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Terms &
Conditions of Enrolment
Please read
the following policies carefully. Your acceptance of a training offer is
also an agreement to all terms and conditions outlined below.
Click on a
heading below to go to the corresponding section of the document:
1. Course
Commencement Dates
2. Enrolment
Procedure
3. Induction / Orientation to the College
4. Refund
Policy
5. Language, literacy and numeracy assessment
6. Flexible Learning & Assessment Procedures
7. Recognition
of Prior Learning
8. Recognition
of AQF Qualifications
9. Student Support Services
10. Appeals
and complaints procedures
11.
Disciplinary procedures
12. Access &
Equity
CODE OF
PRACTICE
2. PROVISION
OF TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT SERVICES
1. Course Commencement Dates
New
students can begin a Business or Finance Certificate course on any
Monday throughout the year. Enrolments into these courses are
accepted subject to vacancies. Certificate courses have a maximum time
limit of 20 to 30 weeks depending on the course.
The
Certificate III in Aged Care Work or any specialised workshops will
normally have a commencement date advertised in the course outlines.
Commencement dates for short course and other study programs will be
negotiated with the student, as required. Students undertaking short
course study have a maximum time limit of 16 weeks.
The
College will be open from Monday 14 January 2008 to Friday 19 December
2008.
2. Enrolment Procedure
The
general procedure for enrolment into a course at Stones & Muirden
Business College & Training Centre is given below. If you require
assistance, please telephone the College for further information.
·
Read through this document on the terms and conditions of
enrolment.
·
Fill out the enclosed enrolment form, including the
sections on personal details, student profile information, details of
course and payment options. Please make sure all declarations on
the form are signed.
The
College will not disclose information about students to people outside
the College (unless required by legal or academic obligations), or to
staff who have no need of the information, unless the student gives
written permission for the College to do so. This restriction on access
to information applies to parents, spouses or other relatives of the
student, unless the relative is the person responsible for fees as
listed on the enrolment form.
·
Mail the completed enrolment form to the College,
enclosing the appropriate deposit, course fees, or letter of
authorisation.
·
A letter confirming course enrolment and starting dates
will be sent once your application has been received.
Orientation to the College occurs on the first day of course
commencement. A member of staff will explain all policies and procedures
of the College to a new student including Occupational Health, Safety
and Welfare policies, assessment procedures and recognition of prior
learning. Students are also supplied with a comprehensive
induction manual, which introduces the staff, outlines class timetables
and contains a copy of all relevant College policies and procedures.
4. Refund Policy
Withdrawal before Course Commencement
In
the event of failure by a student to commence their study for whatever
reason, Stones & Muirden Business College & Training Centre will refund
all pre-paid fees. If a student is withdrawing from a
certificate or diploma course, the refund excludes the initial deposit
of $300.00. Refunds will be paid within four weeks of written
notice given by the student.
Withdrawal after Course Commencement
In
the event of withdrawal from a course after commencement, appropriate
documentation must accompany the written notification of withdrawal.
If
the participant withdraws from the course after commencement due to:
·
medical illness
(evidenced by a doctor’s certificate stating that the illness will
prevent the participant from completing the course),
·
family bereavement,
·
interstate relocation,
Stones & Muirden Business College & training Centre will refund 40% of
fees of the remaining weeks of the current 10 week term. Any fees
paid in excess of the current 10 week term will be refunded in full.
Refunds will be paid within four weeks of written notice given by the
student.
Stones & Muirden Business College & Training Centre will not refund fees
for the current term if withdrawal from the course after course
commencement is for any other reason. Any fees paid in excess of
the current term will be refunded in full.
If
the term’s fees have not been paid at the time of withdrawal, the
balance of the fees becomes payable and due at the date of withdrawal.
In
the event of withdrawal from the course after commencement of a term,
students are assisted to complete their studies by distance education
mode for non-computer based units. All work must be completed and
finalised within the current term. Work submitted or completed after
this time will incur further fees.
5. Language,
literacy and numeracy assessment
The
underpinning skills required for entry level business courses are Year
10 English and Mathematics. Stones & Muirden Business College &
Training Centre is able to conduct written assessments of a prospective
student’s literacy and numeracy to verify they have the necessary
background to undertake a training course. Staff may also be able
to recommend further study, if necessary.
