Handbook

Required reading

General information

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

International

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INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT STUDENTS

Campus Student Administration Centres

Students should refer administrative queries to the following:

Albury-Wodonga Campus

Bendigo Campus

Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus

Mildura Campus

Shepparton Campus

Important dates

2010 standard teaching periods

2010 research teaching periods

2010 non-standard teaching periods

The University also delivers a number of non-standard teaching periods through third-party providers or to meet special course requirements. The University publishes a comprehensive list of all teaching periods and associated Subject Census Dates on the University’s website at: www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/fees

Non-standard teaching periods appear in the form Wxx–yy, for example W12-22. These indicate the whole weeks of the teaching period, from the first Monday to the last Sunday. For example: W12-22 has a teaching period that begins on the first day of the twelfth whole week in 2010 (Monday 15 March) and finishes on the last day of the twenty-second whole week in 2010 (Sunday 30 May). The new Student Information System will indicate the above teaching period as 12-22.

2010 official vacation dates

2010 official examination/assessment dates

2010 official study breaks

2010 public holidays

The University will close for the Christmas/New Year break at 5.00 pm on Thursday 24 December 2009 and will re-open on Monday 4 January 2010.

The University is also closed on:

The University remains open on Labour Day (8 March 2010), Melbourne Cup Day (2 November 2010) and the former Show Day.

Admissions

Undergraduate admission requirements

Admission to courses in the University is competitive, with selection based on a combination of academic merit and a selection committee’s assessment of an applicant’s ability to complete a course. Applicants must meet the University’s basic admission requirements and any additional requirements of Faculties for the course to which they seek admission.

Applicants for award courses at La Trobe University must normally be at least 16 years of age by 31 December in the preceding year to be eligible for admission. Applicants who do not meet this requirement should make a case for admission, which will be considered by the appropriate Faculty Dean on an individual basis.

In the main, applicants apply through VTAC for undergraduate courses and postgraduate education courses. Applicants for selected courses at Albury-Wodonga and Mildura campuses may apply through the Universities Admissions Centre NSW & ACT (UAC). Direct applications may be made to the University for mid-year entry, postgraduate courses and after VTAC and UAC closing dates.

International students should also refer to information in the ‘International students’ chapter in this Handbook.

Normal requirements for admission

The University’s minimum requirements for admission are met by any student who has:

1. satisfactorily completed the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Units 3 and 4 English. Any of the four VCE English subjects – English, Literature, English Language or English as a Second Language – is acceptable provided that Unit 3 and Unit 4 are completed in sequence and in the same calendar year, or
2. gained qualifications equivalent to (1) above recognised as such by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). This covers interstate, International Baccalaureate and overseas qualifications and qualifications obtained under previous conditions, including compensation or concessional arrangements, or
3. gained a Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Statement of Equivalent Qualification to the VCE, or
4. fulfilled the requirements of one of the University’s alternative entry schemes.

In exceptional cases, the Dean of a Faculty may admit a year-12 applicant who has not satisfied normal University entrance requirements. In such cases, the applicant must have satisfied course subject prerequisites and have achieved a level of performance which, as part of a complete certificate, would clearly merit selection into the course.

While normal requirements for admission are as listed above, most courses require a study score of at least 20 in Units 3 and 4 of English (any). All students are expected to have an adequate command of the English language in order to pursue their chosen course.

Any person offered a place at La Trobe University in 2010 may be required to sit an English language test. An applicant found to be below the necessary standard may be required to undertake a remedial English language course conducted by the University concurrently with his or her undergraduate course or may have his or her provisional offer withdrawn.

Applicants whose principal language of instruction was other than English must provide evidence of their proficiency in English. This can be done by achieving a satisfactory result in VCE English (any) or in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test or another test acceptable to the University. For further information telephone La Trobe International on (03) 9479 1199.

VTAC and UAC applicants with IELTS or other test results should supply them directly to their relevant admission centre with their application. Other applicants should provide their results directly to the course selection officer(s). Applications may not be considered until results have been provided.

