Handbook

Required reading

General information

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Campus and Student Services

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. Our chaplaincy team works within a context of respect for all people irrespective of their social, philosophical or religious interests or values. 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.

A prayer room and wash rooms are available for Muslim students and these are located on the first level above the HUED lecture theatre.

The chaplaincy team invites students to utilise the chapel and small lounge in room 471, Humanities three. The chapel provides space for reflection, prayer, retreat or bible study. The lounge is a place where anybody can sit and read, catch up with friends, meet new people or simply just chill out. It also has access to a small kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities and a microwave for heating food.

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. School leavers and mature age applicants can apply through VTAC or UAC with relevant supporting evidence and statements. 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:

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
• referral to local Indigenous community organisations and services.

Events promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and peoples are held across all campuses throughout the year.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

ICT 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 and Libraries. Campus IT support officers and lecturers are generally a 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: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/it/

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 username and password, referred to as a La Trobe Student Account, which they can use to access the student system, various computer labs, and other computing services including the Internet.

Your La Trobe Student Account username is located on the top of your first ‘Statement of Account’ with the password on the back. This username and password controls access to:

• StudentOnLine
• Learning Management System (LMS)
• Student Email
• Computer/Wireless access on campus
• Anti-Virus Software Access
• OASIS

What if I forget my password?

Your password can be changed by Student IT Support (SITS), you will need to show your student card as proof of identity. Alternatively you can call SITS and verify your identity via a series of questions to change your password.

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

The primary method of contact with students for administrative matters is via their official La Trobe University student email account. The University's policy and procedures on the Use of Email for Official Communications with Students can be found at www.latrobe.edu.au/policy (look under E for email).

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

Remote access

Modem access is available 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.

VPN access requires an existing internet connection and is available to all students, allowing access to La Trobe computing services as if on-campus. More information about VPN: www.latrobe.edu.au/vpn/

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 levels one and two there is currently no cost for accessing information from these sites. For level three, 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. Any restrictions would be 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.

StudentOnLine

StudentOnLine 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 StudentOnLine at: www.latrobe.edu.au/students/enrolment/studentonline.html

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page can be accessed at: www.latrobe.edu.au/students/enrolment/studentonline/faq

Learning Management System (LMS)

The LMS is the University’s online learning management system that allows you to obtain learning materials and activities related to your studies from any location with internet access. If your lecturer indicates that you will be using this system, it is available at www.latrobe.edu.au/studentlmsinfo/.

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

Anti-Virus software

The 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 http://www.latrobe.edu.au/antivirus/

Wireless computer access

Wireless computer access is available at various locations throughout the University. You can also connect to the wireless network at many other Universities using eduroam. More information about eduroam: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/eduroam

OASIS

OASIS is an online tutorial signup system. If your lecturer indicates that you will be required to use this system, it is available at www.latrobe.edu.au/oasis/campus.asp.

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

Contact information

Student IT Support (SITS)

StudentOnLine

LMS

Contact the lecturer responsible for your course subject directly.

Student Services Melbourne Campus

Accommodation Services

The service exists to assist students with information and advice about all aspects of housing. You may contact us for assistance with both on-campus and off-campus accommodation, as well as for information about tenancy, short-term housing, and accommodation for staff and visitors.

Chisholm College

Chisholm College, best known for its international perspective, is the embodiment of a successful multicultural community. A wonderful and exciting cultural mix of Australian and international residents produces a vibrant and active college community with a distinctive social and academic life. Chisholm is one of the most ‘Australian’ places to live on campus.

The self-catering arrangements of the college assist with the creation of a community on the floor . Kitchen and bathroom facilities are designed so that students share with no more than 11 people. Free, shared laundry facilities are provided. All rooms have provision for direct computer access to the Internet. Each of the bed/study rooms is fully furnished and equipped with blankets, pillow and all bed linen. The college has a spacious and recently modernised activities area with a TV room with FOXTEL satellite service, 5.1 surround sound theatrette, library, table tennis, billiards and other facilities. In 2008, a new Arts Centre was launched, with an international lounge, music room, creative arts room and lounges. Residential assistants care for the academic and general wellbeing of residents, and a flexible academic support program is freely available to all.

