FSTE Policy and Administration Guide
General Information
This section contains information important for management of your enrolment within La Trobe University in the following sections:
1.1 Course Advice
1.2 Falling behind in your studies?
1.3 Plagiarism
1.4 Academic Progress
1.5 English Language Proficiency
1.6 Language and Academic Skills
1.7 International Students
1.8 Administrative Queries
1.9 Change of Address/Contact Details
1.10 Statement of Account and Commonwealth Assistance Notice
1.11 Email correspondence
1.12 Computing skills for students
Every course has an adviser to whom you should speak if you have questions about the structure of your course, the electives you have chosen within your course, or even about changing your course
A list of the Academic Course Advisers/Course Coordinators and administrative staff members for each of the Faculty's courses is at: Course Advisers and Coordinators. If you are thinking of revising your enrolment, then you should see the appropriate administrative staff member at the Faculty Office regarding any structural queries or the Course Adviser/Course Coordinator in relation to any academic matters, such as the selection of electives and unit content.
1.2 Falling behind in your studies?
If you are experiencing difficulties with your studies and/or are not likely to meet the academic progress requirements for your course, you should seek advice from the Course Adviser or staff in the Faculty Office regarding your options for the remainder of the year. You might also consider approaching the Counselling Service for help with study skills or assistance in dealing with problems that may be adversely affecting your studies. Alternatively, the Students' Representative Council and the La Trobe University Postgraduate Association are very willing to offer assistance. Discussing problems with unit coordinators or tutors for particular units may also be helpful.
If you are receiving a Centrelink allowance and you are thinking of making changes to your enrolment, it may be appropriate to seek advice from Student Financial Services. In particular, you should contact this service if you wish to reduce your amount of study by discontinuing your enrolment in some or all units.
Remember, if you are experiencing difficulties with your studies and/or your first semester results are disappointing, you must act to address the situation. Do not ignore it. Seek assistance from the various staff and services available to help you.
Counselling Service:
BUNDOORA - 03 9479 2956
BENDIGO - 03 5444 7223
ALBURY-WODONGA - 02 6024 9627
Students' Representative Council:
BUNDOORA - 03 9479 2976
BENDIGO - 03 5444 7514
ALBURY-WODONGA - 02 6055 6641
La Trobe University Postgraduate Association
BUNDOORA - 03 9479 2438
Student Financial Services
BUNDOORA - 03 9479 2112 (general enquiries)
Plagiarism occurs when someone copies or reproduces another person's words or ideas and presents them as his or her own without proper acknowledgement. There are many forms of plagiarism, including the following:
- Direct copying of sentences, paragraphs or other extracts from someone else's published work (including on the Internet and in software) without acknowledging the source;
- Paraphrasing someone else's words without acknowledging the source;
- Using facts and information derived from a source without acknowledging it;
- Using ideas directly derived from an identifiable author without acknowledging the source;
- Producing assignments which should be the student's own, independent work in collaboration with and/or using the work of other people (e.g. a student or tutor).
Assisting another person to plagiarise material may be punished as severely as is plagiarism itself. Assisting plagiarism may involve a student lending work (or by posting it on the Internet for sale) which is intended for submission for assessment, or which has already been submitted, so that it can be copied and handed in by another student as that student's own work.
Students may find it helpful to discuss assignments with other students and their tutors. The University encourages students to communicate with one another in constructive ways about the learning process. Students may choose to assist each other, for example in discussing the approaches that might be taken to assignment topics, or helping with the availability of reading materials. They should, however, write their assignments independently, except when they are asked to work on a project as a member of a group which is to submit a joint report, as equal contributors. In this case, except where the final written work consists of sections for which particular individuals take sole responsibility, the group as a whole assumes responsibility for it and the proper acknowledgment of any use made of the words or ideas of people outside the group.
If you feel that you need assistance in referencing your assignments you should, in the first instance, approach your lecturer or tutor. In addition, you can contact the Language and Academic Skills unit in the Faculty for guidance.
Incidences of alleged plagiarism will be taken seriously by the Faculty. Please see the University's policy on Academic Misconduct, including plagiarism (PDF file) and for further information also see the University's policy on Plagiarism.
1.4 Academic Progress (subject to change - currently under review)
All Faculties at La Trobe University are bound to apply the Academic Progress Rules of the University as set out below. It is the duty of the Faculty Board, through nominees of the Dean, (usually the Chief Examiners of the Faculty), to apply the rules and Deans are responsible for ensuring compliance. It is the duty of students to ensure that accurate and up-to-date contact details are held by the University.
For the purpose of applying the Rules, progress in a course will be assessed over particular progression periods. In the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, there will be two progression periods in an Academic Year. They will be each be six (6) months in duration and run from the 1 January - 30 June and 1 July - 31 December respectively.