Additional requirements for admission to the courses offered by a given Faculty are listed in that Faculty’s section in this Handbook.

Complete details regarding requirements for admission, including course prerequisites and application procedures are available in the VTAC Guide 2010 – A Guide to University and TAFE Courses and in the VICTER 2010 – Victorian Tertiary Entrance Requirements.

Special entry access schemes

The University offers several special entry schemes, details of which are provided below. All schemes require application through VTAC’s Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS), and may require applicants to submit supplementary information directly to the University. The supplementary information required may include:

• completion of a personal particulars form
• an autobiographical essay
• mathematics test (relevant to the course applied for)
• an aptitude test, e.g. Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
• an interview.

Information regarding the eligibility criteria and application process for La Trobe University’s equity and access schemes are provided in the institutional information contained in the Special Entry Schemes (SEAS) booklet available from VTAC at www.vtac.edu.au.

Indigenous Australians

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people are 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, must apply through VTAC and complete the appropriate section of the VTAC SEAS-Access and Equity application form with relevant supporting evidence and statements. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview with a panel including the Aboriginal Liaison Officer, and may also be asked to provide some written information. For assistance with your application, contact the Ngarn-gi Bagora Indigenous Centre (Melbourne [Bundoora] campus) or the Aboriginal Liaison Officer at the campus to which you are applying for entry.

Mature aged entry (non-year-12 applicants)

Applicants aged 21 years or more at 1 January 2010 who have not completed a semester of tertiary level studies (including post-year-12 TAFE qualifications) in the last two years may be eligible for entry into the University via the University’s Mature Age Entry Scheme. Applicants should apply through VTAC and complete the appropriate section of the VTAC SEAS-Access and Equity application form with relevant supporting evidence and statements. Depending on the course(s) applied for, applicants under this category may also be required to submit an autobiographical essay, undertake a STAT Multiple Choice, STAT Written English and/or sit a mathematics test.

Disadvantaged groups

Applicants who feel that a significant part of their preparation for tertiary study has been adversely affected by one or more of the following factors may apply for special consideration:

• non-English speaking background
• difficult family circumstances
• disadvantaged socio-economic background
• rural or isolated applicants
• applicants from under-represented schools
• disability or long-term medical condition
• refugee status

Applicants should apply through VTAC and complete the appropriate section(s) of the VTAC SEAS-Access and Equity application form with relevant supporting evidence and statements.

For information specific to La Trobe, go to www.latrobe.edu.au/access/

Regional consideration

In pursuing its regional mission, the University may adjust upwards the aggregate points of applicants from regional schools. Details of the Rural and Regional School Access Scheme (RRSAS) bonus applied to specific course codes can be found at www.latrobe.edu.au/access/.

Admission procedures

All prospective domestic students seeking entrance to any degree or diploma course for full-time or part-time studies at first year level must apply through VTAC by 5.00 pm on 30 September 2009. Late applications will be accepted by VTAC until 5.00 pm on 13 November 2009, subject to the payment of the prescribed late fee. Very late applications will be accepted by VTAC until 5.00 pm on 11 December 2009, subject to the payment of the prescribed very late fee.

Offers of admission

The normal VTAC procedure detailed in the VTAC Guide 2010 provides for undergraduate applicants to be offered places as follows:

Students are notified of offers officially by post. Prospective students applying directly to the University would normally expect to receive offers in February.

Enrolment and re-enrolment

Enrolment for 2010

New undergraduate and postgraduate domestic students who apply through VTAC or UAC will be directed to a copy of the La Trobe University Enrolment Guide 2010 after they receive an offer. New undergraduate and postgraduate domestic students who successfully apply directly to the University will be contacted by the relevant Faculty by way of a letter of offer. New international undergraduate or postgraduate coursework or postgraduate research students who successfully apply directly to the University via La Trobe International will be contacted by that office by way of a letter of offer. Enquiries from domestic students regarding research and higher degree studies should be made directly to Research Services. For further information email rgs@latrobe.edu.au

Advanced standing

Students who have studied at tertiary level elsewhere, or who have relevant studies or work experience, may be eligible for some credit towards a La Trobe University qualification. Each Faculty has different policies in respect to the number and type of subjects and any work experience it is willing to accept for credit purposes. Students should apply for credit after they have been offered a place and at the time of enrolment.

