WELCOME TO GIPPSTAFE STUDENT INDUCTION 2012

1. WELCOME TO GIPPSTAFE STUDENT INDUCTION 2012

2. All Learners undertaking on-campus study at GippsTAFE must be inducted according to the Institute’s Operating System process. How? • 2012 GippsTAFE Student Diary • Facilitators/teachers • Student Induction • Library Staff • Online

3. The general support service induction is designed to acquaint you with some of the generic Institute polices, amenities and student support services available. The policies covered in this induction can be accessed via www.gippstafe.edu.au/current_students/policies

4. GippsTAFE Operational Divisions GippsTAFE has a campus at the following locations: Yallourn, Morwell, Warragul, Leongatha, Traralgon & Chadstone Gippsland Education Precinct (GEP) GETT Centre – Traralgon

5. Customer Service Centres Our friendly customer service staff have a wealth of information. If you have a query, the customer service officer can usually point you in the right direction. Your student diary has a list of things that you may require assistance with. If you are not sure simply ask…..!

6. Fees - Refunds/Withdrawals Refund of fees will be made to learners according to a set criteria. The Refund Policy section of the website lists updated criteria for your reference. However our friendly Customer Services staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding fees, refunds, withdrawals and deferrals.

7. Department Material Fees These fees are based on the materials you will require during your course. Departments will have provided this information to you, but if you have enquiries please speak with your teachers.

8. Student Loans Student loans are available to eligible students on the following basis: Minimum loan amount is $200.00 • Enrolment Fees: Up to 50% of the total enrolment fee may be loaned (providing the loan exceeds a minimum of $200). • Department Material and Book Fees: Up to 100% or $500, which ever is the lesser, of departmental materials fees and/or required textbooks may be loaned for purchases made through the GippsTAFE Bookshop. • Non-Government-subsidised students or Fee-for-service enrolments will not be eligible for any component of student loans. • Payments are made via direct debit from your nominated bank account fortnightly (minimum amount of $50) and must be repaid prior to the end of the course or within 20 weeks whichever clears the loan debt first. Make an appointment with Customer Service to check your eligibility to obtain a Student Loan.

9. VET FEE-HELP GippsTAFE is an approved provider of the Australian Government loan scheme called VET FEE-HELP. What is VET FEE-HELP? VET FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector that is part of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). This loan scheme enables eligible students studying at the diploma and above level to apply through GippsTAFE for VET FEE-HELP assistance to defer the cost of their studies. For more detailed information on VET FEE-HELP assistance call 13 38 78 or visit www.deewr.gov.au/VETFEEHELP Information booklets and forms are available from the Customer Service Centre at each Campus.

10. Literacy and Numeracy • Our Skills Victoria agreement requires that the Institute reviews the literacy and numeracy skills of all new, eligible, enrolled learners. • In 2012 GippsTAFE will facilitate this assessment for ALL new learners at no cost. • You can undertake this assessment in a range of locations, including the library. • Your results will be sent to you and your teacher, so that further assistance can be provided to you should you require it.

11. Access and Equity The Institute has an Access and Equity Policy that endorses the principles and practices of Access & Equity and recognises the Institute’s responsibilities under State and Federal Legislation. Everyone has a right to equal treatment and opportunities so that they may exercise fundamental freedom in order to realise their potential.

12. Customer Feedback The Institute welcomes your feedback in order to recognise best practice and to promote continuous improvement of our services! There is a detailed process for students wishing to make an informal or formal complaint associated with their study at the Institute. The process is highly confidential and adheresto the principles of access & equity.

13. Harassment/Bullying/Misconduct GippsTAFE will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind. The Institute has a Learner Discipline Procedure for dealing with issues of misconduct, inappropriate or disruptive student behaviour. This procedure applies to all students who undertake training with the Institute. GippsTAFE will take action to discipline a student as per the Learner Discipline Procedure. Please refer to pages F G & H of the Student Diary to ensure you have a good understanding of GippsTAFE’s expectations in regards to your behaviour.

14. Privacy GippsTAFE is committed to complying with Victorian Information Privacy Legislation by ensuring the privacy of your personal information. GippsTAFE collects personal information as a result of your enrolment for maintaining student records, for the provision of support services and to fulfil our obligation to provide statistical and other information to government agencies.

