At Risk

Many students receive an ‘at risk’ letter each semester. This letter is designed to draw your attention to the fact that your results have been poor, and that if your results continue to be poor next semester you are ‘at risk’ of possible exclusion from your course.  Receiving this letter represents an opportunity to reflect on the possible reason for your poor performance, and to put in place steps that might assist you to avoid being ‘at risk’.

Students often fail a subject(s) because they have serious issues including health, financial problems, family or relationship related. Other students have trouble adjusting to University life, such as being away from home. Some students may require help in understanding what is expected of them, working on their study and/or time management skills. Some just get caught up in the University lifestyle and spend less time on their studies. It may be that you are in the wrong course and perhaps need to think about whether continuing is the right option for you. Students may also give higher priority to their work or other commitments ahead of their studies due to financial or other reasons.

Regardless of your situation there are a range of people available to assist you to manage your situation and help improve your results. Do not assume that working harder next semester will be sufficient; you need to take steps to improve your situation. Your Faculty may ask you to attend a group meeting to discuss student support available on campus. It is advisable that you attend this meeting. In addition to your teachers and other students, there are many support services available at Swinburne which can help manage your situation.

You may wish to make an appointment to see;

- A Course Advisor in your Faculty

- Have a chat to a Counsellor or register with Disability Support http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/

- Enrol in an Academic Success Program http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/counselling/group.html or

- Contact the Language and Study Skills Unit http://www.international.swinburne.edu.au/student-life/support/skills.html

All the contact details are in the back of your student diary too.

If you feel you need to discuss more about the range of options available to you, make an appointment with a Student Academic Advisor at the SSAA, contact 9214 5445 for further information.

For further assistance and information contact the SSAA on one of the following numbers:

Hawthorn – 9214 5445

Prahran – 9214 6570

Lilydale – 9215 7176

Croydon – 9726 1542

Wantirna – 9210 1169

ssaa@swin.edu.au

www.myssaa.com.au