STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University

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STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
STUDENT
ORIENTATION                              S Y D N E Y   AU S T R A L I A

GUIDE

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STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
WELCOME TO
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY SYDNEY
On behalf of the Victoria University Sydney community, I am delighted to welcome you. We value
the intellectual and creative energy you bring as you embark upon a significant program of study.

Victoria University’s Sydney Campus offers you a high quality academic experience in one of the
world’s most exciting cities. Our degree and postgraduate programs are delivered by academic
experts in international education and are carefully designed to prepare you for professional
careers.

As students, you are an important part of our community of scholars and we value your
contribution and participation. We take great pride in supporting students from across the globe so
that you can achieve the best outcomes.

I urge you to set high goals for yourself, and to take advantage of all that at Victoria University
Sydney has to offer.

                                            Felicity Orme
                                            Campus Director and Principal

                                            “We support students from
                                            all over the world to achieve
                                            the best possible educational
                                            outcomes. “
STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE

Important dates......................................................................................4

Enrolment..............................................................................................5

Pathways and advanced standing..............................................................7

International student fees and charges.......................................................7

Student essentials...................................................................................8

Student IT services..................................................................................9

Academic services.................................................................................11

Academic progression............................................................................12

Health and safety information ...............................................................14

Contact us ..........................................................................................16

 ABOUT THIS GUIDE
 The University reserves the right to alter any course, dates, procedure, regulation or fee. Students should
 carefully read all official correspondence and consult student services as necessary.

