Programs & Courses 2009
Student Handbook Home: Edition 2

Student Support

Picture

CQUniversity is committed to providing students with every opportunity to achieve success in their study.

CQUniversity's range of support services cover:

  • academic support
  • counselling
  • equity and diversity
  • financial assistance
  • student mentors
  • e.rolment system support
  • Distance education students
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
  • Students with disabilities



Further information on support services specifically designed for international students can be found in the international students section.

Distance education students
The Division of Teaching and Learning Services (DTLS) is responsible for the educational services and support of all distance education programs offered by CQUniversity.

DTLS distributes study packages to distance education students, supports the provision of online courses through the University's learning management system, and provides services and programs to enhance the learning experience for all students.

DTLS acts as a clearing house for assignments, administers audio conferencing and self-directed study groups, prepares and distributes material such as an information guide and newsletters.


DTLS's Communication and Support Office is the contact point for general enquiries. The office is located at CQUniversity Rockhampton and is open 8.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. The office can be contacted on phone +61 7 4930 9442, fax +61 7 4930 9722 or email dtls-enquiries@cqu.edu.au. Alternatively visit the website at http://www.dtls.cqu.edu.au/. For access to a local campus contact the office staff at the campus.

DTLS also has a close liaison with Learning Network Queensland (LNQ). For information on LNQ, refer to the information on Learning Centres below.

The Student Association also provides specialised services for distance education students. Students can freecall 1800 804 228 to access Student Association services. For further information on the full range of services offered for distance education students visit
http://association.cqu.edu.au/.

The Student Support Centre (SSC) manages the support services for distance education student. The SSC conducts orientation meetings, administers the Distance Mentor and Leadership Program and administers an electronig discussion forum called DEForum.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
Nulloo Yumbah is CQUniversity's Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research Centre. The words Nulloo Yumbah mean 'Our Place' in the language of the Darumbal people, on whose land the University is built.

Nulloo Yumbah is a place that not only fosters pride in identity and encourages cultural awareness across the University but also adds value to the life of the University in the development of ATSI academic vitality. The centre aims to:

  • increase ATSI access and entry to the full range of award programs at CQUniversity;
  • assist ATSI students to achieve their full potential in their studies and chosen careers;
  • represent the interests of ATSI people at CQUniversity;
  • encourage research on a wide range of issues relating to ATSI students;
  • facilitate a more inclusive and affirming environment for ATSI students at CQUniversity.


Nulloo Yumbah staff can be consulted about study programs, academic, personal and cultural issues, tutoring, cadetships, scholarships and vocational and career pathways. Nulloo Yumbah's main administration hub is located at CQUniversity Rockhampton, with staff located at CQUniversity Bundaberg and CQUniversity Mackay campuses.

Nulloo Yumbah encourages all indigenous students to make contact with the centre and visit our offices in Rockhampton, Bundaberg or Mackay. Distance education students may contact the Centre by phoning 1800 651 891 (freecall within Australia) or +61 7 4930 9250, email
nullooyumbah@cqu.edu.au or fax +61 7 4930 9692. Visit the website at http://www.nullooyumbah.cqu.edu.au/.

Students with disabilities
The following services and resources are available:

  • consultation with relevant staff at the Student Support Centre on needs assessment and the procedures to meet these needs;
  • special examination arrangements (additional time or special equipment);
  • a recharge room for students to rest and administer medication(Rockhampton only);
  • access to specialist equipment and resources such as electric scooters, laptop computers, tape recorders, hearing loops, dictaphone, ergonomic chairs, etc;
  • participation assistance can be provided through the use of scribes, notetakers, readers, research assistants and learning support officers.


These services may also be available to international students who at present do not fall under the category of a DEST designated target equity group.

For more information please contact CQUniversity:

Phone: 13CQUni (13 27 86)

Email: equity_enquiries@cqu.edu.au


Academic support
Students may find that they are in need of academic assistance during their program of study. Academic support is provided in a number of ways and students are encouraged to make use of the University's services.

Tutors may be accessed by way of student noticeboards, and indigenous students may be eligible for tutoring through the Aboriginal Tutorial Scheme phone +61 7 4930 9250 for further details.