6. Flexible
Learning & Assessment Procedures
As
Stones & Muirden Business College & Training Centre tries to simulate a
work environment as much as possible, classes are generally taught on a
self-paced basis, where students work at their own rate through a series
of structured work-based exercises. A facilitator is available
during the class to give personal assistance when needed. Class
discussions, small group work and practical demonstrations may also be
used as training methods.
Students are continually assessed throughout their course of training.
The methods of assessment used will vary in accordance with the stated
objectives of courses and may include
|
·
case study |
·
essay
(extended response) |
|
·
group
assessment |
·
simulation |
|
·
group
discussion |
·
structured
question |
|
·
multiple
choice |
·
written
short answer |
|
·
practical
display |
·
portfolio |
|
·
practical
exercise |
·
project |
|
·
oral
presentation |
·
role play |
7. Recognition of Prior
Learning
Recognition of
Prior Learning (RPL) acknowledges the current skills and knowledge that
a person possesses. These may be obtained through:
·
Formal training
(including formal training for which there is a direct status/transfer
of credit arrangement with Stones & Muirden Business College & Training
Centre)
·
Informal training
(such as experience gained on-the-job in paid employment)
·
Voluntary work
·
Life/community work experiences
In
order to gain full recognition, you need to accurately document your
claim for competency, matching evidence of your knowledge and skills to
the specific elements of competency of the relevant unit. Required
evidence and methods of collecting it will be fully explained to you,
but it is your responsibility to gather the evidence and organise it
appropriately.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is given when you can supply
evidence by drawing on your experiences gained in paid employment,
voluntary employment, further studies or community work.
A
fee is charged for RPL applications. For further information about the
application process, please contact the College.
8. Recognition of AQF
Qualifications
Stones & Muirden Business College & Training Centre agrees to recognise
the AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other
Registered Training Oganisations. Courses offered by Stones &
Muirden Business College & Training Centre are accredited with the State
Accreditation and Registration Council, and are placed on the National
and State Training Registers. The credential is therefore portable
across Australia and will articulate with other courses conducted by
other institutions containing these units of competency.
9. Student Support
Services
Stones & Muirden Business College & Training Centre provides adequate
protection for the health, safety and welfare of its students.
Students have access to student counsellors for academic and personal
counselling. The occupational health & safety of students is
monitored by all teaching staff, first aid officers and fire wardens.
Appropriate staff members are introduced during the initial orientation
session.
10. Appeals and
complaints procedures
Stones & Muirden Business College & Training Centre documents and
implements procedures for dealing with customer complaints and appeals
in a constructive and timely manner.
Organisational procedures ensure that:
·
Each complaint or appeal and outcome is documented in
writing;
·
Each appeal is heard by an independent person or panel;
·
Each appellant –
-
Has an opportunity to formally present their case
and
-
Is given a written statement of the appeal
outcomes, including reasons for the decision
Any
complaint about assessment will be treated seriously, investigated
thoroughly, and dealt with according to the merit of the complaint. The
circumstances and results of any appeal are analysed by the College
Manager or her appointed representative. Appeals must be made within 21
days of the assessment.
Appeal Procedure:
·
Notify facilitator within 21 days
·
Negotiate for re-assessment
·
The Manager will provide a written statement of outcome
within a further 21 days.
·
Seek arbitration by a third party or panel acceptable to
all parties to the appeal. (such as an ACPET mediator)
·
If the appeal is still unresolved, the student will be
advised of external organisations such as Consumer Affairs or the
relevant Government Department that may be able to assist.
Complaints Policy:
Stones & Muirden Business College & Training Centre is committed to the
appropriate resolution of complaints. Our policy sets out the correct
procedure for the handling of complaints. Stones & Muirden Business
College & Training Centre ensure that students and providers are made
aware of their right to complain. We recognise that complaints are one
method of measuring students and providers satisfaction this can be a
useful source of information and feedback for further improvement of our
service. No person is to be discouraged from making a complaint.
Organisational procedures ensure that;
·
Each complaint or grievance is documented in writing
using our Complaint Registration Form.
·
Each complaint is dealt with confidentially and
impartially.
·
Each complaint is heard and dealt with by an independent
person who has not been directly involved with the issue.
·
Each complainant has the opportunity to formally present
their case.
·
Resolution of the complaint will be actioned immediately.
If the complaint is complex and involves more investigation a response
will be forwarded within 7 days of receipt.
·
If the complaint is still unresolved, the student will be
advised of external organisations eg Consumer Affairs or the relevant
Government Department that may be able to assist.
·
A copy of the complaint and outcomes will be presented in
writing to the complainant within 7 days.
