Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2008

Campus and student services

Careers and Employment

La Trobe’s Careers and Employment office aims to help you achieve your career goals by providing career advice and preparing you for the job market. You can find information on services available at each La Trobe campus via the campus listings in this handbook.

Some services are available to all students via Career Hub, a web-based, one-stop-shop for advice and information on careers and employment. Career Hub is the place to go to look for a casual, part-time, or graduate job. It’s also your starting point for information about career planning, writing resumes and covering letters, preparing for interviews, prospects for working in Australia and overseas, further study options and lots more. You’ll also see what’s happening in careers and employment at each campus, and find answers to frequently asked questions. Simply go to the webpage (above), register and start your search.

Chaplains

The chaplaincy team at La Trobe seeks to help students and staff work through spiritual and pastoral issues within their own lives and the wider world. The three chaplains are Christian chaplains who work within a context of respect for other religions or expressions of faith. Confidential support, counsel and encouragement are offered to people of all backgrounds. Where desired, the chaplains will attempt to refer people to someone from an appropriate religious or faith background. The Chaplains are available for individual consultation and for group discussions. All are welcome to use the chapel and kitchen facilities which are located on Humanities 3 level 4.

A prayer room is available for Muslim students.

Indigenous Education

Prospective Indigenous Australian students can access advice on entry to University and enrolment procedures by contacting the Indigenous Student Recruitment Officer on (03) 5444 7205 or email indigenous_enquiries@latrobe.edu.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for entry to La Trobe University and will be considered on an individual basis. All applicants, including VCE students and non-VCE applicants, should apply through VTAC and complete the appropriate section of the VTAC SEAS application form with relevant supporting evidence and statements. However, direct applications to the University are also possible.

Information for both prospective and currently enrolled Indigenous students is also available on the Office of the Director, Indigenous Education website www.latrobe.edu.au/indigenous.

Indigenous Student Service Units are based on the following La Trobe University Campuses:

  • Albury-Wodonga: (03) 9479 3428
  • Bendigo: (03) 5444 7812
  • Melbourne (Bundoora): (03) 9479 3817
  • Mildura: (03) 9479 3428
  • Shepparton: (03) 5444 7812

Staff provide academic, cultural, and personal support to students to ensure that the university experience is positive and to enhance students’ academic and educational outcomes.

Students have access to:

  • Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS)
  • computers
  • study area
  • Indigenous Australian resource library

Indigenous cultural activities are hosted throughout the year.

Information and Communication Technology

ICT at La Trobe University is provided by central and local facilities and resources. Computer laboratories, IT support and student services for specific applications and learning requirements is provided locally by campuses, Faculties and Libraries. Faculty/campus IT support officers and lecturers are generally the students’ first point of contact for IT support.

Student computer labs

Computing and printing facilities are available to students for official activity on campus. Student computer labs can be found in Faculties, Libraries and general access areas on all campuses.

A list of the general access computer labs is available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/students/studyhalls.html

Students are required by the University to abide by its Internet Code of Practice.

How to access University computers and systems?
What is my username and password?

Students are provided with a single username and password, which they can use to access the student system, various computer labs, and other computing services including the Internet.

Your student username and password is located on the top of your ‘Statement of Account’. This username and password controls access to:

  • Student Online
  • WebCT
  • Student email
  • CBT (Computer Based Training)
  • Computer access on campus
What if I forget my password?

Your password can be changed by calling the Study hall on 1300 786 535 or visiting the Study hall and campus IT support staff. You will need to show your student card as proof of identity.

Once you know what your current password is please register to use the ‘Password Reset Utility’: www.latrobe.edu.au/ict/services/accounts/resetpw

Registering to use the ‘Password Reset Utility’ will allow you to change your own password at your convenience from any computer with access to the internet.

Email

La Trobe University uses email correspondence as the primary method of contact with students for administrative matters via the official La Trobe University student email account.

Your student email address is: username@students.latrobe.edu.au and your email can be accessed from: https://owa.latrobe.edu.au

More information about student email: www.latrobe.edu.au/ict/services/email/access_support

Dial-in access

Modem access is available to all students for campus-based services only. Time limits and conditions apply.

