Handbook for University of Ballarat International Students
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Handbook For University of Ballarat International Students 2012 Registered Provider Number VIC 00103D Disclaimer – University of Ballarat This Handbook gives general information on academic processes and procedures that were correct at the time of printing. The University of Ballarat reserves the right to restructure or discontinue any course or studies within any course and to alter any procedure, regulation or fee at any time without notice. Disclaimer - UB Melbourne The term “UB Melbourne” is used by the Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT) under licence from the University of Ballarat; “UB Melbourne” teaching sites offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs which are developed by the University of Ballarat; Under the relationship between the University of Ballarat and MIT, the University of Ballarat controls the quality of courses and confers qualifications, whilst MIT provides the facilities, lecturers, tutors and student services; and Students enrolled in University of Ballarat programs at the “UB Melbourne” teaching sites are University of Ballarat students and upon successful completion are awarded with University of Ballarat degrees. University of Ballarat Handbook for International Students Studying at MIT Melbourne – March, 2012 Page 1 of 61 Last Updated April 2012 CONTENTS Welcome to the University of Ballarat 5 Contact Details 6 Statute 6.1-Student Discipline ___________________________________________ 7 Enrolment 7 Programs ___________________________________________________________ 7 Course Selection _____________________________________________________ 7 Full Time Studies _____________________________________________________ 7 Attendance _________________________________________________________ 8 Study Plan __________________________________________________________ 8 Monitoring Course Progress ____________________________________________ 8 Variation of Enrolment - Withdrawal or Addition of Courses ____________________ 9 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Exemptions Based on Credit __________ 10 Deferral or Suspension of Studies (Intermission and Leave from Studies) ________ 10 Other Academic Matters 11 Award ____________________________________________________________ 11 Results ___________________________________________________________ 11 Plagiarism _________________________________________________________ 11 Cheating __________________________________________________________ 11 Cancellation of Enrolment _____________________________________________ 11 Assessment Details __________________________________________________ 12 Assessment Grades _________________________________________________ 13 Final Examinations __________________________________________________ 13 Examination Policy __________________________________________________ 13 Deferred/Supplementary Examinations ___________________________________ 14 Special Consideration ________________________________________________ 15 Appeal a Final Grade_________________________________________________ 16 Regulation 5.3 - Assessment: 16 Regulation 2.2 – Appeals Committee 16 University of Ballarat Student Grievance and Dispute Resolution 17 Courses Offered ____________________________________________________ 18 Academic Calendar __________________________________________________ 19 UB, Melbourne Code of Student Conduct _________________________________ 23 Students are expected to observe the following rules of behaviour: _____________ 24 Deferral or Suspension of Studies (Intermission/Leave of Absence) ____________ 24 Fees _____________________________________________________________ 25 Contact Details _____________________________________________________ 25 Student Support Services _____________________________________________ 26 Accommodation _____________________________________________________ 26 Prayer Room _______________________________________________________ 26 Common Room _____________________________________________________ 26 Counselling Service __________________________________________________ 26 Student Visa Extension/Permission to Work _______________________________ 26 University of Ballarat Handbook for International Students Studying at MIT Melbourne – March, 2012 Page 2 of 61 Last Updated April 2012 Overseas Student Health Cover (OHSC) _________________________________ 26 Computer Laboratories _______________________________________________ 27 Wireless Access at MIT Melbourne ______________________________________ 27 Photocopying and Printing Facilities _____________________________________ 27 Book Shop _________________________________________________________ 27 Prescribed Text _____________________________________________________ 27 Library Operations, Rules and Conditions _________________________________ 28 APPENDIX 1: ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES 32 Who should use this guide? ___________________________________________ 32 What is assessment? ________________________________________________ 32 How important is assessment? _________________________________________ 33 Get help ___________________________________________________________ 33 Five particular assessment challenges for international students _______________ 33 1. Unintentional cheating 33 2. Tutorial participation 35 3. Group work 36 4. Communicating in Australian English 36 How will you know how well you are doing? _______________________________ 37 APPENDIX 2: GENERAL GUIDE TO THE PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION OF ACADEMIC WORK 38 Effective Study Techniques ____________________________________________ 38 Assessment ________________________________________________________ 39 Assessment Structure 39 Assessment Criteria 39 Assessable Tasks ___________________________________________________ 40 Assignments 40 Writing Winning Assignments 40 Planning Your Workload ______________________________________________ 41 Answering the Question Being Asked 41 Planning Your Answer 42 How To Develop a Logical Argument 42 Use Logic to Structure Your Argument 43 Using Ideas from Other Writers 43 Using Evidence to Support Your Case 43 Making a Presentation ________________________________________________ 43 Analysing a Case Study ______________________________________________ 44 Presenting Your Assignment ___________________________________________ 45 How is the Assignment Marked? ________________________________________ 45 Acknowledging Your Resources ________________________________________ 47 Style of Citing References in the Text ____________________________________ 47 Bibliography 48 Examinations _______________________________________________________ 50 What to Study? 50 Why Do We Have Examinations? 51 How long will your examination be? 51 A Guide to Working in Groups __________________________________________ 52 Getting Started 53 University of Ballarat Handbook for International Students Studying at MIT Melbourne – March, 2012 Page 3 of 61 Last Updated April 2012 Organizing the Work 53 Understanding and Managing Group Processes 53 Including Everyone and Their Ideas 54 Encouraging Ideas 54 Take Turns By Going Around the Group 54 Group Leadership 55 Concerns of Individuals That May Affect Their Participation 55 Characteristics of a Group that is performing effectively 55 Focusing on a Direction 56 Categorising and Evaluating Ideas 56 Making a Decision 56 Roles Individuals Can Take That Contribute to the Work and to the Atmosphere 57 Roles That Contribute to the Atmosphere 58 Some Common Problems (And Some Solutions) 59 University of Ballarat Handbook for International Students Studying at MIT Melbourne – March, 2012 Page 4 of 61 Last Updated April 2012 WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BALLARAT This Student Handbook is designed to inform you about the University of Ballarat’s academic and administrative policies and procedures so that you understand the University’s obligations to you as well as your rights and responsibilities as a University of Ballarat student. You will also receive a School Handbook detailing your School’s academic and related administrative policies and procedures relevant to you and your program. The University of Ballarat aims to provide you with a high quality educational experience; relevant, internationally recognised educational qualifications; and personalised learning support. UB Melbourne provides an ideal learning environment. It is renowned for its commitment to student-centred teaching. UB Melbourne staff are well qualified and offer high quality teaching and a supportive learning environment for our students. They will do all they can to assist you to succeed and will provide you with the study support you need on an individual basis. Staff will encourage you, monitor your progress and guide you towards excellence in academic performance. Staff are concerned with your overall welfare, not only with study related matters. We particularly welcome international students, from all parts of the world, and value the cultures you bring and the inestimable contributions you make to our University life. We hope you enjoy and will be challenged by your experience as a University of Ballarat student. Good luck and enjoy your studies!! University of Ballarat Handbook for International Students Studying at MIT Melbourne – March, 2012 Page 5 of 61 Last Updated April 2012 CONTACT DETAILS It is essential that the University has the details of your current residential address and telephone number at all times. This will enable the University to provide important information such as enrolment and examination details. Students must