Applicants who have completed a TAFE course may be eligible to apply for entry into related degree courses with a significant level of credit through the La Trobe – TAFE Pathways Program. For example, students who have satisfactorily completed the Diploma of Hospitality Management may be granted up to eight subjects of credit when enrolling in the Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Hospitality).

For applicants with partial university studies, completion of individual subjects can lead to credit(s), determined on an individual basis, which takes into account the subjects already completed and those required in the La Trobe University course. Credit arrangements are dependent on the specific studies already completed and the La Trobe University course in which the student enrols. Further information is available from the relevant La Trobe University Faculty or Course Adviser. Advanced Standing must normally be finalised within two weeks of enrolment, and in no case later than the relevant subject census dates. Finalisation includes the removal from your enrolment of subjects for which your Faculty has granted Advanced Standing. International students holding a student visa are reminded that Condition 8202 relates to a student visa holder’s enrolment attendance and academic progress. Therefore, students are required to be enrolled on a full-time basis at all times, except during the final term or semester of their course. This includes instances where an international student receives Advanced Standing for previous studies. Note that international students may not enrol in less than 75 per cent of a full time load.

To access La Trobe University’s Advanced Standing, Articulation and Credit Transfer Policy and Procedures go to www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/.

Re-enrolment for 2011 (continuing students)

Students who have been enrolled in, but have not completed, a course in the preceding year need not apply for re-admission, but must comply with current University re-enrolment procedures.

Undergraduate degree, postgraduate graduate diploma and Masters by coursework students normally pre-enrol from October 2010 onwards via a web-based service called StudentOnLine unless advised otherwise by the Faculty of enrolment. Research and higher degree students are not normally required to re-enrol annually as their enrolment is continuous unless advised otherwise by the Faculty of enrolment or Research Services.

Continuing (returning) students who fail to submit an enrolment plan by the due date set by the Faculty of enrolment may not be guaranteed a place in the course in 2011 as their course enrolment may lapse. Failure to re-enrol by the date specified in your re-enrolment information may result in the imposition of a late re-enrolment fee of $110.00.

Coursework enrolment variations – addition and deletion of subjects

Any change or variation to an enrolment is made via StudentOnLine. Alternatively, students may submit a ‘Variation of Enrolment’ form to their Faculty office or local Student Administration Office. Students can access StudentOnLine via www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/studentonline.html

Addition of a subject

Each Faculty annually sets deadlines for variations to enrolment that involve the addition of a subject after the commencement of the teaching period, but prior to the Subject Census Date. Enquiries regarding these important dates should be directed to the Faculty office or Student Administration Office for regional campuses. Addition of any subjects after the Subject Census Date will be treated as full fee-paying subjects. Students will not automatically be entitled to HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP for those subjects as the enrolment responsibilities have not been met.

Depending on course and subject rules and conditions, the final decision on any change to an enrolment is that of the student, with the exception of adding subjects after the teaching period has commenced. Any decision should be made in consultation with an adviser of studies within your Faculty of enrolment. Normally subjects should be added within the first two weeks of classes.

Deletion of a subject

All changes to enrolments involving the deletion of a subject should normally be made prior to the Subject Census Date for a given teaching period. Discontinuation of a subject attempt after the Subject Census Date in most cases will lead to the subject attempt remaining on the student’s academic record. Fees, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP liability will remain if discontinuation of a subject attempt is after Subject Census Date in the given teaching period. Depending on course and subject rules and conditions, the final decision on any change to an enrolment is that of the student.

Important dates for the discontinuation of a subject in the Official 2010 Standard Teaching Periods

Subject Census Date

This is the date from which Fees, HECS-HELP (HECS), or FEE-HELP liability remains payable for a given subject enrolment in a given teaching period.