Workshops are conducted throughout the year on study skills and techniques (by the Student Support Centre for Australian students; the CQUniversity Language Centre for international students and the Learning Skills Units on the Australian International Campuses).

Communications Learning Centre (CLC)
CQUniversity's Communications Learning Centre assists Commonwealth supported students who wish to improve their abilities at written and oral communication in English.

Particular attention is paid to the needs of first-year students. Students with problems in writing their assignments and reports are strongly encouraged to seek counsel and support from the Centre.

Services are available to students at CQUniversity Gladstone, Bundaberg, Emerald, Mackay, and Rockhampton campuses. The Centre also caters for distance education students by means of facsimile, telephone and email facilities.

Students may book 30 minutes or one hour per week for individual assistance with written or oral expression. The Communications Learning Centre can be contacted on +61 7 4930 6305. Alternatively visit the website
http://dtls.cqu.edu.au/clc/.

Contact:
Bundaberg +61 7 4150 7067
Emerald +61 7 4982 2031
Gladstone +61 7 4970 7249
Mackay +61 7 4940 7471
Rockhampton +61 7 4930 6305

Mathematics Learning Centre
The Mathematics Learning Centre is an academic support centre, which provides assistance to students who experience difficulty with the mathematical or statistical components of their program. Diagnostic tests in mathematics to determine areas of weakness, counselling in how to learn mathematics and special preparatory sessions in basic mathematics are available.

Services and resources available to students include individual assistance, special course support sessions, computer software and written study materials.

Services are provided to students enrolled at CQUniversity Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton. Students studying in the distance mode who cannot attend personally are urged to telephone, email or write to avail themselves of the services.

The Centre develops and presents the mathematics component for the Skills for Tertiary Education and Preparatory Studies (STEPS) and Women in Science and Technology (WIST) projects.

The Centre also offers courses in preparatory mathematics on a fee basis and in-service courses in mathematics on a consultative basis.

Centre staff are actively engaged in research associated with improving learning in tertiary mathematics, with special emphasis on the secondary/tertiary interface and technology in mathematics education. For more information about the Mathematics Learning Centre go to the website at
www.cqu.edu.au/mlc/mlc.html and click on 'student information'.

Contact:
Bundaberg +61 7 4150 7165
Gladstone +61 7 4970 7308
Mackay +61 7 4940 7451
Rockhampton +61 7 4930 9883/Fax +61 7 4930 6306

Learning Centres
Learning Centres offer hands-on help for students of all ages, courses and levels, wherever you live in Queensland.

Learning Network Queensland (LNQ) operates approximately 50 Learning Centres throughout the State, providing learners with the personal, technological and physical assistance needed to ensure successful distance education study.

A trained, part-time coordinator manages each centre and can help external students with a range of practical services including informed and objective advice on career planning, choosing your courses and entry or enrolment requirements.

The coordinator will even organise social events and celebrations for local students such as orientation days, graduation ceremonies and student get-togethers as well as study groups and mutual support tutorials.

Most centres offer the following technological facilities to aid your learning: computers, printers, scanners, Internet, email, fax, photocopiers, TV, VCR, audiographic conferencing and videoconferencing equipment as well as quiet areas for private or group study.

Many Learning Centres offer 24-hour access to computers. You can arrange with your local coordinator to use the room at times that fit in with your lifestyle.

To find the location of your nearest Learning Centre call 1800 177 189.

Accommodation
Students looking for accommodation have a number of options. They may opt to flat with friends, board, or rent individual houses. Students in Rockhampton may choose to live on-campus at Capricornia College, and in Mackay, at the Mackay Residential College.

The Australian International Campuses offer a free accommodation referral service to assist international students find suitable accommodation. For more information contact the specific campus.

The International Student Support Officer at CQUniversity Rockhampton assists international students studying at CQUniversity to find accommodation.

Finding student accommodation across the CQUniversity campus network is made easy by the Student Association through its student accommodation referral service.

This service is a comprehensive online accommodation service providing students with the ability to post available accommodation listings and to search online for rental accommodation suitable to their needs and budget. Further information can be obtained online from
http://association.cqu.edu.au/ or phone +61 7 4930 9656.

