Rules are authoritative statements explaining what can or cannot be done in a particular context; policies are statements of the principles governing decision-making; courses at UWA are administered through relevant rules and policies.
The waiving of rules and policies apply to courses where the rules and policies do not specifically provide for exceptions to be exercised by the University. This process is covered by the University Policy on waiver of rules and policies applying to courses.
All rule waiver requests should be submitted by the Faculty via the online rule waiver form.
Types of requests for which a Rule Waiver may be submitted
| Types of request | Supporting documentation | Who submits? | Who approves? |
| 1. Variation to unit rules for cycle 1 and cycle 2 coursework courses, specific to:
| Compulsory: Student Academic Record Optional: Legible statement from student Other supporting statements | Course advising faculty or equivalent submits requests to Curriculum Management | Dean of Coursework Studies |
| 2. Rules / policies relating to other coursework course requirements, such as:
| Course advising faculty or equivalent submits requests to Curriculum Management | Chair, Academic Board, with Dean of Coursework Studies' recommendation | |
| 3. All other types of waiver of rules and/or policies applying to courses, including HDR courses:
| Course advising faculty or equivalent submits requests to Curriculum Management | Chair, Academic Board, with Dean of Coursework Studies' recommendation |
Exceptions where a Rule Waiver request does not need to be submitted
Enrolling in additional units for completing course requirements
Requests for enrolling in additional units of up to 12 credit points for course completion should not be treated as a rule waiver but rather administered as part of course advising by the Faculty Student Office (see Good Practice Guide for undergraduate student advising). A rule waiver will no longer be required to manage such requests. A request seeking to enrol in additional units beyond the permitted 12 credit points will require submission of a rule waiver request for consideration by the University.
Unit rules relating to prerequisites/co-requisites
Requests relating to unit rules to allow a student to enrol in a higher level unit without completing its relevant prerequisites (a lower level unit) / co-requisite, or concurrently with a lower level unit, are approved by the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) of the relevant Faculty, or equivalent. A rule waiver will no longer be required to manage such requests.
Unit substitution for postgraduate units
Requests relating to unit substitution for postgraduate units of up to 12 credit points do not require a rule waiver. These requests are approved by the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) of the relevant Faculty, or equivalent. Requests seeking unit substitution for postgraduate units beyond the permitted 12 credit points will require submission of a rule waiver request for consideration by the University.
Annual reporting
- The University Policy on waiver of rules and policies applying to courses requires an annual report to be submitted to the Chair of the Academic Board.
- Officers managing waivers under delegation must complete the annual report and submit it to the Academic Secretary by first Monday in December.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
