Proposal to Terminate HDR Enrolment

If you have received notification from your Faculty Graduate Research Director that the University is proposing to terminate your HDR enrolment, please contact the DUSA Student Advocacy and Support Service for free, confidential advice and support around this process.

If you have received a Proposal to Terminate your HDR Enrolment and would like support, we’re here to help.

A proposal to terminate your HDR enrolment is a recommendation made by the Progress Review Panel where your progress is deemed unsatisfactory after your second attempt at your progress review milestone.

You have the opportunity to accept the proposed termination decision or not accept the proposed decision and have the outcome reviewed by the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee.

What should I do if I receive a proposal to terminate my HDR enrolment?

  • Read the proposal carefully.
  • You have 10 working days from the date of notification of the proposed decision to respond in writing.
  • If you choose to accept the decision, you can respond in writing and indicate you are accepting the termination.
  • If you choose to not accept the decision you may request a review of the outcome by the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee on the following grounds:
    i. Misapplication of process occurred that resulted in material disadvantage to the candidate, and or
    ii. New evidence that was now known or available at the time of the original decision is now available and could have affected the outcome of the decision.
  • Further details regarding the Proposal to Terminate HDR Enrolment process can be found in the Higher Degrees by Research Progress Procedure.

What should I include in my request for a review of outcome?

  • Identify the original decision being reviewed and attach a copy of the decision letter.
  • Specify the ground or grounds for reviewing the decision and explain how each ground applies in your case.
  • Include any other relevant evidence to support your position.
  • DUSA Advocates have a template you can use and we can review your draft written submission and provide feedback before you submit it to the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee.
  • You can access our Written submission template: Proposal to Terminate HDR Enrolment here.

How can DUSA Advocates help me?

DUSA Advocates are professional, experienced staff who provide free, independent and confidential support regarding academic and personal matters to all Deakin students. 

A DUSA Advocate can:

  • Assist you to understand the proposal, the process of responding, and the possible outcomes.
  • Review your draft written submission and provide feedback.
  • Accompany you to your Review of Outcome hearing as your support person.
  • Provide you with referrals to support services both within Deakin University and externally.
  • Contact us today to arrange a free appointment.

Please note that DUSA Advocates experience very busy periods, particularly at the end of each trimester where we need to assist a large number of students, so it is important that you book an appointment to see an Advocate as early as possible.


HDR Academic Progress Letter

Not sure what to write for your written submission? Don’t worry, we can help.

Become a member of your student association and you’ll get awesome merch PLUS discounts on your OFest tickets.

back to top