ACADEMIC ISSUES ARE THOSE RELATING DIRECTLY TO ACADEMIC OUTCOMES
Although they may be caused by welfare issues or even progress into one, academic issues concern your education and must be solved within the university.
The fact that our advocacy service is independent to the university is important when it comes to such issues.
It means we can look at things objectively and work solely in your best interest.
It also holds the added benefit of true privacy/confidentiality – we keep your sensitive personal information out of the university system as much as possible.
Common academic issues include:
- Grades disputes – maybe feeling you have been unfairly or improperly marked
- Aeogrotat/impaired performance – generally due to sickness or bereavement
- Issues of academic integrity/misconduct – plagiarism being a common form of this
- Course related issues – poor structure, problems with lecturer, teaching, or course materials, disputes regarding fees etc
Ask for help
- Read the Student Grievance Procedures (above) so that you understand the proces.
- We can assist you with all of these steps and it is better that you contact us early in the process
- Know the name/number of the paper the issue lies with AND the name(s) of lecturers or tutors you have for that paper
- Prepare a written summary of the issue and if possible include a rough timeline of events
- What is the issue?
- Why do you think it started?
- How long has it gone on for?
- What solutions have you tried?
- What is your desired outcome?
- Prepare records of communication between yourself and those involved (eg emails with lecturer)
- Prepare evidence supporting the issue/attempts to solve it (e.g. the marking sheet in question, the application for extension etc).
- Request help below, and we will get in touch with you
Exam support
ASA de-stress fests
ASA hosts de-stress events during study breaks before exams. Check out our Facebook events.
The Wellbeing Cafe operates each day during exams in the student lounge; that means free hot drinks and pick-me-up snacks and a whole heap of other de-stressing activites too.
So, be kind to yourself and take a short break during study slots to recharge and maximise your study effeciency!
Tips for successfully preparing for your exams
Massey have some fantastic exam planning techniques and tips.
Put your exam prep schedule together ASAP so that you are organised and know exactly how much time (and when) you are devoting to each paper and topic.
What to do if things don't go to plan or your grades aren't what you were hoping for
It can really suck when you get don’t get the grades you were hoping for, especially if you have worked really hard all semester.
The first thing to remember is that your grades DON’T define you and what is important is to get yourself back on track.
Some of the things you can do
If there was something that negatively impacted on you during your exams (personal issue, unwell etc) you can apply for an aegrotat or impaired performance.
You can apply for a remark of exam script and the return of exam script (these two options will cost you money though), and the remark is really just making sure they added the numbers up correctly. These options MUST be actioned quickly.
People on campus who can help
The university Student Success Advisor should be able to help you nut out a plan to succeed in the coming semester.
If you are feeling down and stressed it's a good idea to make an appointment to see a counsellor at Health and Counselling.
They will help you put some perspective on what is happening and help you work through any issues that may be impacting on your ability to study.
ASA's Advocacy service will be able to support you if you believe that there has been problem with the teaching or delivery of the paper that has negatively impacted on your performance.
