KNOW YOUR RIGHTS GUIDE
CONTENTS 1. Student Rights ......................................................................................3 a. Rights and responsibilities .. ........................................................................3 b. Formal procedures for Complaints, Appeals ........................................4 c. Guild Assistance .. ...........................................................................................4 i. Student Assist Officers.............................................................................4 ii. Welfare Officer ..........................................................................................4 iii. Queer Officer ............................................................................................4 iv. Women’s Officer .. .....................................................................................4 v. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer ...................................4 vi. International Student Service ..............................................................4 vii. Post-Graduate Student Association .................................................4 viii. Albany Students Association..............................................................5 2. Unit Outlines . . .......................................................................................5 3. Assessment ..........................................................................................5 a. Continuous ......................................................................................................5 b. Examinations. . ..................................................................................................5 c. Special Exams . . ...............................................................................................6 i. Deferred Exams . . ........................................................................................6 ii. Supplementary Exams ............................................................................6 d. Exam Rules . . ....................................................................................................6 4. Special Consideration ..........................................................................7 a. What is Special Consideration? . . ...............................................................7 b. Am I eligible? ..................................................................................................7 c. How to apply .. .................................................................................................8 5. Appeals .................................................................................................8 a. Review Stages.. ................................................................................................8 i. Review Stafe 1 .............................................................................................8 ii. Review Stage 2 .. .......................................................................................10 iii. Appeal . . .......................................................................................................10 b. Categories for Review and Appeal.. ..........................................................10 i. Assessment Outcome .. ............................................................................10 ii. Final Grade/Mark.......................................................................................10 iii. Progress Status.........................................................................................10 c. How to Submit A Review. . ............................................................................10 d. The Appeals Process.....................................................................................11 e. General Tips . . ....................................................................................................11 6. Complaints.. ...........................................................................................11 a. Informal - complaints form/Guild .............................................................12 b. Formal - University procedures ................................................................13 7. Bullying on Campus . . ............................................................................13 8. Incidental Student Fees and Charges .................................................14
The aim of the Know Your Rights Guide is to ensure that all students at UWA have access to information about their student rights regarding safety, non-discrimination and academic matters. It is intended to provide this information to students in an easy-to-access format which will support students with any issues they are facing, both on and off campus. This Know Your Rights Guide was initially created by the 2014 UWA Student Guild Education Council committee, and finalised by the 2016 Education Action Network, with the help of Student Assist. The information in this guide was correct at the time of printing.
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1.Student Rights
C. GUILD ASSISTANCE i. Student Assist Officers Student Assist is here to support all students
A. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
with any academic, financial and welfare issues
The Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities
that you might be experiencing. They can
sets out the fundamental rights and expected
assist you with support and advocacy or if you
responsibilities of students at the University of
disagree with a university decision, for example if
Western Australia. It is important to note that
you’re unhappy with your mark and feel like the
rights are inalienable and the breach of any
assessment was unfair you can contact a Student
responsibility by a student does not automatically
Assist Officer to discuss your options. Also If
invalidate their rights.
you’re having difficulties and want to complain about a university service or staff member, or
If you want more information a complete list can
need help writing a personal statement and
be found at http://bit.ly/1t5XxyS
lodging a special consideration application. The UWA Student Guild is independent from
Every student has a right to appeal or register a grievance against any academic assessment or procedure, administrative procedure, or perceived discrimination or harassment. B. FORMAL PROCEDURES FOR COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS Every student has a right to appeal or register a grievance against any academic assessment or procedure, administrative procedure, or perceived discrimination or harassment. Furthermore, students have a right to a clearly-documented, confidential process for dealing with an appeal, complaint or grievance and to receive reasons for
the University and all advice is confidential and impartial: your Student Assist Officer won’t discuss your issue with your teachers, Faculty or other University staff without your permission. Not only can Student Assist help you with all academic matters, they also have a range of financial support options; a Guild Loan or Guild Grant can help you get back on your feet, help with creating a budget is also available, as well as text book grants.
