The SRC plays a vital role as a voice SRC Darlington Campus

for students. Membership speaks

for itself...
Level 1 Wentworth Building
(below City Road footbridge)
phone: 9660 5222 fax: 9660 4260
WRITING LETTER
www.src.usyd.edu.au
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am 5:00pm
SUBMISSIONS
When I started this degree I did not expect to require
the services of the SRC. I had some matters I had tried Drop-in sessions - No appointment required
to sort out with my Faculty without success. Contacting Tuesdays & Thursdays 1-3pm
the SRC resulted in my issues being heard and sorted Appointments - Please call to make a booking
out. I believe that it is extremely important to have p: 9660 5222 or e:help@src.usyd.edu.au
an independent body available to assist students on
matters such as mine. (Michelle, Veterinary Science)
Satellite Campuses
I went to the SRC for help because I had suddenly Please call to make a booking
become homeless. The SRC helped me to find an p: 9660 5222 or e: help@src.usyd.edu.au
affordable flat, got me a government subsidy for bond,
and helped me to get Youth Allowance. Without the
SRC I would probably still be homeless. Secondhand Bookshop
(Natalie, Science) level 3, Wentworth bdg, on City Rd
phone: 9660 4756
I never thought in a million years that I would need to go to the www.src.usyd.edu.au/bookshop
SRC and seek help on a one on one basis. Personal problems Bookshop opening hours:
had resulted in poor academic performance and I needed to Mon Thurs 9.30-430, Fri 9.30-2.00
show cause in order to continue studying. The SRC reassured (O-Week, Week 1 & Week 2 Mon Fri 9.00 5.00)
me and helped me. Without them I would have probably been
kicked out. (Leo, Engineering)
Find the SRC...
SRC Guide to
My lecturer accused me of plagiarism in my second year of
uni. Without the SRCs help I would not have been successful
down the stairs, under the City Rd. footbridge. Writing Letters
at removing the plagiarism accusation from my record and
would have been unfairly stuck with a mark of zero. (Peter,
Agriculture)
I didnt really know what the SRC was all about, so it was a little
unexpected and surprising when I found myself in a position
where I needed their help. I was in disagreement with my e
bridg
Faculty over a decision they had made regarding my enrolment. Foot
A friend suggested I see the SRC. The SRC caseworker
accompanied me to a meeting with the Faculty. I have no doubt
Jane Foss
I would not have come to such an amicable compromise with
my Faculty had the SRC not intervened on my behalf. (Anon)
The SRC is a vital part of my life. I really feel like Im
represented and like someone is looking out for my interests as
a student. (Victoria, Arts)

Students Representative Council, University of Sydney

help@src.usyd.edu.au www.src.usyd.edu.au
The SRCs operational costs, space and administrative
support are financed by the University of Sydney. LET_08.11.11
When Would I Need To Write
WHEN TO WRITE
A Letter?
There are a number of occasions when it will be
necessary to write a formal letter to the university,
for example, to Show Good Cause or to make an
academic appeal. You may also need to write a formal
letter to other people, such as Centrelink. Written
requests formalise the process and request a response.
Written requests also create a paper trail which in
the future may help to prove that you took certain
actions or asked for particular pieces of information.
Most people tend to see letters more formally than
emails.
Preparation - What should be
covered in your letter?
1. For Show Good Cause or, appealing an exclusion
or, academic appeals, the SRC has separate leaflets
that detail what you should include in your letter. If
you are not sure check with a caseworker.
2. Address the letter to the correct person. Make
sure you spell their name correctly. The University
website has a phonebook for you to look up
names and addresses of all permanent staff <http://
intranet.usyd.edu.au/staff/people.html>. If you
are not sure or they are not listed ask at the faculty
office.
3. Some faculties will need you to fill in a special form,
either instead of or as well as a letter, in order to
have your matter considered. This is usually the
case for special consideration and in some faculties
(such as Economics and Business) for academic
appeals. Ask at the faculty office or check on your
faculty website.
4. Attach your evidence. Depending on what you are
writing about, you may need to provide documents
such as medical certificates, letters from counsellors
or professionals, receipts and statutory declarations.
5. Keep copies of everything you hand in so that if it
gets lost you will be able to provide another copy.
Writing The Letter
Your letter should include all vital details including;
your name
student number
name of degree / faculty
current address and other addresses if necessary
day time contact phone number (most students find their
mobile most useful)
the date (this is essential - your letter might not be valid if it
is not dated)
the address of the person you are writing to
your signature at the end (some faculties will ignore letters
without a signature) along with your full name typed out
Structuring The Letter
Pay attention to your spelling, grammar and general
presentation.
Ordinarily your letter should include 3 Main Areas:
1. What the problem, complaint or issue is. Try to keep to
the point. It will be easier to read a letter that is brief but
includes all of the relevant information.
2. What you have done about it so far: who you have talked
to, dates, what advice you have received.
3. What you want: what is the aim of your complaint, or what
outcome do you want from the letter.
You can cc your letter (send a copy to) other relevant people
ie a counsellor, the lecturer or tutor.
Did They Get Your Letter?
Mailing:
Call the person or office before you send it and make sure the
person will be in the office in the next week. If they are sick or
on leave, and your concern cannot wait until they return, maybe
you need to re-address the letter to another person. You can
send a letter by Registered Post or by Express Post. Ask at
Australia Post for details. Hand delivering is a cheaper and
more certain alternative.
Faxing the letter:
Always ring the office and check they have received it.
Emailing:
If the matter is urgent email a copy of the letter and include
in the email that you will be sending a hard copy in the mail.
Make sure the hardcopy is signed.
The Response
If you have not had a response of any kind to your letter one
week after you sent the letter, call immediately. Ask when you
will receive a response.
If you are not happy with the response you receive to your
letter there may be further action that can be taken. You may
have to write another letter or arrange for an interview with the
person or someone else in the department. Check with the
SRC if you are not sure or if you need advice.
Sample Letter
Sally Smith
123 Alphabet Street
ALPHAVILLE NSW 2222
Professor Dean Brown
Head of School
School of Juggling and Fire Twirling
University of Circus NSW 2111
Monday, 1st May, 2009
Dear Prof Brown,
I would like to appeal the mark I received in Basics to Fire Twirling
BFT1001. I was failed in the subject because I inadvertently set fire
to the faculty office. I discussed the matter with my tutor, Dr Brigid
Vulcan, who said that she was unwilling to change the mark as the
faculty administration staff have all treated her with contempt since
she allowed me in the building with the lit torch, where an interaction
with a chair leg caused me to lose control of my fire stick. Dr
Vulcan also alluded to her fear that the incident was deliberate and an
indication of a latent tendency towards pyromania.
Throughout the semester I have completed assignments competently
and without my final assessment mark I have gained a mark of 73%.
I have attended a psychiatric evaluation to show that I do not have
any pyromaniacal tendencies. Well, at least none that would show
up in the short assessment that we completed. While I understand
that the destruction of the faculty office is an issue of great concern
I believe that the fail grade is not deserved. I, therefore, respectfully
request that you overturn that decision and instead grant me a pass in
the final assessment of BFT1001.
Yours sincerely
<sign here>
Sally Smith
SID: 12345678
Attached: previous assignments
psychiatric assessment