Frequently asked questions
Enrolment and administration
How do I enrol in a subject or change my enrolment?
StudentOnLine is La Trobe University's interactive web site for students. It enables you to:
- re-enrol
- change your address
- join the Student Guild
- pay your tuition related fees by credit card
- get your results and check your enrolment by viewing an unofficial academic record
- see and order your recommended text books
Where can I find Information about a Subject?
Students can access subject information at the Unit (subject) Database.
How can I find my class timetable?
Class Timetables are administered by Academic Services Division for the University. Timetabled subjects offered by all campuses of La Trobe University are available by subject, Department, or Student Id selections. See the timetables page for more information. Students have the opportunity to view their own personal timetable by entering their student id number and password. Access to Timetable information may also be obtained via Students Online.
How can I find my exam timetable?
Official examination timetables for centrally administered mid-year and end-of-year examinations are usually published approximately five weeks prior to the examination period commencing. Timetables are published on the web via the University’s homepage and on notice-boards, together with central examination rules and other important information regarding examination conduct. See our exams page for more information.
Why do I need my student card?
The La Trobe ID card is used for:
- identification
- library borrowing
- photocopying and network printing
- building access.
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. La Trobe ID cards are issued to students at Bundoora and Bendigo campuses on the day of enrolment. Students from Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Shepparton will have their cards issued after their enrolment has been processed.
If your ID card is lost or stolen you must report it immediately to the Card Centre on (03) 9479-1349 or email lost-stolencards@latrobe.edu.au See our student card page for more information about obtaining or using your Student ID Card.
How do I get my student email?
To log in to your student e-mail, use your student username, eg. masmith (for Mary Alison Smith), and then enter your password which is usually defaulted to your date of birth, e.g. 13071989 (for 13/07/1989).
Student email is used by both the University and teaching staff to communicate to students, and is most of the time the preferred way of communication by lecturers. Students can access their email account via the email log-in page.
Where can I go to find out more about enrolment and ID cards?
The Student Administration Office can assist students and University staff with a wide variety of administrative processes including enrolment, variations to enrolment such as Discontinuation & Intermission of enrolments and production of academic transcripts. Please see our administration office page for more information on opening hours and locations.
What are some important dates I will need to know?
Important dates that you will need to know about can be found by browsing the University Calendar.
What if I wish to defer?
Deferment of studies may be granted in most undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Further details on deferment are outlined in the University handbook. In the first instance all enquiries concerning deferment should be directed to the faculty office or local Student Administration Office. Commencing students cannot defer studies once they have incurred any fees, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP liability.
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 in 2009.
What if I wish to take some time off?
An Intermission of Enrolment may be granted if you wish to take some time off but intend to return. Before you decide to intermit studies, it is recommended that you discuss the matter with a Faculty Adviser of Studies. It is also advisable to consult with staff from the counselling and/or careers services. Further information can be found here.
What if I wish to withdraw?
Before you decide to discontinue studies, it is recommended that you discuss the matter with a Faculty Adviser of Studies. It is also advisable to consult with staff from the counselling and/or careers services. Information on how to withdraw can be found here.
What if I want to change my course?
Transfers from one course to another within the University may be considered on an individual basis. The cut-off date for the submission of transfer forms will vary depending on the faculty of your enrolment. Contact your faculty for further information and for forms and details, click here.
What if I need special consideration for my subjects?
If you believe that your studies have been adversely affected by illness or another cause throughout the year you may apply for special consideration. For more information, visit special consideration webpage.
How can I get credit for my prior learning (RPL)?
Students who have studied at tertiary level elsewhere or who have other relevant studies or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing towards a La Trobe University qualification. Each Faculty has different policies in respect to the number and type of subjects and work experience eligible for advanced standing. For more information, click here.
What happens if I fail a subject?
Every course offered by the University must be completed within a specified period of time. The maximum period for the completion of courses is included in the University’s Academic Progress Monitoring and Intervention Policy and Procedures. Similar constraints apply to honours years, graduate diplomas, Masters degree programs and doctoral degrees.
Students who do not satisfy academic progress requirements over a set Progression Period will receive formal written advice and may be required to present their case to their Faculty Academic Progress Committee (APC) as to why their enrolment should be allowed to continue.
The University is currently reviewing its academic progress requirements. Subject to final approval of the new requirements, a student will trigger an academic progress intervention when, in any given Progression Period, the student:
- fails 50% or more of the sum of the credit points for which the student is enrolled in a given course; or
- fails a subject in a course for a second or subsequent time; or
- fails to meet any conditions previously imposed on the student’s enrolment by the Faculty Board of the Faculty administering the course or its authorised committee or officer; or
- exceeds the maximum allowed period for attempting a course of study
The first weeks
Why should I attend Orientation Week?
Orientation Week (O’Week) is an opportunity for you to get a head start in finding out as possible about your course, your faculty and the University before official classes begin. Attending O’Week is also a great way to learn about what’s on offer to help you manage your studies, get involved in campus life and meet new friends. Each campus has an Orientation event, which includes campus tours, academic induction sessions, social activities and general information sessions. Centrelink payments also cover your attendance at O’Week. A full list of orientation information can be found at the Orientation website.
