RMIT show cause: what to submit and how to appeal
Rule checked against RMIT University's own pages on .
First, read the RMIT email and letter that invited your show cause, note the date you received it, and contact RUSU Student Rights Service for free help. RMIT asks for a written submission explaining why your progress was unsatisfactory, what you have done about it and how you will improve, with independent supporting documents. The pages we read do not state the show cause submission deadline, so confirm it with RMIT; if the Program Assessment Board excludes you, the appeal deadline is within 20 working days of the date you received the notification to exclude.
- What triggers it
- If, after being identified as first stage 'at risk', you again make unsatisfactory academic progress in the same program, you may be identified as final stage 'at risk' and asked for a show cause submission.[1]
- What to submit
- A written show cause submission explaining why your progress was unsatisfactory, what you have done about it and how you will improve, with independent supporting documents.[1]
- Possible outcomes
- The Program Assessment Board may allow you to continue in the program, or exclude you from the program for one full academic year, after which you may apply for re-admission.[1]
- Length of exclusion
- Exclusion from the program is for one full academic year.[1]
- Time limit to appeal
- Appeal the exclusion to the University Appeals Committee within 20 working days of the date you received the notification to exclude.[2]
What to do first
If RMIT has invited you to show cause, read the email and any letter that came with it. Check what RMIT asks you to address and note the date you received the notification. This step may follow a second period of unsatisfactory academic progress in the same program after you were first stage 'at risk'. The pages we read do not state the deadline for the show cause submission, so confirm that date with RMIT and in your own email or letter.
Contact RUSU Student Rights Service, the free student advocate listed under Free help. Ask them to explain the process and what documents RMIT expects. Then collect true documents you already have, such as emails or other existing documents that support what you say. Keep copies of what you submit.
- Read the RMIT email and letter. Check the questions you must answer and the date you received the notice.
- Confirm the show cause submission deadline with RMIT. The pages we read do not state it.
- Contact RUSU Student Rights Service for free help.
- Collect true supporting documents you already have. Keep copies of your submission.
- Write your submission using RMIT's questions as the structure.
What your submission needs
RMIT asks for a written show cause submission. It should explain why your academic progress was unsatisfactory, what you have done about it and how you will improve. Include independent supporting documents.
For the teaching periods in which you were identified as 'at risk', especially the most recent teaching period, RMIT asks you to explain:
- what went wrong and why, including academic and personal circumstances that impaired your performance
- how much time each week you spent in class and studying, and how much time you spent on other commitments such as employment
- what you have done to resolve these issues, including any help you sought
- what you have done to carry out your Academic Performance Improvement Plan.
Answer each point in your own words. Use dates and examples only where they are true and you can support them. If a point does not apply, say so plainly. Do not add a reason you cannot support. Do not change a document.
What can make your submission clearer
A clear submission connects your circumstances to your results and to the steps you have taken since. Explain the most recent teaching period first, because RMIT asks for that period especially. If you sought help, name the help and what you did with it. If you had an Academic Performance Improvement Plan, explain what you did to carry it out. Use true independent documents that back up what you say. Keep the originals and submit copies if RMIT asks for copies. Keep a copy of the submission and any receipt or acknowledgement you receive.
This is also the point to consider whether your current program is the right one for you, or whether a break from the program would be beneficial. Those are matters RMIT's page asks you to consider before preparing a submission; the decision about your submission remains with the Program Assessment Board.
What the Program Assessment Board can decide
The Program Assessment Board may allow you to continue in your program or exclude you from the program for one full academic year, after which you may apply for re-admission. The decision will be based on whether you have a reasonable likelihood of future success in the program.
If the Board allows you to continue, you will receive a 'withdrawal of exclusion' email. You will continue to be officially 'at risk' of not meeting the academic requirements of your program. You will again have the opportunity to talk to an Academic Advisor and develop an Academic Performance Improvement Plan (APIP). You need to continue to meet the requirements in your APIP. If you meet one of the unsatisfactory academic progress criteria in any subsequent semesters in the same program, you may need to provide another submission to the Program Assessment Board.
If you are excluded
If the Program Assessment Board excludes you, you can appeal to the University Appeals Committee. The appeal deadline is within 20 working days of the date you received the notification to exclude. Use the Appeal against exclusion form and submit it to the University Appeals Committee. If you appeal this decision, you must be currently enrolled or on an approved leave of absence in the relevant program.
Free help at RMIT
Common questions
What do I need to put in an RMIT show cause submission?
RMIT asks for a written submission explaining why your academic progress was unsatisfactory, what you have done about it and how you will improve, with independent supporting documents. For the teaching periods in which you were identified as 'at risk', especially the most recent one, explain what went wrong and why, your class and study time and other commitments, what you did to resolve the issues, and what you did to carry out your Academic Performance Improvement Plan.
What can the Program Assessment Board decide?
It may allow you to continue in your program, or exclude you for one full academic year, after which you may apply for re-admission. If it allows you to continue, you will receive a 'withdrawal of exclusion' email and remain officially 'at risk'.
How long do I have to appeal an RMIT exclusion?
You have 20 working days from the date you received the notification to exclude. If you appeal, you must be currently enrolled or on an approved leave of absence in the relevant program.
When is my RMIT show cause due?
The pages we read do not state the show cause submission deadline. Check the email and letter RMIT sent you and confirm the date with RMIT.
Sources
- Unsatisfactory academic progress - RMIT University, RMIT University. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Appeals - RMIT University, RMIT University. Checked 3 November 2026.