Student Guide 2008

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Student Guide 2008

Census information

Cenus dates
What happens after each census date?
Late payment of unit fees
Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)
Fee exemption
International student fees
Domestic student fees
Categories of students and applicable fees
Higher Education Preparatory Senior Secondary Support Program (HEPSSS)
Additional information for unit fees and student categories
Methods of payment
Refunds
What happens if I do not pay my fees by the census date?
Remissions

Census dates

Please be aware that it is the student's responsibility to:

Notify the University in writing of any changes to their enrolment before the census date; and
Complete payment of their fees, where applicable. Failure to do this will result in the University cancelling the enrolment.

What happens after each census date?

If you are a student who is eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP assistance, and have supplied a TFN and not made a full up-front payment of the student contribution amount, then you will incur a HECSHELP or FEE-HELP debt if you are enrolled in a unit of study after the census date. The University is required to defer your fees to tax and the ATO is advised of this debt.

Late payment of unit fees

Students who have had their enrolment processed, and have been sent an enrolment and fees advice, but fail to make payment of their unit fees by the relevant census date for the semester can re-enrol as a miscellaneous student under the course code MISC, pay full tuition fees and charges and then seek credit towards an award course. This is done by completing a HE113 Application for Exemption and submitting it to the Information Centre at either Casuarina or Alice Springs campuses.

Students need to contact the Information Centre to seek approval for this process. Students should note that once they re-enrol as miscellaneous students, they cannot defer their fees or receive a discount for payment of their fees.

Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)

All students who are enrolled with the University in at least one unit of study for that semester or study period by the relevant census date for that unit, and have sought HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP for at least one unit of study will be sent a Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN) no later than 28 days after the relevant census date.

The CAN is also sent to students who occupy a Commonwealth supported place and are paying their fees up-front.

The CAN will include details about a student’s enrolment, as follows:

Personal details
CHESSN number
Deferred and/or up-front fee payment details
Loan fees (if applicable)
Discounts
Total debt and the total amount by which the student’s learning entitlement has been reduced
EFTSL values for units.

What happens if the CAN is incorrect?

If the University, after issuing the CAN, believes that the information is incorrect, or has ceased to be correct, the University shall issue a new CAN to a student with the correct information.

When a student believes that the information on the CAN is incorrect, the student must, within 14 days of dispatch of the CAN, ask the University (via the Information Centre) in writing for the CAN to be corrected. Verbal requests are not considered. The request must specify the particular information he/she considers to be incorrect and the reasons why it is considered incorrect. Making the request does not affect the liability of the student to pay the contribution, nor the student’s entitlement to Commonwealth assistance.

The University will consider the request as soon as possible, and notify the student of its decision in writing. If the University ﬁnds that the information on the original CAN was incorrect, or ceased to be correct, the University will issue a new CAN to the student with the correct information. Student records will be corrected, and data sent to DEST accordingly.

Fee exemption

All students pay fees unless exempt from payment by the CDU Council. The Council sets all fees on an annual basis with the exception of fees for pre-1997 and pre-2005 students that are set by the Federal Government in accordance with the Higher Education Support Act 2003. Fees are payable by semester, or by study period for the current year unless a written contract setting the fees with the University is in place (e.g. some international students have speciﬁc contracts).

International student fees

Fees apply directly to an enrolment in a speciﬁc type of course. International students are liable for payment of full-fee course charges relevant to the year they are enrolled in. More details of fees for international students go to www.cdu.edu/international.

Domestic student fees

Domestic students are students who meet the following citizenship conditions:

Australian citizens
New Zealand citizens
Permanent residents

Domestic students pay fees according to the units and course they choose to enrol in.

The detailed fee table is available from the CDU HESA website.

Each unit has four fee levels depending on the category a student falls into.

Categories are normally assigned at the time of enrolment.

Categories of students and applicable fees

The five categories of students are:

2008
Pre-2008
Pre-2005
Pre-97
Full fee paying

The detailed fee table is available at: www.cdu.edu.au/hesa/documents/2008fees-table-cgs-students-vsl.pdf.

2008 Commonwealth supported student fees

Students must meet residency requirements to be considered Commonwealth supported.

Unless students are assessed to be either a pre-97 or pre-2005 student, these fees are applicable to all Commonwealth supported students starting an undergraduate course and selected postgraduate by coursework courses.