Capricornia College (Rockhampton)

Capricornia College is the residential college of CQUniversity. The College is situated within the CQUniversity Rockhampton grounds on its own landscaped grounds.

Capricornia College provides accommodation for up to 350 male and female students in 12 gender-integrated residential houses. The College operates as an academic residential community of undergraduate and postgraduate members drawn from country and suburban areas throughout Australia as well as many international localities. The College provides a safe, secure, comfortable and supportive environment conducive to the pursuit of academic success, personal development, and community service.

The College is located within a five minute walk of CQUniversity Rockhampton's faculty buildings, library, Commercial Centre, student support services, and the Central Queensland Community Sports Centre.

Admission to the College is available to all CQUniversity students and is by way of an application form which is available from the College or via the College website (
www.college.cqu.edu.au/).

The privilege of living in such a vibrant and caring community is dependent upon members embracing certain minimum standards of behaviour and appropriate attitudes that protect the equity, privacy, dignity, and quality of life of others.

Correspondence should be addressed to:

The Principal, Capricornia College
CQUniversity
Rockhampton Qld 4702
Ph: +61 7 4930 9766
Fax: +61 7 4930 6581
Email:
capcollege-enquiries@cqu.edu.au
http://www.college.cqu.edu.au/

Student Ombudsman
The Office of the Student Ombudsman for the University is currently part-time, based at CQUniversity Rockhampton (ph +61 7 4923 2066). The Student Ombudsman investigates students' grievances concerning their academic grades, fees and related academic issues, when these have not been resolved by other means. For further information, visit www.cqu.edu.au/ombudsman.

Career advice

Student Services has endeavoured to make information on careers and employment available to all students. We are now able to offer a service that incorporates all relevant career information online.

Careerhub is an online jobs board that incorporates a wide range of information that would be beneficial to the student job seeker.

These services include:

  • current student and graduate employment opportunities including graduate
  • employment programs, professional placements within each discipline, vacation work, work experience, volunteer work, overseas opportunities and internships;
  • information on dates major employing organisations visit each campus during the year and dates for career related workshops;
  • resources that can help you find and apply for positions;
  • links to pages that will help you with information such as career prospects, graduate wages, employability of your degree and further study options; and
  • contact information of employers that recruit CQUniversity students.


Students wishing to register with Careerhub can go to http://careerhub.cqu.edu.au/.

Your student CQUCentral username and password will enable you to access the services of Careerhub.

Students may also access careers information on the Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, and Rockhampton campuses. Information on current jobs, workshops and employer presentations are posted on noticeboards around campuses. Additionally students can access information on the various careers open to graduates, videos on trainee programs or employment, brochures on public and private sector employers.

Staff from the Careers Service at the Student Support Centre are also available to discuss and explore career prospects with students, either individually or in a group. Careers counselling staff use a range of career assessment tools to assist students and prospective students with deciding on a choice of career and which program of study would be best in order to reach that career goal.

Workshops are run throughout the year which cover a range of career related subjects such as job search skills, resume writing, covering letters, addressing selection criteria and interview techniques.

Students are welcome to contact careers staff about any career related question. Contact CQUniversity.

Phone: 13CQUni (13 27 86)
Email:
careers@cqu.edu.au
Website: http://content.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do?page=5564

The Student Association provides a comprehensive online student employment referral service, which is a free service for students seeking casual, part-time or holiday work whilst studying. In some instances the Student Association can also facilitate employment for graduates and professional positions.

Students wishing to register with the student employment referral service or to obtain further information visit
http://association.cqu.edu.au/ or phone +61 7 4930 9656.

Counselling
CQUniversity's counselling services, and/or referrals are available at each campus. Staff can assist CQUniversity students with problems or concerns that are disrupting their personal development or academic progress. All contact is confidential. Counselling by email is also available at
helpme@cqu.edu.au.

Referrals to a wide range of services and agencies can be arranged. As well as individual counselling on personal, health, financial, educational and vocational matters, group programs are offered each term. The dates of these programs are advertised. The service is free and confidential (for more details visit http://content.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do?page=5564).

Campuses have an international student support officer to assist with personal, family and study issues. The International Student Support Officer also assists international students with accommodation, arrival arrangements and orientation.