 For the latest information visit www.vu.edu.au/vu-sydney
STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
IMPORTANT DATES                                                                                                                                  ENROLMENT                                                                              REDUCED STUDY LOADS
TRIMESTER 3, 2018/2019                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Applications for a reduced study load can only be accepted in the following
                                                                                                                                                 Enrolment is an essential step in maintaining your                                     circumstances:
  DATE                                       EVENT                                                                            WEEK
                                                                                                                                                 Australian student visa. All students must be correctly
  08 November                                Orientation day for new students                                                                                                                                                            • Course structure - If you are unable to enrol in a full-time study load due to
                                                                                                                                                 enrolled into each unit of study for their course before the                               the structure of your course or if a unit of study becomes unavailable
  09 November                                Online enrolment for continuing students from 5pm
  12 - 16 November                           Enrolment for new students in Campus
                                                                                                                                                 deadline (see Important Dates table).                                                   • Academic progress - If you are at risk of making unsatisfactory progress,
  14 - 16 November                           Supplementary & special exams (for continuing students from Tri 2, 2018)                                                                                                                       and academic staff recommend a reduced study load to help you meet
                                                                                                                                                 View the enrolment schedule at                                                             course requirements
  19 November                                Start of classes                                                                 1
                                                                                                                                                 vu.edu.au/vu-sydney-enrolment                                                           • Compassionate circumstances - If you are unable to study a full-time
  23 November                                Release of supplementary & special exam results                                  1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            load due to illness, injury, bereavement of close family members or
  30 November                                Online enrolment closes for all students & fees due date                         2                                                                                                             involvement in a traumatic experience, please see Manager Student
  14 December                                Census date                                                                      4                  It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you are enrolled as a full-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Services immediately.
                                                                                                                                                 time student in the correct unit(s) of study and that all details are accurate. If
  15 February                                End of Classes                                                                   12                                                                                                        The University will notify the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) when you
                                                                                                                                                 you fail to complete your enrolment by the enrolment deadline in the important
  18 - 19 February                           Study break                                                                                         dates table, you will be reported to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for          have been granted a reduced study load that affects your course duration.
  20 - 1 March                               Exam period                                                                                         non-commencement of studies.
  15 March                                   Release of exam results (from 5pm)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To apply, international students must complete a Reduced Study Load or
                                                                                                                                                 If you miss your enrolment session, please email VU Sydney Enrolments Officer          Overload form along with the Unit of Study Amendment form found at
TRIMESTER 1, 2019                                                                                                                                immediately at enrolments@vusydney.edu.au to seek advice.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        vu.edu.au/vu-sydney-forms
  15 March                                   Online enrolment opens for continuing students from 5pm
                                                                                                                                                 It is advisable for students to maintain a personal file of all correspondence
  18 March                                   Orientation day for new students
                                                                                                                                                 you receive from VU Sydney relating to enrolment, payment of fees, academic
  19 - 22 March                              Enrolment for new students in Campus                                                                progress and results.                                                                  NON-ENROLMENT AND WITHDRAWALS
  20 - 22 March                              Supplementary & special exams (for continuing students from Tri 3, 2018/2019)                                                                                                              Your student enrolment details must be finalised for each semester by the
  25 March                                   Start of classes                                                                 1                                                                                                         census date. If you withdraw from your course after this date, you will incur
                                                                                                                                                 COURSE DURATION                                                                        both academic and financial penalties.
  29 March                                   Release of supplementary & special exam results                                  1
  05 April                                   Online enrolment closes for all students & fees due date                         2                  International students are required by law to be enrolled in full-time study in
                                                                                                                                                 order to complete their course within the expected duration outlined in their          Failure to lodge withdrawal application for unit/s of study or the whole course
