Student Guide 2012

Higher Education Student Guide 2012

Support services

ACIKE Indigenous Academic Enrichment Program
Academic Liaison Unit
Concerns and complaints
Information technology
Academic support
Indigenous Academic Support Unit
Library and Learning Precinct
Photocopying and printing
Support and Equity Services

ACIKE Indigenous Academic Enrichment Program

The ACIKE Academic Enrichment Program is a culturally supportive, holistic learning and support environment that recognises and values student learning styles and needs, and is aimed at building Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student capacity. This initiative delivers academic tuition for ACIKE Indigenous students throughout their study journey whether
they study on or off campus. The program offers a further level of academic support to students individually or collectively
with tuition models tailored to complement the quality and flexibility of course delivery and encourage participation of Indigenous students studying within ACIKE. At the commencement of each semester students will be contacted by one of the academic staff working in this area to establish individual study plans and review existing ones.

Concerns and complaints

All students at Charles Darwin University should feel free to raise any matter of concern relating to academic studies, the conduct of others at the University, administrative actions, facilities or other issues you believe the University should be aware of. We encourage students to resolve their concerns quickly, and at the local level if possible. So it is important, in the first instance, to talk with supervisors, lecturers or other relevant staff about your concerns. They will do their best to resolve the issues that you raise.

Sometimes concerns and complaints need to be managed beyond the local area, especially if the matter is of a serious nature, such as harassment. In these instances, you are advised to contact the University Complaints Officer, who will clarify your rights, responsibilities and options. All matters that are raised will be taken seriously by the University and will be treated with respect and confidentiality.
For more information please visit the Office of Leadership and Organisational Culture http:///www.cdu.edu.au/oloc/.

You can also contact or visit the Office at the Casuarina campus in Blue 1.1.36-40.
P: 08 8946 7738
E: complaints@cdu.edu.au
Mail: Complaints Officer, Office of Leadership and
Organisational Culture, Charles Darwin University,
Darwin NT 0909

Academic Liaison Units

The Academic Liaison Unit (ALU) services both Faculties – the Faculty of Law, Education, Business and Arts (LEBA) and the Faculty of Engineering, Health, Science and the Environment (EHSE). The ALU provides advice to students particularly in relation to the design of study plans to suit the circumstances of individual students. This advice is in accordance with unit availability and information from course coordinators. Initial enquiries, however, should be made via the Information Centre on T: 1800 061 963.

Information technology

Support Desk

The ITMS Service Desk is your first point of contact for assistance with computers, the internet, telephones, printers, and associated information technology equipment and services. Contact the Service Desk if you have any problems with computers, software or passwords.

Casuarina campus

T: 08 8946 6600
E: itms-support@cdu.edu.au

Alice Springs campus

P: 08 8959 5244
E: itms-support@cdu.edu.au

General access computers are available at ITMS, building Red 3, Casuarina campus and the campus libraries at Casuarina and Palmerston for the purpose of burning your student files and data to CDs.

The ITMS helpdesk operates between 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Thursdays and 5.30pm Fridays. The IT Kiosk is open between 8am and 4pm weekdays. URGENT callout support for major IT faults can be obtained from Monday to Friday 6am to 9pm and from 8am to 4pm on weekends and public holidays.

Student computer account

Your computer account gives you email access and access to the web. Your account also provides you with a password to allow you access to the computer workstations in the computer laboratories and campus libraries.

Computer facilities

Computer laboratories are available for student use on level 3 Orange 1 at Casuarina campus, building C at Palmerston and Alice Springs campuses. The laboratories are open week days between 7am and 1am at Casuarina, 7am and 11pm at Palmerston campus and varied hours at Alice Springs campus. Your student card should give you automatic after hours access to computer labs. For help in solving problems, simply take your student card to the enquiries counter in the Information Centre. For access at Alice Springs, please contact the Alice Springs Information Centre staff. See also Library and Learning Precinct.

Wireless access

Wireless network access is available in a number of buildings throughout CDU. This includes Casuarina, Palmerston, Alice Springs and some access in other campuses. Although helping individual students to setup their wireless connection is not supported by ITMS, documentation is available to help you configure your own notebook computer. At the beginning of each semester, ITMS also holds short workshops to assist in this process. See also Library and Learning Precinct.