CQUniversity also provides a chaplaincy service, which aims to give students and staff opportunities in which to pursue their spiritual and personal development. The chaplaincy service offers referral to representatives of various denominations or religions, spiritual guidance and counselling through workshops and groups. Email
chaplain@cqu.edu.au.

Contact CQUniversity:

Phone: 13CQUni (13 27 86)

Email: helpme@cqu.edu.au


Rockhampton International Student Support Officer +61 7 4930 6370
Brisbane International campus +61 7 3295 1188
Gold Coast International campus +61 7 5552 4988
Melbourne International campus +61 3 8662 0555
Sydney International campus +61 2 8295 5854

Equity and Diversity
CQUniversity continues to demonstrate its commitment to student equity through the collaborative and cooperative activities and programs undertaken by tEquity and Diversity practitioners in the Student Support Centre.

Equity and Diversity emphasises the appreciation of difference and the creation of a safe and just environment for study. This is done by:

  • ensuring CQUniversity's policies, procedures and practices reflect the University's commitment to access and equal opportunity for all students;
  • providing timely and professional information on legislation relevant to anti-discrimination;
  • providing advice and information to assist students who may experience difficulties during their course of study;
  • assisting students to expedite the resolution of grievances in an effective and confidential manner;
  • collaborating with teaching staff to ensure inclusive teaching practices.

Students may find they need or would live adive regarding grievances or assistance with understanding University culture and procedures. This service is offered by the Student Support Centre and Student Association.

For first point of contact the University has established a netword of impartial Grievance Contact Officers (GCO's) who can provide information on University policies governing sexual harassment, discrimination and workplace bullying, please contact CQUniversity for a GCO located at one the CQUniversity campuses.


Contact CQUniversity:
Phone: 13CQUni (13 27 86)

Email: equity_enquiries@cqu.edu.au or helpme@cqu.edu.au


Students wishing to use the Student Association's advocacy or representational services should contact the Student Association's Academic, Advocacy and Support Officers servicing the CQUniversity campuses:

Regional campuses
Mackay +61 7 4940 7413 or
mackay-advocacy@cqu.edu.au
Rockhampton / Gladstone / Emerald +61 7 49309161 or association-advocacy@cqu.edu.au
Bundaberg / Noosa Hub +61 7 4150 7013 or bundaberg-advocacy@cqu.edu.au

International campuses:

Brisbane International Campus +61 7 3210 6617 or brisbane-advocacy@cqu.edu.au
Gold Coast International Campus +61 7 5531 3261 or goldcoast-advocacy@cqu.edu.au
Sydney International Undergraduate Campus +61 2 8295 5950 or sydney-advocacy@cqu.edu.au
Sydney International Postgraduate Campus +61 2 9261 3038 or sydney-undergrad@cqu.edu.au
Melbourne International Campus +61 3 9663 2876 or melbourne-advocacy@cqu.edu.au

Distance education students

CQUniversity Student Assocation (CQUSA) freecall number (within Australia) 1800 804 228 - extension (0) or email assocation_advocacy@cqu.edu.au.

To obtain further information about the Student Association's Academic, Advocacy and Support Services visit the Student Association's website
http://association.cqu.edu.au/academic-services/.

Equity Outreach Project Officer

The role of the Equity Outreach Project officer is to develop and implement effective strategies to increase participation of under represented groups in academic programs offered by CQUniversity. This is achieved by working with schools, parent groups and community agencies to facilitate the transition from school to tertiary studies.


Inclusive language
A publication setting out guidelines for the use of inclusive language is available from the CQUniversity policy website, http://policy.cqu.edu.au/ (Guidelines for the use of Inclusive Language - under ‘G'). The intent of this guide is to ensure that students and staff avoid the use of discriminatory language. The use of inclusive language will help students and staff to achieve quality educational outcomes. For more information please contact CQUniversity.

Contact:
Phone: 13CQUni (13 27 86)
Email:
equity-enquiries@cqu.edu.au

Financial assistance
Financial assistance is available to domestic Australian students in a variety of ways. Loans are available through the Special Assistance for Students Scheme for those students whose study may be affected because of financial difficulties.