Student Assist is there to support all students with any academic, financial and welfare issues that you might be experiencing.
the resulting decisions. Students also have a right to seek to seek guidance from a Guild Student
Student Assist also can help with personal welfare
Assist Officer, faculty staff, and/or an Equity and
matters such as discrimination, mental health and
Diversity Adviser as appropriate when submitting
personal relationship issues and any other issue
an appeal, complaint or grievance.
which may impact you academically. Student Assist endeavors to support and help students
For more information on appeals see p. 9, and
through difficult times and can be a starting point
complaints, p. 14.
for referral if you have no idea where to go with your issue. Location: Guild South Wing, 1st Floor Website: uwastudentguild.com/assist Email: assist@guild.uwa.edu.au
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ii. Welfare Officer
i. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer
Our Welfare Department can provide you with
The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Officer
information on welfare issues such as health and
works closely with the Western Australian Student
wellbeing, exam stress, mental health, student
Aboriginal Corporation (WASAC) and with the
accommodation and Centrelink. They also run De-
School of Indigenous Studies to provide a range
Stress Days, and free breakfasts.
of social events to build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. MARNDA
Location: Guild South Wing, 1st Floor
Week, in May, is also hosted in conjunction with
Website: uwastudentguild.com/welfare
WASAC, building on the success of last year’s theme
Email: welfare@guild.uwa.edu.au
week.
Facebook: fb.com/uwastudentguildwelfare Location: Shenton House iii. Queer Officer
Website: uwastudentguild.com/atsis
The Queer Department [QD for short] provides
Email: wasac@guild.uwa.edu.au
support, advice, lots of condoms, dams, and food
Facebook: fb.com/uwawasac
for students of diverse sexuality and/or gender! We are one of the four uni’s behind the Cross-
ii. International Student Services
Campus Queer Network [CCQN] which hosts
ISS is the peak student body representing
events for all students and advocates support for
international students in the University and act as
lots of rallies! All students are welcome to our
an umbrella organisation for smaller international
space, queer or not, just be cool and plan to have
students associations and clubs on campus. All full-
plenty of fun! If you want to come up one day and
fee paying international students are automatically
see what is happening, we’re at the elevator end of
members of ISS, which is fully funded by the
the second floor of the guild building! Don’t forget
Student Guild and these funds are used to organise
to keep tabs on our Facebook group and mailing
and subsidise an assortment of activities, sports,
list for up to date event info!
games, parties and trips. ISS also looks after the welfare of all international students on campus
Location: Guild Central Wing, 2nd Floor
by looking into and advocating select issues that
Website: uwastudentguild.com/queer
concern international students, such as unnecessary
Email: queer@guild.uwa.edu.au
fee hikes, unfair academic assessments or potential
Facebook: fb.com/uwastudentguildqd
discriminations.
iv. Women’s Officer
Location: Guild entral Wing, 2nd Floor
UWA Women’s Department aims to fight sexism
Website: uwastudentguild.com/iss
and misogyny on and off campus. Women are
Email: iss@guild.uwa.edu.au
systematically disadvantaged in the broader
Facebook: fb.com/UWAInternationalStudentsService
community and at University. On average, it will take women three times longer than men to pay
iii. Post-Graduate Student Association
off their HECS DEBT. 67% of women have had
All enrolled postgraduate students are automatically
unwanted sexual advances during their time at
members of the PSA – this includes both
University while 76% of women feel unsafe on
Coursework and Research students undertaking
campus at night. Think this needs to be changed
study in areas as diverse as PhDs, Masters by
and challenged? Get involved with your Women’s
Research and by Coursework, Graduate Diplomas,
collective.