  19 April                                   Census date                                                                      4                                                                                                         before census date means you will be charged fees and receive fail grades for
                                                                                                                                                 electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
  16 June                                    End of Classes                                                                   12                                                                                                        all units you are enrolled in whether you have attended classes or not.
  17 - 18 June                               Study break
  19 - 28 June                               Exam period
                                                                                                                                                 ACCESSING YOUR TIMETABLE                                                               DEFERRING YOUR COURSE INTAKE
  12 July                                    Release of exam results (from 5pm)                                                                  Timetables are available on the VU Sydney website and on the notice boards
                                                                                                                                                 around the campus. You are responsible for your timetable and confirming the           Deferring your course intake is available only to commencing students. If you
TRIMESTER 2, 2019                                                                                                                                location of lectures and tutorials. Visit the website regularly during the first few   wish to defer your course, you are required to complete Defer Your Studies/
                                                                                                                                                 weeks of trimester as timetables may change during this time.                          Change of Course Preference form and submit it to admissions before your
  12 July                                    Online enrolment for continuing students from 5pm
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        scheduled enrolment session.
  15 July                                    Orientation day for new students
  16 - 19 July                               Enrolments for new students in Campus                                                               CHANGING YOUR ENROLMENT                                                                apply@vusydney.edu.au
  17 - 19 July                               Supplementary & special Exams (Continuing students from Tri 1 2019)                                 If you wish to vary any part of your enrolment, you will need to complete
  22 July                                    Start of classes                                                                 1                  the appropriate form. You can amend your enrolment without penalty until               Please note the following information about deferments.
  26 July                                    Release of supplementary & special exams results                                 1                  enrolment deadlines outlined in the above table.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • If your course is not available in subsequent intakes, you may need to
  2 August                                   Online enrolment closes for all students and Fees due date                       2                                                                                                           negotiate an alternative study option
                                                                                                                                                 All information on changing your enrolment can be accessed at:
  16 August                                  Census date                                                                      4                                                                                                         • Applicants should not enrol before deferring. A deferment is a guarantee
  13 October                                 End of Classes                                                                   12                 vu.edu.au/vu-sydney-change-enrolment                                                     that the place of offer will be available for the applicant to enrol subject to
  14 - 15 October                            Study break                                                                                                                                                                                  course availability.
  16 - 25 October                            Exam period                                                                                         The University has a legal responsibility to report any changes to your
  8 November                                 Release of exam results (from 5pm)                                                                  enrolment to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). This includes changes in
                                                                                                                                                 your study load and when you are no longer a student with the University. If
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND HOLIDAYS       •    25 December: Christmas Day                       •     20 April: Easter Saturday                         your enrolment at the University is reported to DHA, you will need to contact
                                   •    26 December: Boxing Day                          •     21 April: Easter Sunday                           DHA directly to discuss your student visa options.
                                   •    01 January: 2019 New Year’s Day                  •     22 April: Easter Monday
                                   •    25 - 01 January: University closure              •     25 April: Anzac Day
                                   •    26 January: Australia Day                        •     10 June: Queen’s Birthday
                                   •    28 January: Australia Day Public Holiday         •     7 October: Labour Day
                                   •    19 April: Good Friday
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                                   those days will be communicated to you by your course coordinator.
STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
INTERMISSION (LEAVE OF ABSENCE)                                                   eCoE EXTENSIONS                                                                    PATHWAYS AND ADVANCED                                                                VU reserves the right to annually adjust course fees to take into account
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          increases in university and course delivery costs. Course tuition fees are invoiced
                                                                                  Some students may require an extension of their eCoE. Applications for eCoE
In some limited circumstances, you may need time away from your studies. This
is known as leave of absence or intermission. We advise you to speak to the       extensions should be lodged as early as possible, up to six weeks before your      STANDING                                                                             per semester based on the enrolment for that particular semester.
Manager Student Services before you apply.                                        student visa expires by completing an International Request for an Electronic
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If your fees are not paid by the due date, your enrolment will be cancelled and
                                                                                  Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) extension application form.                       WHAT IS A PATHWAY?                                                                   this will affect your student visa. VU is required to report any student who is no