2008 domestic tuition fees

The following groups of students are eligible:

Domestic undergraduate students who are studying an undergraduate course without a Commonwealth supported place;
Postgraduate students who, in 2008, are beginning studies in a fee-paying postgraduate by coursework course;
Postgraduate students who, in 2005 or before 2004, were enrolled as full-fee paying students in a postgraduate by coursework course;
Students enrolling in a miscellaneous course (course code MISC);
NZ citizens and permanent residents (non-humanitarian visa holders) residing outside Australia while undertaking a unit of study within a course. (If it cannot reasonably be regarded as indicating an intention to reside outside of Australia; or it is required for the purpose of completing the requirement of that unit).

Fees are calculated based on units. These units are divided into two ﬁelds.

Pre-2008 fees

Students who, before 1 January 2008, commenced a course study as ‘contributing’ students, are to be treated as pre-2008 HECS students if they have not discontinued in the course since that commencement or completed the requirements for the course.

Pre-2008 students retain this student status until 31.1.2012 - after that date fees will be the same as students commencing a course in 2013.

Students are not taken to have discontinued their enrolment if they have:
Taken a leave of absence with written approval from the University;
Transferred in 2008 into another course study at the same level (i.e. undergraduate or postgraduate level) with the same provider or another provider;
Enrolled in a cross-institutional program at a host provider;
Enrolled in an honours course of study in 2008 after having completed the related pass course in 2007;
Or in 2007, undertaken an enabling course as an exempt student and, the following year, enrolled in the course of study to which the enabling course relates as a Commonwealth supported student.

Pre-2005 fees

Previously referred to as differential HECS students.

This fee is set and the Commonwealth determines annual fee increases.

To be eligible for these fee rates, students must meet one of the following conditions (and are assumed to have provided certiﬁed copies of previous studies, unless they are currently enrolled at CDU in a higher education course). If you:

Were assessed in 2006 as a pre-2005 student, and were enrolled in a higher education course (associate degree, bachelor, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters by coursework, doctorate) and intend to re-enrol in the same course in 2007; or
Were assessed in 2006 as a pre 2005 student and were enrolled in a higher education course (associate degree, bachelor, graduate certiﬁcate, graduate diploma, masters by coursework, doctorate) and intend to transfer to another course in 2007 at the same course level; or
Were assessed in 2006 as a pre 2005 student and were enrolled in a double/combined bachelor degree (e.g. BA/BSc) and seeking to transfer to a single bachelor degree (BA, BSc or another other bachelor degree); or enrolled in a single bachelor degree and seeking to transfer to any other bachelor double/combined degree;
Commenced a bachelor degree prior to 2005, and intend to seek admission to an honours degree between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2009; or completed a bachelor degree in 2007 to undertake a bachelor degree (graduate entry) course in 2007.

Pre-97

Previously referred to as non-differential HECS students. This fee is set and the Commonwealth determines annual fee increases. To be eligible for this fee rate:

Students must have started a course before 1997;
Students must be continuing in a course of the same level to which they were in before 1997, i.e. undergraduate degree,
post-graduate degree.

Higher Education Preparatory Senior Secondary Support Program (HEPSSS)

This is a non-award program for high school students. Students pay full fees and are not eligible for a discount or for FEE-HELP.

Additional information for unit fees and student categories

For speciﬁc details on fees for each unit go to:

W: www.cdu.edu.au/hesa/fees.html
E: hesahelp@cdu.edu.au
P: Information Centre on 1800 061 963 or 08 8946 7766

Credit transfer

There is no charge for credit given through credit transfer (TR).

Miscellaneous enrolment charges

Students who enrol in individual units in a course that does not lead to an award will have their enrolments processed as miscellaneous enrolments and will be charged at relevant rates.

Professional assessment

Students, who, on the basis of their professional background, are seeking to be assessed as meeting the requirements of the unit, are required to enrol in the unit for which they are seeking the assessment. Student charges apply as per any other unit enrolment. Students are issued with the grade of PA – Professional Assessment.

Service charge

A service charge will be applied for all transactions initiated by you and involving administration cost, time and/or effort, provided that the service is not a compulsory or essential component of a course or its assessment and award. The service charge is $30 in 2008.

When will my fees be assessed?

Fees for enrolled students are assessed for individual semesters after the relevant fee assessment period has started. You can check fees using My Student Info after this date, and enrolment and fee advice are sent out to all enrolled students after this date.

Why does the University have different fee assessment start dates?

The University offers unit choices over seven teaching periods:

Semester 1, 2 and 3; and Summer Semester.

Study periods 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Students do not need to make payment of fees for all teaching periods at once, but by the relevant census dates for each teaching period.