and Graduate Certificates. The PSA aims to make postgraduate students at UWA more visible, to each
Location: Guild Central Wing, 2nd Floor
other, to administrators, and to those outside of the
Website: uwastudentguild.com/womens
university. In conjunction with this, the PSA hopes
Email: womens@guild.uwa.edu.au
to improve communication between postgraduates
Facebook: fb.com/UWAGuildWomens
and relevant services at UWA and believes that some of the most important work for postgraduate
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students happens outside of the office or lab – at conferences, networking events, and social evenings. The PSA helps postgraduates to get to these events, and to make the most of them and their time at UWA. Location: Guild South Wing, 1st Floor Website: uwastudentguild.com/psa Email: psa@guild.uwa.edu.au Facebook: fb.com/uwapsa iv. Albany Students Association UWA Albany was established in 1999 and encompasses the Albany Centre, the Centre of
3.Assessment Assessments and exams are unfortunate but necessary part of student life. No matter if you’re the type of person who finishes assignments a month before they are due or starts them the day before - knowing the rules regarding assessments can make your life much easier and ensures your lecturers are following the rules. There are two forms of assessment: •
(includes mid-semester or mid-trimester
Excellence in Natural Resource Management, and the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia. In 2013 there were 124 students enrolled at the
exams) •
Science. Email: albany@guild.uwa.edu.au Facebook: fb.com/groups/26197174904
2.Unit Outlines
A. CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT As a student you have the right to valid, educative, explicit, reliable and fair assessments which adhere to the following rules: •
Information regarding assessments and attendance requirements for a unit should be available in the unit outline one working day before the start of semester.
•
Staff must provide you with a standard of work they expect for each assessment.
Students must be provided with unit outlines for each unit they are enrolled in, which are to be
Examinations: occur during specific examination periods
Albany Campus, studying a range of courses including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of
Continuous: occur throughout the semester
•
All assessments should be available for
made available at least one working day before
collection and feedback no later than 5 weeks
the beginning of semester. Some faculties and
after the submission date unless your unit
courses choose to present unit outlines online
coordinator has told you otherwise.
rather than handing out copies in the first lecture
•
5% per day, including weekends.
or tutorial – this is allowed, however you have the right to request a physical copy of any unit outline.
•
No assignment can be due during the study period or the exam period.
This must then be provided to you by the relevant faculty free of charge!
Late penalties for submission in all faculties is
•
Group assessments tasks have a maximum 30% weighting for the combined mark.
Unit coordinators are required to make certain
•
Assessment items must be worth between 10% and 70%.
information available in the unit outline; this includes assessment information and a full schedule of topics, readings and classes. Outlines
B. EXAMINATIONS
must also clearly state whether or not lectures
Examinations are a special and often stressful
will be made available online throughout
part of each semester –unless you looked at the
semester.
unit outline one day before semester (see above) and decided not to take any classes with end of
If you believe that your rights regarding
semester exams. General exam rules are as follows:
unit outlines are not being upheld, contact
•
Guild Student Assist (see p. 2) or speak to a representative of your Faculty Society.
Students must be given an exam timetable which must be published 5 weeks before exams begin.
5
Mid-semester and mid-trimester exams may be
i. Deferred exams
held outside official exam times.
Deferred exams are granted to students for one or
Exams can be held between 8:30am and
more units if it is satisfied that for medical or other
6:30pm Monday - Saturday during exam
reasons the student was;
periods.
•
Hindered in preparing for the exam or;
•
Exams must all be 2hrs in duration.
•
Unable to sit the exam or complete it
•
100% exams are not permitted.
Application for deferral must be submitted within
•
Exam feedback is required by the Unit
three days of the original exam date if not before.
• •
Coordinator, either in a report to students or a marking key on LSM. •
Exams must be worth a minimum of 50%
•
You must receieve any reading materials
ii.
necessary for the exam beforehand. •
Alternative exam times may be given to students who fit the following criteria;
• alternative examination arrangements
for students with a disability or medical
condition, and
• variations to examination times and
venues to accommodate:
- state or national representatives at
sporting or cultural events or their
coaches,
- students with religious beliefs,
- special consideration; and
- exceptional circumstances.
Supplementary exams are given in some units for students who have failed the unit, a component of the unit or both and are required to pass the unit. A mark of 45 to 49 must be obtained for the unit and 45 for the failed component for the opportunity of supplementary examinations to be given.
