Student Handbook - Currently under Revision for AQTF2010

• Our history
• Enrolment
• Fees
• Policies & procedures
• Course information and support
• Trainers & Assessors
• Privacy
• Key contacts

Resources on the Website
CDAEG Inc’s website is a great place to start if you have questions about the programs that we offer and staff contact details. Students can also access the latest information on enrolment procedures, timetables, student resources, online learning.

Enrollment Procedures
Prior to enrollment in courses conducted by Corangamite District Adult Education, prospective students require support in determining with confidence that any course they undertake will meet their individual learning needs. The prospective student requires sufficient information and appropriate guidance in making this decision.

Interview:
Prospective students will participate in an interview, either conducted personally or by telephone, whichever is the initial form of contact to ascertain the suitability of the learning outcomes of any proposed education and training program to meet the individual learning needs of the students. The interview should also ascertain the appropriateness of any such education and training program with regard to entry requisites and/or prior knowledge of the course learning objectives.  

·        Inform prospective student of interview process

·        Discuss learner needs and personal expectation of the proposed course of study

·        Make clear reference to availability of  course information and where this information can be accessed (course brochures, pamphlets, website)

·        Provide this information and/or arrange to forward information to the prospective student at the earliest possible convenience but that it be received by the student within ten (10) working days from the date of initial contact

·        Determine if the course seems appropriate in meeting the learner needs of the prospective student

·        Ascertain previous skill/knowledge that would be of specific benefit towards achieving the competencies required of the course

·        Where entry requisites appear to be absent, discuss alternative learning pathways and refer prospective student to alternate courses, as appropriate.  

Information Sessions:
In most cases prospective students for accredited courses, particularly those courses from training packages, will be offered the opportunity to participate in an information session. Information sessions will be conducted prior to commencement of the course, where possible, or as part of the introductory sessions of any such course.  

The major objective in conducting information sessions is to detail to prospective students:  

·        how the course is to be delivered (teaching/delivery strategies) and student options

·        course timetable

·        relationship to industry standards within accredited courses and training package courses

·        assessment strategies

·        requirements and responsibilities of students (attendance/assessment requirements)  

and to ascertain:  

·        the suitability of the learning outcomes of any proposed education and training program to meet the individual learning needs of the students

·        entry requisites and/or prior knowledge of the course learning objectives.  

Meeting the Specific Enrollment Outcomes for Students with Language & Literacy Issues
Prior to enrolment in courses conducted by Corangamite District Adult Education, prospective students require support in determining with confidence that any course they undertake will meet their individual learning needs. Particularly within adult literacy and basic education programs, prospective students way require special attention and appropriate guidance in making this decision.  

Interview Process for Adult Literacy and Basic Education Students
It is sometimes difficult to provide all of the required information prior to commencement and/or enrolment in the case of adult literacy and basic education students. In order to facilitate and equitable process, students will participate in an interview, conducted personally by tutors as soon after commencement as possible to ascertain the suitability of the learning outcomes of any proposed education and training program to meet the individual learning needs of the students. The interview should also ascertain the appropriateness of any such education and training program with regard to entry requisites and/or prior knowledge of the course learning objectives.  

·        Discuss learner needs and personal expectation of the proposed course of study

·        Make clear reference to availability of course information and where this information can be accessed (course brochures, pamphlets, website)

·        Provide this information and/or arrange to forward information to the prospective student at the earliest possible convenience but that it be received by the student within ten (10) working days from the date of commencement of the course

·        Determine if the course seems appropriate in meeting the learner needs of the prospective student

·        Ascertain previous skill/knowledge that would be of specific benefit towards achieving the competencies required of the course  

Where entry requisites appear to be absent, we will undertake to discuss alternative learning pathways and refer prospective student to alternate courses, as appropriate.  

Enrollment Forms:
All students must complete an Enrollment Form to enter training and further education programs with the Corangamite District Adult Education Group.  

