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7. Assessment

Note: See also the Assessment Policy and Assessment Procedures

7.1 Assessment procedures and requirements
7.2 Unsatisfactory progress
7.3 Assessment grades
7.4 Supplementary assessments
7.5 Cheating, plagiarism, collusion and recycling

7.1 Assessment procedures and requirements

7.1.1 Designation of Lecturer-in-Charge

There will be a Lecturer-in-Charge, nominated by the Head of School, for each unit offered by that School. The Lecturer-in-Charge of the unit is responsible for coordinating the preparation of Unit Outlines and for coordinating results in accordance with University policy.

7.1.2 Range of Assessment Methods

Assessment may include a range of methods such as formal end of study period examination, continuous assessment throughout the study period, written assignments, essays, theses, practical assessments and field trips/projects. The Unit Outline will describe assessment methods to be used in a unit.

7.1.3 Completion of unit requirements

To complete the requirements for a unit a student must:

  1. comply with all University statutes, policies, procedures, regulations and rules:
  2. pay all relevant fees and charges;
  3. successfully complete all unit requirements as prescribed in the Unit Outline;
  4. gain a grade of Pass Conceded or higher in accordance with Regulation 7.3.

Failure to complete all such requirements will result in failure (NN) in the unit.

Examples of unit requirements include:

  • attending classes (eg lectures, tutorials, laboratory and practical classes)
  • undertaking and submitting research and assignment work for assessment
  • undertaking projects and/or group work
  • undertaking examinations
  • undertaking field work, industrial and/or practical placements or community engagement
  • undertaking police checks or submitting declarations such as 'prohibited person declarations'
  • obtaining a current first aid or CPR certificate
  • undergoing required immunisation.

7.1.4 Unit Outline

By the end of the first lecture week, the Lecturer-in-Charge of the unit will make a Unit Outline available to each student enrolled in that unit. The Unit Outline includes details of unit objectives, assessment tasks, percentage of marks allocated to assessment tasks, dates for the submission of assessment, and any special requirements of that unit. It is the responsibility of students to familiarise themselves with and complete all requirements set out in the Unit Outline.

7.1.5 Attendance requirements

Attendance at scheduled lectures and classes is expected. It is compulsory to attend classes so designated in Unit Outlines. Failure to satisfy prescribed compulsory attendance requirements will result in failure (NN) in the unit. A student who does not satisfy compulsory attendance requirements will not be eligible for a supplementary assessment.

7.1.6 Allocation of grades

Grades in a unit are assigned by the Lecturer-in-Charge, and must be ratified by the Head of School or nominee prior to submission to Student Administration.

7.1.7  Change of grades

A student's grade in a unit may be changed within six months of the original allocation of final grade and then only with the approval of the relevant Head of School, or as provided under Regulation 9. The Executive Dean of the relevant Faculty must approve a change of grade if a period of six months or more has elapsed since the allocation of a final grade and Regulation 9 does not apply.

7.1.8  Personal circumstances affecting assessment

A student who believes that personal circumstances are likely to affect his/her performance in a unit should take action in accordance with the Assessment Policy.

7.1.9 Extension for an assessment task

A student may apply to the Lecturer-in-Charge for an extension to the submission date of an assessment task. Requests for extension must be made on the appropriate form on or before the due date for submission, and must demonstrate exceptional circumstances which warrant the granting of an extension.

Assessment task submitted after the due or extended date will incur a 10% penalty of the maximum marks available for that assessment task. Assessment tasksreceived more than three calendar days after the due or extended date will not be allocated a mark.

Unless otherwise specified in the Unit Outline, an extension of time will not normally be available for tests such as:

  1. in-class tests;
  2. laboratory exercises or tests;
  3. computer or online exercises or tests using the University's Learning Management System or similar technology;
  4. similar tests specified in the Unit Outline.

7.1.10 Extension for submission of Honours thesis

An Honours student may apply to the Head of School for an extension to the submission date of an Honours thesis. Requests for extension must be made on or before the due date for submission, and must demonstrate exceptional circumstances which warrant the granting of an extension. The maximum extension which may be granted is 6 months.

Honours theses submitted after the due or extended date will incur a penalty of 10% of the maximum marks available for that thesis.

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7.2 Unsatisfactory progress

7.2.1 Undergraduate and non-award students

7.2.1.1 Students at risk

An undergraduate student or student in a non-award course who has:

  1. failed 50% or more of the credit points for which the student enrolled in any standard study period; or
  2. failed any unit on two occasions

will be warned that further failure may lead to liability for termination of his/her enrolment. Such a student will also be encouraged to seek academic advice before continuing in the program.