Eligibility criteria apply to the loan and an application form with supporting documentation must be completed. Loan applications can be made at Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Mackay and Noosa.

Commonwealth Scholarships (CS)

The CS program aims to assist student from low income backgrounds, rural and regional areas and Indigenious students with the costs of higher education.

* Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships (CECS) to assist with general education costs - CECS are indexed annyually and in 2008 were valued at $2162 per year. Scholarships will be paid for up to four years.
* Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS) to assist with accommodation expenses for those from a rural or regional area who must move in order to attend university as an internal student - CAS are indexed annually and in 2008 were valued at $4324. Scholarships will be paid for up to four years.
*Indigenous Access Scholarship (IAS) to assist Indigenous students who are starting a higher education course a the institution for the first time. IAS are provided as a one-in-a-lifetime payment - IAS are indexed annually and in 2008 were valued at $4080.

 

Applications for the Commonwealth Scholarship Program and Institution Equity Merit Scholarships are made online via QTAC at their website http://www.qtac.edu.au/.

 

These scholarships are tax exempt.


Equity Merit Scholarships

Equity Merit Scholarships (EMS) are available to assist continuing students in financial hardship. These scholarships will be administered along the lines of the Commonwealth Scholarships (CS). Applicants must meet the low socio-economic status criterion.

One-off Grants

One-off grants are available to assist students in financial difficulty with an education related expense.


Equity Technology Awards

The aim of the Equity technology Award is to assist students who are experiencing financial hardship purchase technology and course specific technology required to successfully complete an accredited CQUniversity program..

Equity Compulsory Placement Initiative

Students who need to undertake compulsory work placements for longer than two weeks or residential school as part of their academic program, can apply for financial assistance to meet some of the associated costs of the unpaid professional placement. To qualify, applicants must meet the low socio-economic status requirements.

For further information on scholarships or loans, visit CQUnianswers or contact CQUniversity.

Phone: 13CQUni (13 27 86)

Email: equity_enquiries@cqu.edu.au or helpme@cqu.edu.au


Student mentors and leadership program
CQUniversity provides a peer support program for all first-year undergraduate students to assist the transition into university life. All internal students (full-time/part-time) studying at the Sunshine Coast Delivery Site, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Noosa and Rockhampton campuses are linked with experienced student mentors during the first day of the University's orientation program. New students studying externally need to complete an application form and submit by the end of Week One of the term.

Mentors are more experienced students who can help first-year students to access information and services within the University.

Student mentors can help smooth the transition process to university life by providing basic but essential advice regarding studying at CQUniversity. They can assist students with such things as:

  • how to understand lecture timetables and the examination process;
  • how to access the library, computers, and other services provided by CQUniversity;
  • finding their way around university; and
  • how to obtain relevant information about all aspects of university life.


The help received from a mentor can make a significant difference to a student's first year at university.

Involvement in the CQUniversity Student Mentor and Leadership Program is voluntary but the University encourages students to make the most of this student support program during their first year at University. The Student Mentor Program operates from CQUniversity Student Services and the Division of Teaching and Learning Services.

If internal students are unable to attend the University's orientation program but wish to be linked to a student mentor, please contact:
Rockhampton +61 7 4930 9542/+61 7 4930 9456
Bundaberg +61 7 4150 7043/+61 7 4150 7119
Gladstone +61 7 4970 7254
Mackay +61 7 4940 7414
Email:
helpme@cqu.edu.au
Website: http://studentservices.cqu.edu.au/mentoring_intro.html

External students please contact the Division of Teaching and Learning Services on +61 7 4930 9422 or email dtls-enquiries@cqu.edu.au.

e.rolment system support
The Student Service Line (SSL) assists students to obtain the necessary support to complete the e.rolment process online. The SSL is the first point of contact for all students who do not have access to the internet and/or are experiencing problems or difficulties in the course of conducting their online enrolment transactions. The SSL operators are on hand to assist students in stepping through the e.rolment process. Telephone 1300 550 900 (free call within Australia) or email
prerolment@cqu.edu.au.

association-advocacy@cqu.edu.au.

PRINT WARNING - Printed copies of this document or part thereof should not be relied upon as a current reference document. ALWAYS refer to the electronic copy for the latest version.