RMIT University Student Union. For Students, By Students.
- rusu@rmit.edu.au
RMIT University Student Union. For Students, By Students.
RUSU’s Student Rights service helps students understand the rules and processes that affect them at RMIT. We encourage students to be firm, but respectful about their educational needs, when speaking with RMIT staff. When necessary, we advocate to RMIT on students’ behalf. RUSU Student Rights officers are experts in assisting students with academic and other university process related issues.
Please call 03 9925 1842 or email student.rights@rmit.edu.au if you would like to book an appointment with a Student Rights officer.
If you disagree with a grade you have received because you believe there is a problem with how the university assessed your work, you are able to lodge an Appeal Against Assessment (AAA) if the following conditions are met:
Students should realise that the aim of assessments is to objectively measure student achievement of learning outcomes. Appeals are only successful if they can show that the cause of the low grade is an issue on the university’s side, and not a shortcoming on the student’s side.
The Student Rights service at RUSU conducts group information sessions about the AAA process. All interested students are encouraged to ring RUSU front counters to book in for a session.
Students are asked to Show Cause after they have two unsatisfactory semesters in their program. A semester is usually considered unsatisfactory because half or more courses (subjects) were failed, or because a course was failed for a 2nd time (failing a placement course also makes a semester unsatisfactory).
Your School will send you an email asking you to explain why they should not exclude* you from your program. It is sensible to respond to this, and explain your circumstances. Show cause emails are sent at the end of semester, when classes have stopped. CHECK YOUR STUDENT EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY! You do not want to miss the chance to explain what happened.
If you don’t respond to an email from your school in time, your school will recommend you are excluded from your program.
*Exclusion means that your enrolment in your program is cancelled for 12 months and you need to re-apply the following year to get in. There are no guarantees that your school will accept you back into your program.
Download PDF: Show Cause Info Pack For Students
Download PDF: Show Cause and Exclusion Info Flyer
This information is for you if you did not submit a Show Cause letter to your school, or if your school has rejected your Show Cause letter.
Exclusion means that your enrolment in your program is cancelled for 12 months and you need to re-apply the following year to get in. There are no guarantees that your school will accept you back into your program.
You will receive an email from RMIT’s Academic Registrar stating that your School is recommending your exclusion. You will be given 20 WORKING DAYS to lodge an appeal to the University Appeals Committee.
Please contact RUSU to find out about the information sessions we are running to assist students who have been recommended for exclusion.
Please refer to the information kit below for step-by-step guidance on how to put an appeal together.
Download PDF: Exclusion Info Pack For Students
Download PDF: Appeal Against Exclusion
Visit: RMIT Show Cause Information Page
Download PDF: Preparing For A Hearing
Special Consideration is available to ensure fair assessment when life circumstances have interfered with your ability to complete an assessment on time. For example, if you have been sick, or you had personal problems that impacted your ability to study. If your application is successful, your School or Department can make changes to your assessment record.
For the most up-to-date information on special consideration, including how to apply, please visit:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Not everything always goes to plan at RMIT – sometimes lodging a complaint becomes necessary when students aren’t being treated fairly or reasonably. Student Rights Officers are experts in what you should include and how the process operates.
Have you got a problem with someone or something at RMIT? Visit: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/complaints
Email: rusu@rmit.edu.au
Call: +61 3 9925 1842
PO BOX 12387 Franklin Street, Melbourne, VIC 3006
RMIT University Student Union respectfully acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University.
© RMIT University Student Union Incorporated 2025