Progression Rules

CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT

The definition of available rules, operators, parameters and functions is part of an ongoing development process. Future delivery sets may offer a broader range of rules, and/or a broader range of rule options for currently available rules. Users may also note that the text used in rule options may be edited from that which existed in an earlier release. Pre-existing rules, using the same rule option, but created in an earlier version, automatically update to reflect the edited text.

In this section:

Syntax of Grade Point Average Rule Options:

Grade Point Average rules are created (in PRGF5100 & RULF2000) or (PRGF5200 &RULF2000) through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-GPA (or one of the GPA system rule call code combinations).

The rule option selected when constructing a GPA progression rule determines the type of Grade Point Average calculation that is performed when the rule is evaluated. The inclusion/exclusion of student unit attempt grades for use in the calculation is determined by the 'type' of GPA calculation. All, except those which specifically nominate the inclusion of Recommended Grades or Best / Worst Possible values, use only finalised grades in the calculation.

GPA rules can be combined with Proportional rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-GPAPRO.

GPA rules can be combined with Unit Failure rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-GPAUFA.

The way in which the system calculates GPA values for a Student Course Attempt is explained in detail in the Special Topic - Grade Point Average.

GPA Rule Options

Usage

Course GPA falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates GPA for the whole of a student course attempt. Grades with a corresponding 'NULL' (or empty) GPA value are not included in the calculation.

Example. Course GPA falls below 3.5

Course GPA inc Recommended Grades falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates GPA for the whole of a student course attempt and uses recommended grades, where finalised grades do not exist for a unit attempt.

Example. Course GPA inc Recommended Grades falls below 3.5

Best Possible Course GPA falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates GPA for the whole of a student course attempt. Where a student unit attempt exists without a recorded grade, the highest possible GPA value (in the applicable grading schema) is used in the calculation.

Example. Best Possible Course GPA falls below 4.5

Worst Possible Course GPA falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates GPA for the whole of a student course attempt. Where a student unit attempt exists without a recorded grade, the lowest possible GPA value (in the applicable grading schema) is used in the calculation.

Example. Worst Possible Course GPA falls below 3

 

 

Progression period GPA falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates GPA only for student unit attempts that count towards the defined progression period.

Example. Progression Period GPA falls below 5.5

Period GPA inc Recommended Grades falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates GPA only for student unit attempts that count towards the defined progression period. The calculation uses recommended grades, where finalised grades do not exist for any included unit attempt.

Example. Period GPA inc Recommended Grades falls below 4

Best Possible Period GPA falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates GPA only for the defined progression period. Where a student unit attempt exists without a recorded grade, the highest possible GPA value (in the applicable grading schema) is used in the calculation.

Example. Best Possible Period GPA falls below 4

Worst Possible Period GPA falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates GPA only for a nominated progression period. Where a student unit attempt exists without a recorded grade, the lowest possible GPA value (in the applicable grading schema) is used in the calculation.

Example. Worst Possible Period GPA falls below 3

Syntax of Weighted Average Mark Rule Options:

Weighted Average Mark rules are created (in PRGF5100 & RULF2000) or (PRGF5200 &RULF2000) through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-WAM (or one of the WAM system rule call code combinations).

The rule option selected when constructing a WAM progression rule determines the type of Weighted Average Mark calculation that is performed as the rule is evaluated. The inclusion/exclusion of student unit attempt outcomes, and the full execution of the calculation, is determined by the 'type' of WAM calculation in the rule option.

WAM rules can be combined with Proportional rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-WAMPRO.

WAM rules can be combined with Unit Failure rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-WAMUFA.

The way in which the system calculates WAM values for a Student Course Attempt is explained in detail in the Special Topic - Weighted Average Mark.

WAM Rule Options

Usage

Course WAM falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates WAM for the whole of a student course attempt. Unit attempts not included in the calculation are those where:

  • the mark has a 'NULL' value (i.e. it is empty).
  • a recommended mark (not finalised) is recorded.

Any unit attempt with the status is DISCONTIN, is assigned a mark of 0, where the associated Administrative Unit Status is effectively enrolled for progression. If not, the unit is not included.

Example. Course WAM falls below 60

Course WAM inc Recommended Outcomes falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates WAM for the whole of a student course attempt. Includes in the calculation, those unit attempts where the mark recorded is a recommended mark.