7.2.1.2 Requirement to show cause why enrolment should not be terminated

A student will be required to show cause why his/her enrolment should not be terminated if the student has:
  1. failed 50% or more of the credit points taken over the last two standard study periods in which the student was actively enrolled; or
  2. failed any professional experience or community engagement unit.

A student in an Honours program will be required to show cause if the student has achieved less than a Pass in any individual coursework unit in the Honours program.

The Course Coordinator will normally notify any student of the requirement to show cause within 20 working days from the date of finalisation of the student's results for the relevant study period.

7.2.1.3 Timing of submission showing cause why enrolment should not be terminated

Any submission from a student showing cause why his/her enrolment should not be terminated must be in writing and be submitted within 20 working days from the date of notification of the requirement to show cause.

7.2.1.4 Consideration of show cause submission

The submission from a student showing cause why his/her enrolment should not be terminated will be considered by the relevant Course Coordinator who may determine:

  1. that the cause shown is of sufficient merit to warrant the student's continuation in the program;
  2. that the cause shown is of sufficient merit to warrant the student's continuation in the program, subject to specified conditions; or
  3. that the cause shown is not of sufficient merit to warrant the student's continuation in the program.

The student will be advised of the decision of the Course Coordinator within 20 working days from the date of the student's lodgement of the show cause submission.

7.2.1.5 Termination of enrolment

Unless otherwise determined by the Course Coordinator, a student's enrolment in an undergraduate course or non-award course is terminated if the student:

  1. has failed any unit or its equivalent on three occasions while enrolled in any program(s); or
  2. has failed the same professional experience or community engagement unit or its equivalent on two occasions or failed two separate professional experience or community engagement units while enrolled in any program(s); or
  3. having previously been required to show cause, has failed to do so or has been notified that the Course Coordinator determined that the cause shown was not of sufficient merit to warrant the student's continuation in the program; or
  4. having been allowed for cause shown, to remain enrolled in the same program, or having been readmitted to the same or another program following termination of enrolment, subsequently:
    1. in any standard study period failed more than one credit bearing unit;
    2. failed any unit or its equivalent which has previously been failed on three occasions while enrolled in any program(s);
    3. failed any professional experience or community engagement unit, having previously failed that unit or another unit of that type; or
    4. cumulatively, failed 50% or more of the credit points for which the student enrolled.

7.2.2 Postgraduate students

7.2.2.1 Students at risk

A postgraduate student who has failed more than 30 credit points or more than 30% and up to 40% of the total credit point requirements of the course will be warned that further failure may lead to liability for termination of his/her enrolment. Such a student will also be encouraged to seek academic advice from the Course Coordinator before continuing in the course.

7.2.2.2 Requirement to show cause why enrolment should not be terminated

A student will be required to show cause why his/her enrolment in a postgraduate course should not be terminated if the student has:

  1. failed 40% or more of the total credit point requirements of the course; or
  2. failed any professional experience or community engagement unit.

A student in the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology will be required to show cause if the student has achieved less than a Pass in any individual coursework unit in that course.

The Course Coordinator will normally notify any student of the requirement to show cause within 20 working days from the date of finalisation of the student's results for the relevant study period.

7.2.2.3 Timing of submission showing cause why enrolment should not be terminated

Any submission from a student showing cause why his/her enrolment in a postgraduate course should not be terminated must be in writing and be submitted within 20 working days from the date of notification of the requirement to show cause.

7.2.2.4 Consideration of show cause submission

The submission from a student showing cause why his/her enrolment in a postgraduate course should not be terminated will be considered by the relevant Course Coordinator who may determine:

  1. that the cause shown is of sufficient merit to warrant the student's continuation in the course;
  2. that the cause shown is of sufficient merit to warrant the student's continuation in the course, subject to specified conditions; or
  3. that the cause shown is not of sufficient merit to warrant the student's continuation in the course.

The student will be advised of the decision of the Course Coordinator within 20 working days from the date of the student's lodgement of the show cause submission.