You may be able to apply for intermission if you have been affected by:                                                                                                                                                                                   longer enrolled to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). If your cancellation
                                                                                                                                                                     Pathways link the qualifications that you have already obtained or are in the
 • serious illness or injury
                                                                                  CHANGE OF PERSONAL DETAILS                                                         process of obtaining with approved courses at Victoria University. These links       of enrolment is reported to DHA by the University, you will need to contact DHA
                                                                                  It is important that personal details are kept current as important information    allow articulation and credit transfer between courses.                              directly to discuss your student visa options.
 • death of a close family member such as parents or grandparents,                will be sent to the nominated address for correspondence. VU also sends email
     husband/wife or child
 • major political upheaval or natural disaster in your home country requiring
                                                                                  and SMS messages when necessary so it is important that you also update this       For more information on pathways, please speak with your course coordinator.         INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REFUNDS
                                                                                  information.
     emergency travel and which has affected your studies                                                                                                                                                                                                 International students who have paid their tuition fee up front for a given
                                                                                  Students can change contact details via the following:                             ADVANCED STANDING
 • traumatic experiences such as being involved in an accident or being the                                                                                                                                                                               semester and withdraw before the census date may be entitled to a full or
     victim of a serious crime.                                                   MYVU PORTAL                                                                        Advanced Standing is an assessment process that applies to individuals who           partial refund according to the International Student Refund Policy.
Your application must be approved by the Associate Director Students. If you      1. Login via myvu.edu.au                                                           may have prior study, or other relevant experience, but who do not have access
                                                                                                                                                                     to credit transfer arrangements for the chosen course. You are encouraged            vu.edu.au/vu-sydney-forms
decide to apply, you must submit an Application for Intermission Form to VU       2. Enter your student ID and password.
Sydney Manager Student Services with certified or original copies of any of the   3. Click on My Details                                                             to discuss possible applications with your Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
relevant supporting documents such as death or medical certificates.              4. Click on Personal Profile                                                       officer at enrolment and may be required to provide syllabus details of your
                                                                                  5. Make the changes and save                                                       qualification.
Your application for intermission must be received by census date as per
dates on Page 4. The University will notify the Department of Home Affairs                                                                                           If your application for advanced standing is successful, and your course duration
                                                                                  IN PERSON                                                                          is reduced, your eCoE will be updated with a new course end date. You will
(DHA) that you have been granted an Intermission (also known as a leave of
absence). Intermission may affect your student visa. For advice, please phone     Collect a Personal Details Amendment form from Student Services or download        need to contact the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to check whether your
DHA on 131 881.                                                                   the form from                                                                      visa status is affected.
                                                                                  vu.edu.au/vu-sydney-forms
                                                                                  Amendments to change of name, title, date of birth and gender must be done
                                                                                  in person by submitting the Personal Details Amendment form together with
                                                                                                                                                                     ELIGIBILITY
                                                                                  supporting documents such as (passport, birth certificate or extract, deed poll    All students enrolled in higher education courses at Victoria University are
                                                                                  documents) to student services department. You will also be asked to show          eligible to apply for advanced standing (credentialed or experiential).
                                                                                  your student ID card. Any awards/certificates produced at the conclusion of your
                                                                                  course will be issued under the new amended name.
                                                                                                                                                                     CERTIFIED COPIES OF RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS
                                                                                                                                                                     Please include certified copies of your qualifications with your application. i.e.
                                                                                                                                                                     Do not send original documents. A photocopy of an original document can be
                                                                                                                                                                     certified (signed and dated) as a true copy of the original document by an
                                                                                                                                                                     authorised person (i.e. Justice of the Peace, police officer, doctor, accountant,
                                                                                                                                                                     school principal, bank manager, etc.) This person must sight both the original
                                                                                                                                                                     and the photocopy. You may be asked to provide the original documents at a
                                                                                                                                                                     later stage.

