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1. What are my responsibilities as a student?
1.1. Privacy legislation
1.1.1. What we collect and why
1.1.2. Accuracy, security and storage of information
1.1.3. Disclosure of information
1.1.4. Access to personal information
1.1.5. University Privacy Officer/Privacy Policy
1.1.6. Questions
2. Student Grievances Policy
2.1. Preamble
2.2. Principles
2.3. Types of student grievances
2.3.1. Academic grievances
2.3.2. Administrative grievances
2.3.3. Discrimination, equity and harassment
2.4. Grounds for complaint or appeal
2.5. Procedures for the handling and resolution of academic and administrative complaints and grievances
2.5.1. Informal approach
2.5.2. Stage 1
2.5.3. Stage 2
2.5.4. Stage 3
2.5.5. Withdrawal of grievances
2.6. Indicative timelines for resolution of grievances
2.7. Information and contacts
3. Who can help me find out...?
4. Intellectual property
5. University Policy on Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
6. Melbourne undergraduate scholarships
7. Semester dates 2005 - 19 February 2006
8. Enrolment
9. Summer Semester enrolment
10. Credit for previous study
11. Additional subjects
12. Community Access Program (for enrolled students)
13. Changes to subjects/courses
14. Booklists and timetables
15. Workloads
16. Attendance at lectures
17. Assessment
17.1. Subject grades and marks
18. Cross-institutional enrolments (complementary courses)
19. Additional general studies of importance
19.1. Diploma in Arts
19.2. Diploma in Creative Arts
19.3. Diploma in Information Systems
19.4. Diploma in Modern Languages
19.5. Diploma in Music (Practical)
20. Studying at an overseas university as part of an exchange program
21. Course planning/re-enrolment
22. Subject descriptions
23. Taking time from study
24. Cancellation of enrolment
25. What do I do if things start going wrong?
26. Special consideration
27. Study skills
28. English language assistance
29. Student support services
30. Supplementary assessment
31. Unsatisfactory progress
32. Student Contributions and Commonwealth Supported Places
33. Important information for international students
34. Amenities and services fee
35. Late enrolment fee and termination of enrolment
36. Fees
36.1. Fees refund policy
37. Financial assistance
38. Youth Allowance workload requirements
39. Course and subject changes
40. Transferring to another course
The University is obliged to ensure that the information students need to plan their courses is accurate, timely and generally available. Much of this information is provided through this University Handbook, the Student Diary which is provided upon enrolment, and the Student Information System. In turn, students have responsibilities that include the following:
to be well informed about courses and course requirements;
to plan a course which satisfies course requirements;
to attend all set classes;
to be aware of rights and obligations - see the Student Diary for the most comprehensive coverage;
to abide by the University's rules and regulations.
The University of Melbourne has a statutory obligation to comply with the Information Privacy Act 2000 and the Health Records Act 2001 in its treatment of personal and health information regarding students.
The University collects information about a student for a number of purposes. The main purposes are to enable proper administration of an individual's course of study and to assist the University to organise programs for the health and welfare of students. Information is also collected under Commonwealth or State Government legislation for the purposes of reporting annually to these governments and for the administration of, but not limited to, the following schemes: the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, the Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme, the Bridging Courses for Overseas Trained Professionals Loans Scheme and the Youth Allowance (Austudy and Abstudy). Information may also be collected to facilitate internal planning.
The University holds personal information on computer and paper based records. It takes all reasonable steps to ensure that the information it holds is accurate and complete and that it is protected from misuse, loss, unauthorised access or disclosure.
Information concerning enrolled students is maintained by the Student Administration and Systems Department in the University's Academic Services Division. The University will not disclose personal information about you without your permission or unless permitted or required by law.
Examples of instances when personal information about you may be disclosed are:
informing Centrelink of your enrolment details if you are in receipt of payments;
releasing statistical information to the Department of Education, Science and Training;
releasing statistical information to the Office of Training and Tertiary Education;
informing the Australian Taxation Office of your taxation liabilities;
assisting the police with personal information about you if you are alleged to have been involved in a criminal offence;
releasing your academic details to another tertiary institution or tertiary admission centre if you apply to transfer studies;
publishing the names of graduates.
Access to and correction of your information are handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Data obtained via the Enrolment Questionnaire that is reported to the Commonwealth Government can be viewed (and, if necessary, corrected) at http://sis.unimelb.edu.au.
The University's Privacy Officer is the University Secretary, Mr Len Currie. The Privacy Officer's website contains the University's Privacy Policy and provides detailed information about the contact details, complaints procedures and other aspects of the University's privacy regime.
If you have an enquiry about your privacy rights in relation to the collection of information from students, please contact the University's Privacy Officer.
The University is committed to providing students with an education of the highest possible quality. However, from time to time, students may raise concerns, complaints or grievances about matters or issues relating to their experiences at the University.
The Student Grievances Policy outlines transparent, fair and timely procedures for addressing complaints and grievances. These procedures will be conducted in accordance with principles of natural justice and all parties will be treated equally and fairly.
The student grievance resolution procedures of the University are based on the following principles:
That the procedures used to review and resolve complaints are fair and must be seen to be fair;
Confidentiality will be respected for all parties, unless the use of the information is authorised by law;
That staff involved in resolving complaints will apply rules of natural justice and conclusions will be based on a fair hearing of each point of view;
There will be no reprisals or any disadvantage arising as a result of a student making a complaint in good faith;
That complaints are processed in a timely manner with achievable deadlines specified for each stage in the resolution of a complaint;
Any student who makes a complaint and any staff member on whom the complaint has a direct impact, is regularly informed of the progress of the matter;
Where the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome proposed by the decision-maker, the student may access appropriate external or higher bodies which may rule on such resolutions and the processes used to arrive at the resolution.