·
Each complaint will be documented in the Complaints
Register.
Our
complaints policy reflects a provision of quality service based upon
best practice.
Complaints Procedure
When
a student or provider wishes to lodge a complaint the following should
apply:
1.
A Complaint Registration Form is given to the complainant
for completion. (All complaints must be in writing).
2.
The completed Complaint Registration Form is then given
to the complaints officer.
3.
A meeting is arranged between the complaints officer and
the complainant to investigate and resolve the complaint.
4.
Some complaints will be resolved at this meeting shortly
after they have been made, and other complaints will involve more
investigation.
5.
The complaints officer will advise the complainant within
7 days the result of the complaint in writing.
6.
If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily
alternative dispute resolution through a higher Manager or outside
organisation should be considered.
7.
All complaints must be registered on the Complaints
Register.
8.
The Complaints Register should be used to monitor the
progress of complaints, and to ensure follow-up action takes place. The
Complaints Register should also enable trend in complaints and repeat
complaints to be monitored.
If
you are not satisfied with the outcomes of the Stones & Muirden Business
College & Training Centre Complaints and Appeals process you can contact
the National Training Complaints Hotline, telephone: 1800 000 674 or
contact the Quality Directorate at DFEEST on 8226 3065.
11. Disciplinary procedures
In
order to safeguard the high standards of the College and to protect its
well-earned reputation with industry, Stones & Muirden Business College
& Training Centre has the following disciplinary procedures.
Terms:
“Expulsion”
means the cancellation of enrolment of a student and termination of all
rights and privileges as a student of Stones & Muirden Business College
& Training Centre, including the right to enter or be on College grounds
or premises.
“Misconduct”
means any act or omission of a student prohibited by a rule, regulation
or requirement of the College; any unjustified act or omission of a
student which adversely affects the College or any member of the College
in his/her capacity as such.
“Student”
means any person, other than a member of the staff of the College,
enrolled as a candidate for a certificate or any course of study offered
by the College.
“Board of
Conduct”
means a body of persons selected for the purpose of determining any
dispute or complaint.
Procedure:
The
Board of Conduct, comprising academic staff and Directors of Stones &
Muirden Business College & Training Centre, shall conduct a hearing and
consider evidence.
The
Board, in the hearing of matters before it, shall comply with principles
of natural justice, and in particular;
·
shall give a student in writing, details of the
misconduct alleged against him/her,
·
shall give a student the opportunity to be heard,
·
shall give a statement of reasons for any decision, which
shall include an account of facts and evidence on which the decision is
based.
The
Board, on determining any complaint, may impose the following penalties;
·
a reprimand
·
cancellation of enrolment in all subjects in which the
student is enrolled
·
suspension for a period of the right to use any College
facility, or building
·
prohibition from entering the grounds or a specified part
of the College premises
Any
student expelled by the management of the College will forfeit all fees
paid in advance.
12. Access & Equity
Stones &
Muirden College & Training Centre is committed to the promotion,
application and outcome of equality of opportunity in education.
Teaching programs and assessment procedures consider and support the
needs of disadvantaged groups. Guidelines under which disadvantage
students may apply for special consideration in assessment and
extensions of time are given below. Disadvantaged students may
include students who have:
·
Suffered illness
·
Physical impairment
·
A language limitation of English
·
Other needs deserving of special consideration eg
compassionate reasons
Procedure for Extension of Time (in major assignments and assessments):
1.
Complete an Application for Special Consideration in
Assessment and Extension of Time
2.
Submit the application as soon as possible. The
module facilitator, the Curriculum Coordinator and the Traineeship
Manager will consider applications.
3.
Applicants will be advised as to their eligibility.
4.
Appeals to decisions should be forwarded in writing to
the College Manager.
Procedure for Special Consideration in Assessment:
1.
It is expected that students intending to apply for
special consideration in assessment will inform their facilitator prior
to the assessment date.
2.
Submit an application as soon as possible.
3.
Applications must be submitted to the module moderator.
4.
The Curriculum Development Coordinator and the
Traineeship Manager will consider applications.
5.
Applicants will be advised in writing of their
eligibility, and the format of the assessment.
6.
Appeals should be forwarded to the College Manager.
For
further information or queries about Access and Equity, please contact
the College Manager.
CODE OF PRACTICE
1.1
This Code of Practice provides the basis for good
practice in the marketing, operation, financing and administration of
education and training services by Stones & Muirden Business College &
Training Centre, a Registered Training Organisation registered in South
Australia by the Accreditation and Registration Council.
