UniSQ Sydney Policies and Procedures

 

 

National Code of Practice

The Department of Education and Training (DET) regulates the education and training sector’s involvement with overseas students studying in Australia on student visas through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. This protects Australia’s reputation for delivering quality education services and the interests of overseas students, by setting minimum standards and providing tuition and financial assurance.

The legislation mandates a nationally consistent approach to registering education providers so that the quality of the tuition, and care of students, remains high. The professionalism and integrity of the industry is further strengthened by the ESOS legislation’s interface with immigration law. This imposes visa related reporting requirements on both students and providers. The National Code of Practice is established under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000. The National Code sets out guidelines for the ethical conduct of registered providers like UniSQ Sydney. UniSQ Sydney offers study programs in accordance with the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000.

As an education provider UniSQ Sydney understands and implements the National Code for the following purposes:

  • To ensure that recognition of prior learning of students is conducted and recorded in a formal process.
  • To provide refunds to the students as per the UniSQ Refund of Student Fees Policy.
  • To recruit students in accordance with the National Code of Practice and UniSQ Admission policy.
  • To ensure fairness by committing to Equal Employment Opportunity.
  • To ensure that all trainers and assessors are suitably qualified and experienced.
  • To commit to professional development of staff.
  • To comply with the guidelines issued by Department of Home Affairs.
  • To provide adequate support services to students prior to arrival, on arrival and during their study at UniSQ Sydney.
  • To ensure student personal information is filed and maintained appropriately.
  • To protect international students whilst studying in Australia
  • To protect Australia’s reputation as an education provider to international students by ensuring national standards are met
  • To enable the Commonwealth to monitor and sanction providers as appropriate
  • To assure the integrity of the student visa program

For further information on the ESOS legislative framework including the National Code please refer to the Australian Education International (AEI) website.

 

Equal Opportunity

UniSQ Sydney integrates equal opportunity principles into all decisions and operations. UniSQ Sydney is committed to the examination of all practices to avoid discrimination on the basis of gender, race, nationality, marital status, physical ability, age, political conviction, sexual orientation or religious belief. Any member of UniSQ Sydney community who feels that they have been discriminated against should feel free to contact the Wellbeing team: Share a concern | UniSQ

 

Harassment and Equity Issues

UniSQ Sydney understands that staff and students have the right to study and work in an environment free of harassment which may be physical, verbal or sexual. It is the responsibility of all students and staff to contribute to the achievement of a productive, safe and equitable study and work environment by avoiding practices, which lead to, support or condone any form of harassment.

UniSQ Sydney does not allow harassment of staff by other staff or students nor does it allow harassment of students by staff or other students. UniSQ Sydney will ensure that any complaint of harassment is treated seriously and sympathetically. All complaints will be investigated thoroughly and fairly, and confidentiality will be maintained. Please refer to the UniSQ Harassment and Discrimination Complaint Resolution for Students Policy and Procedure.

 

Anti-Discrimination Contact in New South Wales

UniSQ Sydney takes great care to ensure that all students and staff members are treated fairly and equitably. Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of differences based on race, gender, religion, cultural group, physical disability sexual orientation or age. It is against the law, and action will be taken against those in breach of the law. Any matters in relation to discrimination should be reported the Grievances Team.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Anti-Discrimination Board: NSW Anti-Discrimination Board Stockland House Level 4, 175-183 Castlereagh Rd Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9268 5555

 

Privacy Act

The Privacy Act precludes the giving of a student’s information to parties other than the actual student unless the student consents in writing to the release of such information. Student information includes the student’s name, address, telephone number and academic results.

UniSQ Sydney may provide students’ personal information to Commonwealth and State agencies and the Fund Manager of the ESOS Assurance Fund, pursuant to obligations under the ESOS Act 2000 and the National Code; and UniSQ Sydney also is required inform the Department of Home Affairs about certain changes to the student’s enrolment; and any breach by the student of a student visa condition relating to attendance or satisfactory academic performance.

 

UniSQ Sydney complies with the relevant copyright legislation. Students are reminded that the use or copying of printed material, software or other intellectual property must be undertaken in compliance with the Copyright Act 1968. UniSQ Sydney prohibits photocopying of material, which may infringe the Copyright Act.

 

Complaints and Appeals

It is the objective of UniSQ Sydney to maintain a harmonious working environment which is free from intimidation and harassment and which affords equality of opportunity. UniSQ Sydney encourages students to express any concerns they may have about program and /or course and study-related matters or any other issues as per UniSQ Policy and Procedure. Informal complaints or misunderstandings can often be resolved quickly and easily with the person concerned. UniSQ encourages students to try to resolve their problem or concern informally in the first instance. When this is not successful, there are formal avenues available to lodge a complaint or appeal.  Before doing so, students should familiarise themselves with the UniSQ Complaints Management Policy . Students wishing to make a complaint or lodge an appeal may do so by using the online Student Complaints and Appeals Management System.