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Prior to the commencement of your studies, VSC organises an Orientation Program designed to welcome new students and to provide them with information and an introduction to VSC, the campus, the learning environment and other students. The Orientation Program will take place in the week prior to the commencement of each semester to provide preparatory transition support through various information sessions, academic workshops and social activities.

All commencing domestic students at VSC are required to attend orientation programs, and participate in events, workshops and activities including academic skills workshops.

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VSC’s Orientation Program will be scheduled throughout the week prior to the commencement of each semester and will include a range of interactive activities to ensure student participation. Orientation Programs will also address:

• An introduction to students about studying at VSC and give them an opportunity to meet current students.

 

• Information about medical and emergency services, and about the complaints and appeals processes both on campus and the legal processes in Victoria.

 

• Details and information regarding study support services, English language support, mentoring and how and where to access these services. Details will also be given to student regarding medical services, counselling services, welfare and legal assistance.

 

• Information sessions regarding all course requirements and expectations of VSC concerning attendance.

 

• Details of All Academic Staff, units they will be teaching and the contact details of academic staff who are available outside of class hours and for one-on-one sessions.

 

• An introductory session regarding Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct. Student will be given a 1.5-hour session and provided with the Academic Integrity Policy and the Procedures for addressing Academic Misconduct. Students will be informed of VSC’s high standards and expectations in relation to Academic Integrity and encouraged to seek support if at any time they are unsure of these matters.

 

• Provided with a tour of the campus and all its facilities and introduced to the IT and Online Learning portal and Library facilities, all student resources and campus surroundings.

 

• All policies and procedures relevant for student life and conduct will be given to the students and to ensure they are fully informed of their rights and obligations as a member of the VSC community. This includes process for complaints and appeals.

 

• Information about Course progression, expected learning outcomes, and support services for those at risk and encouragement for students to be pro-active in seeking help when needed.

 

• For student who may arrive late an additional orientation session will be held to ensure they move easily into the student community and understand all the above requirements.

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How do we do the Student Orientation?

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• Prior to Orientation Day

In the letter of Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) students are informed of the expectation to attend an enrolment session at the commencement of Orientation and bring all documents required for confirmation.

They are advised of the Orientation program and given the dates and times through the enrolment notification which will be emailed to them at least one week prior to enrolment and commencement. This information will be also advertised on the Website at least one week prior to commencement.

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• Orientation Day

Student enrolment is confirmed and documents verified and the student is registered and given their student ID and the Orientation program and outline.

 

Students are directed to the point of assembly where they are welcomed and addressed by the:

• Academic Dean

• Senior Lecturer of Learning and Teaching Committee or Course Coordinator

• A student representative

• Key Student services staff and Student Counsellors

 

During the address students are introduced to the following items about living in Melbourne:

• Emergency and health services

• Transportation

• Banking Services

• Legal requirements and services

• Support Agencies

 

Prior to a campus tour with Student Representatives, they are introduced to the expectations and learning environment of VSC:

• Academic staff and which staff will be teaching which units

• Student resources

• Course requirements and evaluation processes

• Expectation of attendance

• Student support services

• Facilities and resources provided by VSC

 

Student Representatives are introduced to the new students and their role in support, assistance, guidance and advocacy for students is outlined:

• Their representation and participation on the Academic Board

• Their feedback to the Academic Board from students

• Their role as listeners and advocates for students

• Their independent support and advice for students and their commitment to maintaining confidentiality and independence when representing students

• Their mentoring of students on the Policies and Procedures and in particular the Student Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure

• Their place in raising student concerns with VSC.

 

At Orientation students will be provided with either hard copies and/or the electronic links to all the relevant Policies and Procedures related to their higher education training and relevant to their course including:

• Academic Integrity Policy

• Academic Progression and at-Risk Policy

• Academic Progression and at-Risk Procedure

• Acceptable Use of Resources Policy

• Admissions Policy

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Policy

• Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy

• Code of Conduct

• Critical Incident Management and Business Continuity Plan

• Equity and Diversity

• Feedback Policy

• Freedom of Intellectual Inquiry Policy

• Health and Safety Policy

• Library Policy

• Records and Information Management Policy

• Risk Management Policy

• Student Complaints and Appeals Policy

• Student Complaints and Appeals Procedure

• Student Orientation Policy

• Student Orientation Procedure

• Student Fees and Refund Policy

• Student Fees and Refund Procedure

• Student Wellbeing and Support Policy

• Student Wellbeing and Support Procedure

 

Student will be provided with a 1.5-hour session on Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct and provided with the information needed to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities and of the consequences.

 

In unit or course groups student will be provided with details of their Course including:

• Course Overview

• Descriptions of Units

• Timetable for classes and sessions

• Required and recommended books

• Academic teaching staff

• Class start dates and schedule

 

Students will also be provided with opportunities of activities for their engagement and interaction with other students.

 

Feedback: Students will be provided with opportunities to give feedback on orientation programs to obtain data for the implementation of improvements and to ensure that any additional information and support students require is provided immediately.