Attendance & Progress

MEA is committed to supporting students in maintaining attendance and achieving their learning goals. Students are encouraged to contact the Student Services Officer or Academic Manager for assistance with any challenges. Detailed policies are available here.

1. Why Attendance Matters
   Attendance is crucial for student success and compliance with visa conditions for international students. As per the ELICOS Standards 2018 and the National Code of Practice 2018, MEA requires all students on a student visa to maintain a minimum of 80% attendance throughout their course.

2. Daily Attendance Recording

   • Attendance is marked at the start and end of each class.

   • Full Attendance: Present for all sessions.

   • Partial Attendance: Late by more than 15 minutes for any session.

   • No Attendance: Absent without valid reasons.

3. Warning and Intervention Process

   • Attendance drops below 90%: First warning issued.

   • Attendance drops below 85%: Second warning issued.

   • Attendance drops below 80%: Final warning and Notice of Intention to Report (NOIR) issued.

   • MEA will notify students about their right to appeal before reporting to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) via PRISMS.

4. Compassionate and Compelling Circumstances
   MEA acknowledges situations beyond a student's control, such as serious illness, family emergencies, or trauma. Students must:

   • Notify MEA immediately.

   • Provide verifiable evidence (e.g., medical certificates, police reports).

5. If approved, students may avoid being reported to DHA but must maintain an attendance rate above 70%.

6. PRISMS Reporting
   If no valid appeal or evidence is provided, MEA will report the student's unsatisfactory attendance to DHA, which could affect their visa status.

Progress Monitoring

1. Assessment and Feedback

   • Teachers regularly assess student performance through tests, assignments, and participation.

   • Feedback is provided to help students identify areas for improvement.

2. Intervention for At-Risk Students

   • Students struggling with their studies are referred to the Academic Manager for counselling.

   • Extra support, such as learning strategies and additional resources, is offered to help students succeed.

3. Student Responsibilities

   • Attend all classes and actively participate.

   • Inform MEA of any difficulties affecting progress.