Need to prepare a Show Cause submission?

Join our "How to Prepare a Show Cause Submission" webinar for the upcoming Progress Review period on Thursday 28 January at 11am.

Register here

If you’re having an issue with your academic progress, or with your experience at Swinburne, you can get advice and assistance from a Swinburne Student Life advocacy officer, which is a free, confidential and independent service.

Swinburne advocacy officers can:

  • help you resolve issues with your lecturers/teachers or with the University
  • talk you through processes for complaints and grievances
  • assist with unsatisfactory progress concerns
  • provide support and advice during disciplinary matters
  • explain Swinburne’s policies and procedures and provide realistic assessments of your concerns
  • advocate for you at official hearings and meetings
  • refer you to external or other Swinburne services where appropriate.

Advocacy officers can also help you draft responses to ‘show cause’ notices that deem your performance unsatisfactory.  Find out more about these notices below.

Show Cause submissions

If your academic performance drops below our minimum standard, you may receive a Show Cause notice. If this happens, you’ll be required to explain to the university through a formal submission why you have had unsatisfactory progress and what you will do in the future to ensure you pass your units.
If you’re unable to satisfy the university with your submission, your enrolment may be cancelled. 
Swinburne advocacy officers can assist you with Show Cause submisisons.

We also offer the following tip sheets, guides and templates to help.

Academic progress reviews

To keep track of your performance, Swinburne conducts academic progress reviews of your results multi times a year. These reviews let us know if you need any help with your studies. Find out what you need to do if you’re classes as ‘at risk’ or asked to ‘show cause’. 

Learn more

Need assistance?

To book a phone, skype or face-to-face appointment with an advocacy officer, please email Swinburne Student Life on studentlife@swinburne.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 5445.

Call us