Appendix I – Cadet Boards of Review
Taken from Academy Standard Operating Procedures,
Chapter 4 – Training
Cadets’ performance at ADFA is the subject of Fortnightly Boards of Review (FBOR), Mid-Year Boards of Review (MYBOR) and End of Year Boards of Review (EYBOR). Processes leading to termination of cadets come in the form of adverse administrative action with respect to counselling, Notices to Show Cause (NSC) and options in lieu of NSC.
Whilst most administrative action is processed at the end of academic sessions, via the MYBOR and EYBOR, administrative action can be instigated at any time. The emphasis on the ‘end of session’ BOR process occurs because these meetings are timed to coincide with the provision of academic and military results.
Where adverse administrative action is initiated other than via the MYBOR or EYBOR, it is said to be an ‘out of session’ action. Out of session actions other than those that are urgent will be considered via the fortnightly BOR (FBOR).[502]
The purpose of the BORs is to ensure that the progress of all cadets is discussed and the full picture is presented. These fora make recommendations and decisions concerning administrative action such as counselling, formal warning, censure, commendations, counselling releases, NSCs and letters of offer.[503]
When a serious deficiency in performance exists, a cadet may be issued with a Notice to Show Cause (NSC) as to why their probationary appointment should not be terminated. NSC action may be considered for any number of reasons, but in general, NSC action should be considered when a student:
1. has not made sufficient progress to make graduation in minimum time likely
2. is precluded from meeting the requirements of their degree in minimum time (ie. they cannot complete their major/sub-major requirements due to subject/unit failure or a terminating pass)
3. is on a COMDT Academic Counselling and has further failures or their recovery of their academic standing is not progressing at a satisfactory rate
4. has a continuing history of poor military performance
5. has acted so poorly, generally a specific incident, that suspension without counselling is justified (e.g. where a member is found guilty of theft)
6. has been issued a Notice to Show Cause by the University College.
Students would normally have received either a COMDT or DCOMDT counselling prior to suspension; however, suspension without counselling may be considered in serious circumstances.[504]
[502] Australian Defence Force Academy, Academy Standard Operating Procedures (2011), Chapter 4.
[503] Australian Defence Force Academy, above.
[504] Australian Defence Force Academy, above.
