POLICY FOR Admissions to Coursework Programs and Enabling Courses

OVERVIEW

This policy states the University's approach to the selection of applicants for admission to University of Adelaide coursework programs and courses.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all coursework programs and courses including undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs and all courses of any other kind including enabling courses, non-award units and pathways and community access programs ("any course").

This Policy and any amendments to it will apply to all undetermined applications for admission to any course.

Nothing contained in this Policy is intended to alter or limit the full extent of the University's right to grant or refuse admission in its absolute discretion subject always to the laws of Australia.

PROGRAMS

1. General principles

The criteria for selecting applicants into any course must:

a. reflect the University's commitment to the highest academic standards;

b. identify persons who are likely to succeed in the University's programs;

c. encourage broad access to the University's programs; and

d. be applied fairly, consistently and transparently.

2. Eligibility for Admission

a. The eligibility criteria for admission to any course is entirely at the University's discretion. These criteria may include, but are not limited to:

i. academic criteria, i.e. formal qualifications or previous studies or prerequisite studies in the secondary, post-secondary, tertiary or higher education sectors;

ii. academic or other tests or requirements determined by the University including audition, portfolio, interview/oral assessment, specific knowledge test or aptitude test, work experience, application statement, referee report;

iii. English language proficiency; or

iv. any combination of i, ii and iii.

b. Eligibility criteria may be specified as Standard Criteria for application across any course or a group of programs (e.g. the minimum academic qualification for a postgraduate coursework program is a completed Bachelor degree), or program by program.

c. The University's admission eligibility criteria for any course or program may be changed at any time. However, once the eligibility criteria are made public for a specified intake/calendar period, they will not be changed except in exceptional circumstances.

d. It is entirely at the University's discretion whether it specifies minimum standards which must be reached in any of the criteria referred to in 2.a. for any course; or whether it specifies criteria which may preclude eligibility for any course or program.

e. It is entirely at the University's discretion whether a qualification proffered for admission is determined to be equivalent to that which it has specified as a criterion for eligibility or ranking for admission.

f. To broaden access to the University, address perceived disadvantages or encourage studies in particular disciplines, the University reserves the right to:

i. implement special entry schemes; or

ii. implement bonus schemes which may have the effect of improving individual students' performance against one or more eligibility criteria; or

iii. grant exemptions from admission requirements in exceptional circumstances.

3. Course quotas

a. Consistent with any legal requirements, the University may set a quota for any course including without limitation on the number of Commonwealth-supported, domestic fee-paying or international fee-paying places in any program. Within any quota, the University may set sub-quotas, according to the eligibility category of applicants, as defined by the University.

b. Where an applicant is eligible for consideration in more than one eligibility category (sub-quota), they will be considered under each applicable category, and their admission will be assessed on the basis of the sub-quota which maximises their opportunity to be admitted.

4. Ranking

Where the number of applicants who meet the admission eligibility criteria exceeds the number of places, the University will rank on merit, i.e. performance in the qualifications and tests referred to in 2.a., and offer places in order of rank. Ranking may occur within sub-quotas as well as quotas.

5. Conditions of Offer

The University may attach conditions to an offer of a place in any course. Conditions may include, but are not limited to, options for deferral, meeting specified health standards, meeting specified police checks, meeting visa and other legal obligations, complying with University policies, rules and bylaws, complying with additional conditions specified for individual applicants, and making required fee payments.

6. Discretion to refuse admission

a. The University may, at its absolute discretion, refuse admission to an applicant to any course or program and without limiting that discretion in any way, it may refuse admission where:

i. it considers that the applicant poses a risk to the students and staff of the University or the wider University community;

ii. it considers that the presence of the applicant at the University would pose a risk to the safety of students and staff of the University or the wider University community;

iii. it considers that the applicant is likely to prejudice the reputation, management, good governance or discipline of the University;

iv. the applicant has engaged in dishonest and/or deceitful behaviour in the process of applying for admission;

v. the applicant has previously been suspended or excluded from another tertiary institution;

vi. the applicant would not be able to lawfully enter University premises for all or part of the duration of any course by reason of a court order or any enactment or decision made under an enactment;

vii. the University would be subject to sanctions under the Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 were the applicant to be admitted to the University or be permitted to enter or remain on University premises;

viii. it considers that the applicant would be unable to meet the requirements of any course including attendance or group participation requirements.

b. The University will endeavour to accord natural justice to any applicant prior to making any decision to refuse admission on non-academic grounds.

c. The power to refuse admissions and form the relevant opinions under this paragraph will be exercised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic).

d. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) will notify the applicant in writing within 14 days of any decision to refuse admission under this clause.

