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MUGSU is here to help you no matter what your situation...

Student Support...

MUGSU Student Rights Officers (SRO’s) can assist enrolled Monash Gippsland students with any student experience issues!

We offer a warm, confidential environment, are able to assist face to face, via email or over the phone. Contact MUGZOO Central (reception) 0351 226 248 or 1800 816 620, located opposite the cafe.

Key Dates:

  • Census Date Aug 31st
  • Sem 2 Exams Timetable Published Sept 16th
  • Sem 2 Exams Oct 28th-Nov 19th
  • Sem 2 Results Published Dec 3rd

Other Support Services:

Frequently Asked Questions:

I’m not sure who to talk to, where should I start?

Answer:

Start with talking to a MUGSU SRO, as they can help you work out the best people to talk to, to get your problem resolved.

When I meet with a Student Rights Officer, will what I talk about be kept private?

Answer:

Yes all meetings with a SRO will be treated sensitively and confidentially unless otherwise stated.

Grievances...

Complaint? Academic related issue? Where to from here?

SRO’s can assist you identify the issue and support you throughout the process to help you find a resolution. It can be a lengthy and time consuming process as there’s a formal process you need to follow in handling a grievance.

Firstly, you must try to resolve the issue informally, and if that doesn’t help you can take a formal approach.

  • Informal Process – speak with your lecturer or unit coordinator
  • Formal Process- write a letter to your faculties’ grievance officer, clearly outlining what the grievance is, why it’s a grievance and attach any evidence that you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I have a grievance and have setup a meeting but am nervous to go and don’t know what I would say?

Answer:

SRO’s can attend such meetings with you for support, and can assist you in preparing for the meeting.

I have approached the person, and I’m not satisfied with the outcome, what do I do?

Answer:

SRO’s can assist and support you in identifying the next step.

Special Consideration...

Do you feel you have grounds for Special Consideration? Speak to a Student Rights Officer to for more information.

If you’ve been affected by exceptional circumstances beyond your control (i.e. acute illness, bereavement, hardship) you may be eligible for Special Consideration (Spec Con).

There are two types of Spec Con you can apply for:

  • In semester – assessment tasks
  • End of semester – final assessment

You need to apply asap by submitting a Spec Con form and attach evidence, which you can get from your faculty or download from the below site:
http://www.monash.edu.au/exams/special-consideration.html

Note: Mark adjustment shall not be made in any circumstance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does Special Consideration do?

Answer:

You may be able to get consideration, for example in the form of an extension for an assignment or a deferred exam.

What type of evidence would I need to supply with my application?

Answer:

Evidence such as medical certificates, letters from professionals (i.e. psychologist/lawyer), death notice/certificate, police report or statutory declarations.

Academic Progress...

What is it and how does it affect your time at Monash University Gippsland?

Unsatisfactory academic progress shall result in your entering the Academic Progress Committee (APC) process as outlined below.

After 1st sem results released, if you appear to be on track for unsatisfactory academic progress, you may enter the APC process...

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I ignore the letters?

Answer:

Chances are your case will go before an APC hearing and you are likely to be excluded as the committee only has your transcript to go off. If you take action when you receive the first letter, you may avoid the process all together. Early intervention is the key.

Can I bring someone with me?

Answer:

Yes you can bring along 1 support person, who can either be a SRO, a friend/relative, or a lawyer (with advanced notice to the faculty).

Exams...

The things you need to know and where to get more information.

Check your timetable! If you miss you’re exam due to misreading the timetable you will not get the opportunity to sit the exam again.

If there is a exam clash, the Examinations Unit should contact you to make arrangements, if you do not hear from them by the day before your exam, contact them.

You can only being authorised materials into the exam venue, each unit materials vary, refer to your faculty. You must take your student ID card. DO not take unauthorised materials such as notes or mobile phones, as this may result in a fine or further action.

If any problems occur before, during or after your exam, seek SRO help immediately.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I am accused of cheating?

Answer:

In brief you have the right to complete your exam. Request SRO assistance immediately. You do not have to answer questions, although it is better that you co-operate. This is likely to result in a discipline hearing.

What if I’m sick on the day of the exam?

Answer:

If you cannot attend the exam you should apply for Spec Con in the hopes of gaining a deferred exam. However, you need to be certain you have sufficient evidence and cause as a deferred exam is not guaranteed. You are best to contact your faculty immediately.

I deferred my exam as I’ve been sick, but I’m still sick, can I defer my deferred exam?

Answer:

Unfortunately no, exams can only be deferred once. You could however speak with your lecturer asap to see if any alternate arrangements are possible.

I was sick when I sat my exam, am I eligible for Spec Con?

Answer:

Short answer no if you completed the exam, as there is no such thing as mark adjustment any more. If you left during the exam due to being ill or did not attend due to being ill, you need to complete a Spec Con form, attach any evidence you may have (i.e. doc cert) and return it to your faculty reception immediately (must be within 48hrs) as you may be eligible for a deferred exam, although there is no guarantee.

Discipline...

Need assistance with an academic situation, visit your SRO, we're here to help.

There are three types of misconduct that could result in a discipline hearing:

  • General Misconduct – behaviour that’s likely to cause injury or damage etc
  • Academic Misconduct – cheating etc
  • Research Misconduct – reckless or negligent etc

The point of a discipline hearing is to give you the opportunity to give your side of the story about the alleged misconduct.

Discipline hearings have a very formal and serious nature, it is important that you seek support (SRO’s, counsellor, staff, friends etc) as soon as possible as a number of penalties can apply, such as reprimand, fine, suspension or exclusion.

For more information, see a SRO or visit the below link:
http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/calendar/statutes/statute04.html

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

I’ve been called to a discipline hearing, how serious is this?

Answer:

It is serious - the outcomes can be detrimental - but we can help you.  SROs can assist you in preparation for the hearing and support you throughout.

 

Note: Policies change regularly, whilst we aim to provide up to date information this may not always be possible,
hence why it is important to see an SRO for up to date and specific information.