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At Risk Notice

Updated: 3 days ago

Responding to an At-Risk Notice 


If you have received an At-Risk Notice from Swinburne, don’t panic—SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) is here to support you and help you understand your options moving forward. 


What is an At-Risk Notice? 


An At-Risk Notice is an early warning issued by Swinburne University to alert you that your academic progress may be unsatisfactory. These notices are usually sent out after grades are released and are part of Swinburne’s Academic Progress process. 


Receiving this notice means you are identified as being "at risk" of not meeting the academic progress requirements outlined in the Academic Progress Policy. It is an opportunity to reflect on any challenges you have faced and take steps to improve before formal intervention occurs. 


You are considered at risk if you: 


  • Fail 50% or more of your enrolled units in a study period. 

  • Fail the same unit multiple times. 

  • Fail a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or placement unit. 

  • Are unable to complete your course within the maximum time allowed. 


What happens after receiving an At-Risk Notice? 


The At-Risk Notice is not a formal academic progress decision. Instead, it is a supportive measure designed to: 


  • Alert you to your current academic standing. 

  • Encourage you to seek support early. 

  • Offer resources to help you succeed in future study periods. 


You are encouraged to take the following steps: 


  • Reflect on what contributed to your results. 

  • Access available support services. 

  • Create an action plan to improve your academic performance. 


What support is available? 


SSA Advocates can: 


  • Help you understand why you received the notice. 

  • Discuss strategies for improving your academic progress. 

  • Connect you with support services such as academic skills, counselling, disability support, or course advice. 

  • Assist in planning your study load or preparing for any future academic progress meetings. 


Swinburne also provides numerous services to help you succeed: 


  • Study Support Services- Swinburne offers various services to enhance your academic skills: 

    • Academic Skills Workshops to help you with essay writing, time management, and more. 

    • One-on-one Tutoring for personalized academic support. 

    • Online Resources for self-paced learning. 

    • Learn more about Study Support Services here 

  • Counselling Services: If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or personal challenges, our professional counsellors are here to help: 

    • Manage Stress and Anxiety through individual sessions and workshops. 

    • Personal Support for navigating life’s challenges affecting your studies. 

    • Book a counselling session here 

  • Disability Support: If you have a health condition or disability impacting your learning, Swinburne offers tailored support for students with health conditions or disabilities: 

    • Access Reasonable Adjustments for exams and coursework. 

    • Personalized Support Plans to help you succeed in your studies. 

    • Find out more about Disability Support here 

  • Course Advice: Get help with your course structure, changing units, or adjusting your study plan: 

    • Review Your Course Structure to ensure you are on the right track. 

    • Adjust Your Study Plan if you need to change your study load. 

    • Book a Course Advice session here 


Do I have to respond to the At-Risk Notice? 


You are not required to formally respond to the At-Risk Notice, but it is strongly recommended that you take proactive steps to address any academic or personal challenges. Engaging with support early can make a significant difference and may prevent further academic progress issues in future study periods. 


What if I continue to struggle academically? 


If your academic performance does not improve in future study periods, you may receive a Show Cause Notice, where you will be asked to explain why your enrolment should not be cancelled. This is a formal stage in the Academic Progress process. 


Taking the At-Risk Notice seriously and making use of available support can help you avoid reaching that stage. 


Where Can I Get Help? 


SSA Advocates are here to: 


  • Discuss your situation confidentially. 

  • Help you make a plan to get back on track. 

  • Refer you to the most relevant Swinburne services. 

  • Offer guidance if you face further academic progress concerns in the future. 


If you are unsure what to do next after receiving an At-Risk Notice, reach out to SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) for personalised support and advice. We are here to help you stay on track and succeed in your studies. 







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