                                                                                                                                                                     Please note: Victoria University may contact your former institution(s) for
                                                                                                                                                                     further information regarding your application for advanced standing.

                                                                                                                                                                     INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
                                                                                                                                                                     FEES AND CHARGES
                                                                                                                                                                     As a student of VU Sydney you are required to pay international student fees
                                                                                                                                                                     for your program of study. Fees and charges vary depending on your course.
                                                                                                                                                                     When you enrol or re-enrol you will receive an invoice from Education Centre of
                                                                                                                                                                     Australia. This details all fees and charges and the due date for payment.

                                                                                                                                                                     All fees are listed in Australian dollars (A$), are indicative and may be subject
                                                                                                                                                                     to change. Payment options are listed on your invoice. After your first semester,
                                                                                                                                                                     the University will invoice you (or your sponsor) each semester according to
                                                                                                                                                                     your enrolment in that semester.

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STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
STUDENT ESSENTIALS                                                                    diverse countries and cultures, educational and socio-economic backgrounds, and
                                                                                     for the natural environment. It is expected that students will:
                                                                                                                                                                              STUDENT IT SERVICES
                                                                                                                                                                              Once you are successfully enrolled, your IT access accounts is created. The best
STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (LEVEL 1)                                            1.  engage actively with the educational, social and cultural life of the
                                                                                                                                                                              place for the latest information on services available is:
                                                                                         University
There are a variety of programs and services available for all students:                                                                                                      www.vu.edu.au/student-tools
                                                                                     2. be fully committed to their own learning including taking responsibility for
•   Orientation/Enrolment                                                                monitoring their own progress                                                        This guide provides information on default login details and how to get help for
                                                                                     3. respect the diversity of all students and staff and support an                        systems used within VU. It also provides information in relation to using Active
•   Library
                                                                                         environment free from discrimination and harassment in accordance with               Directory (AD) to logon to VU Collaborate and MYVU Portal.
•   Student email                                                                        Commonwealth and State Legislation and associated University policy
•   MYVU Portal                                                                      4. acknowledge that membership of the Victoria University community                      ONLINE ID CARD SUBMISSION
•   ASKVU                                                                                requires commitment to the ethical values of honesty, trust, fairness and
•   Academic transcripts                                                                 responsibility including treating other students with respect                        VU Sydney students must apply for their ID card online through the ASKVU
                                                                                                                                                                              website. Please follow instructions in your student essentials.
•   Graduation services                                                              5. respect all university staff, property and facilities
•   Student Welfare Services                                                         6. provide honest and constructive feedback about their academic programs                You must have a VU Student ID card to sit for your examinations.
•   Student complaints resolution policy                                                 and participate in the continuous quality assurance processes of the
                                                                                         University                                                                           Any issues please contact VU Sydney Student Services Administration.
•   Social events and activities.
                                                                                     7. acquaint themselves with university policies and procedures relevant to
STUDENT SERVICES ACADEMIC (LEVEL 3, 3.02), (LEVEL                                        their enrolment and course of study and adhere to the rules and regulations
                                                                                                                                                                              STUDENT EMAIL – MICROSOFT LIVE
8, 8.02)                                                                                 of the University as they apply to students
                                                                                     8. take responsibility for meeting reasonable attendance requirements                    VU provides you with a free email account upon enrolment. You will have access
 • Class timetable                                                                                                                                                            to:
                                                                                     9. take responsibility for keeping their own record of submitted work
 • Exam timetable
                                                                                     10. Activate and utilise the VU Student E-mail account for the duration of                • 50GB of email storage
 • Special consideration                                                                 enrolment to ensure timely and accurate communication
 • Special exams                                                                                                                                                               • instant messaging and photo sharing
 • VU Collaborate                                                                                                                                                              • calendars
                                                                                     STUDENT WELFARE SERVICE
 • Academic support & study skills                                                                                                                                            As a student, you are expected to regularly check your account for updates on
                                                                                     Student Welfare Service is available to all enrolled students to assist when life        the management of your course, key student administration matters (e.g. census
 • Course advice                                                                                                                                                              dates, results, re-enrolment, fees, graduations etc.), individual emails from your
                                                                                     manages to get in the way of your studies. Our dedicated Manager Student
