Functions of the Academic Registrar
The position of the Academic Registrar holds responsibility for a range of key administrative and policy areas that relate to student learning and governance at the University.
The duties and powers of the Academic Registrar are set out in the University’s statutes, including responsibility for promulgation, consistent application and compliance with policies relating to students, student discipline and grievances, and student services. The Academic Registrar occupies an Ombudsman role in relation to handling student complaints.
The current Academic Registrar, Mr Neil Robinson, holds the position in conjunction with his position as Executive Director (Student Services).
Student Grievances and Discipline
The University has student grievance guidelines, procedures and policy which detail the process that students are encouraged to follow if they are unable to resolve an issue with the University to their satisfaction.
Students can also appeal to the Academic Board as the final appeal body of the University in all matters relating to students and their grievances against decisions made by University bodies or individual officers: http://policy.unimelb.edu.au/UOM0435
Students also have access to external bodies to resolve grievances including, for example, Ombudsman Victoria at Level 9, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000.
Where complaints are lodged with the Ombudsman's office or the Vice Chancellor's office these will often be referred to the Executive Director (Student Services) and Academic Registrar for investigation, review and response.
The Student Discipline Statute 13.1 provides for the University to take action against students when misconduct occurs. A number of senior officers in the University may initiate action under the statute and apply penalties. The Executive Director (Student Services) and Academic Registrar provides internal advice when required and in some instances initiates action. Where exclusion of a student is recommended, these instances are generally referred by the Vice Chancellor for review before a final decision is made.
Late Application for Special Consideration
The Executive Director (Student Services) and Academic Registrar is responsible for determining whether to accept late applications for Special Consideration. He must be satisfied that the reasons detailed are sufficient to justify a late application. See http://policy.unimelb.edu.au/UOM0376#section-6.3