2. General information

Students should be aware of their rights and obligations while at the University. Essential information on matters such as enrolment, assessment, and special consideration in the event of illness is contained in this Handbook and in the Student Diary which is issued to every student upon enrolment.

2.1. The Faculty of Arts office

The Faculty of Arts office is located on the ground floor of the Old Arts Building (Room 116).

The office coordinates the formal requirements of a student's course and, in particular, provides information to students about degree structures and regulations, either over the counter, via email, or by appointment with one of the course advisers.

Consult the Faculty of Arts office for assistance with:

selection advice
credit for previous studies
subject levels, points, prerequisites and codes
changes to subject enrolment (adding subjects or withdrawing from subjects, overloads)
changes to course enrolment (deferment, leave of absence, discontinuation)
special consideration
re-enrolment and course planning
study abroad opportunities
complementary course enrolment
referral to another section of the University

When making an email enquiry, be sure to fully outline your circumstances, proposed course structure, and any other information related to the nature of your query in detail.

Faculty of Arts
Ground Floor, Old Arts Building
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: + 61 3 8344 5235
Fax: +61 3 9347 0424
Email: arts-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Web: http://www.arts.unimelb.edu.au

2.2. The Handbook

Students are expected to read carefully:

the General information (What are my responsibilities as a student?) section at the front of this Handbook which explains the regulations and services that apply across the University;
the Faculty of Arts introductory section, and in particular the specific course information (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, combined courses, etc.);
the area of study entries, which detail requirements for majors and honours programs, prerequisites, subject descriptions, and other information necessary for course planning.

This Handbook is printed in September each year. However, the most up-to-date version of the Handbook is available on-line at http://www.unimelb.edu.au/HB/.

2.3. The web

Visit the Faculty of Arts web site for the latest course and subject information, arts projects, and links to all arts area of study homepages.

Links to admissions and enrolment information for undergraduate students provide information to complement the course requirements outlined in the Handbook.

To log on to our web site from the University home page, select Arts from the Quick Find: Faculties and Schools menu, or go directly to http://www.arts.unimelb.edu.au/.

2.4. Student support schemes

The Faculty of Arts runs a number of programs which are designed to help students with their transition to university studies. These programs are aimed at reducing some of the problems typically experienced by first year students, for example adapting to different methods of teaching and learning; making connections with fellow students and staff; and knowing where to go to for help in relation to both study and other matters.

2.4.1. Study group program

The faculty ran a pilot study group program in 2001 where students attended several introductory lectures that provided information on new skills for successful university study. Students were allocated to small study groups which met weekly during Semester 1. The purpose of the study groups was to provide a forum for discussion of things that arise in lectures, tutorials, essays and exams. The faculty is working towards making this program available to all student in the next few years.

2.4.2. Tutorials in arts

All new tutors in the Faculty are fully briefed on the kinds of difficulties faced by new students. The faculty's Tutor Induction Program ensures that front-line teaching staff have up-to-date information on identifying students 'at risk' and on the referral services available within the University.

2.4.3. Students at risk program

The student at risk program aims to assist first year students who have failed half or more of their enrolment in their first semester of study. Students are asked to meet with a course adviser to discuss their situation and to work out strategies to help improve their academic performance.

2.4.4. Disability liaison office

The faculty employs a course adviser who specialises in assisting students with disabilities: the Faculty Disability Contact Officer. This adviser works with the student, the University Disability Liaison Unit and teaching staff to assist students with their special requirements.

2.4.5. Transition web site

The University's transition web site is an excellent resource for new students with practical information on all kinds issues relating to starting out as a student at the University. The web site address is http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/sss/transition/index.html.

2.5. Guidelines for the award of grades

To promote fairness and consistency in grading across all arts departments, the Faculty of Arts has a faculty-wide scale for the award of grades at each year level.

In the awarding of grades in any department, the average of all marks between 50 per cent and 100 per cent should be:

70 per cent for the first year cohort
72 per cent for the second year cohort
74 per cent for the third year cohort

A year cohort is the term used for all students at a particular year level within the one discipline or department.

The University's standard grading system for subjects is detailed on Subject grades and marks of this Handbook.

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