These are usually complaints or appeals against academic decisions. They include:
Academic progress decisions;
Assessment matters;
A decision of a member of academic staff that affects an individual or groups of students;
Selection or admission decisions;
Content or structure of academic programs, nature of teaching, or assessment;
Supervision issues for research degree students;
Issues relating to authorship and intellectual property.
These include decisions and actions related to administrative or academic services. They include:
Administration of policies, procedures and rules by central administrative and student support groups, faculties and departments;
A decision by an administrative staff member that affects an individual or groups of students;
Access to resources and facilities.
Discrimination on the grounds of gender, race or disability;
Sexual harassment;
Bullying.
The following procedures apply to the grievances described in Academic grievances and Administrative grievances. Grievances of type Discrimination, equity and harassment will be dealt with independently of the following processes in accordance with the documented anti-discrimination policies and procedures of the University. Details of these processes are found on the University's website at: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/ppp/docs/21.html#21.2.
Improper, irregular or negligent conduct by the person involved.
Discrimination, prejudice or bias.
Failure to adhere to appropriate or relevant published University policies and procedures.
The decision was made without sufficient consideration to facts, evidence or circumstances of specific relevance to the student.
A penalty, where applied, was too harsh.
When a student has a complaint or a grievance about any of the matters listed in Academic grievances or Administrative grievances. above, he or she should first discuss the matter with the person concerned. If the student is anxious about raising the matter with this person, then he or she should discuss it with the Head of the relevant department or administrative unit or with the Associate Dean or General Manager of the relevant faculty. Problems about a decision of a committee may be raised if appropriate with the Chair of the committee.
The University expects that in most, if not all, cases the discussion of the concern or complaint with the relevant staff member will result in a prompt resolution of the matter which both parties will find acceptable.
If this informal approach to dealing with the student's concerns does not lead to satisfactory resolution then the student should pursue the more formal process for resolution of the matter consisting of the stages described below.
Having first attempted resolution of the grievance though the informal processes, the student who believes that their grievance has not been adequately addressed should then seek information and advice from the central support services of the University or from the services provided for students by the appropriate student associations. Contact details for appropriate staff are provided in Indicative timelines for resolution of grievances below.
Having taken this advice the student may then decide to:
Take no further action, or
Make a formal complaint.
If the student decides to make a formal complaint, they must make it in writing to the Head of the Department or the Dean of the Faculty or the Administrative Manager, as appropriate to the particular complaint. In most cases this will be the Head of the Department but if that person is the subject of the compliant or has a conflict of interest in the case, then the next most senior staff member must be approached. This may be the Dean of the Faculty or the Head of the Administrative Division.
The staff member investigating the grievance will acknowledge receipt of the written complaint in writing within 5 working days from lodgment and indicate when a resolution of the matter can be expected.
The staff member will independently review the complaint and attempt to find a resolution of the problem.
If the complaint is found to be frivolous or vexatious or no grounds or evidence can be found for the complaint, the staff member will not offer any resolution of the grievance.
The staff member investigating the complaint must keep formal records of the actions taken and notify the student in writing of the outcome of Stage 2 of the grievance process and document the reasons that resolution was or was not achieved, as the case may be.
If after Stage 2 of the process the student still does not believe that the grievance has been adequately resolved, then they may appeal to the Academic Board for resolution of the matter. Statute 4.1.2(2)b of the Academic Board states that the Academic Board acts as a final appeal body in all matters relating to students and their grievances against decisions made by University bodies or by individual officers and relating to persons who have ceased to be students because of decisions complained of. However, the Academic Board cannot consider grievances that are related to decisions based solely on academic judgment, or relating to student discipline, for which separate procedures are documented in Statute 13.1- Student Discipline.
The student will submit a written case for appeal to the Secretary of the Academic Board within 20 working days of the date of notification of the outcome of Stage 2 of the grievance process, citing the grounds on which the appeal is based.
The Secretary of the Board will acknowledge receipt of the notice of appeal within 5 working days of lodgment.
The President of the Academic Board will appoint an Academic Board Officer to convene an appeals committee to hear the case, ensuring that the persons chosen have had no prior involvement in the grievance in any of the earlier stages, or in informal discussions with the student about the matter.
The Academic Board Officer will ensure that the Appeals Committee meets within 15 days of nomination, that it investigates the case fully and that it acts according to natural justice and equity principles.
The student lodging the grievance will be given the opportunity of appearing before the Academic Board Appeals Committee to present his or her case, as will the person against which the grievance is made.
The Academic Board Appeals Committee may endorse the Stage 2 findings in relation to the grievance; determine an alternative resolution; and may initiate an internal review of procedures relating to the academic or administrative subject of the grievance.
The Secretary of the Academic Board will confirm the decision of the Board Appeals Committee in writing to the student within 5 working days of the decision being made and will document the outcome of the considerations of the Committee and the reasons for the decision and forward that advice to the Academic Board for confirmation.
The decision of the Academic Board shall be final.
A student may withdraw a complaint at any time during the grievance resolution process and in this case the grievance will be concluded and deemed to be resolved. If the original complaint was made in writing then the withdrawal must also be in writing to the relevant person depending at which of the above stages the withdrawal is effected.
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Students who are concerned about an issue covered by these procedures are advised to seek assistance from one or more of the following:
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Faculty offices carry out the general academic administration of the University. You plan your course, enrol in subjects, change your subjects, change your address, talk to an adviser etc. at a faculty office.