Example. Course WAM inc Recommended Outcomes falls below 60

Course WAM (except where missing) falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates WAM for the whole of a student course attempt, but does not complete the calculation where any unit attempt has 'missing' marks. These would be where:

  • no mark is recorded (the outcome has a 'NULL' value, i.e. it is empty)
  • the mark recorded is a recommended mark (not finalised).

The rule is failed where the calculated WAM falls below a value nominated in defining the rule.

Example. Course WAM (except where missing) falls below 60

Course WAM (except where missing) inc Recommended Outcomes falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates WAM for the whole of a student course attempt, but does not complete the calculation where any unit attempt has 'missing' marks. These would be where:

  • no mark is recorded (the outcome has a 'NULL' value, i.e. it is empty)

A recommended mark is not considered a 'missing' mark in this calculation and is used, if a unit attempt has a recommended mark recorded.

Example. Course WAM (except where missing) inc Recommended Outcomes falls below 60

 

 

Progression period WAM falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates a WAM value, only considering those student unit attempts that fall within the defined progression period.

Unit attempts not included in the calculation are those where:

  • the mark has a 'NULL' value (i.e. it is empty).
  • a recommended mark (not finalised) is recorded.

Any unit attempt with the status is 'DISCONTIN', is assigned a mark of 0.

Example. Period WAM falls below 60

Progression Period WAM inc Recommended Outcomes falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates a WAM value, only considering those student unit attempts that fall within the defined progression period. Includes in the calculation, those unit attempts where the mark recorded is a recommended mark.

Example. Period WAM inc Recommended Outcomes falls below 60

Progression Period WAM (except where missing) falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates a WAM value, only considering those student unit attempts that fall within the defined progression period. The calculation is not completed where any unit attempt has 'missing' marks.

These would be where:

  • no mark is recorded (the outcome has a 'NULL' value, i.e. it is empty)
  • the mark recorded is a recommended mark (not finalised).

Example. Period WAM (except where missing) falls below 60

Progression Period WAM (except where missing) inc Recommended Outcomes falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: calculates WAM value, only considering those student unit attempts that fall within the defined progression period. The calculation is not completed where any unit attempt has 'missing' marks.

These would be where:

  • no mark is recorded (the outcome has a 'NULL' value, i.e. it is empty)

A recommended mark is not considered a 'missing' mark in this calculation and is used, where a unit attempt has a recommended mark recorded.

Example. Period WAM (except where missing) inc Recommended Outcomes falls below 60

Syntax of Proportional Failure Rule Options:

Proportional Failure rules are created (in PRGF5100 & RULF2000) or (PRGF5200 &RULF2000) through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-PRO (or one of the appropriate system rule call code combinations).

The rule option selected when constructing a proportional failure progression rule, determines whether the rule calculations use number of Credit Points attempted and achieved or number of units attempted and achieved in this Student Course Attempt. Which student unit attempts (in this Student Course Attempt) are included is also determined by the rule option selected. It may be only those attempted in the current progression period, all attempted in this student course attempt or those attempted in a specified number of previous progression periods. Certain rule options allow the inclusion of recommended grades in the rule calculation.

Proportional failure rules can be combined with GPA rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-GPAPRO.

Proportional failure rules can be combined with WAM rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-WAMPRO.

Proportional failure rules can be combined with unit failure rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-UFLPRO.

Proportional Failure Rule Options

Usage

Fail more than < Numeric value> % CP attempted

Definition: for the whole student course attempt, the number of Credit Points failed is calculated as a percentage of the number which have been attempted (at the date of the rule evaluation). Where the resulting % value is higher than the % nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule.

Example. Fail more than 50 % CP attempted

Fail more than < Numeric value> % Units attempted [inc Recommended Outcomes]

Definition: for the whole student course attempt, the number of units failed is calculated as a percentage of the number that have been attempted (at the date of the rule evaluation). Where the resulting % value is higher than the % nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule. This can be qualified to include recommended results in the calculation.

Example. Fail more than 50 % Units attempted
or with qualification:
Fail more than 40 % Units inc Recommended Outcomes

Fail more than < Numeric value> % CP attempted in current progression period

Definition: for the current progression period only, the number of Credit Points failed is calculated as a percentage of the number which have been attempted (in this progression period). Where the resulting % value is higher than the % nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule.

Example. Fail more than 50 % CP attempted in current progression period

Fail more than < Numeric value> % Units attempted in current progression period [inc Recommended Outcomes]

Definition: for the current progression period, the number of units failed is calculated as a percentage of the number that has been attempted (in this progression period). Where the resulting % value is higher than the % nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule. This can be qualified to include recommended results in the calculation.