7.2.2.5 Termination of enrolment

Unless otherwise determined by the Course Coordinator, a student's enrolment in a postgraduate course is terminated if the student has:

  1. failed 50% or more of the total credit point requirements of the course;
  2. failed any unit or its equivalent on three occasions while enrolled in any course(s);
  3. failed the same professional experience or community engagement unit or its equivalent on two occasions or failed two separate professional experience or community engagement units while enrolled in any course(s);
  4. having previously been required to show cause, has failed to do so or has been notified that the Course Coordinator determined that the cause shown was not of sufficient merit to warrant the student's continuation in the course; or
  5. having been allowed for cause shown to remain enrolled in the same program, or having been readmitted to the same or another course following termination of enrolment, subsequently:
    1. in any standard study period failed one or more than one credit bearing unit;
    2. failed any unit or its equivalent which has previously been failed on three occasions while enrolled in any course(s);
    3. failed any professional experience or community engagement unit; or
    4. cumulatively, failed 50% or more of the total credit point requirements of the course.

7.2.3 Effective date of termination

Any termination of enrolment under this Regulation will take effect from the end of the study period during which the student became liable for such termination.

7.2.4 Request for review of termination

A student may apply for review of any termination of enrolment under the provisions of Regulation 8.

7.2.5 Application for re-admission to same program

Any subsequent application for re-admission to the same program or, in the case of a dual degree, to either of the courses within the dual degree, will not be considered until at least one calendar year has elapsed from the date of termination. Re-admission is subject to approval by the relevant Head(s) of School.

7.2.6 Application for admission to different program

A student whose enrolment in a program has been terminated may subsequently apply for admission to another program after the period of termination has been completed. In cases where no specific period of termination has been identified, a student will be considered for admission not earlier than one calendar year from the date of termination.

7.2.7 Application for re-enrolment in units failed

A student who has failed a unit on three occasions may not enrol in units in that discipline until at least one calendar year has elapsed from the date of termination; re-enrolment in such units is subject to the approval of the Head(s) of School(s) concerned.

7.2.8 Subsequent failure

The enrolment of a student who has been re-admitted to a course under Regulation 7.2.5 or 7.2.6 will be terminated in the event that the student fails any further unit or units. Such a student may not apply for re-admission to any course for a further period of one calendar year from the date of such termination.

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7.3 Assessment grades

7.3.1 Time for completion of unit requirements

A student will complete the assessment requirements for all relevant units no later than the end of the examination period for the relevant study period.

7.3.2 Result grades

7.3.2.1 Unit grading codes

All units will be assessed and recorded according to the codes listed in Table 1. Where a student cannot be awarded a final grade for a unit at the end of the study period, the grade will remain blank. If no final result grade has been assigned to the unit within twelve months of the end of the study period, the blank grade will be converted to Fail – NN.

 Table 1 – Grading Codes – Units

 

Description

% Range Guide

Code

Numerical Equivalent1

Final Result Grades

High Distinction

85-100

HD

7
Distinction 75-84 DI 6
Credit 65-74 CR 5
Pass 50-64 PA 4
Pass Conceded   PC 3

Pass Supplementary

50 or more

PP

33

Interim Fail2

40-49

NF

 1
Fail 0-49 NN 1
Fail Supplementary 0-49 NX 14

When a unit is assessed on a Pass/Fail scale

Pass Ungraded

50-100

PS

5
Fail 0-49 NN 1

When a student withdraws from a unit in accordance with Regulation 5.4.3 or 5.4.4

Withdrawn Without Academic Penalty

 

WW

 

When a student withdraws from a unit outside the provisions of Regulation 5.4.3 or 5.4.4

Withdrawn - Fail

 

WN

1

When a student has been granted credit for a unit (Regulation 5.7.1)

Credit Granted

 

CG

 

For a thesis, dissertation, project, research, performance unit extending over more than one standard study period:

  1. where progression criteria that have been prescribed for the unit are achieved and the Lecturer-in-Charge recommends that the student may progress with the work;
  2. where no progression criteria have been prescribed, a final result is not available and a finalisation date cannot be determined;
  3. where a thesis or dissertation has been submitted for examination, a final result is not available and a finalisation date cannot be determined.
 Continuing Unit   CU  

If a student has been granted a Deferred Examination6

This code must be converted to a final result grade no later than the third week of the next semester. If at the expiry of that time no final result grade has been assigned to the unit, it will be recorded as a Fail – NN.

Deferred Examination

 

DE

 

When a student has been awarded a result but the result is withheld because of non-payment of any fee or fine or withholding of results has been directed because a matter concerning the student is under investigation under the Academic Honesty Policy or before a Discipline Committee or Discipline Appeals Committee.

Result Withheld

 

RW

 

If a result has been annulled

A result may be annulled only by determination of a Discipline Committee or Discipline Appeals Committee.