Detailed information regarding the University’s Subject Census Dates for 2010 is available at the University’s website http://www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/fees/.

Application of K and KN Grades after the discontinuation of a subject

Discontinuation of a subject after the completion of one-third of the teaching period in which the subject is offered (or the Subject Census Date), but prior to the completion of two-thirds of the teaching period in which the subject was offered, results in a K grade being awarded (withdrawal, not counted as a failure). [Note: this may change with the implementation of the new Student Information System in 2010.]

Discontinuation of a subject after completion of two-thirds of the teaching period in which the subject is offered, but prior to the end of that teaching period, results in a KN grade being awarded (withdrawal to count as a failure).

Students cannot discontinue a subject enrolment once the teaching period in which it was offered has ended.

Students must check their enrolment carefully prior to Subject Census Dates. This can be achieved using the web-based enrolment facility, StudentOnLine. Subject Census Dates can be accessed via the University’s website at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/fees/. Problems regarding incorrect subject enrolments should be brought to the attention of the relevant Faculty office or Student Administration Office immediately.

Cross-institution subject enrolment for La Trobe students at another higher education provider

Students who wish to study one or more subject(s) with another higher education provider within Australia, and wish to have these studies credited toward their degree at La Trobe University, must complete an ‘Application for Cross-Institution Enrolment’ form.

Requests must be approved by the Faculty of enrolment in conjunction with the other higher education provider and then lodged with the local Student Administration Office.

Responsibility for enrolment and associated obligations at the other higher education provider rests entirely with the student. A cross-institutional (Out) student will incur a fee, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP liability at the other higher education provider for the extra subject(s), and appropriate arrangements should be made with that higher education provider.

Cross-institution subject enrolment at La Trobe University for students from another higher education provider

Students from another higher education provider within Australia who wish to study at La Trobe University must provide written approval from their home education provider. The relevant Faculty of enrolment must also approve any request, and the student must ensure that they are properly enrolled by the appropriate Subject Census Date. A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is not guaranteed unless the enrolment at La Trobe University is a compulsory component of a CSP funded course from the student’s education provider.

A cross-institutional (In) student may incur a fee, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP liability at La Trobe University for the extra subject(s), and appropriate arrangements should be made with the University.

Variations of course enrolment

Any changes to the status of your course enrolment must be made via application to a Faculty office (Bundoora) or Student Administration Office (other domestic campuses). This includes deferral, intermission, transfer and discontinuation of course.

Deferral, intermission, transfer and withdrawal of course enrolment

Deferral of course enrolment (prior to enrolment in course)

Deferment may be granted in most undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Most applications for deferment in undergraduate courses are approved, and the process that must be followed is outlined in the La Trobe University Enrolment Guide 2010.

In the first instance all enquiries concerning the deferment of a postgraduate course should be directed to the Faculty office or Student Administration Office. It is not normally necessary to attend the University in person to seek deferment. Written applications should be made directly to the University by the date specified for accepting the offer. Application forms can be found in the La Trobe University Enrolment Guide.

Enquiries involving possible deferment of research and higher degree studies should be taken directly to Research Services.

Commencing students cannot defer studies once they have incurred any fees, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP liability (see Intermission of Course Attempt).

Students who fail to notify the University that they will be taking up a deferment, by the due date set by the Faculty of enrolment, may forfeit that place.

Intermission of course enrolment (post enrolment in course)

Intermission may be granted in all undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and faculties set policies regarding the administration of this process. In the first instance all enquiries concerning the intermission of an undergraduate or postgraduate course should be directed to a Faculty or School office or Student Administration Office. It is not normally necessary to attend the University in person to seek intermission of course attempt. Written applications using the ‘Application for Intermission of Studies’ form should be submitted directly to the Course Coordinator/Adviser of Studies from the Faculty or School responsible for the administration of the course, or to the local Student Administration Office provided the form has been signed off by the relevant the Faculty or School responsible for the administration of the course.

Enquiries involving possible suspension of research and higher degree studies should be made directly to Research Services.

Students cannot intermit their course enrolment to avoid the consequences of unsatisfactory academic progress in a given academic year.