Fees:
It is our aim at the Corangamite District Adult Education to keep fees to an absolute minimum to ensure accessibility to training for adults. While many of our programs are funded through Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE), many of our other programs are not. Courses that attract such funding enable us to provide access to training at costs far below normal rates ($1.37 per student contact hour plus a small amenities fee). Other courses, not funded by ACFE, require a fee structure designed to cover costs of the course. For these ‘user-pays’ type courses, costs include such items as tutor fees and venue hire together with a small administration fee. Students having difficulty with costs of courses should speak to the Training Manager.  

In most cases, the Institute's course tuition and course notes are free of GST but GST is payable on catering and textbooks.  

Payment of Fees:
Fees for all courses should generally be paid prior to commencement of the course. A letter, including an enrollment form, is sent to all students who have indicated an interest in a course through our waiting lists prior to the course commencement. This letter indicates location, times and costs of the course. The enrollment form, which is included in the letter, should be completed and forwarded back to the Centre, together with payment of fees, prior to course commencement.  

Payment of Fees - By Instalments:
Corangamite District Adult Education Group is aware that sometimes it is not easy to make large payments from your family budget. Don’t let this stop you from joining in adult education programs that appeal to you. Fees may be paid by instalments (by arrangement) under an agreed instalment plan within our Terms of Trade. Please contact the Training Manager to arrange payments by instalments. Management reserves the right to decline requests for paying by installments.  

Security of fees paid in advance:
All fees paid in advance are secured through a combination of insurance cover and CDAEG’s rigorous financial management and control systems, policies and procedures.  

Concessions:
Concessions are available for some courses and programs.  

Concession card holders are able to undertake ACFE funded courses with a minimum fee of $53 plus amenities and materials costs. For fee-for-service courses, a concession rate is generally advertised. Where no concession rate is advertised, a concession of 15% on the course cost is our advertised concession for Seniors Card Holders and 10% for other community concession cards. The concession does not apply to materials and other advertised additional fees.  

Refunds of Fees:
The Training Manager will consider any application for a refund of course fees to consider a student’s entitlement to any such refund.  

CDAEG Inc will issue a full refund of fees when:

•         A course has been cancelled by us and we are unable to offer a satisfactory alternate course option for the student

•         A student gives us notice of intention not to proceed with a course prior to commencement of course.

•         Assessment of an application for RPL indicates that the student does not have to undertake the course, or any part of that course. Where the student wishes to undertake part of a course, a pro-rate refund will be paid  

CDAEG Inc will issue a pro-rata refund of fees when:

•         A change in student’s entitlement to a concession rate becomes evident, eg., Student becomes eligible for receipt of Youth Allowance/Austudy or some other support benefit

•         Where payments have been made in excess of course fees, where another funding source has agreed to pay student fees on behalf of any student  

The Training Manager will determine each claim for refund of fees in an empathetic manner. Any decision to refund fees will be based on the circumstances surrounding the claim for refund. Generally though, we will not issue refunds for changes of a personal nature, including:  

•         Change in students employment work hours

•         Inconvenience of travel to class

•         Moving interstate

•         Job change or retrenchment

•         Students who leave before finishing course/module

•         Students unable to attend due to changes in life situations, including extended hospitalisation/illness.  

In circumstances where a student provides written notice via a withdrawal form within 4 weeks of the commencement of the course that he/she wishes to withdraw from the course a refund of the tuition and other fees will apply, less the designated minimum tuition charge. In circumstances where a student withdraws from the course after 4 weeks from commencement, no refund of fees shall apply.  

In cases of a pro-rata refund of fees, an administration fee of $15.00 will be incurred which will reduce any such refund accordingly.  

Courses We Offer:
Corangamite District Adult Education Group Inc., as a community-based education and training provider, delivers quality access, general, vocational and recreational programs. We provide a whole range of adult and further education programs including leisure, general education, labour market programs and vocational education and training. We also provide extensive basic education programs within the community. We also offer a wide range of user-pays recreational and vocational courses and workshops.  

CDAEG Inc reserves the right to cancel, postpone or re-schedule programs.  

Quality Assurance:
Our courses/programs are provided within strict quality guidelines. We aim to deliver high quality programs to the Corangamite community.  

We aim to provide excellent tutors, clean, comfortable and practicable classroom facilities and student support services that assist you while you are learning. We depend on your feedback after the course in order to maintain these high standards of delivery.  