Example. Fail more than 50 % Units attempted in current progression period
or with qualification:
Fail more than 40 % Units in current progression period inc Recommended Outcomes

Fail more than < Numeric value> % CP attempted in previous <Numeric value> progression periods

Definition: for the nominated number of previous progression periods, the number of Credit Points failed is calculated as a percentage of the number which have been attempted (over those progression periods). Where the resulting % value is higher than the % nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule.

Example. Fail more than 50 % CP attempted in previous 2 progression periods

Fail more than < Numeric value> % Units attempted in previous <Numeric value> progression periods [inc Recommended Outcomes]

Definition: for the nominated number of previous progression periods, the number of units failed is calculated as a percentage of the number which have been attempted (over those progression periods). Where the resulting % value is higher than the % nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule. This can be qualified to include recommended results in the calculation.

Example. Fail more than 50 % Units attempted in previous 2 progression periods
or with qualification:
Fail more than 40 % Units in previous 2 progression periods inc Recommended Outcomes

Syntax of Unit Failure Rule Options:

Unit Failure rules are created (in PRGF5100 & RULF2000) or (PRGF5200 &RULF2000) through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-UFAIL (or one of the appropriate system rule call code combinations).

The rule option selected when constructing a unit failure progression rule determines which student unit attempt results are evaluated (all attempted in this student course attempt or only those matching/other than a list of designated units).

Unit failure rules can be combined with GPA rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-GPAUFA.

Unit failure rules can be combined with WAM rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-WAMUFA.

Unit failure rules can be combined with proportional failure rules, through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-UFLPRO.

Unit Failure Rule Options

Usage

Fail any unit <Numeric value> times
[inc Recommended Outcomes]

Definition: where a Student Course Attempt record contains failed unit attempts, these unit failures are evaluated to check if any single unit has been failed the nominated number of times. Where true, the student fails this progression rule.
This can be qualified to include recommended unit results in the calculation.

Example.
Fail any unit 2 times
or with qualification
Fail any unit 3 times inc Recommended Outcomes

Fail any (I/W) unit <Numeric value> times

Definition: where a Student has failed unit attempts (in this course or others), these unit failures are evaluated to check if any single unit has been failed the nominated number of times. Where true, the student fails this progression rule.
Example.
Fail any unit 2 times

Fail designated units {Unit Code}
[inc Recommended Outcomes]

Definition: where a Student Course Attempt contains failed unit attempts in any of the units listed inside the braces {}, the progression rule is failed.
This can be qualified to include recommended unit results in the calculation.
The unit codes can be limited to specific versions by using a separator between the unit code and version number eg. SRP161.2

Example.
Fail designated unit(s) {EXP201, EXP202, EXP301, EXP302, EXP401, EXP402}
or with qualification
Fail designated unit(s) {EXP201, EXP202} inc Recommended Outcomes

Fail designated (I/W) units {Unit Code}

Definition: where a Student Course Attempt contains failed unit attempts in any of the units listed inside the braces {}, whether in this course or not, the progression rule is failed.
The unit codes can be limited to specific versions by using a separator between the unit code and version number eg. SRP161.2

Example.
Fail designated (I/W) unit(s) {EXP201, EXP202, EXP301, EXP302, EXP401, EXP402}

Fail designated (I/W) units {Unit Codes} at least <Numeric value> times

Definition: where a Student has failed unit attempts (in this or other courses), these unit failures are evaluated to check if any match the unit codes listed. If true, has there been the nominated number of failures recorded for that unit code (or more). Where true, the student fails this progression rule.

Example.
Fail one of {EXP201, EXP202} more than 2 times

Fail designated units not in {Unit Code}
[inc Recommended Outcomes]

Definition: where a Student Course Attempt contains any failed unit attempts other than those listed inside the braces{}, the progression rule is failed.
This can be qualified to include recommended unit results in the calculation.
The unit codes can be limited to specific version by using a separator between the unit code and version number eg. SRP161.2

Example.
Fail designated units not in {SEM317, SEM334, SEM225}
or with qualification
Fail designated unit(s) { SEM317, SEM334} inc Recommended Outcomes

Fail one of {Unit Codes} at least <Numeric value> times
[inc Recommended Outcomes]

Definition: where a Student Course Attempt contains failed unit attempts, these unit failures are evaluated to check if any match the unit codes listed. If true, has there been the nominated number of failures recorded for that unit code(or more), in this Student Course Attempt. Where true, the student fails this progression rule.
This can be qualified to include recommended unit results in the calculation.