Fee, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP liability is dependant upon the date on which the student received approval from the Faculty to intermit their course.

Students who fail to notify the University that they will be returning from intermission by the due date set by the Faculty of enrolment may forfeit that place, as their course attempt will lapse. International students holding a student visa should note that Intermission of study for greater than six months usually results in cancellation of their student visa. Within 28 days of the approved date of Intermission, a student is required to either leave the country or apply for another visa.

Transfer of course enrolment

Transfers from one course to another within the University may be considered on an individual basis. This includes transfers (articulations) from one postgraduate course to another where the initial course of enrolment contains another component or ‘nested’ course and from double degree to single degree programs.

An ‘Application to Transfer Course’ form must be completed and submitted to the Faculty of enrolment to which you wish to transfer. Contact Faculties for submission deadline dates. Applications for the transfer of a course received after the deadline date for submission, as set by the Faculty or School of enrolment, may not be considered for teaching periods commencing in 2010. Students pending approval to transfer must re-enrol in their current course. If approved, students will be notified by their Faculty office. Note that the University is obliged to inform the Department of Immigration and Citizenship if an international student transfers their course.

Enquiries involving the possible upgrade or downgrade of research and higher degree studies should be made directly to Research Services.

Discontinuation of course enrolment (withdrawal)

Undergraduate and postgraduate domestic students can discontinue their course enrolment by completing a ‘Discontinuation of Enrolment’ form and submitting it to the Faculty or School of enrolment or the local Student Administration Office.

Enquiries involving possible discontinuation of research and higher degree studies should be made directly to Research Services.

Students contemplating discontinuation of enrolment are strongly encouraged to discuss this with a Course Adviser and consult with counselling services, or the International Student Support Services staff at La Trobe International.

All changes to enrolments involving the discontinuation of a subject should normally be made prior to the Subject Census Date for a given teaching period. Discontinuation of a subject after the Subject Census Date, but before the end of the teaching period may remain on the student’s academic record. Fee, HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP liability will remain depending on the Subject Census Date for the affected subjects in the given teaching period.

Important dates for the deletion of a subject for the official 2010 semester and term dates are located at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/fees/

Refunding or crediting of Fees

In accordance with administrative requirements of the Higher Education Support Act (2003) students must be informed, and give consent to any overpayment in enrolment fees being used as credit against current and future liabilities with the University.

Credits or overpayments to enrolment fees usually arise from variations to enrolment, discontinuation of course enrolments and intermission of studies. These credits are not automatically refunded. Students must apply via an ‘Application for Refund’ form at:

www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/fees.html#refunds

Should your enrolment be varied, intermitted or discontinued resulting in an overpayment of enrolment fees, you will be given an opportunity to nominate whether you wish to have the monies credited against current and future liabilities with the University.

Current and future liabilities are defined as monies outstanding to the University which may arise from library loans or fines, non-payment of financial assistance loans, monies owing to commercial areas of the University such as (but not limited to) accommodation or child care services, or student contribution fees.

Types of award programs available

All of the award programs offered by La Trobe University are consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework (the national framework for all qualifications in post-compulsory education and training).

Diploma

The Diploma is a sub-degree level qualification, normally requiring the equivalent of one year of full-time study. Diploma programs may offer alternative pathways to degree studies.

Bachelor degree

The most common degree course is the Bachelor degree. Most Bachelor degrees require the equivalent of three years of full-time study; some professional degrees require longer. Graduate-entry Bachelor degrees – that is, Bachelor degrees that are open only to people who have already completed a first Bachelor degree – may require only two years of study. This Handbook contains full details of the Bachelor degrees available and the general entry requirements.

Double awards and concurrent enrolments

The University offers a range of formal double-award programs, which allow students to receive two qualifications in less time than if they completed each qualification separately Typical double-award programs include double Bachelor degrees, double Master degrees, and Bachelor or Master degrees combined with Postgraduate Diplomas. Details can be found in the Faculty sections of this Handbook.