Glenn College

Glenn College, La Trobe University’s oldest college, is situated in a picturesque setting on the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus overlooking the Moat. Glenn is a fully catered college, providing breakfast and dinner seven days per week. A wide range of main courses is offered, accommodating various vegetarian and other preferences, with self-serve selection of vegetables and salads. Our wonderful dining hall is a great place to make and meet friends, as are the many other communal areas of college.

Each of the bed/study rooms is fully furnished and equipped with blankets, pillow and all bed linen. All rooms are equipped with Internet connections. Bathrooms and free laundries are located close to all rooms, and two residential assistants are in charge of each floor. These senior students are available to assist and guide new residents and, together with Coordinators and the Residential Supervisor, they also constitute the leadership and after-hours response team 24 hours a day. The college has a recreation room and TV lounges with FOXTEL channels, table tennis and billiards rooms. An academic mentoring team of senior students is available to address first-year students’ academic needs and queries. Faculty dinners bring together those doing similar courses, senior students and University staff, and provide residents with valuable contacts. Glenn provides a living environment conducive to academic success, social development, and cultural enrichment and personal, individual and group development.

Menzies College

Menzies College offers superb, modern facilities. Residents have well-equipped single study-bedrooms, with access to modern kitchens, common rooms and bathrooms. Support and development is provided through trained seniors (pastoral and welfare), an elected and active Student Club (with an executive and reps to organise events and activities), study mentors (offering weekly academic support across subject areas), as well as the administrative staff and Warden of College. The college also has around 30 academic associates, full-time University staff who support its academic programs. Outstanding facilities include an IT centre (42 PCs), large learning resource centre (with textbook purchase scheme), the Menzies Global Lounge, a student club room (cable TV, pool, table tennis), a large modern fitness centre, a health sciences support room (with models, library and equipment, and a separate massage room), a music practice room, and function rooms. There are barbecue areas, a modern café (with meal plans), a beer garden, and a licensed bar with DVD-TV projection facilities.

A strong academic and development program includes seminars, extensive professional development courses, study focus groups, and Faculty dinners. Menzies College prides itself on offering more than just a place to live: it is a place to make friends, get involved in community living, and get the most from your time at university.

Graduate House

Graduate House is set on picturesque parkland at the northern fringe of the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus. Its ideal location gives on campus convenience without being in the centre of things. It was specifically designed to meet the accommodation needs of postgraduate and mature age students, couples and those wishing to share a room, although all La Trobe students are welcome, as long as their major focus is on study. Its large, bright and airy bedrooms are well serviced by fully fitted out kitchens. There are ample showers and toilets on each floor, which are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. Married couples will find the rooms fitted out with double beds and ample storage is ideal if both partners are studying, as there are two study desks, both with individual access to the network. Regular BBQ’s and social outings are held which enable residents to relax in an enjoyable atmosphere and form lasting friendships easily.

The University Lodge

The University Lodge is a small comfortable collegiate style residential hall that is home to 70 students. It is extremely popular with those studying at the Graduate School of Management, as you can literally walk to class in under three minutes. The community there has a minimum age of 22, and there is a friendly atmosphere that engenders an environment that assists with the transition to university, the making of friends and provides the ongoing support that will assist you in achieving your goals.

Room sizes vary, but in general the rooms are large with the traditional high ceilings of its delightful Edwardian style architecture.

Both single and couples rooms are available, with twin share rooms also an option. All are serviced by fully equipped communal kitchens and modern bathroom and toilet facilities on each floor. There are regular social functions ranging from wine tastings to bus trips to interesting locations around Victoria.

