• Section 1 - Purpose / Objectives
• Section 2 - Scope / Application
• Section 3 - Definitions
• Section 4 - Policy Statement
• University Medal
• Section 5 - Procedures
• Section 6 - Guidelines

Section 1 - Purpose / Objectives

(1) To present University medals to students enrolled and eligible for the conferral of awards at Victoria University in recognition of academic excellence.

(2) Benchmarking of Australian University awards was undertaken by Student Connections and was forwarded to the Education and Research Board, together with a recommendation that degrees with distinction not be introduced at Victoria University; this was accepted by the Board.

(3) At the same meeting (March 13, 2007), Education and Research Board passed a resolution (251-13-2007) that "Education and Research Policy and Planning Committee seek advice through the PVC [Students] as to alternative schemes that might provide for the recognition of high achievement by students."

(4) In 2008, a further investigation was conducted regarding the various student awards provided by Faculties, similar to the data collected as part of the benchmarking activity, pertaining to the different awards presented to their students. This document was presented to a meeting of the Education and Research Board.

(5) During the May round of graduation ceremonies in 2008, the Vice Chancellor invited the PVC Students to produce a paper proposing options for the implementation of a University Medal. Subsequent benchmarking of Australian universities also occurred after the May 2008 graduations.

Section 2 - Scope / Application

(6) Nil

Section 3 - Definitions

(7) Academic Excellence - The achievement of a high academic level based on criteria which can include:

1. the completion of a course of study where the student's academic record will include no Fail grades and, where a course has graded assessment, the student must achieve a GPA of at least 6.0, calculated over the duration of the course (refer to GPA calculation guideline under the ‘Supporting Documents and Information’ tab );
2. performance, participation, career achievements, communication, team and leadership skills.

(8) Companions of the University - An honorary award conferred upon an individual who has contributed to the University or the wider community in a significant manner other than through education or research achievements.

(9) GPA - A grade point average (GPA) is the average result of all grades achieved by a student during a course of study.

(10) University Medal - A medal awarded by the University to a student who has achieved academic excellence.

Section 4 - Policy Statement

University Medal

(11) University Medals are based on academic excellence throughout enrolment for the award.

(12) There will be 9 medals awarded each onshore graduation round for the following categories of students:

1. Higher Degree by Research;
2. Postgraduate by Coursework;
3. Undergraduate Honours;
4. Undergraduate - Faculty of Business and Law;
5. Undergraduate - Faculty of Arts Education and Human Development;
6. Undergraduate - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science;
7. Vocational Education - Faculty of Trades and Technical Innovation;
8. Vocational Education - Faculty of Workforce Development; and
9. Further Education - Victoria University College.

(13) The design for the University medal is based on that awarded to Companions of the University.

(14) Medals will be awarded bi-annually at the 2 nominated onshore Graduation ceremonies to students who are eligible to graduate and have completed their studies in the semester previous to the relevant graduation ceremony (refer to the University Calendar).

Section 5 - Procedures

(15) The Postgraduate Research Committee will identify the eligible recipient for the Higher Degree by Research University Medal based on Examiner's Reports and Quality Index and provide relevant documentation to the Manager, Assessment and Graduations.

(16) Each Faculty Board of Study, and Victoria University College Board of Study, will identify the eligible recipients, (based on GPA, for Postgraduate by Coursework, Undergraduate and courses within Vocational/Further Education where appropriate) and provide relevant documentation to the Manager, Assessment and Graduations.

(17) The Assessment and Graduation Section shall notify and invite the recipients to receive the Medals at the next appropriate graduation ceremony and shall arrange for the Medals to be struck.

Section 6 - Guidelines

(18) Nomination Form

(19) GPA Calculation Guide