If as a student you are unhappy with your
Supplementary exams
assessment or examination result you can appeal,
Supplementary exams are given in some units for
but you must do so within five University working
students who have failed the unit, a component of
days from receipts of release of results or during
the unit or both and are required to pass the unit.
the first week of the next semester or trimester. A mark of 45 to 49 must be obtained for the C. SPECIAL EXAMS
unit and 45 for the failed component for the
Supplementary and deferred examinations are
opportunity of supplementary examinations
special exams that are not normally available to
to be given. If the following is obtained by a
students. These exams are normally held in the
student who only requires that unit to pass their
week commencing four weeks before the start of
degree they must be given an opportunity to sit
first semester and in week one of second semester
supplementary assessment unless the faculty has
(different for medicine and dentistry students).
been granted exemption from this rule.
The exam timetable should be made available three days before they begin.
Supplementary exams must be given to students who; •
Note that deferred and supplementary exams
Have obtained a mark of at least 40 in a unit or failed unit component in which:
may differ in content and format from the original
• the unit is being offered for the last time
exam.
• no unit with similar content will be
available in the next academic year.
D. EXAM RULES Examination rules will be explained to you by the
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exam invigilator (person who sits at the front and
B. AM I ELIGIBLE?
paces up and down the rows) and often by your
Special consideration situations:
lecturer so by the end of your degree you may
1. ‘One off’ applications for extensions to
have heard them over 24 times, but if you need
assignment deadlines submitted to the appropriate
any clarification here are some of the important
Unit Coordinator. In such a case the Coordinator
ones;
will decide how long an extension you may have
•
you can only bring a clear water bottle
for the submission of a written assignment or
containing water into your exam venue - no
project. You should make contact on or before the
other food or drink is allowed.
due date and make sure you get confirmation in
don’t try and communicate with anyone else
writing.
•
during the exam -including but not limited
•
•
to; talking, sign language, note passing,
2. Special consideration can also be applied
texting, calling, smoke signals, carrier pigeons,
more broadly to cover situations where specific
telepathy etc.
difficulties have been identified and have been
do not bring in unauthorised material, if it is
continuing for some time and/or are likely to
found you could face losing all credit for the
continue for the foreseeable future. In such cases
exam or the unit as whole (which would be
you may request that special consideration be
sad)
applied to all aspects of assessment related to
no additional time is given to students that
your current enrolment. However, unless otherwise
arrive late
advised, normal deadlines for submission of assignments, reports, projects and examinations
If you arrive more than 30 minutes late for
will occur as scheduled. These applications should
your exam you are not allowed to enter. If you
be submitted to the relevant Sub or Associate
arrive more than 30 minutes late you must go
Dean or the Academic Student Advisor of the
Immediately to the Associate Director of Student
Faculty.
Services at the Enquiry Counter at Student Administration, Hackett Hall who may take into
3. The deadline for submitting an application
account the circumstances relating to your
to your Faculty is the third University working
tardiness and allow you to sit the examination in
day after the date on which the relevant work
another venue. Each case is dealt with individually
for assessment was due (i.e. the work for which
so you may not get this opportunity.
special consideration is sought). Your Faculty may be able to extend this deadline in exceptional
4. Special Consideration
circumstances. Supporting documentation should clearly cover the due date for the assessment. 4. When appropriate, special consideration can also be extended to exceptional situations which prevent your sitting examinations as originally
A. WHAT IS SPECIAL CONSIDERATION?
scheduled. This process is known as ‘applying for
Special consideration allows faculties to take into
deferred examinations’.
account significant and unforeseen factors that may have affected your academic preparation or
While deferred exams may be the best option
performance. Consideration is given to significant
when circumstances are serious, it is important to
personal illness, the death or serious illness
consider that:
of someone close to you, or other significant
•
deferral may not result in more time to study;
circumstances that compromise your studies. It
unless your case is strong your request may be
allows your Faculty to make informed and fair
denied.
decisions concerning your academic progress (e.g.
•
extensions for assignments, withdrawal or course change, determining your final grade in a unit of
it is sometimes difficult to justify deferred exams in selected units only.
•
deferred examinations may interrupt your
study, or approval of deferred examination). 7
other plans (see deferred exam schedule at • •
•
In addition students may be asked to write
www.student.uwa.edu.au/course/exams).
a short statement outlining their personal
your situation may persist and affect your
situation and how it has affected them – Guild
deferred examinations.