Different fee assessment dates ensure that any fee payment you make is allocated to the correct teaching period and its census date. For example, if you wish to defer your fees for Summer Semester, but make a minimum of $500 up-front payment to take advantage of some fee discount, and pay this amount, your payment will be automatically set
against your Summer Semester debt.

If fees were assessed for all teaching periods at once, your payment would automatically be set against any future fee debts and you may not be identified as being eligible for the fee discount.

Can I determine which fees I want to pay first?

When you make payment of any amount, your oldest debts will be cleared first. For example, if you owe fees from other courses (VET /higher education) these will be cleared before current fees.

If you are eligible to receive a 20 per cent discount on making up-front payment of fees, it is very important that you make payment of any outstanding fees and current tuition fees at the same time to ensure all fees are cleared. Students who have an outstanding balance are not eligible to receive the discount.

Methods of payment

There are various methods by which fees can be paid, depending on the type of enrolment undertaken. Payments can be made by the following:

BPay

Biller code and reference number is printed on the enrolment and fees advice for your convenience. You may use the telephone or the internet to contact your financial institution to make payment from your nominated bank account to the University. You need to allow for at least three working days for this process.

Credit card/by phone

Credit card details can be directed to the cashier on P: (08) 8946 7191 or (08) 8946 7192. Information required is: student number, cardholder’s name, credit card number and expiry date of card. Visa Card, Master Card, Diners and American Express are accepted.

Payments in person

Cash, cheque or credit card are accepted at the cashier’s office located at Casuarina campus on the ground ﬂoor of Orange 1, Palmerston campus Administration Office and at Alice Springs campus Grevillea building.

EFTPOS

These facilities are available at Casuarina, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Nhulunbuy and Katherine campuses and centres.
Cheque payments Cheques sent by mail should be directed to the cashier and accompanied by a copy of the appropriate enrolment and fees advice and you should include a contact number where you can be reached during business hours. (do not send cash through the post).

Enrolment and fees advice will be posted to you after your enrolment has been processed and fees have been assessed for the relevant semester. You are encouraged to take advantage of checking your fees balance on My Student Info at any time after fee assessment has taken place. Once you are enrolled and your fees have been assessed you will be sent a payment and fees advice. This is confirmation of your enrolment.

The enrolment and fees advice should be checked thoroughly for accuracy. Discrepancies should be resolved through the Information Centre before making your payment. If you posted your completed enrolment form to the University and have not received your enrolment and fees advice within two weeks of the fee assessment date for the relevant semester, or if you have any queries regarding your enrolment and fees advice, please contact the Information Centre for assistance. The enrolment and fees advice serves as an invoice for the purpose of notiﬁcation of fees owing. No separate fees invoices are issued.

It is your responsibility to advise the University in writing of any change of address. You can also change the mailing address online on My Student Info to ensure accuracy of the address.

Non-receipt of an invoice due to an incorrect mailing address does not clear a student debt.

Refunds

A service charge is levied on all refunds, except where the need for a refund is caused by an action of the University.

There will be no refunds of amounts that total less than $30. No payment shall be made but a credit will be carried forward. Refunds are not automatic. A student must withdraw from a unit/course and indicate on the Change of Enrolment form, Complete Cancellation form or Leave of Absence form that he/she wishes to be issued with a refund. A student refund can be issued within 28 days of request.

Separate applications for a refund must be submitted to the Information Centre.

Subject to approval, a request will be forwarded to cashiers to process the refund and post a cheque. It is therefore essential that you advise the University of your current postal address.

What happens if I do not pay my fees by the census date?

Commonwealth supported students

Upon receipt of an enrolment and fees advice you should immediately check the accuracy of the information contained on this document and read the instructions on the reverse side. There are penalties for nonpayment of fees by the due date.

If you are eligible for and have chosen the up-front payment option on your request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP, a reminder notice will be sent 28 days before the relevant census date advising you that payment of your tuition fees is required no later than one working day before the census date.

If you have not paid your student contribution by the relevant census date but have provided your TFN, your debt will be deferred to the ATO. If you have not paid and have not provided your TFN, your enrolment will be cancelled within two working days after the census date. You will be notified in writing.

Students who have not paid all applicable non-unit related charges (i.e. non-tuition fees) will be advised that the Fees and Charges By-Laws will be applied, and that unless payment is received within 28 days, debt collection procedures may begin.

