Stage 2 - academic progress

Stage 2 of the formal academic progression process is the Support and Sanction Stage and is the second step in La Trobe University’s commitment to support you to be successful in your studies.

There are many ways you can reach Stage 2 of the formal academic progression process. If you have met one of more of the following conditions, you will enter Stage 2:

  • you have failed a workplace-based subject for the first time
  • you have failed 50% or more of the credit points for the subjects in which you were enrolled
  • you have failed the same subject in a course for the second time
  • you have reached Stage 1 of the formal academic progression process more than three times.

We understand that your studies can be impacted by a range of factors, and we are here to help you access the services you need to help you get back on track. Many students have difficulties – you're not alone.

If you have reached Stage 2, we will email you. Your email will detail credit point restrictions that may apply to you, how to access support services and explain what happens if your studies are assessed as unsatisfactory for the next progression period.

How we support you at Stage 2

Academic Recovery Workshop

To help you get back on track, our Student Advisors will guide you through an Academic Recovery Workshop designed to help you:

  • reflect on the unique challenges that have impacted your ability to succeed; and
  • identify strategies and support activities, including wellbeing services available to you

A Student Advisor will also provide advice to assist you in completing an Action Plan. You will be encouraged to engage in self-assessment to develop strategies and access supports to succeed in your studies.

You must register for an Academic Recovery Workshop via the Academic Progress LMS site.

Please note, attendance at an Academic Recovery Workshop is a requirement at Stage 2. If you do not attend a workshop by the time self-enrolment closes for the next teaching period, an enrolment sanction may be placed on your student account and will not be removed until after you have attended an Academic Recovery Workshop and completed an Action Plan.

If you are enrolled in a subject but do not attend a workshop before enrolment closes, a sanction may be applied that could result in you being withdrawn from a currently enrolled subject. Please note, if you have been withdrawn from a subject due to an Academic Progression sanction being applied to your student record, your enrolment in the subject will not be reinstated after you have completed the Academic Recovery Workshop and your sanction has been removed. As sanctions are applied after self-enrolment has closed, you will need to re-enrol in the subject (or alternative subject) in your next available teaching period.

To check if a sanction has been applied, log in to StudentOnLine and view Sanctions by clicking the My Details tile.

To ensure you have enough time to attend the workshop and complete your Action Plan before you start your next subjects, we recommend you register for the next available session.

We will take note of your participation should you move to the next Stage of the formal academic progression process.

Credit point restriction

A credit point restriction, known as an enrolment sanction, may be applied to your student account if you do not attend an Academic Recovery Workshop by the time self-enrolment closes for the next teaching period. This prevents you from enrolling in a full-time study load in your next teaching period. We do this to ensure you can cope with your study load and are not overwhelmed.

At Stage 2, if you have not attended an Academic Recovery Workshop by the time self-enrolment closes for the next teaching period, your enrolment will be restricted to a maximum of 45 credit points. This credit point restriction will remain in place until you have successfully completed an Academic Recovery Workshop (via the Academic Progress LMS)Allow up to 48 hours for the credit point restriction to be removed.

If you are enrolled in a workplace-based subject, your Course Coordinator will review your ability to progress and will determine whether an enrolment restriction should be applied to your enrolment.

Workplace-based subjects that fall under this category are referred to as 'Academic progress review - Schedule A subject' in overview of each subject in the Handbook. View 'Academic Progress Review - Schedule A subject' in the Handbook to determine if your workplace-based subject fits this category.

If you receive a credit point restriction, it will remain in place until you have successfully completed an Academic Recovery Workshop (via the Academic Progress LMS). Allow up to 48 hours for the credit point restriction to be removed.

If you are enrolled in thesis subjects worth 30, 45 or 60 credit points, your thesis subjects will not have an enrolment restriction or cancellation applied.

Even though you may not have a credit point restriction, you must still complete an Academic Recovery Workshop  (via the Academic Progress LMS).

It's important you engage with our support services early so that we can help get you back on track before you struggle in your subjects. The University is committed to help you succeed by providing a wide range of supports to meet your needs.

For more information about supports available, see our Student Support Policy.

For more information about the formal academic progression process, see the Academic Progress Review Policy.

Your continued academic progress

If your results don't improve in the next progression period, you may find yourself moving to Stage 3 of the formal academic progression process. Find out more about Stage 3 and what this means for you.

Advocacy

Advocates are employees of the La Trobe Student Union (LTSU). They can assist you with administrative issues, welfare and support in a confidential, safe setting.

Advocates can provide the following services:
  • helping students to understand their situation and discuss available options
  • helping students to understand University Policy and Procedures
  • helping students to prepare written submissions/letters

These services are provided at no cost to you. The Advocates are available to assist students from all campuses.

Many students may be seeking support from Advocates. You should allow reasonable and sufficient time for your enquiry to be addressed. The Advocates recommend that you register for their services as soon as you receive your email from the University regarding your academic progress.

Appeals

If you have reached Stage 2 of the academic progression process, you have the option to appeal any conditions placed on your enrolment.

You must lodge your Student Appeal Application within 20 working days from the date you receive that email.

You may have grounds for appeal if you can demonstrate that the decision maker:

  • Was unfair or unjust,
  • didn't act in line with the Academic Progress Statute 2010,
  • failed to take account of a relevant consideration, or took account of an irrelevant consideration.

Support available to you

If you're facing challenges, see our table of all services that can help you.

Students enrolled in Partner programs

Students enrolled in partner programs through third-party institutions may contact their education partner for additional advice and support. Visit our Partner programs webpage for more information.

More information about the formal academic progression process

Your academic progress

Your academic progress

Academic progression is the way you and La Trobe work together to ensure you manage your studies and are able to successfully complete your course.

Find out more

Stage 1 - Recovery

Stage 1 - Recovery

This Stage is the Recovery Stage of the formal academic progression process.

Learn about your Stage 1 steps

Stage 3 - Show Cause and Exclusion

Stage 3 - Show Cause and Exclusion

This Stage is the Show Cause and Exclusion Stage of the formal academic progression process.

Learn about your Stage 3 steps