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Show Cause

Updated: Jul 15

If you have received a Show Cause Notice, it means the university has identified concerns about your academic progress and is asking you to explain why you should be allowed to continue your course. This process gives you the opportunity to provide context, supporting evidence, and a plan for improvement. You are not expected to manage this alone, and support is available to help you prepare your response.


Not sure what this means?

A Show Cause Notice is issued when Swinburne determines that your academic progress has not met the required standard. The university is asking you to explain the circumstances affecting your performance and demonstrate how you can successfully continue your studies.

You may be asked to show cause if, for example:

  • You were previously identified as ‘at risk’ and your academic progress has not improved

  • You failed more than 50% of your enrolled units across two consecutive progress review periods

  • You failed the same unit for a third time

  • You failed a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement unit

  • You are an ELICOS student and failed the same unit twice

This notice does not automatically mean you will be excluded. It is your opportunity to explain your situation and provide evidence to support your continuation.

Your Show Cause Notice will include a deadline for submitting your response. In most cases, you will have 5 working days to prepare and submit your Show Cause submission.

It is important to respond by the deadline. If you do not submit a response, the university will proceed with a decision based on the information available, which may result in exclusion from your course.

After you submit your response, it will be reviewed by an academic panel. They will consider your explanation, supporting evidence, and your plan for future progress before making a decision.

Your submission should clearly explain your circumstances and demonstrate how you are addressing the issues that affected your academic performance.

Your response should clearly explain the factors that affected your academic performance, including any relevant personal, medical, academic, or other circumstances. You should support your explanation with appropriate evidence and outline the steps you have taken, or will take, to improve your academic progress. It is also important to explain why you believe you are now in a position to successfully continue your course.

It is important to be honest, specific, and reflective in your explanation.

You may also include supporting documents such as:

  • Medical certificates or reports

  • Letters from counsellors, psychologists, or other support professionals

  • Police reports or legal documents, if relevant

  • Statutory declarations

  • Academic plans or Learning Access Plans

On Campus Students


How to Write your Show Cause Submission (on campus students)

Show Cause submission Template (on campus students)

Show Cause Submission Template (on campus – placement)


Swinburne Online Students


How to Write your Show Cause Submission (SOL)

Show Cause Submission Template (SOL)

Show Cause Submission Template (SOL - placement)

Once your submission has been reviewed, the university will notify you of the outcome. The decision will consider both your academic record and the information you provided.

Possible outcomes may include being permitted to continue in your course, either with or without specific conditions or support requirements. In some cases, you may be required to take a temporary break from your studies (suspension) to address the factors affecting your progress. In more serious situations, the university may decide to exclude you from your course.

The process does not automatically result in the most serious outcome. The panel will assess your individual circumstances before making a decision.

If you are excluded from your course, you have the right to appeal the decision.

You must submit your appeal within 21 working days from the date of your exclusion notice

Appeals allow you to request a formal review of the decision. This is a separate process where you can provide further information or explain why you believe the decision should be reconsidered.

Receiving a Show Cause Notice can feel confronting, particularly if you are unsure what it means or how to respond. You are not expected to manage this alone. 

The Swinburne Advocacy Service (SAS) provides free, confidential, and independent support to help you understand the Show Cause process, clarify what the university is asking, and prepare a clear and well-supported response. We can review your draft submission, help you organise supporting documents, and explain what to expect at each stage, including your options if a decision is made. 

Contacting the Swinburne Advocacy Service as early as possible can help you approach the process with clarity and ensure you meet the required deadlines.







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