1. Progress of a student enrolled in any coursework degree (undergraduate and postgraduate) at La Trobe University in a particular progression period is deemed to be unsatisfactory if:
(a) the student either:
(i) fails to pass 50% of the units in which s(he) is enrolled for that period of enrolment; or
(ii) having previously been deemed to have made unsatisfactory academic progress, fails to pass 60% of the units in which s(he) is enrolled for that period of enrolment;
(b) s(he) fails a unit in a course for a second time; or
(c) s(he) fails to meet conditions specified by the Faculty administering the course at the commencement of the year of enrolment.
2. At the completion of each academic period a student whose progress is deemed to be unsatisfactory will receive either:
(i) a "Progress Review" letter advising of the requirement to meet with the co-ordinator of the course of enrolment or other person(s) nominated by the relevant Faculty by a nominated time (usually the commencement of the next academic period) - such a letter normally will be forwarded to a student after the first academic period of a given year of enrolment; or
(ii) a "Letter of Warning" advising of the requirement to meet with the co-ordinator of the course of enrolment or other person nominated by the relevant faculty by a nominated time (usually the commencement of the next year of enrolment) - such a letter normally will be forwarded to a student at the end of a particular year of enrolment; or
(iii) a "Show Cause Letter" advising of the requirement to establish a case why normal re-enrolment should be permitted - such a letter normally will be forwarded to a student who fails to meet the requirements set out in 1 (a) (ii), 1 (b) or 1 (c) above, at the end of a particular year of enrolment.
Please note that you can also view information regarding your enrolment and progression status via Student Online under ‘COURSE', then ‘COURSE PROGRESSION'.
3. An international student who fails one or more units in a given academic period will receive a "Progress Review" letter containing a requirement that the student attend a meeting with the co-ordinator of the course of enrolment or other person nominated by the relevant Faculty by a specified time (prior to enrolment for the next academic period). Failure to attend such a meeting may lead to the student breaching visa conditions. The outcome of the meeting will be copied to the student's file.
4. Students must pass pre-requisite units before being permitted to enrol in relevant units at the next year level. Where the pre-requisite unit requires the student to demonstrate competence in a set of procedures and/or practices, the unit must have been passed no more than three years prior to enrolling in the relevant units at the next year level.
Where there are no prerequisite units, students will be permitted to enrol in units from different year levels provided the requirements specified in (1) above for academic progress are met.
The Faculty advises that you check the requirements for the degree you are undertaking in the University Handbook for any further conditions specific to your course.
5. Where a student is required to "Show Cause" or to be issued with a "Letter of Warning", as specified above, (s)he will be advised by mail within 10 working days of the completion of the examination process for the particular year of enrolment (which is not synonymous with examination period) and prior to the commencement of the following year of enrolment. A copy of the Show Cause letter will also be emailed to students' La Trobe email address to alert him/her to forthcoming postal mail.
6. A late response to a "Show Cause" letter will be accepted only in exceptional circumstances. An appeal against the refusal to accept a late submission may be made to the Academic Progress Review Committee which will determine if the submission should be accepted and considered by the Faculty.
7. Students will be advised by mail of the outcome of any "Show Cause" hearing within 10 working days of such hearing being held. This letter should direct the student's attention to Clause 7 "Academic Progress Review Committee" and Clause 8 "Time Limits and Requirements for Review for the Review Committee" of Regulation 19.1 - Academic Progress of Students.
1.5 English Language Proficiency
Students who commenced their undergraduate degree before 2005 in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering (other than the Bachelor of Behavioural Science or an Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a double degree other than Bachelor of Bioinformatics/Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Biological Science and the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Ecology or students enrolled in Bendigo courses) must pass the English Language Proficiency Test (ELP) requirement. If you have not yet sat this test you should contact the Language and Academic Skills Unit.
For students who commenced their studies after the beginning of 2005, this requirement is tested within their course structure.
Students who enrol in and pass relevant units as part of their course can apply for an exemption from the test. Relevant units include EDU1EST English as a Second Language 1 (15 credit points), EDU4ESL English as a Second Language 2 (20 credit points), CSE2COM Professional Communication (10 credit points) and a variety of other units from Humanities and Social Sciences. Students seeking exemptions on the basis of such units should contact the Faculty Office. The "EDU" units above may only be credited as first-year level units towards any degree offered by the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.
Important reminder: students who have not met this English proficiency requirement will not qualify for their degree and will not be permitted to graduate.
1.6 Language and Academic Skills Unit
The Language and Academic Skills unit in the Faculty assists students at all levels to develop writing, reading, oral presentation and study skills. The unit is also involved in the development of communication skills, one of the Faculty's generic skills for graduates of the Faculty, through unit assessments. Students are encouraged to contact the unit to make an appointment for individual assistance or to inquire about resources.
Language and Academic Skills:
BUNDOORA - Physical Sciences 1 Building, Room 213 or telephone (03) 9479 2432
BENDIGO - Student Services Centre - telephone 5444 7223
ALBURY-WODONGA - Building 4, room 4240, or telephone 02 6024 9772
Non-native speakers of English may also contact the Language and Academic Skills - LAS (ESL) on level 4 of the Humanities 3 Building (tel: 9479 2788) to seek English language assistance.