Example.
Fail one of {EXP201, EXP202} more than 2 times
or with qualification
Fail one of {EXP201, EXP202} more than 2 times inc Recommended Outcomes

Fail units not in {Unit Code} at least <Numeric value> times
[inc Recommended Outcomes]

Definition: where a Student Course Attempt contains any failed unit attempts other than those listed inside the braces{}, the number of times a unit has been failed is evaluated. Where the number of failures is equal to or greater than the numeric value entered, the progression rule is failed.
This can be qualified to include recommended unit results in the calculation.
The unit codes can be limited to specific version by using a separator between the unit code and version number eg. SRP161.2

Example.
Fail units not in {AAM261} more than 2 times
or with qualification
Fail units not in {AAM261} more than 2 times inc Recommended Outcomes

Syntax of Research Milestone Rule Options:

Research Milestone rules are created (in PRGF5100 & RULF2000) or (PRGF5200 &RULF2000) through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-MLS.

The rule option selected when constructing a research milestone progression rule determines the Milestone Status evaluated (either a status of FAILED or any status other than ACHIEVED). Rule options can also limit the evaluation to specified milestones and/ or a nominated number of times that a milestone type can have a status of FAILED recorded.

Research Milestone Rule Options

Usage

Fail any milestone

Definition: Where a research candidate has any milestone type with a milestone status of FAILED, he/she fails this progression rule.

Example.
Fail any milestone

Fail any milestone more than <Numeric Value> times

Definition: This rule is failed where a research candidate has the nominated number of instances of a milestone type with the milestone status of FAILED.

Example.
Fail any milestone more than 1 times
A candidate may have the following set of Milestone Types and statuses: 6MONTH/Failed, 12MONTH/Achieved, 6MONTH/Failed, 12MONTH/Planned, PRE-SUB/Planned. This candidate would fail this progression rule.
A second candidate with the set: 6MONTH/Failed, 12MONTH/Achieved, 6MONTH/Planned, 12MONTH/Planned, PRE-SUB/Planned; would not fail the rule.

Fail one of {Milestone Type}
[more than <Numeric Value> times]

Definition: Where a research candidate has one of the nominated milestone types (listed in braces {}) with a milestone status of FAILED the progression rule is failed. This can be further qualified to consider the number of instances that one of the listed milestone types has a FAILED status.

Example.
Fail one of { 6MONTH, 12MONTH , PRE-SUB}
Fail one of { 6MONTH, 12MONTH , PRE-SUB} more than 2 times

Fail to achieve {Milestone Type}

Definition: This rule is failed when a research candidate has a milestone (one of the types listed inside braces {}), matching both conditions —
The milestone's Due Date is later than the start date of the current progression period and earlier than the current date
The milestone has a status of PLANNED.

Example.
Fail to achieve { 6MONTH , 12MONTH}

Fail to achieve any milestone

Definition: This rule is failed where a research candidate has any milestone matching both conditions —
The milestone's Due Date is later than the start date of the current progression period and earlier than the current date
The milestone has a status of PLANNED.

Example.
Fail to achieve any milestone

Syntax of Minimum Rate of Progress Options:

Minimum Rate of Progress rules are created (in PRGF5100 & RULF2000) or (PRGF5200 &RULF2000) through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-MROP.

The rule option selected when constructing a Minimum Rate of Progress progression rule determines whether units with Recommended grades, and whether results from a nominated number of previous progression periods are included in the calculations.

Minimum Rate of Progress Options

Usage

Credit points (including recommended grades) in the current progression period falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: For the current progression period the number of Credit Points (including those from units whose grade is recommended) is calculated. Where the number is less than the number nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule.

Example. Credit points (including recommended grades) in the current progression period falls below 4.

Credit points (including recommended grades) in previous <Numeric value> progression period falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: For the nominated number of previous progression periods the number of Credit Points (including those from units whose grade is recommended) is calculated. Where the number is less than the number nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule.

Example. Credit points (including recommended grades) in previous 2 progression period falls below 4.

Credit points in the current progression period falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: For the current previous progression period the number of Credit Points is calculated. Where the number is less than the number nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule.

Example. Credit points in the current progression period falls below 4

Credit points in the previous <Numeric value>progression period falls below <Numeric value>

Definition: For the nominated number of previous progression periods the number of Credit Points is calculated. Where the number is less than the number nominated in the rule, the student fails this progression rule.

