety is something that I will have to manage for my entire life and making sure that I am on top of this is part of my normal self care. I have started to see a university counsellor to help me accept this aspect of my overall health and I will continue to see the counsellor fortnightly to ensure that I remain aware with how I am doing. I have also registered with the Disability Resource Centre and I have been assigned a Disability Support Officer who will assist me in working out a study plan. I am also aware that a DUSA Advocate can assist me to apply for Special Consideration. In conversation with my parents and the counsellor, I have decided to move out of the present share house. I will be moving in with a cousin who lives close to campus and is studying as well. FOCUS ON THE SOLUTION I realise that part of managing my anxiety will include developing good time management skills. I have met with a Learning and Language Adviser about how I can deal with the overwhelming workload of undertaking a law degree. I have developed my weekly timetable and study plan with her making sure it is realistic and that I dedicate 10 hours of study per unit per week, if I’m allowed to continue studying. As part of managing the workload and staying motivated, I will be joining the study group as well as the mentoring program available to me offered by the Deakin Law School on their faculty webpage. I will also keep in contact with my Unit Chair to ensure my study stays on track. PLAN FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS I am committed to doing well in my studies. I hope to be able to graduate and work as a legal practitioner for a community legal centre. I am passionate about being able to help those that find themselves in less fortunate circumstances. I now understand that I need that extra support to be able to do well at university and will avail myself of the services available. SHOW CAUSE I, Ange la Ferre APPEAL ro wish AGAINS Universi to appe ty T EXCLUS al again After trim Regulation 5.3 ION st the ex (1). I ha ester 1, clusion ve just I receiv underta imposed finished ed a let ke 2 un my ter its first year in my course, meet the fro wh Ba and un restrictio ich I was requir m the universi fortunate chelor of Law ty explain n and no ed to pa pursuan ly I have to the Co ss in ord with a proposal w, I am t to failed facing the mmitte er for the continu to restric e what e with my restrictio possibil t. As a res half of my un issues led studies. its ult, I co I suffer to my un ity of exclusion. n to be lifted. uld only . from an Un successf I would xie in year ul acad like to tak fortunately, I co 11, howe ty which has em uld e ic thi progress not be s opportu ver, I ha of year and wh 12 d a lot of en diagnosed nity to y I shou by was copin quite well giv ld be all en the cir support from my a specialist. I g qu ow wa ite ed to Howeve cu s well wi r, th my co mstances. Be teachers and sch diagnosed wi for th year I ha my anxiety ha ndition. s return ve move When I e starting unive ool counsellor this condition ed an sta hard so an wh d out of rsi me my paren d I am findin rted university, ty, I took a ga d managed the en I was argumen times to deal p ye g it diffi I didn’t ts hous stress wi cu e ts think I wo ar and found to go thr with them ins th noisy and inc and into share lt to concentra tha uld tI need as te ough ov tea ac on much he erwhelm d of concentra siderate hous commodation because of thi I realise lp. s. In em ing and to be clo tin that my this affec g on my studie ates and I ge ser to ca addition, this anxiety on top t sid ts my mo mp s. of is tivation I also find the etracked gettin us. I find it aspect this is part of my something tha am to study g of tI regularly ount of the ma involved in sill with ho my overall healt normal self ca will have to ma y terial tha . w re. nage for h t Disabilit I am doing. I ha and I will conti I have started I my ha ve entire life y to see a ve also nue to and ma reg see the can ass Support Office universi kin ist counsel ty r who wi istered with lor fortni counsellor to g sure that I am the decided me to apply for ll assist ghtly to help me me in wo Disability Re to Special source ensure and is stu move out of accept Co rki ng ns ide Ce ou tha this the pre ntre an ration. t a stu dying as t I remain sent sh well. aw I realise are hous In conversation dy plan. I am als d I have been assigned are tha e. I will be movin with my paren o aware that a with a Le t part of mana a ts an DUSA Ad arning g in with and Lang ging my anxie a law de vo a cousin d the counsel ty wi gre ua lor, I ha cate who liv I dedicate e. I have deve ge Adviser ab ll include de ve es clo se to ca veloping out how loped my mpus workloa 10 hours of stu good tim I can de weekly d dy al with the overw e management me offere and staying mo per unit per timetable and we stu skills. I ha tivated, he ensure d by the Deak I will be ek, if I’m allow dy plan with he lming workl ve met in La my study oad ed joining r makin the study to continue stays on w School on g sure it of undertakin stu their fac track. g is gro dy realistic ing up as we ulty we and tha ll as the . As part of ma bpage. Yours sin t naging mentorin I will als cerely, the o keep in conta g program avail ct with my Unit able to Chair to I thank the committee for their time in considering my case. Yours sincerely, Angela Ferrero Angela Ferrero Student ID: XXXXXX Mailing address: 123 Example Street, Burwood VIC 3125 Telephone number: 0400 000 000 Email: [email protected] The Secre The Facu tary lty Acad Faculty emic Pr of Busin ogress Committ ess and Deakin Law ee Un 221 Burw iversity ood High Burwoo d VIC 31 way 25 09/07/20 15 SIGN OFF Angela F errer o EXAMPLE LETTER Angela Ferrero Student ID: XXXX Mailing XX ad Telepho dress: 123 Exam ne ple Stree Email: afe number: 0400 000 000 t, Burwood VIC rrero@gm 3125 ail.com or ange laferrero @deakin .edu.a u HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED | 14 DEAKIN UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATION INC. 221 BURWOOD HIGHWAY BURWOOD VICTORIA 3125 ABN: 95 022 653 791 REG NO. A0040625Y
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