Access & Equity for All Learners:
CDAEG is firmly committed to achieving best practice in the provision of vocational education and training. CDAEG acknowledges that this is dependent on non-discriminatory access to services and comparable educational outcomes by all groups in society. By providing accessible and equitable vocational education and training, all Australians will be able to develop knowledge and skills to enhance life and work opportunities.  

CDAEG recognises that particular groups of people in society have experienced and continue to experience, institutional disadvantage and unequal educational outcomes. Among the groups who face particular disadvantage are people with a disability, Indigenous people, women, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, the long-term unemployed and people in rural and remote areas  

CDAEG’s unreserved commitment to the principle of access and equity in vocational education and training gives practical expression to the goal of improving the knowledge, skills, and quality of life for Australians, having regard to the particular needs of target groups  

CDAEG Inc. Board of Management, staff and trainer/assessor representatives will adhere to the principles and practices of Equity in Education and Training. The Training Manager will be responsible for ensuring access and equity principles and practices apply within the organisation when dealing with clients, employees, employers and the wider community  

CDAEG recognises that access and equity in adult education involves the removal of obstacles to learning and the active encouragement of those who may have benefited little from education in the past.  

For further information, please contact the Centre Manager.  

Legislative compliance:
CDAEG Inc undertakes to observe all relevant State and Commonwealth legislative and regulatory requirements including those relating to:

·        Occupational Health and Safety

·        Anti-Discrimination

·        Equal Employment and Opportunity

·        Workplace harassment, victimisation and bullying

·        Confidentiality and privacy

·        Vocational education and training.

These requirements have been incorporated into our training products and services and are disseminated to staff by means of our Code of Conduct and organisational policies and procedures. All CDAEG Inc staff have a responsibility to ensure compliance in these areas.  

Mutual Recognition of Qualifications:
CDAEG recognises qualifications and Statements of Attainment for accredited courses issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s).  

Australian Qualification Framework qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are recognised nationally. This enables individuals to receive national recognition of their achievements. This may at times be referred to as External Provider Credit Transfer and is an important part of Recognition of Prior Learning principles.

Mutual recognition is granted by direct recognition of the credentials issued by another RTO based in any State/ Territory of Australia. The credential may be a Statement of Attainment for specific units of competency, or it may be a complete qualification such as a Certificate or Diploma. 

Therefore, all AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other registered training organisations will be fully recognised by Corangamite District Adult Education Group. All staff and potential students will be informed that their AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment will be fully recognised by CDAEG.

Recognition will be granted for qualifications/ unit(s) of competency achieved in attaining a qualification where these outcomes also form part of the requirement for another qualification. It is necessary for an applicant to demonstrate that the knowledge/ skills learned have remained relevant and/or current.

No fees are payable for mutual recognition.

Students seeking mutual recognition for AQF qualifications and/or statements of attainment awarded by another recognised training organisation must present the original documents for copying or appropriately verified copies of original documents.  The copies are to be kept on the individual student's file.

AQF qualifications and statements of attainment unable to be verified will not be recognised and the student will be asked to provide further verifiable evidence if possible.

More information about RPL in general can be viewed by taking the appropriate link on this site. For further information about how to apply for mutual recognition, please contact the Centre Manager.  

Recognition of Prior Learning:
CDAEG Inc further recognises that students might have satisfied learning outcomes of units of competency contained in accredited courses within the broader context of prior learning. CDAEG makes available to all students to whom it is applicable adequate information, support and counselling to enable them to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning in accredited courses. For further information, please contact the Training Manager.  

Grievances:
Whilst we aim to deliver high quality programs, provide excellent tutors and classroom facilities, we recognise that from time to time students may have grievances arising out of program delivery which need to be resolved in the interest of continuing good relationships. It is our hope that grievances are resolved fairly by negotiation and discussion between the parties concerned.  Should this situation arise, please discuss the matter in the first instance with your tutor and, if the situation remains unresolved, please contact the Centre Manager (5593 2920) as soon as practicable. All matters of grievance that cannot be resolved through mediation will be referred to the Board of Management as appropriate.  