Academic departments grouped within the faculties carry out the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Departments offer the subjects you study, organise lectures, practical classes and tutorials, and conduct your assessment.
The Student Administration Office collects your fees, issues student cards, organises examinations and notifies you of your results.
In general, students of the University of Melbourne retain ownership of intellectual property they create while enrolled. There are exceptions in cases where, for example, the student and the University may have an employer/employee relationship.
The general law governs student ownership rights in relation to intellectual property (IP). The creator of an original work as defined by the Copyright Act 1968 (includes the rights relating to literary, including computer programs, dramatic, musical or artistic works) owns the work and all the rights which attach to it, unless (in most cases) the work was created as part of an employment relationship. In relation to other intellectual property, such as inventions and designs, if the creators wish to protect their rights they must take action to register their rights in some way, for example by taking out a patent or registering a design.
The University's policy requires that students who are working on a project where the intellectual property rights that come out of the project have been contractually assigned to a third party, such as a commercial partner, must be made aware of the rights of the third party before agreeing to work on the project. The students' consent to work on the project must be informed. See http://www.unimelb.edu.au/compliance/5.html#5.1.
Excellence in teaching and learning can best be achieved in an intellectual environment where academic integrity is highly valued and rigorously upheld. The University does not tolerate cheating by students in any form.
University policy on Academic Honesty and Plagiarism is based on two elements:
1. Education and awareness-raising about why academic integrity is important and how students may ensure that their work is their own. The website for the University of Melbourne's Policy on Academic Honesty and Plagiarism is http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/plagiarism/policy.html.
2. A policy that work submitted for assessment purposes must be the independent work of the student concerned (or, where joint work is permitted, of the students concerned). This position reflects the rules made by University Council under Regulation 12.2.10.R1 - provided for under Statute 12.2.10 - Assessment, and Statute 13.1 - Student Discipline, which prescribe the conduct and discipline of students in relation to both supervised and unsupervised components of assessment.
The University is implementing plagiarism detection software. Student work submitted for assessment may be scanned using this software.
The Melbourne Scholarships Program is nationally recognised as a highly innovative and comprehensive scheme which is designed to attract outstanding national and international students to the University.
The Program places a special emphasis on assisting Indigenous Australians and students from a broad range of equity groups to enter the University.
Melbourne Abroad Scholarships are available to support currently enrolled students who wish to study overseas. Melbourne Honours Scholarships reward high-achieving students undertaking an honours year. They are available to currently enrolled students and students entering the university at honours level.
Melbourne Scholarships for school leavers:
Melbourne National Scholarships
National Medicine Scholarships
Melbourne Access Scholarships
Commonwealth Learning Scholarships
Melbourne Scholarships for currently enrolled students:
Melbourne Abroad Scholarships
Melbourne Honours Scholarships
Commonwealth Learning Scholarships
Melbourne Scholarships for international students:
International Undergraduate Scholarships
For further information contact:
Melbourne Scholarships Office (Undergraduate)
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
ugrad@scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships
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Some faculties operate different academic year dates. Where applicable, these will be published on notice boards.
Enrolment for new students takes place before the academic year starts in February. The letter offering you a place at the University will specify the date by which you must enrol and where to go to enrol. The first day of new student enrolments is referred to as Welcome Day. In 2005 Welcome Day is Monday 24 January. The purpose of Welcome Day is to:
welcome new students to the University;
provide information on course structures;
let students experience lectures, find their way around etc.;
give students the opportunity to think seriously about what studies they want to undertake in the coming year.
While some students may complete their enrolment during Welcome Day (fixed courses) a majority of students make an appointment to return to the University on another day to discuss their subject options with a course adviser prior to finally enrolling. Contact your faculty office if you have any questions about enrolment procedures.
If you are offered mid-year entry into a course, you will be provided with course advice before you are required to complete your enrolment. You will also be offered a special mid-year entry orientation program.
Continuing students receive advice on when to enrol in December. You will not be required to come on to campus to re-enrol.
You can complete study towards your degree by undertaking subjects in Summer Semester. By completing subjects during Summer Semester you may be able to either complete your degree earlier than expected or repeat failed subjects and resume a standard course structure.
Consult your faculty office about Summer Semester enrolment and the availability of subjects. Low demand by students or the lack of availability of teaching staff may result in some subjects being withdrawn.
Your Summer Semester enrolment is normally on a fee basis although subjects available only in Summer Semester can be undertaken on a HECS basis by HECS-liable students.
Credit for studies already completed at tertiary level may be granted if any of your previous studies are:
comparable in content;
equivalent in standard; and
suitable to be included as part of your University of Melbourne course.
In some courses you may qualify for credit for experience relevant to a course.
Faculties specify the maximum credit allowable, but will always try to give eligible students maximum credit for previous relevant study. Each faculty publishes faculty credit guidelines and will ensure that credit is awarded at the time of enrolment.
Contact your faculty for further advice.
With the approval of your faculty you may enrol in subjects that are additional to, and credited towards your course of study. Completion of additional subjects may mean that you complete more than the minimum requirements for your degree or diploma. If your 'above-load' subjects are approved by your faculty as contributing towards your award course, then your Student Contribution amount will increase (if a commonwealth supported student), or incur additional fees or increase in your FEE-HELP liability (if a fee-paying student) for each additional subject you undertake. There are strict timeframes for addition of subjects. See also Community Access Program (below).