 • Course Coordinators                                                               Services can assist you as an advocate; mediator or supporting person with a             lecturers and fellow students, and advice from the IT Service Desk. You are
 • Grades enquiry                                                                    range of issues you may encounter during your studies.                                   strongly encouraged to use your student email account as your primary account to
 • Extension of assignments                                                                                                                                                   ensure you are receiving important emails from within the VU community. This is
                                                                                     These issues may include:                                                                the fastest and safest way to communicate with VU staff and students.
 • Lecturers
 • Academic Services Officer                                                          • applying for intermission (also known as leave of absence)
For more information visit
                                                                                                                                                                              HOW TO ACCESS MICROSOFT LIVE EMAIL
                                                                                      • late tuition fee enquires
vu.edu.au/vu-sydney-campus                                                                                                                                                    Information on accessing your email account can be found by clicking on the
                                                                                      • enquiries on Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)                                     Student email link at www.vu.edu.au/student-tools
STUDENT CHARTER                                                                       • applying for Reduce study load
                                                                                     The Student Welfare Service is also available to provide advice and available            MYVU PORTAL
The Student Charter represents a spirit of goodwill between the University and       options if you are:
students that reflects the sentiment of mutual obligation for genuine support and                                                                                             MYVU Portal allows you to view all your enrolment details and results. You can
action. We ask that all staff and students model their behaviour to reflect our       • accused of non-academic misconduct                                                    modify the portal view using drag and drop, add content, add and remove tab etc.
values.                                                                               • at risk                                                                               MYVU Portal can be accessed at myvu.edu.au
                                                                                      • on a conditional enrolment                                                            NEW STUDENTS
ACCESS
                                                                                      • suspended or excluded from studies
Victoria University is an accessible and friendly university to students and staff                                                                                            Login = s eg. s1234567
                                                                                      • thinking of withdrawing from your studies                                             Password = date of birth (Tempddmmyyyy)
from diverse countries and cultures, socio-economic and educational backgrounds,
as well as to our industry, government and community partners.                        • wanting to take leave from your studies
                                                                                      • wanting to be involved in on-campus activities and social events.                     CONTINUING STUDENTS
EXCELLENCE                                                                           You can contact Manager Student Services at satish.deo@vu.edu.au                         Login = s eg. s1234567
Victoria University is committed to excellence in education, research and                                                                                                     Password = your existing MyVU Portal password
knowledge exchange.                                                                  STUDENT COUNSELLING SERVICE
                                                                                                                                                                              If you have difficulties, contact the ITS Service desk on
RESPECT                                                                              In partnership with the Education Centre of Australia (ECA), an on-campus counselling    servicedesk@vu.edu.au or +61 3 9919 2777 or ask a question on ASKVU.
The staff and students of Victoria University demonstrate respect for others from    service is available to Victoria University Sydney students. This service is free of
Page 8 | www.vu.edu.au/vu-sydney                                                     charge. Our appointed counsellor is an expert in international student related issues.                                                                                        www.vu.edu.au/vu-sydney | Page 9
                                                                                     Appointments can be organised through the Manager Student Services.
STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
ASKVU                                                                            NATIONAL BORROWING SCHEME                                                          ACADEMIC SERVICES
ASKVU is an interactive web portal for current Victoria University students to   Victoria University students also have access to library facilities as listed on
view frequently asked questions (FAQs) and make and manage enquiries. You        the National Borrowing Scheme. This is a cooperative arrangement that allows
can login or search ASKVU at any time to find answers to your questions, or to
ask a question.
                                                                                 students and staff of Australian and NZ universities to borrow in person from
                                                                                 any other participating university library.
                                                                                                                                                                    VU COLLABORATE
Your question will be responded to within one business day, excluding                                                                                               In 2014 VU transitioned to a new Learning Management System (LMS) called
weekends, university and public holidays.                                        You can register for the National Borrowing Scheme directly at the host            VU Collaborate.
                                                                                 institution and is a simple process. You will need to provide a photo ID as well
ASKVU provides answers to questions about student administration, enrolments,    as proof of current enrolment - this could be student card from your home          Using VU Collaborate you can:
fees, admissions, graduations, alumni/graduates and library for onshore          institution, enrolment advice or other proof from your university.
students. www.vu.edu.au/askvu                                                                                                                                       • view content and materials related to your studies
                                                                                 Some libraries may charge a fee for registration (this is indicated with an        • upload and conduct assessments online, such as assignment submission
SETTING UP AN ASK VU ACCOUNT                                                     asterisk on the list of participating libraries).                                    and quizzes
To make enquiries specifically related to your personal enrolment record or                                                                                         • communicate and collaborate with your peers, tutors and instructors
circumstances you will need to set up an ASKVU account.                                                                                                             • stay up to date with your learning progress.
LOG INTO ASKVU                                                                                                                                                      LOGGING IN
You need to login (using your VU username and password) if you want to make                                                                                         •   We recommend that you use Google Chrome as the preferred browser.
an enquiry. Responses from ASKVU are emailed to your email account.                                                                                                 •   Use MYVU Portal to login to VU Collaborate.
                                                                                                                                                                    •   Log in with your “s” number (s1234567) and your Password.
                                                                                                                                                                    •   Once logged in to MYVU Portal, click on the ‘VU Collaborate’ link under
                                                                                                                                                                        ‘My Learning’.