Student Assist Officer can help students with
depending on your circumstances there may be
this.
better options. Having trouble? Follow our handy flowchart on the next page! C. HOW TO APPLY You should submit your form to your allocated Faculty Office as soon as you know you will need it. Fill in all the form and attach your evidence, if you have this. i. Application guidelines Please apply using the Special Consideration form available from your Faculty, UWA Student Services, Student Administration (Hackett Hall), the Guild Student Assist Officer. Other supporting documentation may be requested. ii. What is satisfactory documentation? •
Special consideration can also be applied more broadly to cover situations where specific difficulties have been identified and have been continuing for some time and/or are likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
5. Appeals In accordance with the University Policy on Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Relating to
Applications on medical grounds are best
Students, a student may request a review of an
supported by medical certificates signed by
academic decision relating to them, and to appeal
your doctor indicating that you were seen
if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of that
during an illness, or as soon as it was possible
review.
afterwards to seek help. •
•
The certificate should show when you first
The University upholds the principle that students
sought attention, the probable duration of
should have the opportunity to review and/or
illness and level of impact on performance.
raise appeals against academic decisions without
Within the limits of confidentiality, certificates
fear of disadvantage and in the knowledge that
should provide sufficient detail on the nature
confidentiality will be respected.
and seriousness of the illness so that an •
equitable performance assessment can be made.
A review of academic decision may comprise the
Certificates signed by family members are not
following two stages:
acceptable. •
Applications on other grounds are best supported by a healthcare professional, religious leader, residential college principal,
•
i. Review Stage 1 A student who is concerned about the validity of
by a university lecturer or other person who
a decision that affects their academic outcomes,
is sufficiently informed to be able to make a
standing or progress at the University is entitled
comprehensive and objective assessment of the
to request a review of that decision by the original
severity of your circumstances.
decision-maker or decision-making body.
The kind of documentation you need will depend on the situation, but should support
The Stage 1 process must be completed before a
your account of the circumstances and indicate
Stage 2 can occur.
the likely duration and level of impact on performance. 8
A. REVIEW STAGES
A Guide to Special Consideration Do you have an illness? Obtain a letter/ documentation regarding your medical circumstances from a doctor or registered medical practioner.
YES
NO
Have you been affected by any of the following significant circumstances: • death or serious illness of member of your immediate family household or a close friend • serious injury • being a victim of crime • breakdown of a relationship • sudden loss of income or employment • serious disruption to domestic arrangements
YES
Do you think experiencing these circumstances has had an adverse affect on your academic performance?
Apply for special consideration. (www. student.uwa.edu.au/course/ exams/?a=1886756)
NO THEN Make an appointment with a faculty adviser in the relevant school or a member of the guild to try and establish new grounds for special consideration to be made.
You may still apply for special consideration but your application is unlikely to be successful
YES
NO
Have you experienced any of the following exceptional circumstances (not ordinarily grounds for special consideration): • obligations as a volunteer in the State Emergency Services or other community emergency services; • commitments relating to elite athlete status • obligations to the Army Reserve or • unforeseen, urgent and important work commitments
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
YES
NO
Have you experienced a combination of the above circumstances?
Your grounds are not currently recognised by the university as a reason to gain special consideration
YES
NO
TRY
procrastinating.
IF YOU ARE BEYOND STRESSED
NO
Are you a student with a registered disability but have suffered one of the above situations or an acute worsening of your existing condition?
WHAT SHOULD Realise that you didn’t do I DO? your work because you were
Do the work YES
See a Guild Student Assist Officer or a Counsellor at UWA.