Course Information & Curriculum:
Students should read course information provided by their tutors and are welcome to view the course curriculum in order to gain a clearer understanding of learning outcomes, resources and course delivery strategies.  

Please discuss these matters with your tutor or contact staff at the Centre (03) 5593 2920.  

Study methods:
The primary methods of study for all programs are contact learning in classroom sessions, self-paced learning and assignments, work placement and individual projects. Increasingly, course delivery will be supported by on-line information and study assistance. All of CDAEG Inc’s programs can be customised to suit the specific contextual needs of learners.  

Textbooks:
For some courses, required or recommended texts are nominated by the course tutor in addition to the course notes. Students are strongly advised to buy the recommended texts. Copies are usually available through local booksellers. Please contact administrative staff for assistance in ordering these texts.  

Student Support Services:
We provide a range of information and resources designed to assist students  

Flexible learning and assessment procedures:
Wherever possible, CDAEG Inc offers flexible approaches to learning and assessment in their programs. Depending on the course, learning options may include a combination of on-site classes, distance learning options or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).  

Assessment options must comply with Training Package and other requirements but may include: workplace based assessment projects, workplace simulations or a combination of these methods.  

Student Assessment:
Some courses require that students undertake initial assessment against predetermined levels of competency in areas of assessment at the commencement of the course. More often, though, assessment will be undertaken during the course and/or at the completion of the course to ensure that desired outcome/objectives of the course have been met. It is desirable that all students participate in the assessment process, however, students may opt not to undertake assessments. Students who opt not to undertake assessment will then be unable to gain a certificate of completion or a statement of attainment for any such units of competency where alternate evidence of competency is unavailable.  

Assessment procedures:
CDAEG Inc undertakes to provide all clients with an assessment process that is fair, valid, reliable and equitable. Assessment is carried out by qualified assessors. Assessment of candidate achievement is conducted in a number of ways depending on the program of study. Details of the assessment procedure for each unit of competency is contained in the course materials supplied to students prior to enrolment in, or at the commencement of the course.  

Students who successfully demonstrate competency against the relevant national standards will receive a Statement of Attainment for the program or the course. A Qualification is issued on successful completion of a whole course or program of study, in accordance with course or Training Package requirements.  

Appeals Against Assessment Decisions:
CDAEG is committed to working for the achievement of best-practice in its implementation of assessment procedures. Students are provided with assessment outcomes verbally at the completion of the assessment (if applicable). If competency is not achieved, students will be advised as to their future options including re-assessment either by appeal, by submitting further evidence or re-doing the assessment at a later date. Feedback is also given on where improvements can be made. Students can, however, appeal against assessment outcomes, including those involving RPL. Should a student wish to appeal an assessment decision, the Training Manager should be contacted within seven days of being informed of the assessment decision. CDAEG will then adhere to the following procedures.

·                     In the case of an appeal, a meeting is arranged between the appellant and an independent RTO representative who has no connections with the appeal.  Also, we will approach our local ITAB / TAC representative to be present at the meeting to add extra impartiality to the appeals process. Prior to the meeting we will contact the appellant and inform them of the person(s) hearing their appeal, date and time of meeting. This allows the appellant the opportunity to request changes either to appeals person(s), date or time of meeting.

·                     With the venue, personnel, date and time established the appeals process can begin. This starts with a quick summary of the appeal by the independent RTO representative. The appellant then presents their case clarifying any issues as they arise. When their appeal has been delivered questions may be asked to either provide more information or clarify further what has already been stated. At the conclusion of the meeting the appellant will have had every opportunity to present their case and provide all supporting evidence as required.

·                     At the conclusion of the appeals meeting a decision will either be given if it is a straightforward case or discussed after the appeals meeting. In both instances the independent RTO representative at the appeals meeting will write a formal appeals letter stating the appeals outcome(s) and the reason behind the decision. The appeals letter is then sent by registered post to the appellant to ensure they receive the documented outcomes.

·                     In the event that a complaint is substantiated we will take steps to immediately address and rectify the complaint. At the time of the appellant presenting their complaint (see 1.5 ii) we would already have discussed their preferred resolution to the complaint or appeal. Accordingly, we will take actions as discussed to rectify the complaint or appeal to the satisfaction of the appellant.  