Undergraduate students in the metropolitan area requiring modem access are encouraged to arrange a modem or broadband connection with an ISP.

Postgraduate students should contact their local IT support staff or the ICT Service Desk for information on modem access.

Internet access for students at La Trobe University

There are three levels of internet access that students may require:

  • 1. Information from systems or services on-campuses.
  • 2. Information from systems or services at other educational or research institutions across Australia
  • 3. Information on the world wide web

For 1 and 2 there is currently no cost for accessing information from these sites. For 3, students are accountable for all use as this incurs a cost to the University.

Restrictions may be placed on internet access to control or introduce costs at the discretion of the Faculty. The restrictions are generous enough to ensure that student learning requirements are not impacted. Students residing at University colleges have external Internet access on a ‘user pays’ basis from within the colleges.

Student Online

Student Online controls all your La Trobe University enrolment and notification details. It enables you to vary your enrolment, check results and change postal and email notification details. Access Student Online at: www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/studentonline.html

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page can be accessed at: www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/studenrolFAQ.html

WebCT

WebCT is La Trobe University’s learning and management system. If your lecturer indicates that you will be using this system, it is available at: webct.latrobe.edu.au.

This link also has valuable student information including what to do if you are unable to log in to the WebCT system.

Anti-Virus software

La Trobe University requires all computers to have up-to-date anti-virus software installed and provides Sophos Anti-Virus at no charge. Sophos Anti-Virus can be downloaded from: www.latrobe.edu.au/ict/services/support/antivirus

Wireless computer access

Wireless computer access is available at various locations throughout La Trobe University. Information to configure your computer to use the wireless network along with details of locations where wireless access is available can be found at: www.latrobe.edu.au/ict/services/networks/wireless_network

Library systems

Your student Username and Password allows you to:

  • View and renew loans
  • Access restricted materials
  • Make bookings
  • Place a hold on Library material
Copyright guide for students

Copying for research and study is permitted under the Australian Copyright Act and covers any material given to you by your lecturer. General copyright information relating to other materials is available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/copyright/scg

(See also General Information – the University – Copyright – in previous section.)

IT training for students (free)

The computer based training (CBTs) consist of the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) and cover computer basics; using the computer and managing files; word processing; spreadsheets; presentation packages; databases; e-mail, as well as internet and web activities. The courses are self paced and available free, online (and for download), at www.latrobe.edu.au/cbt

Postgraduate students can also apply to do IT instructor-led courses. Further information can be found at: www.latrobe.edu.au/steps

Plagiarism software (Turnitin)

Turnitin is software used at La Trobe University to deter plagiarism. If your lecturer indicates that you will be using this system, it is available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/turnitin

This website also provides valuable links to information on academic honesty and avoiding plagiarism.

Contact information

Student Services Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus

Borchardt Library

Centrally located in the Agora at the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus, the Borchardt Library is the one library on that campus. It is the focal point for accessing information and developing research skills. It has extensive collections with over 1.5 million volumes of books and journals, a reserve collection of high use reading material in print or electronic format, and audiovisual and electronic materials to support the learning, teaching and research of the University.

Around 300 workstations give access to the ever increasing information resources available on the web – the catalogue, subject guides, databases, electronic books and journals, examination papers and more. Students can use their own laptops with the wireless network which operates in the Library. Although much of the Library is for quiet study, there are areas set aside for viewing a DVD or working together in a group.

Library staff are on hand to give advice and help in using the Library, finding information, using databases and the catalogue, and they provide tours and training sessions to support the University community in developing effective information searching skills.

Community Children’s Centre

The Children’s Centre provides full-time, part-time and casual care for children of students and staff. In addition to providing high quality care for children, the Centre provides a kindergarten program.

Counselling Service

The Counselling Service provides counselling and group programs, which promote psychological and social development, thereby optimising opportunities for academic success. Students use the service to discuss study-related issues (motivation, procrastination, and anxiety about exams or class presentations), personal dilemmas, family and relationship issues, or to talk over significant life decisions. Counselling is confidential and free. The service runs a comprehensive group program, advertised widely at the commencement of each semester.