9
ii. Review Stage 2
appeal a mark through a different process advised
A student who is not satisfied with the outcome
to follow the Appeals Procedure set out on the
of Review Stage 1 and believes, in accordance with
University at http://bit.ly/1DP96kg. You’ll need to
policy, there are grounds for further review (refer
send off your application along a covering letter.
policy link below), may request the case to be
Your letter should be in your own words and reflect
reviewed by a higher authority at Stage 2.
your personal situation. A sample letter can be found at http://bit.ly/1qlQJNO
iii. Appeal If matters are not resolved satisfactorily at Review
iii. Progress Status
Stage 1 or Stage 2 where relevant, students may
The faculties allocate progress status categories at
appeal to the Appeals Committee of the Academic
the end of each year, taking into account a student’s
Board, whose decision is final within the University
results in all units taken in that year. To achieve satisfactory progress in a course students are required to pass at least half the total credit point
Make sure that you are following the right process – an appeal may not always be the right course of action to follow in all cases.
value of units in which they are enrolled and satisfy any additional requirements stated in the rules for the student’s course. If you have not achieved satisfactory progress and you believe that your status is the result of an error you may submit a Review Stage 1 of Progress Status. C. HOW TO SUBMIT A REVIEW You must lodge your request for a review within 5
B. CATEGORIES FOR REVIEW AND APPEAL
university workings days of receipt of results or an
i. Assessment Outcome
academic decision (or within 20 University working
Each request for a review of an assessment
days from release of progress status for a review of
outcome for a unit (except for a thesis; see see
progress status).
Appeals Procedure for Research Higher Degree by Thesis)
All review and appeal forms can be found on the
needs to be a separate request. The review will
UWA and Guild websites
be considered in its own right and any previous requests in relation to other assessment items are
1. Open the link to the relevant form
not relevant and are not considered. Please note, if
2. Download and save the form (as ‘save as’) on
a small margin exists between getting a credit or a
your computer desk-top. NB forms should be
distinction, for example, this will not be grounds to
submitted in Word format and not as pdf.
submit a review of assessment outcome. The main
3. Complete Sections 1 and 2 of the form (Do not
reasons a review can be sought is the perception of:
forget to save your work, if you wish to return to it
•
Irregularity in marking standard; or
later)
•
Errors of marking process in determining the
4. Open your student email account.
outcome of an assessment
5. Locate your relevant course advising faculty student office email.
ii. Final Grade/Mark
6. In the subject line of the email, state the subject
You are assessed during semester through essays,
very clearly. E.g.:
presentations, participation, tests and exams. Each
i. XXXX (Student Number) – Review Stage 1; Or
component contributes to your final mark at the
ii. XXXX (Student Number) – Review Stage 2;
end of each semester. If you feel that you have been
Or
unfairly marked or there has been procedural errors
iii. XXXX (Student Number) – Appeal
in the determination of the grade or mark you may
7. Attach the form to your email and any supporting
submit a Review Stage 1 of Final Grade/Mark.
documentation 8. Send the email to the relevant course advising
PhD or Master by research (by thesis) students can 10
faculty student office.
D. THE APPEALS PROCESS (see diagram on p.
Officer will consult with the University’s Complaints
12)
Resolution Unit (CRU) to discuss the next steps and to possibly lodge a formal complaint.
E. GENERAL TIPS
After a complaint has been lodged with the CRU
•
Always seek feedback first but remember that
then the Guild Student Assist Officer will monitor
you only have five working days to lodge the
the progress of the complaints, via emailing the unit
appeal.
coordinator, and the CRU will deal directly with you
Follow up any conversation or discussion
regarding your complaints.
•
that you have with university staff about your appeal with an email. This provides you with a
When possible your complaint should be raised directly with the appropriate unit, or you may wish to discuss it with the relevant contact staff.
written record. •
If you have any difficulties with obtaining feedback or an explanation, then approach others within the university, such as the head of school for help.
•
Make sure that you have grounds for appeal – the appeal can be dismissed if you have not made a case. If unsure, seek help.
•
Make sure that you are following the right process – an appeal may not always be the
•
right course of action to follow in all cases.
B.FORMAL
The Charter of Student Rights sets out a
In the event that the issue cannot be resolved, the
number of principles to ensure that you
University provides a number of ways in which you
receive a professional response to your
can make a complaint.
request and that you cannot be negatively dealt with because you have lodged an
i. How to submit a complaint
appeal.
