As part of your enrolment in your course, you will need to attend an Orientation Program. The Program covers a broad range of topics.

The purpose of the Program is to provide an overview of the course you are studying, the college in which you are studying and important information regarding how we can assist you with your studies and support your time studying in Australia. The program provides information to students on a range of topics including:

● The Australian VET Quality Framework and your qualification.
● College’s affiliations, role and responsibilities.
● Our staff and their capabilities.
● Resources, facilities and equipment.
● Help that is available to you with regard to the English language and academic support for your studies.
● Help available to assist you to adjust to life in Australia and to your new course.
● Services available to you, from the college, and from other sources to assist you in meeting your course requirements and maintaining your attendance.
● Availability of welfare services.
● Our critical incident policy.
● Your contact person at the college for support in academic and non-academic matters.
● Non transfer policy prior to six (6) months of commencing your studies.
● Transferring providers and how it works.
● Complaint’s handling.
● Grievance handling.
● External, independent complaints referral and appeals.
● Role of the Fair Work Ombudsman.
● Your continued enrollment during a complaint or appeal.
● Monitoring your course progress and supporting you.
● Monitoring your attendance.
● Expected duration of course completion.
● How we maintain student records.
● Intervention strategies to help you complete your course.
● Our verbal and written communications with you: Letters and other correspondence.
● Non satisfactory student progress, attendance and compulsory reporting by us.
● Course structure and content.
● Course credits.
● Modes and methods of delivery.
● Plagiarism.
● Training and Assessment.
● Results.
● Disciplinary procedures.
● Informing the students of an intent to suspend or cancel their enrolment.
● Student surveys.

On the first, students attend orientation and cover the following topics:
● Complete any outstanding required forms.
● Welcome session including meeting key staff.
● Overview of life in Australia and where to find assistance.
● Employment rights and responsibilities – Fair Work Ombudsman.
● Your safety.
● Academic and general administrative matters.
● Students’ rights and responsibilities.
● Policies and requirements for satisfactory progress.
● Policies and requirements for attendance monitoring.
● Unique Student Identifier (USI).
● Student visa conditions overview.
● Complaints and appeals procedures.
● Emergency contact details and critical incident policy and procedure.
● Maintaining current contact information.
● Issuing student cards.
● Campus tour.
● General tour of the area for newly arrived students from overseas.
Students who do not commence on the course start date and commence by the default date will be registered and undergo individual orientation.

This policy/procedure supports ‘Standard 6 – Student Support Services’ of the ‘National Code of Practice for Providers of Education & Training to Overseas Students 2018’, which states:

This policy ensures that all students are given support while studying in Australia. This support includes both academic support and personal support and the following procedures ensure that students are made aware of the support available. RTO will conduct an orientation program for all new students 

Whilst all staff employed by Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' have the responsibility to provide support to all students. A ‘Student Support Officer’ who is available to all students, on an appointment basis, during the standard hours of business.

Students can access the student support officer directly or via student administrations and an appointment will be organised as soon as practical.

Currently, the role and responsibility this ‘Student Support Officer’ is maintained by

As part of their responsibility, they are to ensure up-to-date information is available for the following services and the contacts listed are current. This information is given to students through their orientation program outlined below.

The following support services are available and accessible for all students studying with Achievers College 'Learn to Excell'. The Colleges students where applicable may be referred to external services which require further follow up. Any referrals conducted by Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' are no cost to the student but fees and charges may apply where an external service is used by the student, and this should be clarified by the student prior to using such services outside of Achievers College’s 'Learn to Excell' scope.

We have learning support trainers on hand to help students if they are having difficulties with study. Learning support trainers can assist a student in the classroom or work in small groups with the student and can help with time management, making presentations and to improve general study skills.

English Language Support Trainer- Avneet Mandan

Numeracy Support Trainer: Avneet Mandan

Support services available to assist overseas students to help them adjust to study and life in Australia.

English language and study assistance programs offered by the Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' and external support.

Contact number, name and location of emergency, legal, personal/social, medical support, accommodation services.