7. Grievance Procedure for refusal of enrolment on non-academic grounds

a. Any applicant who is refused admission on non-academic grounds is entitled to utilise the grievance procedure in this clause.

b. An applicant who is refused admission on non-academic grounds may by written notice ("the grievance notice") to the Vice-Chancellor and President commence a grievance procedure within 14 days of notification of the decision or such longer time as the Vice-Chancellor and President shall allow.

c. The grievance notice shall specify the grounds of the grievance and contain such written submissions and documentary material that the applicant seeks to rely on.

d. The Vice-Chancellor and President may refer the grievance notice for consideration by the Grievance Committee for the Refusal of Admissions and Enrolment on Non-Academic Grounds (the Committee) and seek the Committee's recommendation and advice within 28 days of receiving the grievance notice or such further time as may be required and formally approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President and notified to the applicant in writing.

e. If the Vice-Chancellor and President refers the matter to the Committee, the Committee shall consider the material provided by the applicant and any other material that it decides in its discretion to receive and make a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor and President in relation to the grievance.

f. The Vice-Chancellor and President will determine the matter and may have regard to any recommendation by the Committee.

g. The Vice-Chancellor and President shall affirm, reverse or vary the decision the subject of the grievance.

h. The determination of the Vice-Chancellor and President shall be final.

i. In the interests of openness and transparency, any decision by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) and/or the Vice-Chancellor and President whether referred to the Committee or not, will be reported to the Council in a timely manner.

8. Eligibility and Compliance with Program Rules

A student who is admitted to a program may only enrol in courses which may be counted towards that program. A student may enrol in any course which may be counted towards that program, unless:

a. the number of places in that course is limited; or

b. the student does not meet the prerequisites for that course.

9. Progression Requirements

A student admitted to a program that has a minimum GPA requirement for progression may not be permitted to enrol in the following teaching period if they do not maintain the minimum GPA requirements of the program. The University may cancel a student's enrolment (including any future enrolments) in the advanced program and may transfer the student to an alternative program.

10. Course quotas

The University may limit the number of places in any course.

11. Course prerequisites

a. The University may specify prerequisites or co-requisites or assumed knowledge for any course.

b. The University reserves the right to specify the minimum standard which must be reached or evidenced in any specified prerequisite.

12. Designation of course as non-award

The University may permit courses to be studied on a non-award basis, but this is entirely at the discretion of the University.

RESPONSIBILITIES

13. Eligibility criteria

Responsibility: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)

a. On the recommendation of the Program Approval and Entry Committee, acting on behalf of Academic Board, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Academic) is responsible for and authorised to review and approve:

i. academic qualification and English language proficiency Standard Criteria for application to a group or level of coursework programs;

ii. variations from approved Standard Criteria;

iii. academic qualification and English language proficiency criteria where there are no approved Standard Criteria;

iv. Additional Criteria for eligibility for admission to coursework academic programs;

v. the conditions of any scheme designed to broaden access to the University and/or to address perceived disadvantages and/or to encourage studies in particular disciplines, including without limitation:

- articulation and twinning arrangements;

- Bonus Points Scheme;

- Fairway Scheme;

- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Access Scheme;

- Disability Entry Scheme.

Note: Approved Standard Criteria must be recorded in a Related Document linked to the Admission for Coursework Programs Policy (as per A1 below).

b. Approve exemptions for individuals from admission requirements when the circumstances, in the opinion of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic), are exceptional.

c. Approve additional conditions of admission for individual applicants when the circumstances, in the opinion of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic), are exceptional.

14. Equivalence

Responsibility: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)

a. On the recommendation of the Program Approval and Entry Committee, acting on behalf of Academic Board, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Academic) is responsible for and authorised to review and approve:

i. equivalence of local, interstate and international academic qualifications to approved academic qualification criteria for admission;

ii. equivalence of other English language proficiency qualifications and/or experience to approved English language proficiency criteria for admission.