What will happen in my first weeks?
For most students (unless otherwise informed), official classes will commence after the Orientation week (see key dates ). These first classes are vital as they will contain important information regarding what you will need in order to effectively study at La Trobe, who you should contact if you need help, and what text books and materials you may need if you haven’t already been told.
How will I know where to go?
By logging on to StudentOnLine, or by visiting the timetable website, you will be able to access your personalised student timetable which will outline the classes available to you. It will also outline the locations of the classes and time times they commence. To find your class, use the University map located in your diary, or browse the list of University maps online. Attending Orientation is also a great way to get a tour of the campus and the specific buildings you need to use.
What text books will I need?
Easy to use book lists are now available on-line. These include price (after discount where applicable), availability and the option of delivery. It is suggested that you confirm the required texts with lecturers before purchase. Booklists can be accessed via your StudentOnLine account.
Instructions: Go to the La Trobe University Student Online site and enter your username and password. Click on login. On the next page select Book Details from the menu and your current enrolment details will be displayed. To see the book list for a single subject click on the course code (this will open a text lookup window). There is also the option to list the texts for all your subjects (this will also open a text lookup window). Book listings show whether a title is preliminary reading, recommended or a textbook. For more information, please visit the La Trobe Bookshop webpage.
What is the LMS (WebCT) system?
La Trobe University's Learning Management System (LMS) is WebCT CE 6. This system may be referred to as the LMS or as WebCT - it is the same system. The Learning Management System (LMS) is web based and allows you to locate learning materials and activities related to your studies from any location with internet access. Not all subjects will use LMS, so check with your lecturer or Subject Outline first. For more information and user guides, go to the LMS site.
What is required from me in a Lecture?
At University, there are usually four different types of teaching modes: Lectures, Tutorials/seminars, practicals, and private study. Lectures are where a large number of students, usually the entire population of those students who have enrolled in the subject, attended a one to two hour presentation by the lecturer.
The purpose of the lecture is to explore new topics and discuss the set readings for a particular area within the subject. It will also provide administrative information when needed, such as when assignments are due, or who to contact in faculties. Lectures help build a sense of a shared sphere of learning; that is, a learning community and a community of enquiry.
Students are encouraged to take notes in lectures as they will provide useful information on the major topic areas that are explored in the subject. For information on note taking in lectures, visit the Language and Academic Skills website.
What is required from me in a Tutorial/Seminar?
At University, there are usually four different types of teaching modes: Lectures, Tutorials/seminars, practicals, and private study. Tutorials and seminars are where you engage in open discussion with the rest of the group about a prescribed topic. The main difference between a seminar and a tutorial is the size of the groups and length of the session, usually with seminars consisting of more people and running from two–three hours. Tutorials are usually smaller, and run from one–two hours.
In tutorials and seminars, the group will openly discuss a range of topics, examine certain questions, analyse texts or situations, whilst providing students with the opportunity to ask in-depth questions about a topic or about the subject. Students may also be required to give presentations or talks within tutorials or seminars.
What is required from me in a Practical?
At University, there are usually four different types of teaching modes: lectures, tutorials/seminars, practicals, and private study. “Pracs” are where student learn about the subject in a physical and practical manner. This is to say, you DO what you have been taught; they are participatory session to examine practices and procedures through personal application these sessions are usually supervised.
For science students, this is usually a “lab” session where you will be working within a laboratory. “Pracs” also apply to Education students, more commonly known as a Practicum where students will work in schools and Health Science students, where they are usually referred to as Clinical Placements.
Getting help
Where can I go if I have a complaint or a grievance?
In general, wherever possible, the first point of contact should be the supervisor or person responsible for the area that took the action that has provoked the complaint. If a complaint or grievance regarding an academic matter or an administrative decision or action is not resolved through the relevant faculty, school or administrative department, advice may be sought from The University Ombudsman.
Where do I go for accommodation advice?
At La Trobe University there is affordable on-campus accommodation on most campuses as well as off-campus accommodation options close to each of our campuses. We manage a wide variety of student accommodation designed to meet the needs of international and local students as well as offering information about privately-run accommodation off-campus. For further information and advice about accommodation services at La Trobe, please visit the accommodation webpage.
Where do I go for financial help?
The Financial Aid Office provides a variety of services to students in relation to financial matters. The office administers financial assistance loans and has a liaison role with Centrelink. La Trobe University offers a range of Scholarships that you may be eligible for. Careers and Employment can assist you in looking for part time or casual work.
What if I need help with my studies?
To find out more about how we can help you do your best, contact your nearest Language and Academic Skills Units for an appointment. You can also visit the learning website for more information.
How can I get involved in University life?
La Trobe University offers a diverse range of student activities that can enable you to grow personally and academically. Our campuses provide a vibrant backdrop to our academic achievements and offer an unbeatable lifestyle. Get involved at La Trobe by visiting the Life at La Trobe website.
What if I am an international student?
International students can access a range of information through La Trobe International.
Further information
For more information on La Trobe University services, facilities and resources, please visit the Current Students site. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please email your question to studentengagement@latrobe.edu.au.