Non-Commonwealth supported students, holders of other permanent visas and New Zealand citizens (including full fee
postgraduate students)

A reminder notice will be sent to you advising that payment is required within 28 days of the date of the ‘notice’. On the expiry of the above notice the enrolment of all students who have an outstanding debt will be cancelled and the student(s) will be advised in writing. The relevant sections of CDU Fees and Charges By-laws for non-payment of fees can be accessed at www.cdu.edu.au/governance/bylaws.html.

Withdrawal before the census date - student fee implications

Fee options	Implications
Up-front payment of Commonwealth supported fees	If you have selected the full, up-front payment option in respect of your Commonwealth supported place liability, and have made payment of fees for that unit, the University will repay those amounts to you.
Up-front payment of domestic full tuition fees	If you have selected the full, up-front payment option in respect of your liability, and have made payment of fees for that unit, the University will repay those amounts to you.
Deferred payment of fees	If you have selected the deferred payment option in respect of your liability, you will not incur a debt for the unit(s) you are withdrawing from.

Withdrawal after the census date - student fee implications

Fee options	Implications
Up-front payment of Commonwealth supported fees	If you have selected the full, up-front payment option in respect of your Commonwealth supported place liability, and have made payment of fees for that unit, the University will repay those amounts to you.
Deferred payment of fees for Commonwealth supported students	If you have selected the full, up-front payment option in respect of your liability, and have made payment of fees for that unit, the University will repay those amounts to you.
Up-front payment of domestic full tuition fees	The University has the discretion to refund any up-front payments to you in accordance with the University’s own rules.
Deferred payment of domestic full tuition fees	If your FEE-HELP balance is re-credited, any FEE-HELP debt you acquired for that unit will be remitted and the University will repay any amounts of FEE-HELP assistance to the Commonwealth.

Students who withdraw from their studies after the census date may apply to have their Student Learning Entitlements (SLE) re-credited and/or their fees remitted in special circumstances.

Remissions

Students who withdraw from their studies after the census date still consume SLE for the units from which they withdraw. However, such students may apply to have their SLE re-credited in special circumstances. If a student withdraws from a unit(s) of study after the census date, the University will advise the student to apply in writing to the University for a re-credit, remission or refund, whichever is relevant to the person. A student who completes a unit and receives a fail grade is considered to not have successfully completed the unit and may, therefore, apply for a re-credit or a remission.

A student who has successfully completed the unit of study cannot apply for a re-credit or a remission.

What qualifies as special circumstances for the purpose of a remission?

Special circumstances include unusual circumstances which are beyond a person’s control. The University shall assess if the special circumstances have arisen due to the applicant’s action or inaction, either directly or indirectly, and for which the person is not responsible.

It can also be circumstances that make it impracticable for the person to complete the requirements for their unit of study and may include medical circumstances, for example, where a person’s medical condition has changed to such an extent that he or she is unable to continue studying or a person has experienced family/personal circumstances such as death or severe medical or financial problems within a family, such that it is unreasonable to expect a person to continue studying.

Employment-related circumstances for example, where a person’s employment status or arrangements have changed so that the person is unable to continue his or her studies, and this change is beyond the person’s control.

Or, course-related circumstances for example, where the provider has changed the unit it had offered and the person is disadvantaged by either not being able to complete the unit, or not being given credit towards other units or courses.

A person is unable to complete the requirements for a unit, for example, if the person is unable to undertake the necessary private study required, attend sufficient lectures or tutorials and meet other compulsory attendance requirements in order to meet their course requirements; or complete the required assessable work; or sit the required examinations; or complete any other course requirements because of their inability to meet the above.

Special circumstances do not include lack of knowledge or understanding of requirements under the schemes or a person’s incapacity to repay a Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) debt. Repayments are income-contingent and the person can apply for a deferral of a compulsory repayment in certain circumstances.

How do I apply for a remission?

Your application for a re-credit or a remission must be made, in writing, within 12 months of the withdrawal date, or, if you have not withdrawn, within 12 months of the end of the period of study in which the unit was, or was to be, undertaken.

Your application needs to include any independent supporting documentation, for example, a letter from your doctor or counsellor, to support your claims.

When will a remission be granted?

The University will remit if it is satisfied that special circumstances apply to the student that are:

Beyond the person’s control;
Do not make their full impact on the student until on, or after, the census date; and
Make it impracticable for the person to complete the requirements for the unit in the period during which the person undertook, or was to undertake, the unit.

How will I know if my application for a remission is successful?

The University will notify you of the decision and the reasons for making the decision and will also advise you of your rights for a review of the decision if you are unsatisfied with the outcome.

The University will also advise DEST of its decisions.