Certificates:
Certificates will be issued to all course participants who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the course. The course requirements are detailed prior to enrolment in most cases. Satisfactory levels of attendance are encouraged to enable a fair assessment of students learning. These certificates will be appropriate to the type of course conducted.  

Reissuing qualifications and Statements of Attainment:
An administration fee of $45.00 will apply for reissuing of Statements of Attainment or Certificates of Completion. Please store your originals safely.  

Trainers and Assessors:
Our tutors are selected based on their ability to provide quality education in the required field and, where appropriate for their professional and academic qualifications and their current business experience. In most cases, tutors are trained educators in their own field of expertise, however, in some instances, we depend on industry experience and/or extensive knowledge of the subject to be taught.  

Trainer qualifications are guided by the relevant Training Packages under which CDAEG Inc has its Scope of Registration.  

For nationally recognised courses, trainers hold the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA40104), Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment (BSZ40198), or equivalent. All assessments are conducted by an assessor who has as a minimum the following BSZ competencies: BSZ401A, BSZ402A and BSZ403A. Trainers and assessors will be encouraged to take up the new TAA40104 qualifications over time.  

Contacting Tutors:
Unless otherwise informed by your tutor, tutors must not be contacted at home between classes or subsequent to completion of a course of study. We respect the tutors privacy and would ask you to do the same. Should you wish to contact a tutor, please contact the Centre Manager (5593 2920) who will pass on a message for you.

Corangamite District Adult Education Group Inc. is a community based education and training provider, which delivers quality access, general, vocational and recreational programs. The group aims to improve social equity, participation and the quality of life of the community by promoting and fostering life-long learning for adults. The programs are delivered in co-operation with other groups, providers and industry.  

If you would like to check, correct or update the records we hold about you, please speak to Ms. Kerrie Breed, Adult Education Officer, or Mr. Len Wiseman, Centre Manager. Our contact number is 55932920.  

Corangamite District Adult Education provides a range of learning and community services. When you enrol with us we ask for details about you and also what services you would like and any support you may need. This information is collected so that we can help you decide on a suitable course and so that we can contact you.  

Your personal information is used in order to:

·                     Register you as a learner and allocate staff and resources to provide for your learning and support needs.

·                     Administer and manage the services we provide.

·                     Contact a person on your behalf in case of an emergency.  

If you seek a fee reduction we are required to ask for proof of your entitlement. This is collected so that we receive funding needed to provide services for you.  

We ask about your country of birth, your indigenous status and language spoken at home, together with other statistical information. This information is only used for funding purposes and will not disadvantage you in any way. However, if you have any concerns, please let us know.  

All staff at Corangamite District Adult Education are here to help you.  

We may also receive information about you from other services. All information we receive and collect about you is held securely. Some information about you may be sent to agencies that have referred you to us. This information is used to evaluate our services and to plan future services.  

In some cases we will provide some information about you to relevant State or Commonwealth departments which fund our programs.  

When any information about you is sent to another agency for statistical purposes, this information is normally sent in a form which does not identify you.  

So that we can understand your needs and provide appropriate services, we ask you to let us know of any personal or health issues that may affect your participation in our courses.  

All staff at Corangamite District Adult Education Group Inc. is required by law to protect your personal information. We do not release this information to anyone else unless we have your consent or are required to by law.  

If you would like more information about any of our information policies please contact the Centre Manager.

Ms Cindy Jobe
Student & Tutor Support Officer
Tel: 03 5593 2920
Fax: 03 5593 2531

Enrollments
Waiting Lists

Accommodation/Buildings
Administration
Human Resources
Training
Finance
Marketing

Mr Len Wiseman
Centre Manager
Tel: 03 5593 2920
Fax: 03 5593 2531

Report any issues regarding buildings; heating cooling, equipment, etc
Other unresolved issues
Specific inquiries about course curriculum
Staff Matters
Financial Matters

Mrs Catherine O’Flynn
Chairperson
Tel: 03 5593 7100

Register interest in joining Board of Management
Unresolved grievances/complaints
Governance Issues