The registered provider’s facilities and resources.

Complaints and appeals processes.

Requirements for course progress.

The support services available to assist students with general or personal circumstances that are adversely affecting their education in Australia.

Services students can access for information on their employment rights and conditions, and how to resolve workplace issues, such as through the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Students may have concerns with their academic performance or other related issues that are placing them at risk of not achieving the requirements of their course. Students are able to gain advice and support in ensuring they maintain appropriate academic levels, and general support to ensure they achieve satisfactory results in their studies. 

Students’ progress is monitored and guidance and support provided where unsatisfactory results are identified.

A student is able to access the student support officer to discuss any academic or other related issues to studying at Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' at any time. The student support officer is available to provide advice and guidance, or referral, where required.

There are many issues that may affect a student’s social or personal life and Students have access to the support officer through normal college’s hours to gain advice and guidance on personal issues, accommodation issues, or family / friend issues. Where the Student Support Officer feels further support should be gained, a referral to an appropriate support service will be organised.

While Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' does not offer accommodation services or take any responsibility for accommodation arrangements. 

Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' is able to refer students to appropriate accommodation services and are always available to discuss any issues or concerns a student may have with their accommodation arrangements.

 All students are encouraged to have accommodation organised prior to arrival in Australia but the Student Support Officer can refer students to appropriate accommodation services.

Some Local options include:

Student support officer always have an up-to-date list of medical professionals within access from the Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' location and any student with medical concerns should inform the student support officer who will assist them in finding an appropriate medical professional.

The emergency phone number for an ambulance in Australia is ‘000’. (This number should only be dialled in an emergency, and you require ambulance, police, or fire attendance.)

Local medical services are as follows:

Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' is able to provide some advice and guidance on a limited range of situations. Where the Student Support Officer feels it appropriate for you to gain professional legal advice, they will refer you to an appropriate legal professional.

The Overseas Students Ombudsman investigates complaints about problems that overseas students have with private education and training in Australia.              

The Ombudsman also:

Provides information about best practice complaints handling to help private education providers manage internal complaints effectively.

Publishes reports on problems and broader issues in international education that we identify through investigations. For Further information:

Apart from the Student Orientation Program the Student Support Officer will occasionally organise social events that allow all students enrolled with Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' to mingle and socialise. These events may range from cultural and sightseeing events, to dinners, excursions and sporting events. They will be organised as demand requires and any suggestions can be forwarded to the Student Support Officer.

Achievers College 'Learn to Excell' takes all reasonable steps to provide a safe environment on campus and advise overseas students and staff on actions they can take to enhance their personal security and safety. 

Students are informed about safety measures during the orientation program.

While Australia is considered to be a very safe country, obviously it is still wise to avoid dangerous situations. Personal safety and security are a matter of common sense and awareness. Trust your instincts. If in doubt, move away. Here are a few tips for your personal safety.

Useful Tips When You Are Out and About:

• Walk in well-lit areas
• Walk mid-point between travelled routes between buildings
• Try to walk with a group of people – organise a group of other students if you are going in the same direction.
• Use caution when using elevators, isolated stairways, or toilet areas.
• Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Stick to the main roads if possible. Never hitchhike!
• Remain alert. Use your peripheral vision. Wearing headphone may decrease your awareness.
• If approached, maintain a comfortable distance while you answer a question or give directions. Never turn your back on someone who has approached you.
• Try and arrange a lift home from a friend or a taxi if you are going out late. Get dropped off as close to your door as possible.
• Avoid using ATMs in dark or lonely places.

If you suspect you are being followed:

• Be suspicious – keep looking behind you, so the person knows you cannot be surprised.
• Cross the street or change direction.
• Go to a well-lit area, enter a residence or building where there are people and phones.
• Do not wear a personal audio player or play music so loudly that you are unaware of your surroundings.
• If you are on campus, contact any staff member.