15. Admissions management

Responsibility: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) is responsible for and authorised to:

a. Approve timing of admission rounds for any course;

b. In consultation with Faculty Executive Deans, approve quotas and/or sub-quotas for entry into each coursework academic program in each admission round, by category of student (domestic Commonwealth-supported place, domestic fee-paying or international) and/or by eligibility category, as required;

c. In consultation with Faculty Executive Deans, approve offers of admission for coursework academic programs (except end-on Honours programs), in accord with approved eligibility criteria;

d. In consultation with Faculty Executive Deans approve offers of admission to any enabling, foundation or pathway course;

e. Approve variations to approved eligibility criteria for individual students in exceptional circumstances;

f. Approve conditions attached to offers of admission, by course, program or category of student;

g. Approve conditions attached to offers of admission for individual applicants, in exceptional circumstances;

h. Exercise the discretion to refuse admission as provided in paragraph 6 including forming any opinion relevant to the exercise of that discretion.

Responsibility: Executive Deans

The Executive Deans are responsible for and authorised to:

a. Approve offers of admission for end-on Honours programs, in accord with approved eligibility criteria.

Responsibility: Vice-Chancellor and President

The Vice-Chancellor and President is responsible for and authorised to:

a. Determine Grievances relating to refusal of admission on non-academic grounds after considering any recommendation from the Committee.

16. Courses

Responsibility: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) is responsible for and authorised to:

a. Approve a limit on the number of places in individual courses, in consultation with Executive Deans.

b. Approve prerequisites for courses in the commencing year of a program, and/or standards of achievement in prerequisites, on the recommendation of the coursework entry committee, acting on behalf of Academic Board.

Responsibility: Executive Deans

The Executive Dean is responsible for and authorised to:

Approve courses available for Non-Award Study on a fee-paying basis.

Note: fees must be approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic), as required by the Fees for Award Programs and Courses Policy.

Authorities

The Council authorises all delegations to office holders as set out below:

Key	Authority Category	Authority	Delegation Holder	Limits
Academic	Admissions	Approve all eligibility criteria for all coursework programs, including any special admission schemes, and approve equivalence of other qualifications or experience to approved admissions criteria	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)	On recommendation of Program Approval and Entry Committee, acting on behalf of Academic Board
Academic	Admissions	Approve exemptions for individuals from admission requirements	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Academic	Admissions	Approve additional conditions of admission for individual applicants	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)	On recommendation of General Manager, Student Services
Academic	Admissions	Approve timing of admission rounds for some or all coursework academic programs	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Academic	Admissions	Approve quotas and/or sub-quotas for entry into each coursework academic program in each admission round	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)	In consultation with Faculty Executive Deans
Academic	Admissions	Approve offers of admission for coursework academic programs (except end-on Honours programs)	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)	In consultation with Faculty Executive Deans
Academic	Admissions	Approve offers of admission for end-on Honours programs	Executive Dean or Head of School
Academic	Admissions	Approve variations to approved eligibility criteria for individual students in exceptional circumstances	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Academic	Admissions	Approve conditions attached to offers of admission	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)	On recommendation of Program Approval and Entry Committee
Academic	Admissions	Approve a limit on the number of places in individual course	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)	In consultation with Executive Deans
Academic	Admissions	Approve prerequisites for courses in the commencing year of a program, and/or standard of achievement in prerequisites	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)	On recommendation of Program Approval and Entry Committee, on behalf of Academic Board
Academic	Admissions	Approve courses available for Non-Award Study on a fee-paying basis	Executive Dean of relevant Faculty
Academic	Admissions	Exercise discretion to refuse admission Grievance Procedure under clause 7	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) Vice-Chancellor and President	After considering any recommendation of the Grievance Committee for the Refusal of Admission or Enrolment on Non-Academic Grounds

DEFINITIONS

Additional Criteria include, but are not limited to:

For any program

- Specification of additional entry requirements such as audition, portfolio, interview/oral assessment, specific knowledge test or aptitude test, work experience, application statement, or referee report

- Specification of prerequisite courses/subjects for admission

- Restriction on applicability of any academic qualification or English language criteria

For postgraduate programs

- Specification of a minimum standard, such as credit level, in prior academic qualification

- Specification of discipline of prior academic qualification.

A1

Standard Criteria for the purposes of Responsibilities 1.a) and b) under the Admissions to Coursework Programs Policy are as follows:

Approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) on 9 February 2012 on recommendation of the Program Approval and Entry Committee

Postgraduate Programs: The minimum academic criterion for admission to a postgraduate coursework program is a completed Bachelor degree.

Amended policy approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President on 11 May 2015

Amended policy approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President on 6 August 2015

Please use the following URL instead of linking to individual documents:
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/227