A concurrent enrolment is a simultaneous enrolment in two courses, which can normally be completed in less time than if they were taken separately. It is possible to take combinations of awards (combined awards) for which there is no formal double-award program. Rules, guidelines and further information regarding this type of program can be provided at the relevant Faculty Office or Student Administration Office at domestic campuses. Students require Faculty permission to enrol concurrently in two single awards.

Honours year studies

An Honours degree is the normal prerequisite for entry to higher degree studies – Masters by research and doctoral courses. When successfully completed, it is usually awarded as a first class, second class (upper division), second class (lower division) or third class degree.

Most Honours degrees require completion of a further year of study after completing the requirements for the basic (pass) degree. In some courses, it is possible to obtain an Honours degree by achieving particularly good marks throughout the course or by choosing an Honours stream. Failure to complete the requirements for Honours successfully does not jeopardise a student’s entitlement to the pass degree.

Masters preliminary studies

Students who do not have an Honours degree and who aspire to higher degree study may be permitted to undertake Masters preliminary study, a non-award program that is generally equivalent to an honours year. Successful completion will normally qualify a student for entry to a Masters program. Some schools do not offer a Masters preliminary program – in those (and some other) schools, completion of a postgraduate diploma may qualify a student for entry to a higher degree program; see below.

Graduate Certificate

Candidates for a Graduate Certificate typically hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent. Although the duration of programs may vary, they generally require the equivalent of six months of full-time study. In some cases, the Graduate Certificate constitutes the first half of a Graduate Diploma; see below.

Graduate Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma

Candidates for a Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma typically hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent. A Graduate Diploma may comprise subjects at undergraduate (Bachelor degree) level, while a Postgraduate Diploma comprises subjects at postgraduate level. Although the duration of programs may vary, they generally require the equivalent of one year of full-time study. In some cases, a Graduate Certificate constitutes the first half of the Graduate Diploma; the Graduate Diploma in turn may serve as the first part of a Master by coursework degree.

Masters by coursework

Candidates for a Master degree by coursework typically hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent, with results that demonstrate aptitude for postgraduate study. Although the duration of programs may vary, they generally require the equivalent of one to two years of full-time study. While coursework is the main mode of study, the overall requirements for a Master degree by coursework may include a short thesis or other extended piece of work.

Research higher degree studies (Masters and doctoral degrees)

Higher degree courses available at La Trobe include Masters by research, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Professional Doctorates. All students interested in pursuing higher degree studies should make enquiries directly to the postgraduate coordinator in the relevant Faculty.

Please contact the following:

Timing of applications for higher degree candidature

Applications for candidature without scholarship may be submitted at any time. Applications for candidature with scholarship must be timed according to the closing dates for the two main scholarships. They are as follows:

For more information contact:

Student identification and contact details, privacy of information

Student status

A student remains a student only until the start of the next consecutive teaching period providing that they have formally re-enrolled. For example, a student who has only a Semester 1 2010 enrolment will cease to be a student on the commencement of Semester 2 2010. Students enrolled in both semesters will continue to be a student until the commencement of the next consecutive teaching period. At this time the student’s enrolment status lapses if they are not formally enrolled.

Student status for Centrelink purposes may differ and it is recommended that students seek advice from Centrelink.

Name changes

Students must notify the University immediately of any name changes. Official documentary evidence (e.g. marriage certificate, passport, birth certificate) is required before a change of name will be amended on the University’s student information system. The La Trobe University Testamurs Policy and Procedures provide that where an award has been conferred, a name may be changed in certain circumstances subject to the provision of documented proof – see

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/.