• Don’t stand alone while waiting for a bus or train, especially at night. Stand with other people.
• If you’re on a bus or train and it’s nearly empty, sit near the driver or as close as possible to the guard’s compartment.
• At the railway station, stand back from the edge of the platform. Avoid sitting near the exit door of the train as an attacker may be able to grab your property and run before you can react.
• When disembarking from public transport, walk with another commuter.
• If travelling by taxi, remembers the driver’s identification number displayed on the dashboard. There should also be a photo of the driver, if it is not there don’t get in. Once you’ve reached your destination, ask the driver to wait until you have safely entered.

• Plan the safest route to your destination and avoid isolated roads especially at night.
• Be alert when walking to your car and always have your keys ready.
• Before you open the door, check the rear seat and luggage compartment.
• Lock your car once you’re inside it. Keep your windows up when travelling alone.
• If your car breaks down, move the vehicle off the roadway if possible, raise the bonnet, activate the hazard lights and then lock yourself inside the vehicle call the RACV- 13 72 28 for Roadside assistance. Wait for an emergency vehicle to help.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest Police, Fire or Service Station for assistance. Don’t drive home.
• Make sure you always have enough fuel in your vehicle.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
•  

With so many beautiful natural landscapes — from beaches to the bush and the outback — Australia’s natural environment is well worth exploring. To ensure you have a good time, but still stay safe, it’s important to be aware of the dangers first:

• Only swim at beaches patrolled by surf life savers, and only swim in patrolled areas marked by red and yellow flags. If you need help, stay calm and wave your arm to attract the attention of a life saver.
• Before entering rivers, lakes or the ocean, take note of any warning signs and beware of hidden obstacles (such as a tree branch under the water), strong currents and dangerous animals such as jellyfish, sharks or crocodiles.
• If you plan on going hiking or bushwalking, ensure you let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return and take the correct equipment. You should also research the area you are travelling to and check whether there are dangerous conditions expected, such as potential fires or slippery tracks.
• It is a good idea to talk to a park ranger, surf life saver or a member of staff at a visitor information centre before you begin exploring to get some expert advice — as well as some great sightseeing tips.

Handbag Snatching

• Keep your handbag in front of your body, avoid dangling it by your side from your hand or shoulder.
• Be aware of people coming from behind – even on motorbikes and cars.
• Never leave your bag on a shopping trolley – or at your feet or on the hook of the door in a public toilet – always keep it with you.
• When you put money in your handbag, don’t let people see where you put it – especially when you are using an ATM.
• Be constantly aware of what valuables are in your bag – eg. driver’s licence and credit cards.
• If your bag is taken, immediately cancel any credit cards, and change your house locks as soon as possible. Report to the police.
• When packing groceries into your car, never leave your handbag on the boot or roof of your car. Thieves are watching and can easily grab your property. Always leave your bag locked inside your car when you are packing groceries away.

REMEMBER: If confronted by somebody trying to take your bag, give it to them. No amount of money or inconvenience is worth serious injury.

Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade – 000

In an emergency you can contact the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance by dialling 000. The operator will ask for your name and address and other details of the emergency situation. This call is free of charge but should be used only in an emergency.

If you feel unsafe or threatened at any time, have anything stolen, or are assaulted, you can contact the Police for help and to report the incident.

If you require non-urgent advice or information or need to report a non-urgent matter, like lost property, you should attend or call the local Police Station. Contact details for your local Police Station can be found at the https://www.police.qld.gov.au/

OSHC World care 24-hour Emergency Helpline – 1800 814 781

OSHC World care has a 24-hour Emergency Helpline that provides medical, legal and interpreting services to students in need.

Victims of Crime Helpline – 1800 819 817

Whatever the incident, being a victim of crime can be a frightening experience with many short- and long-term consequences. If you are a victim of a crime and would like to speak to someone, please call 1800 819 817 (free call).

International Student Hotline

1300 363 079 – Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm

The Australian Government is committed to providing the highest quality education system and making sure that international students receive the support they need while they are studying.
If you are having problems with your study, safety, accommodation or at work, you can call the International Student Hotline, which is operated by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR):

• For advice on who you should contact, or
• To report your concerns.

There is no need to give your name.