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Medals and Awards with Distinction Schedule

Instrument Title Degree of Change Change Summary Effective Date
Academic Medals and Awards Schedule Major Implementation date to be advised.

Schedule overview

1 Purpose

To provide the criteria for awarding medals and Awards with Distinction.

2 Scope

This schedule must be read in conjunction with the Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy and is subordinate to it.

3 Schedule

The University recognises outstanding academic achievement by awarding University Medals, Faculty Medals, and Awards with Distinction and Awards for Excellence to graduating Students who meet the criteria for these awards.

Students who meet the criteria for outstanding academic achievement awards are identified by the relevant faculty/college as part of the graduation confirmation process. Students do not need to apply for these awards.

With the exception of Awards for Excellence in Doctoral Research, the Dean (Academic) or Head of College, whoever is responsible for administration of the program, has the discretion to rule on cases put forward for exceptional circumstances. In the case of Awards for Excellence in Doctoral Research, the Dean (Graduate Research School), or nominee, has the discretion to rule on cases put forward for exceptional circumstances.

3.1 Criteria for a University Medal

University Medals are awarded to the most outstanding Students who have completed the requirements of an Academic Program at Honours level.

To meet the criteria for a University Medal, a Student will have:

  • completed at the University at least 16 Units that contributed to one of the following Academic Programs:
    • a three year bachelor degree plus a one year bachelor honours degree at the University; or
    • a four or more year bachelor degree (including combined degrees) with embedded honours; or
    • a double degree of four or more years where one component of the degree is a bachelor honours degree; and
  • achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.6. The GPA for each Student must be calculated from all Courses completed at the University and which contributed to the Student's Academic Program; and
  • achieved a First Class Honours.

A Student may receive no more than one University Medal in a single Field of Education, as listed on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.

3.2 Criteria for a Faculty Medal

Faculty Medals are awarded to the most outstanding Students who have completed a bachelor's degree.

To meet the criteria for a Faculty Medal, a Student will have:

  • completed at the University one of the following:
    • at least 12 Units, graded using the stratified grading system, that contributed to their three year undergraduate Academic Program; or
    • at least 16 Units, graded using the stratified grading system, that contributed to an undergraduate Academic Program of four or more years where there is no honours component; and
  • achieved a minimum GPA of 6.6. The GPA for each Student must be calculated from all Courses completed at the University and which contributed to the Student's Academic Program.

A Student may receive no more than one Faculty Medal in a single Field of Education, as listed on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.

3.3 Criteria for an Award with Distinction for undergraduate Academic Programs

Awards 'with distinction' are awarded to Students who have performed with academic excellence in an undergraduate Academic Program. Undergraduate Honours programs are not eligible for Awards 'with distinction' (refer to the Class of Honours Standard Schedule).

To meet the criteria for an Award 'with distinction' for an undergraduate Academic Program (Associate or Bachelor degrees excluding those awarded with honours) a Student will have:

  • completed at the University at least eight Units, graded using the stratified grading system, that contributed to their eligibility to receive an Award of an associate degree or a bachelor's degree; and
  • achieved a minimum GPA of 6.0. The GPA for each Student must be calculated from all Courses completed at the University and which contributed to the Student's Academic Program.

3.4 Criteria for an Award with Distinction for postgraduate Coursework Academic Programs

Awards 'with distinction' are awarded to Students who have performed with academic excellence in a postgraduate Coursework Academic Program.

To meet the criteria for an Award 'with distinction' from a Postgraduate Coursework Academic Program, a Student will have:

  • completed at the University at least eight Units, graded using the stratified grading system, that contributed to the Student's postgraduate Coursework Academic Program; and
  • achieved a minimum GPA of 6.0. The GPA for each Student must be calculated from all Courses completed at the University and which contributed to the Student's Academic Program.

3.5 Award for Excellence in Doctoral Research

Awards for Excellence in Doctoral Research are awarded to outstanding Students. To meet the criteria for an Award for Excellence in Doctoral Research, a Student will have achieved a straight pass from all examiners which is the highest possible result for a doctoral dissertation examination.

4 References

Nil.

5 Schedule Information

Accountable Officer

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs)

Responsible Officer

Associate Provost

Policy Type

University Procedure

Policy Suite

Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy

Approved Date

28/6/2023

Effective Date

28/6/2023

Review Date

21/6/2025

Relevant Legislation

Policy Exceptions

Policy Exceptions Register

Related Policies

Related Procedures

Assessment Procedure

Grades Procedure

Related forms, publications and websites

Class of Honours Standard Schedule

Field of Education Types

Definitions

Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary

Academic Program

An approved Higher Education Award of the University, consisting of a combination of Courses the successful completion of an offering of which, together with any credit transfers and Exemptions in accordance with the relevant requirements, will fulfil the prescribed requirements for that particular Award....moreAn approved Higher Education Award of the University, consisting of a combination of Courses the successful completion of an offering of which, together with any credit transfers and Exemptions in accordance with the relevant requirements, will fulfil the prescribed requirements for that particular Award.

Award

The qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule....moreThe qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule.

Course

A discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade....moreA discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade.

Coursework

A method of teaching and learning that leads to the acquisition of skills and knowledge and does not include a major research component....moreA method of teaching and learning that leads to the acquisition of skills and knowledge and does not include a major research component.

Field of Education

A classification of programs, specialisations and courses of study, with the same or similar vocational emphasis or principal subject matter....moreA classification of programs, specialisations and courses of study, with the same or similar vocational emphasis or principal subject matter.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A GPA is the sum, for all relevant Courses, of the Unit value for each Course, multiplied by the numerical value of the Grades achieved in those Courses, divided by the sum of the Unit values for all the relevant Courses....moreA GPA is the sum, for all relevant Courses, of the Unit value for each Course, multiplied by the numerical value of the Grades achieved in those Courses, divided by the sum of the Unit values for all the relevant Courses.

Student

A person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled....moreA person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled.

Unit

This is an indicator of the value of a Course. Most Courses are valued at one Unit. Units are used to track progress towards completing a program. (The term used prior to 2002 to describe a Course)...moreThis is an indicator of the value of a Course. Most Courses are valued at one Unit. Units are used to track progress towards completing a program. (The term used prior to 2002 to describe a Course)

Definitions that relate to this schedule only

Keywords

Medals, Awards, Distinction

Record No

14/591PL

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