If you would like to take a subject that is not available within your degree course, it may be possible to take that subject through the University's Community Access Program (CAP). An up-front fee, based upon the relative weight of the subject, will be charged for CAP enrolment. Most undergraduate and some postgraduate subjects are available through the Program. You can take the subject as either an assessed (ie. complete all assessment and have the subject appear on your academic transcript) or non-assessed (attend lectures only) subject. However, those with a significant practical component (such as languages or laboratory-based subjects) are only available as assessed subjects. You will require the approval of your faculty to undertake subjects through this program in addition to normal degree requirements.
For advice and application forms contact the relevant faculty/ies. Application forms can also be obtained from the Information Centre on Swanston Street.
The University may suspend or change the details of any subject. Subjects may be suspended if enrolments are low (less than 16 students), or if teaching staff become unavailable. The content, assessment, timetables, lecturers and coordinators of subjects may change from the details appearing in this Handbook or in other University publications, and in some cases it may not be practicable to offer particular subjects, streams within a course, or a course itself. You should note that if it becomes necessary to change any of these details, the changes will be notified by announcements on official notice boards as soon as practicable. If a subject in which you are enrolled is cancelled or it becomes necessary to teach it in another semester, you will be permitted to enrol in a replacement subject (subject to available quota places, if applicable). The changes will be incorporated in the version of this Handbook appearing on the web at http://www.unimelb.edu.au/HB/.
Faculties and departments may indicate prescribed reading for particular subjects in this Handbook. However, you will be given a more comprehensive booklist for each subject at the beginning of teaching in the subject. It is recommended that you do not purchase books until you receive advice from lecturing staff in the departments.
The timetable for the Parkville campus will appear on the web at http://sis.unimelb.edu.au/. Subject timetables may also be available from some faculty offices and relevant departments, during Orientation Week.
If you have any enquiries about booklists or timetables, you should contact the relevant department or faculty.
The workload of many undergraduate courses is represented using a points system. The normal maximum workload allowed for each year of a course is 100 points.
Where this system applies, each subject has a points value which reflects the overall study time a student is expected to apportion to that subject. Overall study time includes class contact time of all kinds and private study time. As class time varies between different subjects and subject areas, there is no simple relationship between points values for subjects, and the number of hours involved in class contact or independent study.
You should check the relevant faculty course entry information in this Handbook for workload details which apply to studies of interest to you. If you are a full-time student, you should make sure that the subjects you have chosen to do for a particular year level add up to not less than 100 points.
Once you have enrolled you are expected to attend all classes (lectures, tutorials, practical work etc.) and submit all set assignments. If you do not meet these conditions, you may be excluded from examinations in the subject concerned.
It is important, therefore, to keep informed of the requirements of each subject you undertake. Make sure that you obtain all programs, instructions and guidelines issued by staff.
How your work is assessed depends on the course and subjects you are taking. Generally, assessment is made on the basis of assignments, essays, tutorial work and practical work. There may also be formal written examinations at the end of each semester or at the end of the academic year.
Methods of assessment in individual subjects are included in the subject descriptions provided by faculties later in this Handbook. At the end of each semester, your final results will be made available through:
Student Information System (SIS) at https://sis.unimelb.edu.au/
Student Infoline (Interactive Voice Response System), telephone +61 3 9933 9480
You should note that results statements are not mailed out at the end of each semester, except to those students who complete their course. If you require a printed official Academic Transcript, you may purchase one at cost at Student Administration.
There is a standard grading system for all subjects studied at the University. These are the grades and corresponding ranges of marks:
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Students who wish to take a subject only offered at another university (for example, Spanish which is only offered at La Trobe University) may be able to enrol in their chosen subject on a complementary course basis. You can find out more about cross-institutional enrolments from your faculty office.
Applications for the following concurrent diplomas can only be made after an offer of a place in a course at the University has been made.
If you wish to undertake study in one area of the humanities or social sciences, but do not wish to complete a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree, you may apply to take a Diploma in Arts. To be eligible to apply for the diploma, you need to have been admitted to a degree course at the University of Melbourne. The concurrent Diploma in Arts can not be taken on its own; it must be taken in conjunction with a bachelors degree. The diploma normally consists of a three-year sequence in an approved arts area of study and adds one year to the duration of your degree course. Psychology, languages and planning and design are not available in the diploma. The diploma may only be awarded on the successful completion of your bachelors degree course.
More information on the Diploma in Arts can be obtained from the Faculty of Arts Office, see also the Diploma in Arts section of this Handbook.
If you wish to undertake studies in one of the areas of creative writing, media arts and multimedia, theatre studies or visual arts, without completing the full Bachelor of Creative Arts degree, you may apply to take a Diploma in Creative Arts. The Diploma in Creative Arts is only available to students admitted to a degree course at the University of Melbourne. The concurrent Diploma in Creative Arts cannot be taken on its own; it must be undertaken in conjunction with a bachelors degree.
The diploma course normally consists of a three-year sequence in the chosen area of study and adds one year to the duration of your degree course. Students are required to complete 100 points for the diploma, comprising two 12.5 point one-semester subjects in the first year (25 points), two 12.5 point one-semester subjects in the second year (25 points), and four 12.5 point one-semester subjects in the third year (50 points). The diploma can only be awarded on completion of your bachelors degree course.
Applications should be made directly to the School of Creative Arts by the first Friday in February of each year. Selection will be based on academic merit. International students who have been offered a place at the University of Melbourne and who wish to undertake the diploma should contact the School as soon as possible after the offer of a place has been made.