15. Network Access Guidelines Network access is provided to all students for the sole and exclusive use of that student, for the duration of the annual enrolment period. You would have received important information regarding your login details and usage when receiving your student ID card on enrolment. There is also an email account attached to your login – please check this regularly for special offers, activities, etc. The guidelines are detailed in the 2012 Student Diary and on the GippsTAFE website.

16. Information Technology Can I use the computer network at any GippsTAFE Campus? Yes Can I share my login and password with someone else? No Is the network monitored? Yes Make yourself familiar with pages h, i, j & k of the student diary.

17. Plagiarism Plagiarism is a form of cheating. It is taking and using someone else’s thoughts, writings or inventions and representing them as your own. If you are suspected of cheating, or plagiarising work, penalties WILL apply. If you have any questions about how to avoid plagiarism, please seek advice from your teacher or Library staff.

18. Student Support Services The Institute supports students in a number of ways. Library, Disability Support, & Koorie Support You may like to also take advantage of concession Hair & Beauty services (Yallourn), dine at the Waratah (Morwell), Wattleseed (Warragul) or Wildflower Cafe (Leongatha) Restaurants, or relax in the café (Yallourn & Chadstone), student amenities areas (all campuses), or foyer and outside areas during breaks.

19. The Library staff provide a comprehensive library service to staff & Students. Library resources are available to all GippsTAFE students on and off site. Your student I.D. card is used for borrowing items or for accessing on-line books and resources 24/7. You may borrow twelve items at a time (this may be books, dvds, etc). Visit your Library for Computer access, student resources & equipment Enquire at your campus for Library hours

20. Email the Library: library@gippstafe.edu.au l Or telephone: Yallourn (03)5127 0207 Morwell (03)5120 4527 Warragul (03)5622 8500 Leongatha (03)5662 6800

21. Printing/Photocopying All students receive a $2.00 credit on their printer/photocopier account at the start of their course. Once this has been used, all printing or photocopying must be paid for by the student. Costs: • Single-sided black and white 10 cents • Double-sided black and white 20 cents • Coloured copy or print per side 50 cents

22. The Koorie Unit Established for 17 years, the aim of the Koorie Unit is to introduce and encourage Koorie communities to training opportunities offered within a supportive environment. The Koorie Liaison Officer is available to provide assistance and support. • Access courses and on-going support within the program. • Advocate on behalf of learners. • Assistance regarding ABSTUDY and other relevant Centrelink allowances. • Tutorial assistance. Contact: Koorie Liaison Officer Located at Morwell Campus Koorie Unit (03) 5120 4546

23. Learner Support May be available to students who have a disability which may be physical, learning, hearing, visual or a chronic medical condition Services available include: • Pre-enrolment assistance & liaison with relevant Institute staff. • Information on car parking & assistive equipment/aids. • General information & strategies to help you. Enquiries to: disability@gippstafe.edu.au

24. Student Representative Each year the Institute call for nominations for the Institute Board. Nominations are open to all currently enrolled students. Students will be advised of nominations via the student notice boards and the student portal.

25. Accidents, First Aid & Ambulance All accidents must be reported to a Designated First Aid Officer (DFO) or your course coordinator. Evening students should report any accident to their teacher. There is a Designated First Aid Officer (DFO) at each campus. The Institute does not cover the cost of an Ambulance if used to transport students in case of an emergency, or any related medical treatment. The Institute strongly recommends that all students obtain their own Ambulance cover.

26. Safety Evacuation Procedures All premises of the Institute comply with relevant and current OH&S Legislation. All students will be given detailed information regarding evacuation during your course induction. Information is also displayed in the 2012 Student Diary.

27. Smoking & Litter GippsTAFE applies the following non-smoking process across all sites under its control. GippsTAFE is a Smoke Free Zone. No smoking is permitted on GippsTAFE grounds (including carparks). GippsTAFE are committed to sustainable practices and request that all students use recycling and garbage bins.

28. Parking Breach of Training Agreement notices may be incurred by vehicles parked in unauthorised areas. Cars parking in areas designated for Disability parking must display a relevant sticker on the vehicle. Speed limits within the Institute grounds must be adhered to – failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

29. Graduation When you have successfully completed your course, you are eligible to attend graduation. Graduation is not just the night you collect your certificate or diploma, but when you, your family, friends, classmates and teachers celebrate your achievement. Make sure you book in for graduation, as it will be a night to remember!

30. Good Luck! We wish you every success in your studies with GippsTAFE in 2012! Any questions……..just ask! We are here to help!