Academic Program Adviser

The Academic Program Advisor (APA) works closely with the Director of Academic Program, the Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching), other academic colleagues and students to influence and inform the development of the curriculum for the program(s) to ensure the School’s Learning and Teaching Plan is effective. Academic Program Advisors perform a pivotal engagement role, internally and externally, to enhance the reputation of the program/s and the School’s overall academic portfolio. The position is also responsible for specific tasks that contribute to the quality and development of programs to improve the student experience.

Student Enquiries

Academic Program Advisors assist students with various academic processes, including:

• Study plan - advice on how to complete the program of study. Some processes (particularly for international students) require a study plan approved by an APA.
• CoE Extension Request - for international students whose visa expires before they can complete the program. These are formally approved by the Student Services Hub, but require the student to submit a plan approved by an APA.
• Contrary to Program Rules - where a student cannot complete the program due to the retirement of necessary subjects, where program rules have changed, and other extraordinary circumstances. APAs should submit Contrary to Program Rules applications to the Deputy Dean for approval.
• Credit for Prior Learning (commonly known as advanced standing) - to have study undertaken at another institution recognised at WSU. See the separate heading below.
• Leave of Absence - these are formally approved by the DAP for academic reasons and the Student Welfare Service for non-academic reasons, but students usually require a study plan approved by the APA.
• Program Compliance Referral - where an error is found in a student record in Degree Works.
• Program Transfer Application - to transfer from one program to another to within WSU.
• Program Variation Application - to change from a double degree to a single degree, change from one version of a program to another version, or change home campus
• Reduced Study Load Application - these are formally approved by the DAP for academic reasons and the Student Welfare Service for non-academic reasons, but students usually require a study plan approved by the APA.
• Rule Waiver Request - required to break a prerequisite rule, register in more than forty credit points in a semester, or study at the Sydney City campus. The Workflow system sends a reminder of all outstanding requests every morning.

Academic Program Advisors aren't formally responsible for matters relating to individual subjects or non-academic matters affecting students' study, but students may approach APAs in various circumstances, including:

• Academic Progression - where a student is not making satisfactory progress through the program. Academic Progression is formally handled by the Examination, Results and Progression Team, but students frequently approach APAs for amended studied plans and assistance with the Show Cause procedure.
• Deferred Examinations - where a student is unable to attend a final exam due to illness, etc.
• Disruption to Studies (commonly known as special consideration - requests for Disruption to Studies are processed by Subject Co-ordinators.
• Review of Grade - where a student believes an error has been made in grading a subject.
• Student Welfare Service - for non-academic matters affecting student's study and well-being, such as ill health, personal difficulties, etc.

Computer Systems

The Student Management System is accessible from the Student Management System on the Sign In menu on the Staff page.

• Degree Works - to view a students' progress through the degree
• Policy DDS - official University policy statements. Policies affecting the APA role include:
  • Assessment Policy
  • Credit for Prior Learning Policy
  • Enrolment Policy
  • Progression Policy
• TRIM - the record of official messages sent to students from the University
• WesternNOW - for Contrary to Program Rules, Program Compliance Referrals, and general IT requests
• Workflow - for processing Rule Waiver Requests and Applications for Advanced Standing

Credit for Prior Learning

Academic Program Advisors evaluate applications for Credit for Prior Learning (advanced standing). Applications for credit may be forwarded from International Admissions for new students, or delivered via Workflow for existing students.

For a given application, the Academic Program Advisor must identify the WSU subjects whose learning outcomes are satisfied by the prior study. If a student has completed study at another institution that doesn't correspond to a particular subject at WSU or isn't relevant to the student's program, recognition can be granted as unspecified credit, which is treated as elective credit. If the APA is unsure whether some prior study corresponds to a WSU subject, the APA may ask the Subject Co-ordinator for advice.

The School has developed standard Tertiary Education Pathways and Partnerships for some qualifications, mostly Diploma-level qualifications from TAFE and similar institutions. In most cases, however, applications need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.