The Diploma in Information Systems is designed to provide a core of information systems skills to graduates in other disciplines. The concurrent Diploma in Information Systems is to be undertaken in conjunction with a degree in some other discipline in the University.
The diploma requires students to complete eight core technical subjects from the existing Bachelor of Information Systems course, including programming, database concepts and telecommunications. Students must gain a pass in subjects totalling 100 points.
For further information, please see Diploma in Information Systems in this Handbook.
As part of the University's commitment to the study of languages, the Faculty of Arts offers a concurrent Diploma in Modern Languages to students wishing to study a language together with an undergraduate degree course. Students complete a three-year study of a language in a sequence approved by their home faculty and the relevant language department. The diploma will normally add one year to the duration of the student's main degree.
More information on the Diploma in Modern Languages can be obtained from the Faculty of Arts Office, see also the Diploma in Modern Languages section of this Handbook.
If you have already had musical training and wish to continue that training while pursuing a degree in another area you can now undertake the Diploma in Music (Practical). The diploma adds one year to the total duration of your main degree course and can only be awarded on the successful completion of your main degree.
The course comprises a three-year sequence of study in music, alongside your existing degree studies. At the conclusion of the course, you should have acquired practical abilities that compare with the end of the second year of the Bachelor of Music course and have a basic understanding of the historical and theoretical knowledge that forms part of advanced musical training.
Selection into the Diploma of Music (Practical) will be based on your performance in a 20-minute audition on your practical instrument and a one-hour musicianship test.
For further information, see Diploma in Music (Practical).
As part of its commitment to internationalisation, the University encourages its students to undertake studies at selected international universities. To foster overseas study the University has established Melbourne Abroad Scholarships which are available to enrolled students of the University.
You may be interested in participating in one of the many exchange programs with overseas universities organised by the University's International Centre. The University of Melbourne has exchange agreements with institutions in the USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, Sweden and many other countries. Exchanges can be arranged for single degree and combined course students, for one or two semesters. You are able to apply in both the second or third year level of your course. You must act early as applications are normally required two semesters before you intend to go on exchange.
You will normally receive credit (up to 100 points or one full year) for the study you do on exchange. This means that in most cases you can still complete your degree in the normal time.
In some cases you can receive credit for studies taken at a university overseas with which the University does not have a formal exchange agreement.
You must negotiate a credit agreement with your faculty office before commencing your studies at the host university. You will need full details of the subjects you will take overseas (assessment, subject content and contact hours), and details of the university at which you wish to study.
If you are interested in applying for an exchange program, you should make an appointment at your faculty office to speak with the student adviser responsible for exchange students. You can also get information and application forms from the International Centre which is located in the John Smyth Building off Swanston Street.
Each year students must confirm their intention to continue study the following year by re-enrolling in their course. Failure to re-enrol within the re-enrolment period may result in a late enrolment fine, and the student may lose his or her place in the course, and have the enrolment terminated.
Re-enrolment usually occurs in October/November, and students will be notified of the exact timeframes, and details will also appear on the SIS. The re-enrolment process usually involves course planning or subject selection. Some courses have a prescribed course and may not require individual subject selection to occur; for example some medicine courses and most of the Higher Degree Research courses. Where this is the case, the Faculty may automatically arrange to update the students course detail, and students will be advised of this prior to the re-enrolment period. Where a student does not pass all subjects expected, the course plan may be altered at a later date. If you fail a subject or need to alter your course plan, you should contact your Faculty office for advice.
Before you enrol, it is strongly suggested that you examine carefully the course information in this Handbook so that you are familiar with the course structures and subjects in which you are interested.
The subject descriptions in this Handbook contain the following details:
These represent the value of subjects as a part of a normal full-time year of a course. They also indicate the proportion of your study time that you should allocate to the subject.
Formerly known as HECS bands, and for the purposes of Student Contribution calculation, subjects are divided into four bands. The amount of Student Contribution you pay depends on the band and the weight of a subject within a course. The subject areas within each band are:
Band 1 - Arts, Humanities, Social Studies, Behavioural Sciences, Visual/Performing Arts, Foreign Languages, Justice and Legal Studies
Band 2 - Accounting, Administration, Business, Economics, Commerce, Mathematics, Statistics, Computing, Built Environment/Architecture, other Health Sciences, Engineering/Processing, Sciences, Surveying, Agriculture/Renewable Resources
Band 3 - Law, Medicine, Medical Science, Dentistry, Dental Services and Veterinary Science
Band 4- National Priorities - Education, Nursing
For example, a student commences a Bachelor of Arts course in 2005. In first year, eight subjects comprise a standard full-time load. The student enrols in five Arts subjects, and three science subjects.
Therefore, the Student Contribution amount for 2005 would be calculated as follows: 5/8 x Band 1 rate (the Arts band) + 3/8 Band 2 rate (the Science band).
Your Student Contribution amount is based on the subjects you study, not the course.
The formal classes per week expressed as one or more lectures, tutorials, seminars or laboratory hours. Alternatively, contact may be shown as the total contact hours for the subject.
The teaching period(s) in which the subject is taught. The following descriptors are used:
Year long - The subject is available once only and is taught over the full academic year;
Semester 1 - The subject is available once only in Semester 1;
Semester 2 - The subject is available once only in Semester 2;
Summer - The subject is available in Summer Semester;
Semester 1, repeat 2 - The subject is available in Semester 1 and is repeated in Semester 2;
Semester 1, repeat Summer - The subject is available in Semester 1 and is repeated in Summer Semester;
Semester 2, repeat Summer - The subject is available in Semester 2 and is repeated in Summer Semester;
Semester 1, repeat 2, Summer - The subject is available in Semester 1, is repeated in Semester 2 and again in Summer Semester.