Example. Credit points in the previous <Numeric value>progression period falls below<Numeric value

Syntax of Maximum Time Options:

Maximum Time rules are created (in PRGF5100 & RULF2000) or (PRGF5200 &RULF2000) through nominating a Rule Category mapped to the System Rule Call Code of PRG-TIME.

The rule option selected when constructing a Maximum Time progression rule determines whether Intermissions are included in the time that a student has spent in this course.

Maximum Time Rule Options

Usage

Student course attempt exceeds max allowable time, course intermission included

Definition: Intermission time is included in the calculation of course completion time regardless of the value of the indicator in CRSF1210. If calculated course completion time exceeds the Maximum Time limitation (in CRSF1400), then the rule is failed.

Example. Student course attempt exceeds max allowable time, course intermission included

Student course attempt exceeds max allowable time, course intermission removed

Definition: Intermission time is not included in the calculation of course completion time regardless of the value of the indicator in CRSF1210. If calculated course completion time exceeds the Maximum Time limitation (in CRSF1400), then the rule is failed.

Example. Student course attempt exceeds max allowable time, course intermission removed

Student course attempt exceeds max allowable time, use course_version. count_intrmsn_in_time_ind

Definition: Inclusion of intermission time in calculation of student time to complete course is determined by the indicator in CRSF1210. If calculated course completion time exceeds the Maximum Time limitation (in CRSF1400), then the rule is failed.

Example. Student course attempt exceeds max allowable time, use course_version. count_intrmsn_in_time_ind

Examples of Combination Rules

System Rule Call Code

Example

PRG-GPAUFA

Definition: Rules constructed within a Rule Category linked to this system rule call code allow the combining of both GPA and Unit Failure measures, through use of the 'and' or ‘or’operator.

Example.
Course GPA falls below 4 and
Fail any unit 2 times

PRG-GPAPRO

Definition: Rules constructed within a Rule Category linked to this system rule call code allow the combining of both GPA and Unit Failure measures, through use of the 'and' or ‘or’operator.

Example.
Course GPA falls below 4 or
Fail more than 40% CP attempted in current progression period

PRG-WAMPRO

Definition: Rules constructed within a Rule Category linked to this system rule call code allow the combining of both WAM and Proportional Failure measures, through use of the 'and' or ‘or’operator.

Example.
Period WAM falls below 60 and
Fail more than 40% CP attempted in current progression period

PRG-WAMUFA

Definition: Rules constructed within a Rule Category linked to this system rule call code allow the combining of both WAM and Unit Failure measures, through use of the 'and' or ‘or’operator.

Example.
Course WAM falls below 60 or
Fail any unit 2 times

PRG-UFLPRO

Definition: Rules constructed within a Rule Category linked to this system rule call code allow the combining of both Unit Failure and Proportional Failure measures, through use of the 'and' or ‘or’operator.

Example.
Fail any unit 2 times and
Fail more than 50 % Units attempted

Syntax of Common Operators & Variables Available to All Rules

Operators from this table can be used in constructing rules, in conjunction with the specific options available for the type of rule (described in the tables of rule options above).

Operators

Usage

{}

Definition: - The Braces define the start and end of a set of codes (unit codes or milestone types in progression rules).

Example.
Fail designated units not in {SEM317, SEM334, SEM225}

,

Definition: Comma as a separator between listed codes

Example.
Fail designated units not in {SEM317, SEM334, SEM225}

.

Definition: Full Stop/Period as a separator between a course or unit code and a version number.

Example.
Fail designated units not in {SEM317.1, SEM334.2 }

[ ]

Definition: Square brackets to enclose a set of version numbers

Example.
Fail designated units in {SEM317.[1-3] }

-

Definition: Hyphen as a separator between range of course/unit version numbers.

Example.
Fail designated units in {SEM317.[1-3] }

%

Definition: Wildcard

Example.
Fail designated units in {SEM% }
All units that start with SEM.

and

Definition: Logical AND (Progression specific)

Example.
Fail any unit 2 times AnD
Course GPA falls below 4

or

Definition: Logical OR

Example.
Course GPA falls below 3.5 or Fail more than 50% CP attempted

 

Variables < >

Examples

Numeric value

Definition: Number (including decimal places)

Example.

Progression Period GPA falls below 5.5

Unit Code

Definition: Valid unit codes inside braces {}; separated by comma. Wildcard % can be used.

Example.

Fail one of {AAM261, ABM261, ACM261} more than 1 times

Milestone Type

Definition: Valid milestone types inside braces {}; separated by comma.

Example.
Fail one of { 6MONTH, 12MONTH , PRE-SUB}

 

Last Modified on 29 July, 2000