Monash University administrators branded ‘sloppy’ after dispute with engineering student

The university’s administrators have been told to do better after its dealings with a female engineering student who sought special consideration following two car accidents.

Monash University administrators have been branded ‘sloppy’ over its dealings with a female engineering student. Picture: Facebook

Monash University administrators have been branded “sloppy” over their dealings with a female engineering student who sought a fee reimbursement after she was involved in two car accidents.

Student Laura Williams sought a re-credit of her HECS-HELP balance under special circumstances following the second incident, claiming it had impacted her studies.

The award-winning student was one of two women in the male-dominated course at the time, studying engineering (honours) and biomedical science at the institution in 2022.

During the semester one and two study periods, Ms Williams was involved in two car accidents.

Following the second incident, Ms Williams failed her Molecular Biology, Engineering maths, Engineering Methods and Engineering Numerical Analysis courses in semester two.

After receiving her results, Ms Williams applied for special circumstances, claiming her mental health had been impacted following the incidents, affecting her ability to complete unit requirements.

But Monash University refused her application for re-credit stating in its decision “the full impact of (Ms Williams’) special circumstances were known to you prior to the census date”.

“As such, you do not meet the criteria for special circumstances,” it said.

A census date is the last day a student can withdraw from units without having to pay for them.

The first car accident occurred in the evening on April 30 after the steering of her vehicle mechanically failed, causing Ms Williams to drive over a gutter and into a fence.

Monash University told to do better after its dealings with a female engineering student.

Ms Williams was then involved in a second incident on September 17 when she reversed into a neighbour’s car parked across the driveway.

“Although it was not a severe accident like in April, it really caused a lot more emotional struggles to emerge,” she told the tribunal.

In January 2023, Ms Williams asked for an internal review of the university’s decision to deny her special consideration and also provided additional reasons why special circumstances applied, including financial hardship, family medical stress and lack of support from teaching assistants.

A reviewer had 45 days after Ms Williams’ request to change the decision and if they didn’t respond to her it was deemed they agreed with the original decision.

Ms Williams didn’t receive a response from the university after 45 days, prompting her to apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for appeal.

At the time, the Secretary of the Department of Education said the decision was “under review”.

While the tribunal did not agree with Ms Williams’ reasons for special consideration, it described Monash University’s handling of the matter as “unfortunate” because it didn’t provide a notice of decision to the student.

The tribunal said the “better view” would have been for the university to email Ms Williams stating the decision was under review.

“It was out of time, but it does set out her rights of review to this tribunal,” Senior Member Donald Morris said.

“It is sloppy administrative practice for the institution to handle requests for review in this way.”

A Monash University spokesman said the institution was not a party to the proceedings.

“We will review the decision and the comments of the AAT senior member to ascertain the accuracy of the findings,” he said.

“We are unable to comment further until a comprehensive review of the matter is completed.”