Census Date for a unit of study is the date by which you must:
Submit your completed Request for Commonwealth Support and HECS-HELP form, or FEE-HELP form; and
Finalise the arrangements for the payment of your student contribution
Finalise your enrolment - no further changes or withdrawal after census date (withdrawal after this date incurs full financial liability).
The census date for standard semester 1 and semester 2 are:
31 March; and
31 August respectively.
The census date for subjects in which you are enrolled will appear on your Enrolment Record. For every subject offered by the University, the census date will be published at https://fee.acs.unimelb.edu.au/index.aspx. If a census date is not a business day, then you must complete your subject withdrawal and lodgement of your HELP forms, or payment of student contribution, by the last working day prior to census date.
The member of academic staff who, at the time of publication, is expected to manage the teaching and assessment in the subject. The staff member listed is the person to whom you should direct your queries about the subject.
Subjects which you must pass or have credited to your course before you are eligible to enrol in this subject.
It is possible to defer commencing a course until the following year. However, you must apply in writing to your faculty prior to the date set for enrolment. Deferment may not be granted for students intending to undertake tertiary studies elsewhere.
Leave of absence from your studies can be sought in the event of health, financial and personal difficulties, or for other good reasons. Faculties normally grant up to 12 months leave if a student has good reason to be absent from studies and if academic performance is of a standard sufficient to warrant a place in the course being reserved.
Leave is granted on the condition that students undertake to inform the faculty office of their intentions to resume their course one month before the end of the period of leave (eg: if leave was granted for Semester 2, you must contact the faculty one month before the end of Semester 2). Failure to do this is interpreted as termination of the course. For more information, you should read your faculty entry or contact your faculty office.
Your enrolment will be cancelled if you have not re-enrolled or have not been granted an extension of deferment/leave of absence by the end of the re-enrolment period.
If your enrolment is cancelled, you must then re-apply to the relevant faculty and be considered for selection into courses in competition with other students who are applying at that time. There is no guarantee of re-selection in such circumstance, nor of the type of place offered, for example if no Commonwealth supported places are available, you may be offered a fee-paying place if available.
If you are in any doubt then you should contact your faculty office.
Ask for help.
Many students have difficulty in one or more subjects for a variety of reasons. If you find yourself in trouble it may be helpful to discuss your problem with a student adviser at your faculty office. You should always feel free to ask for assistance with any problem affecting your study.
If a situation beyond your control is affecting your studies, you should apply for 'special consideration'. The reasons for applying for special consideration are many. If you are not sure whether you should apply, please consult your faculty office.
Special consideration is not given for timetable clashes in lectures, seminars, tutorials or other work. You must ensure that there are no timetable clashes when you plan your subjects at the beginning of each year.
If you apply for special consideration the details of your situation will be regarded in strictest confidence. Your subject coordinators, however, will be informed of your situation so that they are able to take this into account in the processing of your final result. You may be granted an extension for a piece of assessment, allowed to resit an exam, excused from a component of assessment or given other consideration as appropriate. On the other hand, there may be no action taken.
Application forms for special consideration (and guidelines), are available at http://www.studentadmin.unimelb.edu.au/exams/specconsid.pdf. You should submit an online application if possible, and no later than three days after the relevant piece of assessment (including an examination) is due.
Some students need extra help with their studies. Often difficulties are associated with study methods and techniques, or keeping up with assignments, writing essays, managing time and coping with exam nerves. The Learning Skills Centre at 723 Swanston Street, Carlton (telephone 8344 0930), can help students with these and any other study-related problems. You can drop in for a chat, make an appointment for an individual consultation, or meet with groups of students with similar problems. All consultations are free and confidential.
The Language and Learning Skills Unit (L&LSU) offers local and international students from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) assistance with developing their academic English language skills. L&LSU offers two main types of language assistance - the Free Individual Tutorial scheme, and free academic short courses and workshops for undergraduate and postgraduate students who wish to improve their academic performance in all disciplines. The Department of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics within the School of Languages offers a number of credit subjects in ESL and Communication Skills. See the individual entries in this Handbook for details.
The University of Melbourne delivers a wide range of services which aim to provide all students with the best possible opportunities for enjoying and exploring the many different aspects of university life. Services offered through the central University, faculties and student associations at various campuses include health and counselling, sports and recreation, child-care, equity programs, financial, housing and employment support, careers advice, computing services, student societies, legal services and many others. Further information about the complete range of services available and how to access them is provided to students at enrolment. If you need further information before enrolment, contact Student Support Services on 8344 6550, or the Student Union Contact Office on 8344 6546.
There are some situations where students who have not passed or otherwise satisfied subject examiners may be offered supplementary assessment. This assessment is usually in the form of a written examination held in July for Semester 1 assessment and in February of the following year for Semester 2 assessment (although it may be organised at any time of the year).
Supplementary assessment is only available to students who have been deemed eligible for special consideration, unless a faculty has published details of other grounds on which it may be available.
'Unsatisfactory progress' is a term used to describe performance which is not up to the academic standard determined by the faculty.
Students whose results are not up to a required academic standard, may receive a letter requesting them to appear before a Faculty Progress Committee to discuss their results and any problems that may have affected results. The focus of the Progress Committee is positive. Its main concern is to look at the options available to enable a student to progress at a satisfactory rate. However, in some circumstances, faculties may recommend to the Academic Board that a student's enrolment be terminated because of poor academic progress.
