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Show Cause

Updated: Jul 7

Here you will find:


1.        How to write your Show Cause Submission document;

2.        Templates for writing your Show Cause submission;

3.        How to Write your Show Cause video;

4.        General Show Cause information; and

5.        A link to register with the Swinburne Advocacy Service.


Responding to a Show Cause Notice 

If you have received a Show Cause Notice from Swinburne, it is important to take action as soon as possible as you only have 5 working days to submit your Show Cause.  The deadline will be in your Show Cause notification letter.


Failing to respond will result in automatic exclusion from your course.

Swinburne Advocacy Service (SAS) can support you through this process and help you prepare a strong response, by advising you on the Show Cause process and reviewing your draft submissions.


Once registered, you will be contacted by our service within 2 hours. Please note our working hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday.

What is a Show Cause Notice? 

A Show Cause Notice is issued when Swinburne determines that your academic progress is unsatisfactory. You are being asked to "show cause" and explain why you should not be excluded from your course.


You will be asked to Show Cause for one or more of the following reasons: 

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

  • You failed more than 50% of your enrolled units for two consecutive progress review period

  • You failed the same unit for a third time. 

  • You failed your Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement unit.

 

If you are an ELICOS student, you may receive Show Cause Notice if: 

  • You failed your ELICOS unit for a second time. 



More information is available in the Swinburne Academic Progress Procedure 

What Should a "Show Cause" Include? 

A "Show Cause" is a written statement supported by evidence explaining: 

  • Why your academic progress has been unsatisfactory. 

  • What personal, academic, health, or other factors affected your performance. 

  • What steps you have taken, or will take, to improve your performance moving forward. 

  • Why you should be allowed to continue your course. 


SSA Advocates can help you understand what to include and how to present your case. 

How do I prepare my Show Cause Response? 

Follow these steps to prepare your response: 

  1. Read the Notice Carefully and understand the reasons you have been asked to show cause and the deadline for your response. 

  2. Read the Downloadable Show Cause Materials on this page and Watch our Video.

  3. Write Your Statement using the appropriate Swinburne Advocacy Service template and explain the challenges you faced, how they affected your studies, and what changes you have made. Be honest and reflective. 

  4. Gather Supporting Documents and include any relevant evidence, such as: 

    1. Medical certificates 

    2. Letters from counsellors or support professionals 

    3. Police reports or legal documents 

    4. Statutory declarations 

    5. Academic plans or learning access plans. 

  5. Send your Submission to Swinburne Advocacy Service for Review.

  6. Submit by the Deadline Submit your full response, including your statement and all supporting documents, through the Swinburne portal or as instructed in the notice. 

What happens after I submit my Show Cause Response? 

Your response will be reviewed by the panel and the panel who will make a decision.


You may be: 

  • Allowed to continue in your course (with or without conditions). 

  • Required to take a break from study (e.g., suspension for a period). 

  • Excluded from your course (enrolment cancelled). 

What If I am excluded from my course? 

If your enrolment is cancelled, you have the right to appeal the decision. SSA Advocates can support you with this process.


It is important to act quickly as appeals must be submitted within 21 working days from the date of the exclusion notice. 

Where can I get help? 

SSA Advocates can: 

  • Help you understand the Show Cause process. 

  • Provide a statement templates. 

  • Review your draft and suggest improvements. 

  • Help you prepare supporting documents. 

  • Support you if you need to appeal a decision. 

 

If you have received a Show Cause Notice, contact SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) as soon as possible. We are here to support you every step of the way.







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