Misuse of computer facilities
Students should be aware that they can be charged under the Student Conduct By-Laws if they are found to be misusing computers and, in particular, accessing pornographic material or sending emails which contain racist, sexist or other comments which contravene Federal or Territory Equal Opportunity legislation.

CDU Information and Communication Technologies Acceptable Use Policy

Academic support

The Academic Language and Learning Support Program (ALLSP) is part of CDU’s School of Academic Language and Learning (SALL). It is a one-stop shop for students who want to improve their academic skills. It offers free workshops and one-to-one support to help students write assignments, study efficiently, and improve their written language skills. There is a strong emphasis on providing students with a supportive environment so that the significant transition many are making into the world of higher education is successful.

For more information on the ALLSP programs contact the facilitator on E: ruth.warwick@cdu.edu.au.

Indigenous Academic Support Unit

The Indigenous Academic Support Unit (IASU) comprises a team of highly skilled and qualified Indigenous staff who provide academic support across a range of disciplines to Indigenous students studying at CDU. With Indigenous support centres located at Casuarina (Gurinbey), Palmerston (Duwun), Katherine (Yangan.garr), Alice Springs (Akaltye), Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy, the IAS team provides a culturally safe physical and intellectual environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are encouraged to reach their full potential. This is facilitated through a range of programs designed to enhance students’ capabilities and increase their options for personal and professional development as they progress through their studies. The IAS team assists students to enrol in the course/s of their choice and help them to plan their educational and career pathways, while providing ongoing support and advice throughout their learning journey.

How can Indigenous Academic Support help me?
The IAS team provides high level support and assistance to Indigenous students studying at CDU through:

Provision of specialist orientation programs for new Indigenous students
Assistance with enrolment applications and course information
Provision of academic support and referrals for tutoring from the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS), through which individual or group tutorial assistance can be arranged
Access to a well-appointed Indigenous student common room, computer lab, tutorial room and large undercover seating area with fans and lights at Casuarina campus. Excellent student facilities are also available at Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs campuses as well as the Tennant Creek Training Centre, which will be officially opened and named in 2011
A new Indigenous Academic Support Centre will be opened at Yirrkala in 2011, with excellent student facilities
Assistance with top-up printing costs for Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education (HE) students
Development of your leadership and public speaking skills as an Indigenous Student Ambassador for CDU
Referral to support agencies (eg. counsellors) and information and assistance for accessing other services on campus (eg. Support and Equity Services, which also includes access to disability services)
Assistance with finding suitable accommodation through North Flinders International House, Mission Australia, or Aboriginal Hostels
Provision of information about scholarships and other opportunities that become available for students from time to time, as well as assistance with the preparation and submission of scholarship applications
Provision of advocacy support (eg. helping to deal with study problems, scholarship payments, access to Centrelink/Abstudy, etc)
Regular visits to schools and community organisations to discuss study options and educational and career pathways available at CDU
Preparation and broad email distribution of monthly Indigenous Academic Support newsletter
Administration of the Sunning Hill Bursary which provides financial assistance to eligible students

For further information

Gurinbey at Casuarina campus
The Indigenous Academic Support area is located at building Blue 2 and includes a range of staff offices and facilities for students.
T: 8946 7413

Duwun at Palmerston campus
Indigenous Academic Support at the Palmerston campus is located within Administration in building A.
T: 8946 7860

Akaltye at Alice Springs campus
Indigenous Academic Support at the Alice Springs campus is located in building 6, at the rear of the Uni Info Shop.
T: 8959 5411

Yangan.garr at Katherine Rural campus
Indigenous Academic Support is located at the Katherine campus within the Library building.
T: 8973 8348

Tennant Creek campus
Indigenous Academic Support is located at the Tennant Creek campus. Enquire at reception.
T: 8962 0704

Nhulunbuy campus
Indigenous Academic Support is located at the Nhulunbuy campus. Enquire at reception.
T: 8986 8600

General Enquiries
Charles Darwin University
Gurinbey
Blue 2, Casuarina campus
Casuarina NT 0909

T:             08 8946 7413
F:             08 8946 6064
E:            IASUReception@cdu.edu.au
W:           www.cdu.edu.au/iasu

Library and Learning Precinct

The CDU Library operates at Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs campuses. Library opening hours may vary between campuses and during semester breaks.

