1. Purpose
The policy aims to support students in maintaining their health, safety, and wellbeing to ensure they, and others, can continue their studies effectively. The policy aims to uphold a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus culture while ensuring appropriate measures are taken to address any concerns.
While the Institution has various support policies, procedures and services in place to ensure the personal wellbeing and academic success of its students, there may be instances where students may require additional support to identify whether they are fit to study.
The Fitness for Study Policy provides a structured framework for timely intervention and collaboration between students and staff to address any concerns about a student’s fitness to study.
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
- Student Wellness Policy
- Student Wellness Procedures
- Support for Students Policy
- Disability Policy
- Student Disability Support Procedures
- Student Code of Conduct
- General Misconduct Policy
2. Scope
This policy applies to all students. It covers significant conditions, diagnoses, behaviours or actions that may deem a student to be unfit to study. It also applies if a student’s behaviour is impacting other students’ ability to complete their courses and/or the overall wellbeing and safety of the Institution’s community. This includes any actions that may pose a risk to others or disruptions to the campus and/or learning environment. This policy does not apply to the usual day-to-day supports a student may require (e.g. as a result of a disability, stable mental health conditions, academic interventions, etc.); its implementation is normally reserved for significant risks or concerns.
3. Definitions
See the Glossary of Terms for definitions for:
- Fitness for study
- Unfit to study
4. Policy statements
4.1 The Institution is committed to offering support and timely intervention to address any concerns regarding a student’s fitness to study.
4.2 All matters related to a student’s fitness to study are handled with strict confidentiality. Information is shared only as necessary for the implementation of the policy or to comply with legal requirements.
4.3 Action is taken to address any emerging concerns about a student’s fitness to study. This involves creating a personalised support plan or an Access Plan, if the student has been diagnosed with a physical, mental or neurological condition. The support plan is tailored to provide targeted support and help the student’s issue(s) and/or condition(s) before they escalate, in accordance with the Student Wellness Procedures.
4.4 If concerns persist or become more serious, the Institution may recommend additional support measures (e.g. external counselling) or that the student take a leave of absence to allow them to address their health and wellbeing needs.
4.5 When significant concerns arise, the Registrar forms a panel consisting of the Vice President (Student Life), Student Success Centre Manager, Chief Operations Officer and any relevant academic representatives as required to review the situation comprehensively. The panel may decide on enhanced action plans, recommend a leave of absence, or, in some cases, determine that the student should withdraw from the Institution to focus on their health. Students who do not comply, may have their enrolment suspended or cancelled.
4.6 When significant concerns arise (e.g. a student is at risk of harming themselves or others, etc.), the Institution reserves the right to notify a student’s next of kin.
4.7 Students who are dissatisfied with a fitness to study outcome may lodge a complaint in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy.
5. Roles and responsibilities
5.1 The PVC (Employability) and Registrar is the responsible officer for this policy and for overseeing its implementation. The Registrar convenes a fitness for study panel for students who pose a significant risk to themselves or others.
5.2 The Student Success Centre is responsible for providing various support services or referral to external counselling services.
5.3 Staff are responsible for identifying students who may require some form of advice, support and/or counselling, and referring the student to the Student Success Centre as required. Staff should be aware of their own personal and professional limitations and refer the management of any student to those with relevant expertise as required.
5.4 Students are responsible for seeking relevant support and/or professional assistance where personal circumstances are having an adverse effect on their education, and contacting relevant support services should they receive any informal or formal feedback regarding concerns for their progress or wellness.
6. Related documents
Academic Progression Policy
Disability Policy
General Misconduct Policy
Student Code of Conduct
Student Wellness Policy
Student Wellness Procedures
Support for Students Policy
Student Code of Conduct
Student Disability Support Procedures
Suspension and Cancellation Procedures
Approved by Academic Board on 21 February 2025