Case Study | Academic Adjustment Plan - International Student
Academic Adjustment Plan - International Student Rachel*
Rachel*, an international student at a large university, struggles with timed exams, so she was granted an academic adjustment plan. However, she expressed that the plan did not provide much support in practice, only a little extra time between exams.
Rachel also shared that the university did not communicate clearly about the necessary pass mark for one of her subjects, directing her to information on a website rather than taking the time explain the requirements clearly.
Rachel narrowly missed out on the required pass mark, which put her ability to graduate at risk. In addition to the academic impact, the experience took a financial and emotional toll, with resulted in putting Rachel’s visa status in Australia potentially at risk.
Rachel made a formal complaint to her university about her experience.
The university maintained that they had given Rachel sufficient information and rejected her complaint and an internal appeal.
Rachel, however, felt the university had not considered all the information relevant to her complaint or her individual circumstances.
Rachel raised the complaint with the NSO.
The NSO facilitated contact between Rachel and the university, which resulted in the university reviewed its original decision.
Rachel is now on track to graduate, pending final exam results.
Key learnings
Rachel believes her experience could have been avoided had there been more open communication and a person-centred approach from the outset. This is a change she would like to see providers make to ensure fairer outcomes for students in the future.
Rachael shared with us that ‘addressing this issue was essential not only for my case but also for ensuring fair and just decisions for future students.’
*Consent for the use of this case study has been obtained from the individual involved. To protect their privacy, a pseudonym has been used and identifying details have been removed.