Course and other concerns

Sometimes students find that a course is not what they expected or situations arise that require them to assess their work loads. You may want to examine the possibility of transferring to another course and obtaining credits from work already completed. Talk things through with your Course Coordinator.

Or are you thinking of dropping out? There are many reasons why students decide to withdraw from one or more subjects, or their entire course. These can include personal, medical, financial, work or family commitments, not enjoying the course, feeling homesick, or deciding that the course is not what they actually want to do. However, withdrawing can have implications for your finances, academic record, future study options, and career choice.

Below we have outlined the different options and assistance, and have added links to the many support services on campus that can provide you with support. What ever you decide to do, the best thing you can do is talk things over with someone, be them from the university, home or a friend. Often others can help clarify the situation and offer support.

If you are still not sure who to talk to about your course and other concerns email getconnected.edu.au with your query or call the Transition Office on 8201 3121 to discuss further. The Transition Office will be able to assist you with who best to talk to.

Options for ‘hanging in there’

Prior to withdrawing, it can be good to take a bit of time to look at all the options available, the implications of withdrawing and who to talk to about it. There may be possibilities that you hadn't thought about. Talking with your course coordinator, Faculty Office or a counsellor may be a good place to start.

Apply for an extension

If you feel that you won't be able to complete an assignment due to medical or compassionate reasons, you can apply for an extension. Compassionate grounds can include any serious personal problems that affect your ability to study.

Sometimes, having extra time can help keep your studies on track. If you think you need an extension, you should contact your lecturer before the deadline, not after, wherever possible. They may request that you provide them with a note from a doctor or counsellor.

Apply for supplementary assessment

If the problems occur towards the end of semester and you are worried that you either won't be able to sit your exam, or that your grade will be significantly affected, you can apply for a supplementary exam on medical or compassionate grounds. These are either held in the mid-semester break, or more usually in February, prior to the beginning of the next academic year.

You will need supporting documentation from a professional such as a doctor or counsellor to apply for these. The application must be submitted within 3 working days of the date of the exam. Forms can be obtained through your Faculty Office or at the Health and Counselling Service .

Take a short break

Sometimes taking a break can help renew energy levels and have you feeling like you can keep on going. This may involve catching up with friends, going away for a weekend, taking a walk along the beach, having time out to relax - this can help you see things in a clearer light.

Improve your study skills

Many students report that university is very different to the study they have done before - whether that be at high school, or in a different country. Difficulties with writing essays, taking lecture notes, time management or procrastination are common problems. The Student Learning Centre helps students to adjust to the academic demands of university life and develop techniques for more effective study.

Keep a balance - manage your stress

Often students report feeling stressed and under pressure with other commitments as well as their studies. Relaxation and stress management techniques can help with this. It is important to have a balance between work/study/family/personal time.

Sometimes events in our life can also upset our routines and balance. For example, getting sick, having a relationship breakup or other traumatic incident can have people feeling overwhelmed and that they can't manage.

The counsellors at the Counselling Service can assist with support, strategies, information and referrals to on and off campus services to help you get through these tough times.

Disability Liaison Officer (DLO)

'Disability' at university covers a wide range of issues from physical concerns such as bad back or hearing impairment, to mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. If you have ongoing difficulties or conditions that may impact on your ability to study you should contact the Disability Liaison Officer with documentation from a professional to support the assistance that may be required. Assistance such as equipment, support services and reasonable adjustment to assessment and teaching methods can be arranged.

Financial issues

Many students find that financial problems place them under increased pressure. Managing to pay bills, purchasing text books and eating on a budget can be very difficult. For further information about Centrelink payments, grants, loans and budgeting advice contact the Student Assist Office.

Reduce your workload

Sometimes, dropping one or two topics can mean that you can focus more easily on your other subjects and be able to continue with your course. However:

• If you are receiving a Centrelink payment your benefits may be affected if you decrease your enrolment. You must be enrolled in at least 13.5 units per semester to be eligible for Austudy, Abstudy, Youth Allowance etc. If your studies fall below 13.5 units per semester you MUST advise Centrelink. If you are overpaid you will be asked to repay the benefits. For further information, contact Centrelink or the Student Assist Office.

• Your enrolment for next semester may be affected if you withdraw from a core or prerequisite topic. Get course advice - check at the Faculty Office.

• Fees may apply. There are critical enrolment dates that can affect eligibility for refund of fees and whether the withdraw is with or without fail. Visit the Flinders fees information web pages for more information.
  
  If you have been sick or had serious personal problems that have impacted on your studies, eg you may have a fail or WF on your record. It is worthwhile, therefore talking this through with someone in the Counselling Service who can explain the University's policies which may assist you or support your application for fees remission.
  
  Staff can explain what documentation is required and help you explore options. For more details look at the information on the Health and Counselling web site regarding what to do when you are sick/impaired during your university studies.

• Some courses may not allow part-time enrolment (check with your course coordinator).

• International students must be enrolled in at least 13.5 units per semester as a requirement of their visa. Contact the International Office for further information.

Change your topic or course

If you are not enjoying a particular topic, you may be able to change your enrolment. Note: Some topics are compulsory. This should be done by the last day to add topics, so your studies aren't affected. You should talk to your course coordinator about the options available. See Enrolment Services for further information or to submit a request / question.

You may want to examine the possibility of transferring to another course and obtaining credits from work already completed. Flinders offers a mid-year intake that opens in mid May for commencement in July (Semester 2).

Not all courses are offered mid-year. If you have completed 36 units or less you can apply for an internal transfer, Speak to the Admissions/Prospective Students Office. The Careers and Employer Liaison Centre can also provide career counselling.

Withdrawal and dropping out

If you have considered all available options, you may decide the best course of action is to withdraw from one or more topics, or the entire course. Refer to the Withdrawal: implications and procedures for further information.