You can use the online form www.student.uwa.edu. au/life/complaints/submit. This is the university’s
If you’re unsure about whether you have grounds
preferred way to submit a complaint.
to appeal, contact Guild Student Assist via assist@guild.uwa.edu.au
If you do not wish to use the online form, you can print and submit the form to by email to
6. Complaints Information on complaints can be found on the Guild Student Assist website at www. uwastudentguild.com/assist or, alternatively, the
complaints@uwa.edu.au. ii. After you have made a complaint •
to receive the following; •
A. INFORMAL Generally a Guild Student Assist Officer will see
and will be considered •
to identify your ultimate goals from the situation.
•
recommendation to mediation, etc.) •
with the decision then the Guild Student Assist
After the review process, communication as to whether your complaint has been found to be justified, and in the event that it is, possible
you would meet with the people/person the resolution informally. If you are still not happy
Information as to what steps/approach will be taken (e.g. a file review, an investigation, a
After this the Guild Student Assist Officer and complaint is against and attempt to establish a
Confirmation of the issues you have raised and an approach for further information
you, assess the issue and identify who is involved. Once this has been established they will help you
A notification of receipt of your complaint and advice as to whether your complaint is eligible
university’s policy on complaints can be found at http://bit.ly/1wXDabd
Once you submit a complaint, you should expect
resolution steps arising from that decision. •
Issues not dealt with by the complaint form
The University’s Complaint Resolution Unit (CRU) 11
The Appeals Process TAKE INFORMAL ACTION Discussing and/or meeting with your Unit Coordinator is not a compulsory step of the review process. If you are having trouble contacting your Unit Coordinator within the 5 day deadline then submit the review stating on the form that you tried to take informal action. If the Unit Co-ordinator is unable to provide feedback within the 5 day rule and can only meet with you after the deadline then you should seek written approval by email from the faculty student office giving you permission to lodge the review past the 5 day deadline.
REVIEW STAGE 1 If you are unhappy with the informal outcome or decide not to contact the unit coordinator you should complete the appropriate Stage 1 Review Form and submit it within 5 University working days from receipt of decisions/results. You should be notified of the outcome within 10 University working days from receipt of Stage 1 review request. If you are not satisfied with the outcome you can progress to Stage 2.
REVIEW STAGE 2 If the above did not resolve the problem and the required grounds are met, you can seek an additional level of review by a higher authority (Stage 2). This stage is similar to Review Stage 1 in that you need to submit the Review Stage 2 form within 5 university working days from the day you received the outcome of Review stage 1. If this stage is unsuccessful you may be able to progress to the appeals stage.
APPEAL TO THE UNIVERSITY’S APPEALS COMMITTEE OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD If matters are not resolved satisfactorily at the above review stages, you may appeal to the University’s Appeals Committee of the Academic Board. Their decision will be final. Submit appeal form within 5 University working days of notification of the outcome of Stage 2 review. If the appeal is assessed to have no grounds you will be notified within 5 University working days of the Appeal being considered. Should the appeal be progressed for a hearing by Appeals Committee this will occur within 25 University working days of receipt of Appeal and you will be informed of the outcome of the appeal within 10 University working days of the Appeal being considered by the Committee.
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provides a central contact point to receive and
A. WHAT DO I DO IF I AM BEING BULLIED?
appropriately refer complaints. However, if you feel
There are a number of support bodies at UWA
comfortable, you are encouraged to raise the matter
which can help students who are being bullied or
with the person or area of the University concerned.
harassed on or off campus. The Guild suggests that any students feeling unsafe on campus should
When possible your complaint should be raised
immediately seek support and report the incident,
directly with the appropriate unit, or you may wish
especially if it is of a serious nature. This applies to
to discuss it with the relevant contact staff before
bullying both at a student and staff level.
lodging a complaint. i. UWA Student Services Counselling
7. Bullying on Campus Bullying is the repeated, unreasonable behaviour by an individual or group, directed towards an employee or student, or group of employees or students, either physical or psychological in nature that intimidates, offends, degrades, humiliates, undermines or threatens. This includes: •
Abusive, insulting or offensive language.