Annulled

 

AN

 

7.3.2.2 Honours course grading codes

All Honours courses will be assessed and recorded according to the codes listed in Table 2.

Table 2 – Grading Codes - Honours

Overall Honours Grades

Description

% Range

Code

Final Honours Grades7

First Class Honours

85-100

HI
Second Class Honours - Division A 75-84 HIIA
Second Class Honours - Division B 65-74 HIIB
Third Class Honours 50-64 HIII
Fail 0-49 NN

7.3.3 Pass Conceded

A student may be awarded a Pass Conceded grade by the Head of School in exceptional circumstances. A Pass Conceded grade does not meet prerequisite requirements for enrolment in units requiring a minimum of a Pass grade. A Pass Conceded grade may only be redeemable upon the student re-enrolling in the unit in a subsequent study period and attaining a grade of Pass or better. A pass degree student may not accumulate a Pass Conceded grade in units amounting to more than 15% of the total credit points required for completion of the award. A unit in which a Pass Conceded grade has been awarded will not normally be counted for the purposes of admission to, and will not be counted towards satisfying the requirements of, an Honours year or postgraduate program.

7.3.4 Fail grade

Subject to Academic Regulation 7.4 a student who fails a unit will either re-enrol in that unit in a subsequent study period in which it is offered or, if the unit is not a core unit, enrol in another unit consistent with the relevant course rules.

7.3.5 Grade point average

7.3.5.1 The grade point average is calculated as the average of grades of result obtained by the student, weighted by the credit point value of each unit. Numerical equivalent of grades for this purpose are as listed in Table 1 to Regulation 7.3.2.

7.3.5.2 Where the student has been granted credit towards his/her program for studies while enrolled at another institution, whether as a cross-institutional enrolment or otherwise, results gained in those studies will be included in the calculation of the grade point average only if specified credit for individual units was granted under the relevant degree rules and the grade achieved has been recorded.

7.3.5.3 In the case of units with ungraded pass results, results of PS (ungraded pass) will be excluded from the calculation of the grade point average. Results of NN (Fail),WN (Withdrawn -Fail) and NX (Fail Supplementary) will be included in that calculation.

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7.4 Supplementary assessments

7.4.1 A student who has gained 40-49% in a unit may be awarded an Interim Fail grade (NF) and will be eligible for a supplementary assessment provided that –

  1. supplementary assessment is allowed under the relevant course rules;
  2. the unit is not a professional experience or community engagement unit;
  3. the student has satisfied all other requirements8 for the unit;
  4. the unit is in the final 80 cp required for completion of an undergraduate course or postgraduate coursework program;
  5. the student obtained passing grades9 in all other units undertaken in the study periods in which those 80 cp have been undertaken; and
  6. only one NF grade and associated supplementary assessment may be awarded in a student's course.

7.4.2 A supplementary assessment will comprise a specific additional assessment10 prescribed by the Lecturer-in-Charge of the unit and approved by the Head of School or nominee.

7.5 Cheating, plagiarism, collusion and recycling

7.5.1 Investigation and resolution of any allegation of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or recycling

Any allegation of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or recycling will be investigated and resolved in accordance with the Academic Honesty Policy.

7.5.2 Consequences of exclusion

In the event that a student is excluded for breach of the Academic Honesty Policy, any subsequent application for re-admission will not be considered until at least one calendar year has elapsed from the date of exclusion. Re-admission is subject to approval by the relevant Head of School.

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1 Numerical equivalents of grades may be used in the calculation of the grade point average.
2 All Interim Fail (NF) grades which have not been converted to a Pass Supplementary (PP) or Fail Supplementary (NX) grade by the end of the third week of the next standard study period will be converted to a Fail (NN) grade.
3 For the purposes of the student transcript, the description for result PP Pass Supplementary will read as ‘Pass’
4 For the purposes of the student transcript, the description for result NX Fail Supplementary will read as ‘Fail
5 Results in units with ungraded pass/fail grades are excluded from the calculation of a grade point average.
6 It should be noted that results from deferred examinations may be delayed and this can cause difficulties for students in terms of graduation, application for scholarships and applications to enrol at other institutions.
7 The award of Honours grades will be determined by the relevant School Committee on the basis of results obtained in all units required in the Honours course, weighted according to their credit point values.
8 These may include attendance requirements, submission of all required assessment tasks, practical work and/or any other requirements specified in the Unit Outline.
9Includes grades of Pass Conceded or higher.
10This may include an examination covering the entire subject matter contained in the unit.

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