Thinking of dropping out?

Check if this is the right program for your career needs

Career planning can assist you to determine whether your lack of motivation or stress is related to being in the wrong program. Make an appointment to see a Career Counsellor at Student Services. Changing programs is generally easy at USQ and information is available.

Improve your learning skills

Check out The Learning Centre for information about improving your study skills. For on-campus students, Student Services and The Learning Centre offer workshops on how to improve your ability to study, for example, taking notes, sitting exams, writing essays, enhancing memory. Book into a session today.

Learn how to control stress

Study can be a very challenging experience and sometimes your emotions can become out of control. Learning how to stay on top of stress can make study so much more enjoyable. Make an appointment to see a Personal Counsellor at Student Services.

Talk to your lecturer

Your lecturers and tutors can be very supportive and helpful when it comes to study pressures. Remember they too have been to university and remember how difficult it can be. Make contact with your Faculty.

Extend the due date of your assignments or exams

The university allows students who are experiencing difficult medical, personal, and employment problems to apply for extension of the dates of assessment. View the Assessment Policy. Talk with your lecturer or a Personal Counsellor at Student Services.

Take a short break

Sometimes you can't see the forest from the trees. Taking a rest from study can really make a difference. Take a day off or do something completely different. If you need a short extension on an assignment, contact your lecturer.

Consider flexible delivery

Many of USQ courses are offered internally and externally. You could take a variety of internal and external courses to better suit your personal circumstances. To ease the burden you could enrol in fewer courses during semester one or two and pick up one or two courses in semester 3 (summer). Make sure this fits with your Centrelink and visa conditions.

Reduce the number of courses you are studying

The official full-time load is three or four courses per semester. If four courses is too much, then consider three until you feel able to do four per semester. Taking less than three is still ok, but remember that this may affect your Centrelink and visa conditions. It is better to keep courses that are pre-requisites, drop those that are not. If you are going to drop a course, remember to do so before the 'last date to drop without penalty'.

Take a long break

Taking one or two semesters off from your study can be helpful if you need extra time to think about why you are studying or to catch up on other personal matters. You don't have to abandon you degree. You can apply to take 'Leave of Absence'. Check the USQ Policy Library.

Fees

If you drop a course after the last date to drop without penalty, you will be liable for the fees. Talk to your faculty about this expense.

Centrelink Status

If you are receiving a Centrelink payment, your status will probably change if you are no longer at university. Check the details otherwise you may end up with some financial hassles. Talk to your Centrelink office or visit the website.

Academic Record

Plenty of students fail courses in the progress of achieving a degree. This is not something to celebrate, but it is not something to get depressed over either. Having a Fail on your academic record can become a problem if a high grade point average is needed for entrance into other degrees, such as postgraduate programs.

Pre-requisites

Failing courses can disrupt the flow of your studies if those courses are pre-requisites. Maybe it would be worth trying to pass so that you can get the pre-requisites. Check the USQ Handbook to determine if your courses this semester are needed for entry into other courses.

Talk to HOD

It is always a good idea to talk with the academic staff in your Faculty. The Head of Department (HOD) is a good person to start with. Let the HOD know that you intend to drop-out. Take the opportunity to discuss re-entry into the program if that is part of your long-term plan.

Talk to career counsellor

Changing educational plans is a natural part of career development. Talk to a career counsellor at Student Services, together you may be able to develop a new career strategy.

Drop courses

You will need to formally drop courses for the semester and if you have no intention of returning next semester you will need to discontinue your enrolment. If you do not drop the next semester's courses you will fail them and pay for them. You can always re-enrol in them if you return to study.

Cancel enrolment

It is ok to remain in your program for one academic year and not study any courses. You will be automatically sent an enrolment form at the end of the year. However, if you have no intention of returning, it is a good idea to inform the University in writing that you want to cancel your enrolment.

Inform Centrelink

Immediately advise Centrelink of any changes to your status if you are registered with them.

Second hand books

You may be able to sell your text books through the Student Guild. Talk to them about their second-hand bookshop.

Search for employment

Start searching for work as soon as possible. You should register with Centrelink and talk to Student Services about their employment services for students. about their employment services for students. about their employment services for students.