Campus library hours
Additional useful information for new students
Each School has a Liaison Librarian who can advise students on finding information

Each campus Library has a Learning Precinct where staff can assist you with finding information, printing, scanning etc. Computers are available for study and research purposes. All campus libraries are wireless-enabled and you can connect your laptop to the wireless network. Study areas are also available with power for laptop computers.

Students who are located more than 80kms from a campus are eligible to register for Distance Services
The Library also offers an Ask Us service, which is available to all CDU students and staff.

Library and information access

Photocopying and printing

Uniprint Express is a self –service printing and photocopying system that provides black/white and colour capabilities at all central locations for student use. Each student is given a personal account as well as a “Print Start” account which is linked to your CDU Student ID card.

Print account quota

“Print Start” is a free university funded entitlement given to each enrolled student twice yearly in February and July. The current CDU policy provides all full-time and part-time students with $10.00 of printing credit per period, this being Period A: 1February to 30 June and Period B: 1 July to 31 January. Any unused funds will automatically be erased if the credit has not been used within the current period.

Personal printing account

Every student may purchase additional credits via recharging units (coins only accepted) or EFTPOS terminals in the libraries of the Casuarina and Palmerston campuses. The credits can only be purchased for student’s personal printing account. Casual copy cards are also available from the Casuarina and Palmerston libraries for any persons not currently enrolled as a student via the recharge machines.

Uniprint Express is available in Casuarina Library, Palmerston Library, Casuarina Computing Labs Orange Building: 1.3, with Pop up printers available at all other locations these being; Palmerston Computing Lab PA.1, Palmerston Computing Lab PB.1, Palmerston Computing Lab PC.2 and EHS and IT Computing Labs.

Further information on the Uniprint Express system

Support and Equity Services

Counselling

If you are experiencing difficulties that affect your academic studies and seek to achieve a more balanced life, then personal counselling enables you to improve individual well-being. The Student Facilitator (Counselling ) is located in the Office of Support and Equity Services and is available by appointment to all students wanting to discuss any issues causing them concern in their academic and/or personal life.

Disability Support

The Disability Liaison Officer is the first point of contact for CDU students who have a disability. Our service facilitates access to all services of CDU for students with a disability, including making reasonable adjustment to address the effects of the disability on the student’s ability to undertake their study.

International Student Support

The International Student Advisor provides international students with information and support upon arrival and during their studies at the university. The International Student Advisor also assists students to resolve concerns encountered during the study time and in preparation for their return home.

Equity – information, assistance and support

It is the objective of CDU to ensure the absence of all forms of discrimination and harassment based on gender, marital status, race, age, disability, religion or sexual preference in relation to all facets of student participation at the university. The Office of Support and Equity Services assists students, who believe this may be occurring, by discussing and clarifying the situation and exploring with students their rights, responsibilities and options to resolve the matter.

Complaint resolution

Support and information is available through the Office of Support and Equity Services to resolve grievances and complaints either with other students, university staff or university administrative or academic complaints and appeals. To assist students in the resolution of complaints and appeals, the university has developed a student administrative complaints review process, a student academic complaint and appeals process, and conciliation/grievance procedures for complaints about discrimination and harassment. Information about these processes and support for complain resolution is available through the Office of Support and Equity Services.

Student accommodation

CDU’s Accommodation Services assists students in finding appropriate accommodation while studying. The Accommodation Officer provides free and confidential information and advice on housing options, support and assistance with accommodation problems and tenancy advice (interpreting legislation)

Emergency loans

The Client Services Officer collects and processes application forms for emergency student loans.

Contact Support and Equity Services

Casuarina campus – Building Blue 1
T: 08 8946 6288
F: 08 8946 6654

Alice Springs campus – Library building
T: 08 8959 5216

E: equity@cdu.edu.au
W: www.cdu.edu.au/ses/