The retrospective withdrawal process allows a student to request the removal of a failed or withdrawn unit from their academic record due to extenuating special circumstances. The application must meet the following criteria set out by the Higher Education Support Act 2003:
(a) are beyond the person’s control; and
(b) do not make their full impact on the person until on or after the census date for the unit of study; and
(c) make it impracticable for the person to complete the requirements for the unit during the period during which the person undertook, or was to undertake, the unit.
These circumstances must be exceptional and have such an effect that a student is unable to complete their units even if a deferred assessment is approved.
Preparing your application
You must satisfy all the following requirements before submitting your application:
- The Census Date of the unit has passed
- You have failed or withdrawn from the unit after the census date and the grade has been finalised (note, SA, SX, GP, DX are unfinalised grades)
- For withdrawals after the census, application has been submitted 12 months from the withdrawal date
- For fail grades, application has been submitted 12 months from the end of the teaching period
- You were engaged in the unit content and ongoing requirements of the unit prior to the date the special circumstances affected you.
If you were incapacitated and therefore it was not possible to submit within this period, please submit a 12 Month Waiver Form so we can review your circumstances in more detail.
Application Process
If you wish to apply for a retrospective withdrawal please complete the Retrospective Withdrawal Application Form, attach a personal statement, independent supporting documentation and submit directly to studentfees@murdoch.edu.au.
For more information about special circumstances, eligibility requirements, and acceptable documentation, please refer to the MyAnswers FAQ on Retrospective withdrawal.
It can take eight to twelve weeks to review and assess your application. You will be advised on the outcome of your application through MyAnswers.
If you need assistance preparing your application, please don’t hesitate to contact Student Assist.