1.2 For the purposes of this Code “trainee” refers to any
person participating in education or training delivered by this
organisation. A “client” is a person or organisation who may enter into
a contract with the registered training organisation for the delivery of
education and training services.
2.1
Our organisation has policies and management practices which maintain
high professional standards in the delivery of training and assessment
services, and which safeguard the interests and welfare of trainees
and/or clients.
2.2
Our organisation maintains a learning environment that is conducive to
the success of trainees.
2.3
Our organisation has the capacity to deliver and assess the vocational
qualifications for which it has been registered, provide adequate
facilities, and use methods and materials appropriate to the learning
and assessment needs of trainees.
2.4
Our organisation monitors and assesses the performance and progress of
its trainees.
2.5
Our organisation ensures that teaching staff are not only suitably
qualified but are also sensitive to the cultural and learning needs of
trainees, and it provides training for our staff as required.
2.6
Our organisation ensures that assessments are conducted in a manner
which meets the endorsed components of the relevant Training Package(s)
and/or accredited courses.
2.7 Our organisation is committed to access and equity
principles and processes in the delivery of its services.
3.1 Our organisation issues qualifications and
Statements of Attainment to trainees who meet the required outcomes of a
qualification or unit of competency, in accordance with the AQF
Implementation Handbook
4.1
Our organisation recognises the AQF qualifications and Statements of
Attainment issued by other RTOs.
4.2 Mutual recognition obligations are reflected in
our organisation’s policies and procedures and information to staff and
clients.
5.1 Our organisation markets and advertises its
products and services in an ethical manner.
5.2 Our organisation gains written permission from
a trainee or client before using information about that individual or
organisation in any marketing materials.
5.3 Our organisation accurately represents
recognised training products and services to prospective trainees and
clients.
5.4 Our organisation ensures trainees and clients
are provided with full details of conditions in any contract
arrangements with the organisation.
5.5 No false or misleading comparisons are drawn
with any other training organisation or qualification.
6.1 Our organisation has measures to ensure that
trainees and clients receive a refund of fees for services not provided,
including services not provided as a result of the financial failure of
the organisation.
6.2 Our organisation has a refund policy that is fair and
equitable and this policy is made available to all trainees and clients
prior to enrolment.
6.3 Our organisation ensures that the contractual
and financial relationship between the trainee/client and the
organisation is fully and properly documented, and that copies of the
documentation are made available to the trainee/client.
6.4 Documentation includes: the rights and
responsibilities of trainees, costs of training and assessment services
and issuance of Qualifications, payment arrangements, refund conditions
and any other matters that place obligations on trainees or clients.
7.1 Our organisation supplies accurate, relevant
and up-to-date information to prospective trainees and clients.
7.2 Our organisation supplies this information to
trainees and clients prior to enrolment and regularly reviews all
information provided to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
8.1 Our organisation conducts recruitment of
trainees at all times in an ethical and responsible manner.
8.2 Offers of course placement are based on an
assessment of the extent to which the qualifications, proficiency and
aspirations of the applicant are matched by the training opportunity
offered.
8.3 Our organisation ensures that the educational
background of intending trainees is assessed by suitably qualified staff
and/or agents, and provides for the training of such staff and agents,
as appropriate.
9.1 Our organisation provides adequate
protection for the health, safety and welfare of trainees and, without
limiting the ordinary meaning of such expression, this includes adequate
and appropriate support services in terms of academic and personal
counselling.
10.1 Our organisation ensures that trainees and
clients have access to a fair and equitable process for dealing with
complaints and provides an avenue for trainees to appeal against
decisions which affect the trainees’ progress. Every effort is made by
our organisation to resolve trainees’/clients’ complaints.
10.2 For this purpose, our organisation has a
complaints policy where a member of staff is identified to trainees and
clients as the reference person for such matters. In addition, the
complaints mechanism as a whole is made known to trainees at the time of
enrolment.
10.3 Where a complaint cannot be resolved internally, our
organisation advises trainees and clients of the appropriate body where
they can seek further assistance.
11.1 Our organisation keeps complete and accurate
records of the attendance and progress of trainees, as well as financial
records that reflect all payments and charges and the balance due, and
provides copies of these records to trainees on request.
12.1 Our organisation seeks feedback from our
trainees and clients on their satisfaction with services they have
received and seeks to improve its services in accordance with their
expectations.
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