•
Aggressive or intimidating conduct.
•
Threats, physical assaults or physical violence.
•
Interfering with a person’s personal effects or work/study equipment.
•
Cyber bullying.
•
Inappropriate or hostile initiation practices.
•
Harassment including on the basis of race,
The university counselling service provides free of charge counselling for all students, individually and in groups, for a number of issues including mental health issues, stress management, interpersonal skills and substance abuse. Appointments are made through a triage system. Further information on booking appointments can be found at http://bit.ly/1yPqvbA or call 6488 2923. ii. UWA Medical Centre For any immediate medical assistance the oncampus medical centre provides a variety of services including sexual health and contraceptive advice, drug counselling, emergency care, pregnancy testing and general practitioner consultations. To make an appointment or find out more call 6488 2118 or visit the website at http://bit. ly/1wX0kjJ.
ethnicity, sexuality or disability. Covert or more subtle behaviour that undermines or disempowers is also bullying, and may include: •
Setting timelines that are difficult to achieve or constantly changing deadlines,
•
Unreasonable work expectations,
•
Deliberately denying access to information, consultation or resources,
•
Pressuring a person to behave in an inappropriate manner
University policy on bullying extends to activities and situations related to the University and University business, including student accommodation, field trips, conferences, and camps.
For any immediate medical assistance the on-campus medical centre provides a variety of services including sexual health and contraceptive advice, drug counselling, emergency care, pregnancy testing and general practitioner consultation.
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iii. Guild Student Assist In addition to financial and academic support Guild Student Assist also provides welfare support for students. To find out more about Guild Student Assist go to page 6. iv. UWA Security For immediate concerns regarding personal safety
8. Incidental Student Fees and Charges A. WHAT IS AN INCIDENTAL FEE OR CHARGE? Any additional fee or cost beyond tuition fees and
and wellbeing UWA Security can be contacted 24/7
student contribution (SSAF) which you must pay in
on 1300 555 788.
order to complete a unit is known as an incidental charge. In many cases there is clear rationale for
For non-immediate concerns they can be contacted
such fees (eg. required texts), however University
on 6488 3020 or you can report the incident
policy is very strict regarding what constitutes a
(anonymously if you chose) on the online form at
legitimate incidental charge.
http://bit.ly/1rQ66xx The University Policy on Prevention and Resolution of Bullying on Campus can be found at http://bit. ly/1tS1wEh
B. AM I BEING CHARGED A FEE THAT BREACHES POLICY? In general, you must be able to complete your course without incurring any incidental fees and charges. There are, however, certain key exceptions
There are also a number of external bodies which
to this rule, including:
provide support for students experiencing bullying
•
or harassment:
Food, accommodation, and travel costs associated for field trips or study abroad/ exchange.
i. Headspace
•
Equipment or items that become the property
Headspace provides support to people between the
of the student, are not consumed during the
ages of 12-25 through more than 60 centres and
course of study and have some value in use
online support.
after graduation.
There is a list of Headspace centres at http://bit.
•
ly/1DPcaNd, or if you cannot access a centre there
For further information on incidental fees and
is a helpline at 1800 650 890 and an online service
charges, or if you feel you may be being charged a
at www.eheadspace.org.au.
fee in breach of policy, see the full University policy
ii. LifeLine
regarding incidentals at http://bit.ly/1ultxGn
If the fee is a fine or penalty.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services. LineLine’s crisis line is 13 11 14 and there is also an online chat service available at www.lifeline.org.au/ Get-Help/Online-Services/crisis-chat B. WHAT DO I DO IF I WITNESS BULLYING OCCURRING ON CAMPUS? If you witness another student being harassed or bullied on campus you can report the incident online via UWA Security. The form can be found at http://bit.ly/1ugludc
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Faculty-specific lists of approved charges are also maintained at http://bit.ly/1vCad2l
Still in doubt? Contact Guild Student Assist! assist@guild.uwa.edu.au www.uwastudentguild.com/assist
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Emma Boogaerdt ed@guild.uwa.edu.au www.uwastudentguild.com