Privacy of student information

La Trobe University respects the privacy of your personal information by adhering to privacy laws. Personal information about you is collected and handled by the University to ensure your entitlements and obligations at La Trobe University are established and appropriately managed. Personal information we collect from you can be accessed from the Student Administration Office in accordance with applicable laws. Further information regarding information privacy at La Trobe University is available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/privacy

Use of email for communication with students

The La Trobe University ‘Use of Email for Official Correspondence’ with Students Policy, Procedures and Guidelines set the rules for the use of email for the University’s messages to students. La Trobe University’s normal medium for official communication with students is email to and from official University accounts. Communications about day-to-day student administrative matters will be sent by email only, to the email addresses allocated to the students by the University. Communications about matters of critical importance, such as the outcomes of ‘show cause’ hearings, will be sent both by email and by postal mail. All students should note that:

• communication sent to the official La Trobe student email account is deemed to have been delivered to the student
• students are responsible for checking their University email account frequently, and generally no less than twice weekly
• the University normally does not enter into email communication with students who contact the University from an email address other than their official La Trobe address, as it is impossible to authenticate the sender’s identity.

Students who believe that this policy may disadvantage them on equity or access grounds may submit a case for alternative arrangements. For more information, contact the Policy Unit in the Academic Services Division: mailto:academic_policy@latrobe.edu.au.

Student contact details

Students must notify the University immediately of any changes to their local and/or overseas postal address. In certain circumstances, official University communications are forwarded to a student’s local and/or overseas postal mailing addresses as recorded on the enrolment form, or as subsequently amended throughout the duration of their studies. Changes to an address can be made by a student using StudentOnLine or by the ‘Amendment to Personal Details’ form available from your local Student Administration Office. It is University policy that any official communication directed to the last known local postal address of a student is deemed to have been delivered to the student.

Students who believe that this policy may disadvantage them on equity or access grounds may submit a case for alternative arrangements. For more information, contact the Policy Unit in the Academic Services Division: mailto:academic_policy@latrobe.edu.au.

Student identity cards

La Trobe Cards are issued to students at the time of their first enrolment. La Trobe ID cards are issued to students at Bundoora and Bendigo campuses on the day of enrolment. Students from Albury-Wodonga, Melbourne (City), Mildura and Shepparton will have their cards issued after their enrolment has been processed.

The La Trobe ID card is used for:

• identification
• library borrowing
• photocopying and network printing
• building access.

If your ID card is damaged you can purchase a replacement card for $20 from the Student Administration Office.

If your ID card is lost or stolen you must report it immediately to the Student Administration Office (Bundoora) on (03) 9479 2005. It is also suggested that you report any card loss or theft to the Library immediately to avoid any fraudulent book borrowing.

A replacement card will be issued to you at a cost of $20.00. If your card was stolen and you can present a police stolen property report, a replacement card will be issued free of charge.

Students should carry their La Trobe ID card at all times while on campus. Students may be requested to produce their card as proof of identity by an identified officer of the University. Student cards are required as proof of identity at all examinations and Student Administration Offices.

Cards are issued to students as proof of identification. Cards must be returned to the University if your enrolment ceases. The University reserves the right to cancel cards and remove access to facilities when enrolment ceases.

The University adopts the Australian Government Passport photo guidelines with regard to ID card photo standards. If a student is unable to comply with these guidelines due to religious or cultural practices, particularly regarding the wearing of a burkah or other such garment, students will be provided with a secondary proof of ID card. This card will include a specimen signature, which will be used as further proof of identity, especially under examination conditions. Students will be required to provide both forms of ID while on campus and during examinations.

StudentOnLine

The University provides an interactive website for students – StudentOnLine – which enables students to check their enrolment, re-enrol, vary enrolment, change postal addresses, check results and course completion, view and print an unofficial transcript, pay fees and access other student services. A username and password is required by the student to access the site, and students are required to change the password when accessing the service for the first time.

Passwords and usernames are printed once only on the initial Statement of Account which is issued following a student’s commencing enrolment.

University charges for 2010

For an explanation of the above charges or for further details, contact the Student Administration Office or email: studentcentre@latrobe.edu.au

Complaints about charges

If staff or students are concerned that, in individual cases, charges may constitute violations of the Higher Education Support Act, the matter should at first be taken up with La Trobe University and then the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) if unresolved. It is the responsibility of the University to ensure that its charges are consistent with this advice and the Act. Staff or students should go to the University website to access a Customer Service Feedback Form at www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/staff/customerfeedback