                                                                                                                                                                    ACCESS UNITS OR ONLINE SPACES
                                                                                                                                                                    • Click on MY LEARNING

                                                                                                                                                                    TROUBLESHOOTING
                                                                                                                                                                    Ask your lecturers or coordinators for help if you can’t access any of your units
                                                                                                                                                                    on VU Collaborate

                                                                                                                                                                    ITS SERVICE DESK HELP
                                                                                                                                                                    Contact ITS Service Desk on +61 3 9919 2777 if you:

                                                                                                                                                                    • have issues logging in
                                                                                                                                                                    • experience system errors or technical errors
                                                                                                                                                                    • cannot find information related to your issues and continue to have
                                                                                                                                                                      problems.

                                                                                                                                                                    For help relating to VU Collaborate:

                                                                                                                                                                    • Contact your lecturer/unit coordinator
                                                                                                                                                                    • Go to the VU Collaborate Student Help site (also available within VU
                                                                                                                                                                      Collaborate under the Support link )
                                                                                                                                                                    • Contact Academics Services Officer in VU Sydney.

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STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
PLAGIARISM                                                                         Once the application for special consideration has been assessed; students         UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS DEFINITION
                                                                                   will be notified of the outcome within five (5) working days of
WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?                                                                                                                                                   A student is considered to have made unsatisfactory progress, whilst enrolled in
                                                                                   receipt of the application. The outcome notification will be through your VU
                                                                                                                                                                      a particular program of study, if that student:
Many people think of plagiarism as copying another’s work, or borrowing            email address.
someone else’s original ideas. But terms like “copying” and “borrowing” can                                                                                           a.   fails the same Unit of Study on more than one occasion; and/or
disguise the seriousness of the offence:                                           Only submit correctly completed applications - any incomplete or late forms will
                                                                                   be rejected unless exceptional circumstances apply.                                b.   fails 50% or more of the enrolled program load for the relevant teaching
In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone                                                                                           period; and/or
else’s work and lying about it afterward.
                                                                                   ACADEMIC PROGRESSION                                                               c. fails to comply with a conditional enrolment agreement set by the
                                                                                                                                                                           Academic Adviser, Program Coordinator, Progress Committee or Faculty
All of the following are considered plagiarism:                                                                                                                            Board of Studies.
                                                                                   There is a course coordinator assigned to each course at Victoria University
•    turning in someone else’s work as your own                                    Sydney for students to consult with at any point during their studies. Course      Students who are failing to make satisfactory academic progress can risk
•    copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit                Coordinators:                                                                      having their eCoE cancelled and their student visa revoked. By law (under the
                                                                                                                                                                      ESOS Act) the University is required to report international students to DHA if
•    failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
                                                                                    • Provide students with accurate information about course progression and         they breach the conditions of their student visa.
•    giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation                     degree requirements
•    changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without          • Assist students in understanding academic policies and procedures               USEFUL STUDY RESOURCES
     giving credit
                                                                                    • Help students access academic resources which will enhance their ability        TUTORING SERVICE
 • copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the                  to be academically successful
     majority of your work, whether you give credit or not.                                                                                                           If at any point you feel you need some assistance with your study, and want
                                                                                    • Assist students in overcoming educational and personal problems via
Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided by citing sources. Simply                                                                                                     to improve your understanding of a unit, VU Sydney provides a free tutoring
                                                                                      referral to counsellor or tutoring service.
acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed, and providing your                                                                                             service for all students.
audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually enough     STUDENTS AT RISK
to prevent plagiarism.                                                                                                                                                Contacts for tutors can be found on the Tutoring Service Poster on the
                                                                                   A student designated as “at risk” is one whose academic performance is such        Noticeboards.
                                                                                   that it appears he or she may require the provision of specific learning support
TURNITIN                                                                           and assistance as a consequence of:                                                ASSISTANCE WITH STUDY SKILLS
The Plagiarism prevention software used by VU is Turnitin which calculates the                                                                                        Ian Steep (Senior Support Coordinator) Ian.steep@vu.edu.au
percentage of ‘similarity’ between an essay and multiple sources. You may          a.   A student’s semester results displaying a level of achievement that is
                                                                                         judged to be less than, or only marginally, satisfactory.                    Mozammal Hoque (Learning Support Advisor)
be asked to submit assignments via Turnitin on VU Collaborate. Turnitin allows                                                                                        mozammal.hoque@vu.edu.au
lecturers to check for improper citation by comparing it against continuously      b.    The student’s self review and subsequent declaration that some form of
updated databases using the industry’s most advanced search technology.                  support is needed.
                                                                                   c.    Observational assessment by teaching staff that the student appears to
                                                                                                                                                                      POLICIES
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION                                                                    be vulnerable in terms of achieving satisfactory learning progress.
                                                                                                                                                                      Please familiarise yourself with the University’s policies that relate to you as a
Students whose performance at an examination is seriously affected by illness                                                                                         student. Policies include:
or other special causes or are prevented from attending an examintation by
illness or other special causes should apply online for Special Consideration                                                                                         •    Student Charter
within three working days of their examintation - Applications for special                                                                                            •    Academic Honesty and Preventing Plagiarism
consideration must be lodged online.                                                                                                                                  •    Enrolment - Onshore
                                                                                                                                                                      •    International Student Refund Policy
Reasons for Special Consideration may be:
                                                                                                                                                                      •    Student Assessment and Progress
 • death of an immediate family member                                                                                                                                •    Student Complaint Resolution
 • medical reasons (either yourself or someone in your immediate family)                                                                                              •    Student Equity and Social Inclusion
 • personal trauma or crisis (eg. victim of crime, severe disruption to                                                                                               •    Learning and Teaching
      domestic arrangements)                                                                                                                                          •    Children on Campus
 • serious illness or psychological condition (eg. hospital admission, serious                                                                                        •    Copyright Material (Use of)
      injury/illness, severe anxiety or depression)                                                                                                                   •    Use of Email (Staff and Students)
 • loss or bereavement (eg. death of close family member, family/                                                                                                     •    Privacy
      relationship breakdown).
All information on special consideration can be accessed on the VU Sydney                                                                                             You can view all university policies at policy.vu.edu.au
website at vu.edu.au/alternative-exams

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STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
HEALTH AND SAFETY                                                                   MEDICAL EMERGENCY

INFORMATION                                                                         If a situation is life threatening, follow these procedures:

