Program, stream and course discontinuance or interruption – transitional arrangements policy

Policy

Intent and objectives

To ensure that transition arrangements are planned and implemented for students enrolled in programs, streams and course sequences which are to be discontinued or interrupted.

Objectives

To ensure, where it is proposed to discontinue or interrupt a program, stream or course sequence, that:

  1. the proposed discontinuance or interruption is communicated to current, prospective and deferred students and to RMIT administrative units in a timely way
  2. students, currently enrolled in the program, are enabled to complete an equivalent award with minimal disruption
  3. any affected students are transitioned into the new programs, streams or courses as soon as possible following approval

Scope

The policy applies to all TAFE and Higher Education undergraduate and post-graduate coursework award programs, or streams and course sequences within award programs, which are to be discontinued or interrupted, and which have current and planned enrolments.

Exclusions

The policy does not apply to post-graduate research programs or non-award programs.

Policy provisions

1. Discontinuance and interruption - general

1.1. From time to time, the University and/or Schools shall determine criteria and a process for program discontinuance or interruption. This policy presupposes that a formal decision-making process has occurred as part of the Profile process.

1.2. When discontinuance or interruption of a program, stream or course sequence is proposed, Schools shall:

  • involve students at an early stage in planning for discontinuance of a program, stream or course sequence
  • develop a transition plan for students
  • develop a curriculum map showing the relationship between the old and the new courses
  • prepare a plan for communicating transition arrangements to international students who have been accepted, deferred students, and students who are on Leave of Absence
  • notify other Schools and central administrative support groups of the proposed program discontinuance
  • ensure that articulation pathways are reviewed and changes documented

1.3. In every effort, transition arrangements shall not diminish students’ opportunities to complete an equivalent award or meet program-related career objectives.

1.4. When a program is renewed or amended, the old version of the program will normally be immediately discontinued. Where a program can not be immediately discontinued, it is a requirement that a transition plan be approved by Programs Committee. Such transition plans shall include a full explanation of why the old program cannot be immediately discontinued, a convincing rationale of how the old version of a program would be phased out including timelines, and a clearly stated final program discontinuance or "sunset" date. Such transition plans shall be appended to the Student Program Guide

1.5. Strategies for meeting any contractual commitments, including offshore offerings, shall be developed and agreed with relevant stakeholders.

2. Program discontinuance and interruption - Higher Education

2.1. Where a Higher Education program is to be replaced by a program with an equivalent or related outcome, currently enrolled students shall be transferred to the new program.

2.2. If a program will not meet the relevant graduate capability or accreditation requirements of the relevant industry or industries, the School shall transition the students to an appropriate program that provides such outcomes.

2.3. Where a discontinued program is not to be replaced by an equivalent program, the School, or Schools in the case of joint awards, shall be responsible for negotiating the transfer of the student’s enrolment to a program which delivers an equivalent career and award outcome at RMIT or an equivalent organisation.

2.4. Similar arrangements shall be made for deferred students, students on leave of absence, and international students who have been accepted for the program.

2.5. All modes of delivery shall be assessed when planning discontinuance.

3. Program discontinuance or interruption – TAFE

3.1. Where a TAFE curriculum-based program is to be replaced by a program with an equivalent or related outcome, currently enrolled students shall be transferred to the new program.

3.2. Schools shall transition currently enrolled students to the revised Training Package, with applicable Recognition of Prior Learning, within the timeframe specified by the accrediting or endorsing authority.

3.3. When a TAFE program is to be interrupted, transition to an equivalent award shall be arranged by the School for international students who have been offered a place and students who have deferred or taken leave of absence.

3.4. All modes of delivery shall be assessed when planning discontinuance.

4. Discontinuance or interruption of a Stream or Course Sequence – Higher Education and TAFE

4.1. Schools shall ensure that discontinuance or interruption of a stream or course sequence:

  • takes effect no earlier than the start of the next enrolment period
  • is consistent with the timelines specified in the accreditation document or revised Training Package

4.2. In every effort, transition arrangements shall enable currently enrolled students to achieve similar career outcomes to those of the current stream or course sequence.

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