In addition to University and Faculty policy and administration requirements mentioned in this guide, International students must also meet the following DIAC requirements:
- maintain a valid visa
- International students on a student visa are required to enrol as full-time students, which is in most cases 60 credit points per half year (January to June and July to December) unless there are approved exceptions. For further advice contact La Trobe International www.latrobe.edu.au/international/
- not repeat a unit more than once if it is your last semester of enrolment
- undertake no more than 20 hours paid work per week during semester
- ensure that current postal details are maintained at all times, especially if returning overseas during breaks.
It is University policy that any communication directed to the last known address of a student is deemed to have been delivered to the student. Incorrect address details cannot be used as a reason for failing to submit documentation to the University by a due date.
Students should check results carefully before returning home at the end of the year. Any units that have been recorded with SA-E, SA-A (Supplementary assessment), SP-E, SP-A (Special examination) or SAH-E, SAH-A (Hurdle requirement) must be completed by the end of the special examination period (end of January).
For further information regarding faculty specific DIAC requirements contact the Faculty's International Liaison Officer:
BUNDOORA & ALBURY-WODONGA - 03 9479 2220
BENDIGO - 03 5444 7924
The Faculty of Science, Technology & Engineering staff members are happy to answer any administrative queries you may have. In the first instance speak to the staff member responsible for your course.
BUNDOORA: 03 9479 2220 URL: www.latrobe.edu.au/scitecheng/
BENDIGO: 03 5444 7351
ALBURY-WODONGA: Department of Environmental Management and Ecology queries - 02 6024 9885 - URL: www.latrobe.edu.au/deme/aw/ or
Department of Psychology queries - 02 6024 9895 - URL: www.latrobe.edu.au/psy/aw/
Various forms for amending your enrolment (eg. Variation of Enrolment, Application for Intermission of Studies, Application for Course Transfer, Application for Special Consideration, etc.) are available from the various campus Faculty Offices and Student Administration Offices.
We encourage you to contact the Faculty Office about any problems you may be experiencing.
1.9 Change of Address/Contact Details
If you change your address or contact details it is essential that you lodge this information at the Student Administration Office immediately. You can do this by:
- Completing an Amendment to Personal Details form available from the Student Administration Office.
- Via StudentOnLine at www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/studentonline (Note only certain types of changes can be made online).
- In writing to the Student Administration Office - remembering to include your full name, student number, previous address and new address.
Documentation can be sent to the following addresses:
BUNDOORA: Fax - 03 9479 1994
Post - Student Administration Office, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086
BENDIGO: Fax - 03 5444 7777
Post - Student Administration, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550
ALBURY-WODONGA: Fax - 02 6024 9797
Post - Student Administration, La Trobe University, University Drive, Wodonga, Victoria 3690
You must sign any request to update your address or contact details.
Please note that it is University policy that any communication directed to the last known address of a student is deemed to have been delivered to the student. It is your responsibility to ensure that the University has a current address at all times, including during vacation periods when you may return home to visit family and friends. International students holding a student visa are reminded that Condition 8533 requires them to notify the University of any change of address within 7 days. This is particularly important if you are awarded supplementary assessment or special examinations or if you are required to show cause. An incorrect mailing address will not be deemed sufficient reason for the acceptance of late show cause submissions.
1.10 Statement of Account and Commonwealth Assistance Notice
All students receive Statement of Accounts and Commonwealth Assistance Notices based on individual unit census dates. It is your responsibility to ensure that details on these notices are correct. All requests for correction must be submitted in writing to your Student Administration Office within 14 days of the date of the notice. For further information pertaining to census dates refer to Academic Services.
Written requests and phone enquiries may be directed to:
BUNDOORA: Student Administration Office, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086
BENDIGO: Student Administration, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550
ALBURY-WODONGA: Fax to 02 6024 9797 or post to Student Administration, La Trobe University, University Drive, Wodonga, Victoria 3690.
La Trobe University now uses email correspondence as the primary method of contact with students via official La Trobe University email accounts only (previously set up confidential email accounts will no longer be used).
All information regarding re-enrolment, student status and other important matters affecting your enrolment will no longer be sent in the first instance via postal mail.
It is most important that you check your official La Trobe email address regularly.
Further information regarding accessing your student email account may be found at www.latrobe.edu.au/ict/services/email. This website also provides instructions on how to forward your official La Trobe student email account to another email address if you wish.
1.12 Computing Skills for Students
La Trobe University is keen to see that its graduates be recognised not only as excellent graduates in their disciplines but also as having the Information Technology skills necessary to function in a modern workplace.
La Trobe University students are encouraged to take advantage of free computer based training (CBTs) in Information Technology skills.
The 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
To access the CBTs, you should go to StudentOnLine and click on the ‘start training' link at the following URL: www.latrobe.edu.au/cbt/