Barnes Way & Waterdale Apartments

As well as the traditional halls and colleges, La Trobe has a large variety of flats and apartments on campus. Each apartment consists of between two and six bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, a kitchen and lounge/dining area. The apartments are extremely popular with families wishing to be close to the main campus. Peace of mind comes from being surrounded by like-minded studious people gaining the security and convenience of University-owned accommodation. A student centre provides residents with an attractive social area and the site for events, meetings and organised activities. Residential assistants, a Warden, and access to study support, if needed, will all help new students settle in and enjoy the benefits of a convenient location, a smooth transition to their new life and a friendly living environment.

Borchardt Library

Centrally located in the Agora at the Melbourne campus, the Library is a busy hub of student life. The Library website is the focal point for accessing quality information resources and services.

Computer workstations for student use are provided on all three levels of the Library giving access to the catalogue, databases, ebooks and ejournals, exam papers, online subject guides and audiovisual resources, as well as a range of University resources such as timetables and the learning management system. Students can borrow laptops or use their own and can access the Internet via the wireless network in the Library.

An extensive refurbishment of the Library completed in 2010 has created a state-of-the-art learning commons on the ground floor with study booths and group study rooms with LCD screens, along with comfortable study spaces with access to power. Similar areas have also been created on Level 2 along with many computer workstations and there is a whole floor for silent study on Level 3.

The Library has extensive online and physical collections with more than 150,000 ebooks and electronic serial titles, and over 1.5 million volumes of books, journals and audiovisual materials to support learning, teaching and research.

Library staff provide assistance with finding and evaluating scholarly information, using databases and the Library catalogue, and developing effective information search skills. This assistance is delivered in person at service desks, via targeted training sessions and tours, and online via web-based tutorials, email and a live chat service.  

Children’s Centre

All Day Care • Sessional Care • Kindergarten • ASELCC (Autism Specific Early learning and Care 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 all children, the Centre also provides a kindergarten program and the new Victorian Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre.

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 offers a comprehensive group program and a range of health promotion initiatives, advertised widely at each campus.

Disability Services

Educational support services are available to students with disabilities, mental health illness, ongoing medical conditions and students who are Deaf and hearing impaired. If students require support services they must provide adequate documentation from a relevant health professional and attend a confidential interview with a Disability Adviser.

Equality and Diversity Centre

The Equality and Diversity Centre provides a wide range of support services to staff and students. The role of the Centre 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 Equality and Diversity Centre 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 Centre’s many involvements include policy and planning, disability support, complaint conciliation, information, referral and education. Equity Officers are located at each campus.

For contact details and campus locations please refer to www.latrobe.edu.au/equality

Health Service

La Trobe University Medical Centre is located inside the La Trobe Private Hospital next to the Melbourne 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 may provide bulk billing services for La Trobe University students and staff. Standard consultation fees apply Monday through Sunday and for overseas students.

Services include general practitioner (GP) services and sub-specialties: 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 Melbourne is:

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

La Trobe University Sports

Fun, Fitness, Health and Wellbeing.

Sports Centre

A visit to the La Trobe University Sports Centre is one of the best ways to get involved in university life and meet new people.

The Sports Centre on the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus has many facilities including a 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, a dance studio, squash courts, tennis courts, table tennis facilities and a multipurpose stadium that hosts basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball and indoor soccer. In addition to this diverse range of facilities, the Sports Centre offers many programs such as Group Exercise, Dance, Yoga, Pilates, social sports and Uni Games.

Sports Clubs

La Trobe University has over 20 affiliated sporting and recreational clubs there is something for everyone, from social to competition. These clubs include Snowsports, Australian Rules, Basketball, Cricket, Hockey, Mountaineering, Netball, Soccer, Surfing, Tennis and Water skiing to name a few.

Additional services include First Aid training and accreditation, squash and tennis coaching, adult swim lessons and massage.

A complete list and further details can be found on the website www.latrobe.edu.au/sport or email sport@latrobe.edu.au