Some faculties also offer what they call a Student At Risk Program in Semester 1, in which students' results are monitored so that any student considered at risk of failing may be given extra assistance. If you are having trouble or are concerned with your progress, please make an appointment to see a student adviser in your faculty office.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (formerly known as a HECS place), is a higher education place for which the Commonwealth makes a contribution towards the cost of your education. The amount you are required to pay is known as the Student Contribution. Each year the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs publishes the "Information for Commonwealth Supported Students" booklet. On enrolment you will be given a copy of this booklet and it is important you familiarise yourself with the information it contains, or you can download the booklet from the internet at www.goingtouni.gov.au.
Your Student Contribution amounts are calculated on your study load per semester. If you undertake more or less than a full-time study load, you will be charged the proportionate student contribution. Exemption Scholarships may be available for some students in undergraduate courses.
If your enrolment in a subject is on the basis of a Commonwealth Supported Place, you will be charged a student contribution for enrolment in that subject at the subject Census Date in each semester. Census dates may vary from subject to subject, but most semester-based subjects will have census date of 31st March (Semester 1) and 31st August (Semester 2). Before each Census Date you will receive a statement of your enrolment from the Student Administration office, or you can check your Statement of Liability on the SIS to check the Census Dates. You MUST check this statement and make sure that the details it contains are correct. The semester statement is used to calculate your Student Contribution liability for the semester. If you fail to correct errors in this statement, it is possible that you will be charged more for your studies than you should. After the Census Date you will receive a Commonwealth Assistance Notice showing the current semester's enrolment and your Student Contribution payment or debt.
If you are an Australian citizen you can pay your Student Contribution up-front at enrolment/re-enrolment by the subject Census date, with a 20 per cent discount. Or, if you supply the University with your tax file number by the Census Date, you can defer your payment through the taxation system until you join the workforce and earn above a set taxable income.
If you are a permanent resident or New Zealand citizen and are unsure about your eligibility, please refer to the "Information for Commonwealth Supported Sudents 2005" booklet available on the Commonwealth Government website www.goingtouni.gov.au
If you have any questions about Student Contribution liability and payment you should direct them to the Student Administration Office, First Floor, Raymond Priestley Building or via email at: HECS@studentadmin.unimelb.edu.au. More information is available at http://www.studentadmin.unimelb.edu.au/hecs/index.html or at www.goingtouni.gov.au.
Student Financial Aid, Ground Floor, Baldwin Spencer Building, can also provide you with information and advice about the different ways to pay your Student Contribution.
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) made several amendments and adjustments to student visa conditions with effect from 1 July 2001. It is very important that all international students take note of the changes. It is your responsibility to make sure you understand the changes and seek clarification from the International Student Support Unit or your faculty office if you have any queries.
Notification of change of contact details
As the holder of an international student visa you must notify the University within seven days of any changes to your Australian residential address and telephone number.
Meet course requirements
As an international student visa holder, DIMA requires that you maintain a full time enrolment of at least 75% study load in each semester of your course and achieve satisfactory academic progress. The University is required to report continuing poor academic progress to DIMA. If you are reported to DIMA for non-attendance or unsatisfactory progress, you will be issued with a written notice requiring you to report to DIMA within 28 days. Failure to report will result in cancellation of your visa.
If you fail more than 50% of the subjects in two successive semesters, we must report you to DIMA.
As a research student, if you receive an unsatisfactory supervisor's report in two successive semesters we must report you to DIMA.
If you are a course work student, you are not allowed to repeat any failed subject more than once. DIMA will not permit you to continue if you fail a core subject twice.
As an international student, DIMA will not permit you to extend the length of your course by more than one third of the original duration of the course.
Leave of Absence
As an international student you may obtain leave of absence for a maximum of 6 months in exceptional circumstances. You must produce an airline ticket and other supporting evidence to the faculty when you apply for leave of absence. If you are granted leave of absence, you must depart Australia within 2 weeks of the date of commencement of the leave.
If you require leave of absence for longer than six month, you must obtain support from your faculty and seek approval from DIMA. However, if you obtain extended leave of absence (more than six months), your student visa will normally be cancelled and you will have to reapply for a new visa when you return to study.
You are required to pay an amenities and services fee at enrolment. This fee finances the activities of the Interim Student Representative Committee, the Sports and Physical Recreation Centre, the Postgraduate Association, and the development of facilities and services of a non-academic nature. It also covers some aspects of child-care and student insurance.
A late enrolment fee of $250 is levied on students who do not complete their re-enrolment within the re-enrolment period (11 October to 27 November 2004). Students commencing studies in a new course have five working days from the date authorised for enrolment. Failure to complete enrolment by the deadline will attract a penalty.
If you do not finalise your re-enrolment, your enrolment will be terminated in line with University Statutes. Students whose enrolment has been terminated may apply to be readmitted. (Re-admission will be considered on the basis of academic merit and availability of a place). If your application is successful, your enrolment will be reinstated upon payment of the late enrolment fee. Fees will be based on the current years rates, and on availability of either a Commonwealth Supported place or full fee place.
For further information, please contact Student Administration.
The University publishes a comprehensive Fees Policy that is provided to all fee-paying students at the time an offer of admission is made. Copies of the policy booklet are available from faculty offices, the Information Centre, International Centre and Student Administration Office. http:www.services.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/coursefees/policy/index.html
You can log onto the SIS at any time and check your Statement of Liability at any time. We strongly recommend this be checked in early January, and that you check the SIS regularly after that.