                                                                                     • Contact the Ambulance Service first on 000.
SAFETY AT VICTORIA UNIVERSITY SYDNEY                                                 • Remember to clearly state your location street address and the nature of
                                                                                        the emergency. Be prepared to answer other questions. Do not hang up
Victoria University is committed to providing a safe working environment to             unless advised to do so by the Ambulance Service.
protect the health and well being of students. This obligation extends to it’s
staff, students, contractors, and visitors to ensure:                                • A 24-hour emergency hotline is also available to you through your
                                                                                        OSHC policy (if your policy is with our preferred provider Allianz Global
a.    Health and safety within the workplace and                                        Assistance, then the contact phone number for this service is 1800 814
                                                                                        781).
b.    To avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others.
                                                                                     • All incidents, near misses and any first aid given are to be reported to your
                                                                                        Teacher/Lecturer and must be recorded, regardless of severity of outcome.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO KEEP SAFE?
                                                                                     • A University Incident Report form is to be completed by your Teacher/
Be informed – VU has Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and procedures               Lecturer.
to reduce the likelihood students and staff being put at risk.
                                                                                     • In the cases of students under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian will be
At VU we all acknowledge our responsibilities and obligations under the Work            contacted.
Health and Safety Act 2011.                                                          • Please note: Student Services are not the first point of call in cases of
                                                                                        severe injury and/or acute illness.
We will all take reasonable and practicable precautions to manage hazards and       Contact the Ambulance Service first on 000.
risks for the health of each one of us. VU is committed to constantly working
towards maintaining a safe university. Achieving these key objectives requires:     THEFT PREVENTION
                                                                                    Many thieves are opportunistic and there are many ways to reduce the chance
•    Acceptance of WHS responsibilities by everyone at VU
                                                                                    of being a victim of theft by taking a few simple steps.
•    Consultation with all stakeholders including staff, students and contractors
•    Continuous improvement based on sound safety management and planning           • Mark your property using a permanent dye and record any serial numbers,
•    Provision of resources to further develop, monitor and maintain the              makes, models, colour, value etc. This will help in the identification of
     effective management of health and safety.                                       your property.
                                                                                    • Make property difficult to steal by using locks to secure computer
                                                                                      notebooks and similar equipment.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
                                                                                    • If working in a library or open area, don’t leave bags, phones, wallets or
Fire, Police and Ambulance: 000                                                       computers unattended.
                                                                                    • Be alert to suspicious people in your work area. If you see anyone that
EVACUATION PROCEDURE
                                                                                      looks suspicious, contact Student Services on Level 1.
There is a map in each area showing the nearest assembly point.
                                                                                    PERSONAL SAFETY
Leave your classroom in an orderly fashion and pay attention to your teacher/
lecturer and/or the emergency warden coordinating the evacuation. Remember          All staff and students are entitled to feel safe and secure, whether they are
the following important points:                                                     on campus, at home, on public transport or just in your local community. An
                                                                                    important part of feeling safe is to develop a personal safety plan. This may
• Don’t panic                                                                       be as simple as thinking about what you would do and where you would go if
• Leave the upper levels of the building by using the stairs only                   confronted by a potential attacker. Planning ahead will help you to think clearly.
• Do not use the lifts under any circumstances                                      • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are going
• Leave by the nearest safe exit to your room                                       • If walking at night, walk with a group or a friend and keep to well-lit
• Regroup with your class members and your emergency warden/teacher/                  paths and roads.
  lecturer at the designated assembly point or area designated by the               • Be aware of who is behind you when using ATM’s.
  emergency warden as soon as you are clear of the building.
                                                                                    • Avoid travelling alone at night
• Do not re-enter the building under any circumstances until the “All Clear”
                                                                                    • Carry a mobile phone when you are travelling
  signal has been given by the Fire Brigade or Emergency Warden.
                                                                                    • Make sure someone knows your whereabouts
                                                                                    • Stand in an area which is brightly lit
                                                                                    • Sit close to train guard’s compartment
                                                                                    • Sit near other passengers and do not isolate yourself
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STUDENT ORIENTATION GUIDE - vu.edu.au/vu-sydney - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Victoria University
CONTACT US

                                                                 Level 1,3,8 -9
                                                        160 - 166 Sussex Street
                                                             Sydney NSW 2000
                                                                         PHONE
                                                                +61 2 8265 3222
                                                                    ENQUIRIES
                                                           info@vusydney.edu.au
                                                                APPLICATIONS
                                                         apply@vusydney.edu.au
                                                           STUDENT SERVICES
                                             studentservices@vusydney.edu.au

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                                    www.vu.edu.au/vu-sydney
                                            Victoria University CRICOS Provider No. 02475D
vu.edu.au/vu-sydney
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