Students at Risk

The University recognises the value of reliably and efficiently monitoring the progress of students in their studies, and of having systems in place to promote the early detection of students who are making poor or unsatisfactory progress and are therefore at risk of exclusion from their degree.

A benefit of early detection of students in this ‘at risk’ category is that it allows timely intervention, and the provision of advice and assistance to support students in their ongoing studies.

For these reasons, The University has produced a new University of Sydney Students at Risk policy. This policy gives full details on the criteria for determining when we consider that students are not making suitable progress, and specific actions and support services we make available at each stage of risk. A key goal is to help you stay on track.

There are many reasons why students may be performing at poor levels: short or long term personal family or health issues, financial pressures, study difficulties, lack of motivation, inappropriate career choice etc.

Our staff want to be in a position to provide the appropriate help to students in difficulties - whether that be specific study or enrolment advice, or referal to appropriate counselling and support services. In some cases the best action is deferment or leaving university. The last thing we want is to exclude a student for continued poor performance, and we hope that students avail themselves of the services and support provided before that last option has to be taken.

Within Civil Engineering and the wider university, we provide the following advice and support to ensure students can maintain suitable progress.

• Students should assess their approach to study - are their current methods effective? The first step is ensuring you can achieve close to 100% attendance at lectures and tutorials. We have produced some tips for effective study.
• Most courses will have a reasonably regular schedule of formal or informal assignments, quizzes or tutorials. Students should ensure they work consistently throughout the semester, and use the solutions/feedback/marks from these assessments as a reasonable guide of their progress.
• We strongly advise that students should follow the appropriate enrolment rules to ensure they are not overloaded, attempting units for which they have not done the assumed knowledge, and ensuring they immediately re-attempt any units they failed.
• Students are encouraged to make use of the learning support services provided, which can help with personal issues or provide extra tuition or academic help with maths, writing skills and generic study. The University Students at Risk Information page has specific resources designed for students experiencing difficulties.
• Students should ensure they dedicate sufficient time each week for academic purposes and avoid excessive conflict with work, sporting and social activities. Studying engineering is like a full-time job, and we recommend that students should be allocating approximately 36-40 hours a week to their university work (9-10 hours per 6 credit point unit - lectures, tutorials plus at home work).
• Students are encouraged to seek and follow the advice of their academic advisors.
• Is Civil Engineering what you really want do? Often lack of motivation is a key factor affecting performance. Students are sometimes pressured by family or friends to persue a field of study. Speak to family, friends, counsellors or mentors - there is nothing wrong in making a career or degree change.
• Students must follow the instructions in any official "at risk" or "show cause" letter they receive from the university.