Due dates will be shown against each fee, and you must ensure payment is made by the due date. Print your Statement of Liability and you can pay using any of the options listed on the Statement, including BPay or at Australia Post.
If you are required to pay an amenities and services fee, it must be paid by the Due Date listed on the Statement of Liability / Invoice. Check your Statement of Liability online at https://sis.unimelb.edu.au
You are required to pay your up-front Student Contribution if you are a re-enrolling student and you completed the Request for Commonwealth Support and HECS-Help form and selected the up-front option or if you have not supplied your tax file number. All arrangements must be finalised by the earliest subject census date.
Tuition fees may be paid either yearly in advance (with a discount), one semester in advance or twice per semester (instalments). For re-enrolling students the due dates for payment of tuition fees are:
| Yearly: | Check your Statement of Liability online on the SIS at https://sis.unimelb.edu.au/ |
| Semester: | Check your Statement of Liability online on the SIS at https://sis.unimelb.edu.au/ |
| Instalments: | To be advised. |
Enrolments will be cancelled if fees are not paid by the due date and a reinstatement fee will apply if you are permitted to re-enrol (see Late enrolment fee above).
Community Access Program students are required to pay fees by semester.
Full details of the fee refund provisions are set out in the booklet "Fee-based Enrolments - Arrangements Relating to the Payment of Student Fees" available from your faculty office or Student Administration and at
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/coursefees/policy/index.html
You may apply for a refund of fees as follows:
Community Access Program students:
A full refund is payable for the relevant semester if you cancel your enrolment within two weeks of the commencement of classes (by the close of the first day of teaching for subjects offered by intensive mode ie. less than six weeks duration).
Full-fee paying students:
The grounds for a refund of fees are set out in the booklet Arrangements Relating to the Payment of Student Fees available from your faculty office or Student Administration.
Amenities and services fee (ASF):
Refunds of the ASF for Commonwealth Supported students undertaking an undergraduate degree, graduate or postgraduate certificate/diploma or masters by coursework degree, will be assessed on a semester basis. If you discontinue or take leave of absence before the relevant subject Census Date, you will be eligible for a full refund of your ASF payment. If you are a HECS-liable student undertaking a degree by research (masters or PhD), your ASF refund will be assessed on a monthly basis.
Students Contribution up-front payments (formerly HECS upfront)::
You are entitled to a full refund of any Student Contribution up-front payment made to the University for the relevant semester if your discontinuation, leave-of-absence or submission of thesis is effective on or before the relevant subject Census Date.
Refund application forms are available from the web at: http://www.studentadmin.unimelb.edu.au/fees/refund-form.pdf or at Student Administration Office, First Floor, Raymond Priestley Building. If you are unable to apply in person, you may write to request a refund to: Undergraduate / Postgraduate Team, Student Administration, Raymond Priestly Building, The University of Melbourne, 3010. An application for a refund must be made within six months of discontinuation, submission of a thesis or taking leave-of-absence. You must ensure that you submit your course cancellation to the appropriate faculty office before applying to Student Administration for a refund. A refund will not be processed if any fees or debts to the University are outstanding.
Should you need help to meet fees or living costs, you could consider applying for assistance through the Youth Allowance (AUSTUDY) Scheme or for a student loan. The Youth Allowance provides assistance to full-time students in approved courses. Awards are subject to a means test and satisfactory academic progress.
You are advised to go to the Student Financial Aid Office in the first instance, where staff will discuss your situation and options. They are experts on students' financial difficulties, who can advise on the Youth Allowance, obtaining loans, bursaries, unemployment benefits, budgeting etc.
Once you are further advanced in your course, there may be scholarships and prizes for which you are eligible. They are generally awarded on the basis of academic excellence in certain subjects, and often contain some financial reward.
You should contact your faculty or the Scholarships Office for further advice.
Your eligibility for the Youth Allowance is determined on a semester basis. To be eligible for the Youth Allowance your enrolment load must normally be at least 0.375 in each semester. If your enrolment load is above this limit, you are classified as 'full-time' by the Youth Allowance authorities. It is not sufficient that your enrolment load average 0.375 or above over a full year. For example, a first semester load of 0.3 and a second semester load of 0.7 would result in the student being ineligible for the youth Allowance in Semester 1, on the basis of the 'part-time' workload in that semester. (Note: A semester enrolment load of 0.375 usually equates to 37.5 points. An annual enrolment load of 1.00 usually equates to 100 points.)
Your enrolment load is shown on your enrolment record.
If your enrolment load falls below 0.375, you will normally cease to be eligible for the Youth Allowance and may incur overpayment necessitating repayment to the Australian Government. To avoid this situation, we encourage you to clarify your course load with a faculty course adviser when selecting subjects and enrolling, or whenever you change the subjects in which you are enrolled. In certain circumstances students may retain Youth Allowance eligibility despite having a semester enrolment load which falls below 0.375. For further information contact Student Financial Aid in the Student Advisory Service, Ground Floor, Baldwin Spencer Building, or a faculty course adviser.
If you feel that you have made a wrong choice of course or subjects, or if some personal circumstances cause you to reconsider your enrolment, you should contact your faculty office immediately.
It is possible to change subjects in which you have enrolled, but you must do so within certain time limits. You should be aware of these time limits and the correct procedures for changing subjects, so that your academic record is not adversely affected.
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* changes may not be approved
No changes can be made after these times.
If you wish to transfer from one course to another within the University, or to resume a course, you may apply using an internal transfer form which is available from the web at https://sis.unimelb.edu.au or contact your relevant Faculty office.
| 1. | Approval will only be given in exceptional circumstances. |
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