Skip to main content

The ABCs of APCs

Can someone get kicked out of uni for failing a unit! Read on for a crash course in academic progress

Published Date 05/02/2025

If you have failed units, the University will assign you a risk level, and you may be asked via email to complete either of the two online tools:

  • "My Progress and Support’; or 

  • 'My Academic Progress Response’

The purpose of this is so that the University can make sure that you are receiving the support you need in your studies and that you are on the right track to pass your units. You can learn more about the whole process here.

Not responding to this prompt from the University can have serious consequences, especially if you have been assigned a high risk level. In these circumstances, you may be invited to attend an academic progress hearing (APC). 

 

What is an APC hearing and what does it mean if you’re invited to attend one?

An APC hearing is a meeting with your faculty staff, where you will be asked to explain why you have failed and show what strategies you have in place to help you pass future units. For anyone facing this, it can seem daunting, but our MGA advocates have guided many graduate students through their APC hearings. 

From mental health and illness to issues with finances or time management, there are many reasons why a student may struggle to meet their academic requirements. The University wants to see students identify such reasons and communicate how they will manage things going forward.

In a nutshell, the purpose of the hearing is to review your academic progress and decide whether you can continue with your studies at Monash. 

If you’ve been invited to attend an APC hearing and have given permission to share your information, MGA advocates may contact you directly to support you through the process - they can also attend the hearing with you!

 

What should you do if you are invited to an APC hearing?

First up, you should prepare an explanation to the following questions:

  1. What impacted your studies / caused you to fail?
  2. What have you done to address this?
  3. What will you do in the future to help you succeed in your studies? What is your plan?

Once you’ve given this some thought, we recommend that you get in touch with our advocacy service. Contacting an MGA advocate is the best way of ensuring that you’re in safe, knowledgeable and reliable hands. Don’t brave this storm alone. Email us at mga-advocacy@monash.edu for advice on your APC hearing.

QUESTIONS?
WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

To get in contact with one of our advocates, please book an appointment via email () or fill in our online form.

Everything you provide in the form is treated as private and confidential. Only starred fields are compulsory. Demographic data is collected for statistical purposes only.

STAY IN THE LOOP WITH THE LATEST
GRADUATE NEWS AND EVENTS -->
View our latest newsletter
If you are a graduate student, log in using your Monash student account and OKTA verify. Once logged in, you will automatically receive our fortnightly newsletter!
If you are NOT a graduate student but wish to subscribe to our newsletter, please click here.

Level 1, Campus Centre,
21 Chancellors Walk,
Monash University, VIC 3800
+61 3 9905 3197
mga@monash.edu

Level 2, Building C,
900 Dandenong Road,
Monash University, VIC 3145
+61 3 9903 1880
mga-caulfield@monash.edu

MGA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

© 2025 Monash Graduate Association Inc.