Deaf Academic Services

  • Level 1, Peribolos East
  • Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
  • Tel: (03) 9479 3603
  • TTY: (03) 9479 2309
  • Mobile/SMS: 0434 072 466
  • Email: deaf_support@latrobe.edu.au

Deaf Academic Services can provide educational support to Deaf and hearing impaired students. For further information contact the Disability and Deaf Liaison Officer.

Disability Liaison Officer and Disability Access

  • Disability Liaison Officer
  • Equity and Access Unit
  • Level 1, Peribolos East
  • Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
  • Tel: (03) 9479 2900
  • Email: disability_support@latrobe.edu.au
  • Disability Liaison Officers are also available at regional campuses

Educational support services are available to students with disabilities, mental health issues or ongoing medical conditions. Students are required to provide relevant medical or professional documentation and attend a confidential interview with the Disability Liaison Officer. This information will provide the basis for a tailored academic support program.

Equity and Access Unit

The Equity and Access Unit provides a wide range of support services to staff and students. The role of the Unit is to promote full and equal participation of all students within La Trobe University and to foster an environment free of discrimination and harassment.

The Equity and Access Unit has responsibility for leading and co-ordinating policy development, and the implementation of a range of strategies in response to equal opportunity and affirmative action legislation. Some examples of the Unit’s many involvements include policy and planning, disability/additional needs, complaint conciliation, affirmative action, information, referral and education. Equity Officers are located at each campus.

La Trobe University Guild

The La Trobe University Guild is a newly created body within the Division of Student Services that seeks to provide students with the opportunity to access a range of on campus services and programs essential to supporting, enhancing and enriching University Life. These include:

  • Sport
  • Recreation
  • Social Activities
  • Events /Entertainment
  • Cultural Activities
  • Welfare & Support Services
  • Exclusive Member Benefits Program

For further information about the La Trobe University Guild contact 03 9479 2314 or visit our website at: www.latrobe.edu.au/guild

Health Service

  • La Trobe Private Hospital
  • Corner Plenty Rd and Kingsbury Drive
  • Bundoora, VIC, 3083
  • Tel: (03) 9473 8885; AH tel: (03) 9429 5677

La Trobe University Medical Centre is located inside the La Trobe Private Hospital next to the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus. Free parking for patients is available. There is a tram stop just across the road from the Centre, and tram services are frequent.

Doctors provide bulk billing services for La Trobe University students and staff. Standard consultation fee (Level B): $50 Mon-Sun and for overseas students.

GP services and subspecialties: diving medicals, medicals, sports medicine, travel medicine, work cover, family medicine, immunisation.

Also located on site: pathology, radiology, pharmacy, gastroenterologist, gynaecology, orthopaedic surgeon, sports physician, Life Care physiotherapy, blood bank.

Office of the Director, Indigenous Education

The Indigenous Student Service Unit at Bundoora is:

  • Ngarn-gi Bagora Indigenous Centre
  • Agora West, Ground Level
  • Bundoora Campus
  • Tel: (03) 9479 3817 or 9479 5806
  • Fax: (03) 9479 1863
  • Email: alo@latrobe.edu.au

Support and guidance is available to students who are Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders. Please refer to the Office of the Director, Indigenous Education entry in this handbook for details.

Sports Centre

Fun, Fitness, Health and Wellbeing. One of the best ways to meet people and become involved is to visit the University Sports Centre.

The Sports Centre on the Bundoora Campus includes a 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, table tennis facilities, a dance studio, squash courts, tennis courts and a multi purpose stadium that hosts basketball, badminton, volleyball and indoor soccer. Train on your own or participate in one of a number of programs such as group exercise, dance, yoga, or Pilates. Additional services include first aid training, massage and nutrition.

With over 20 affiliated sporting clubs there is something for everyone, from social to competition. Sporting Clubs include Alpine Skiing, Australian Rules, Basketball, Cricket, Hockey, Mountaineering, Netball, Soccer, Surfing, Tennis and Water Skiing. A complete list of details can be found on the website.

sport@latrobe.edu.au

www.latrobe.edu.au/sport