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18. Further information for higher education students
This section is dedicated to rules and policies that apply only to Higher Education students, to help you understand your specific responsibilities.
Along with these rules and policies you will also need refer to the other Student Rules and Policies pages to understand your full responsibilities as a TAFE Queensland student, and to access administrative processes and useful forms.
Applications for Admission
What You Need to Know
Admission Applications:
You can apply for a Higher Education course through:
(a) The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC);
(b) Clicking the Apply Now button from the relevant Course Page on the TAFE Queensland website;
(c) By Completing the Higher Education Direct Entry Application Form and lodging it in person; or
(d) By telephone by calling 1300 308 233.
QTAC Applications:
If you apply via QTAC your application will be assessed by QTAC and the Tertiary Placement and Performance Unit, unless you are determined to be a ‘Young Person’ in which case you will be referred to TAFE Queensland to apply.
QTAC will offer you a place within your course on behalf of TAFE Queensland. Offers are sent out in a number of rounds throughout the year. Current key information and dates are available from QTAC Key Dates.
Special Admission Entries:
If you are unable to meet the entrance requirements and/or course-specific admissions requirements you may be eligible through Special Admission Entry on the basis of skills, competence, or learning.
If you are seeking entry into a course of the basis of special admission you will need to speak to the Course Coordinator of your program prior to applying and they will provide you with details on the supporting documentation you will need to supply, which may include:
(a) A Portfolio of evidence that demonstrates a reasonable likelihood of success in the course; and/or
(b) An Interview; and/or
(c) Supporting evidence of disadvantage, such as a Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form, statutory declaration, references, or work history.
Notified Disability or Impairment:
Persons with a disability are required to share with us the nature of a disability, impairment or long-term medical condition that may affect their learning. Where there are physical, intellectual, cultural, religious or other factors that impact your ability to meet the inherent requirements of your course, TAFE Queensland will if possible seek to make appropriate reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet those requirements.
Unsuccessful Admission Applications:
If you are unsuccessful in your application you will be notified by either TAFE Queensland (for direct applicants) or the QTAC Application Services Portal on the QTAC Webpage.
Offers
What You Need to Know
Offer Response Process:
If your application is successful you must respond to your offer by the due date as specified in the Letter of Offer or as communicated in QTAC Application Services. Responses are one of the following:
(a) Accept the Offer;
(b) Decline the Offer; or
(c) Defer the Offer.
Accepted Offers:
If you accept your offer to study with TAFE Queensland you will be provided with information on how to enrol. If you are a domestic student you will only be able to apply for advanced standing once you have accepted your offer.
Deferred Offers:
If you are a domestic student you are able to request a deferral for a maximum of one year. This will allow you to commence your study at a later date without requiring re-approval or re-application.
You can defer your offer from TAFE Queensland if you:
(a) Have not accepted your offer and want to start study at a later date; or
(b) Have already accepted your offer but have not yet enrolled in any Units of study.
If you wish to return to study earlier than your original deferred date you will need to do so in writing to TAFE Queensland.
Declined/Lapsed Offers:
Standard lapse dates are between 4 to 7 days. If you wish to be considered for entry into your course after your offer has lapsed or if you have declined your offer, you will need to apply for Re-Admission as outlined below.
Change of Offer:
If you have received your offer and would like to request a change of course you will need to make your request in writing to TAFE Queensland. Change of offer requests are treated as new applications and you will be re-assessed against the entry requirements of the alternative course.
Refusal and Revocation of TAFE Queensland Offers:
TAFE Queensland reserves the right to refuse admission or withdraw any offer to any applicant/student, where we reasonably believe:
(a) You failed to disclose relevant admissions information;
(b) You or your presence poses a risk to TAFE Queensland students and/or staff or the wider TAFE Queensland community;
(c) You would be unable to meet the course or Unit of Study requirements;
(d) You are found to have provided incomplete or inaccurate information about your application;
(e) You have a dormant enrolment status, that is, you are not on approved leave of absence, deferral, or an academic exclusion;
(f) You would be lawfully prevented from entering TAFE Queensland premise for all or part of the course or Unit/s of Study; and
(g) You have concealed important and relevant information related to the admissions application, that, if made known at the time of application, would have resulted in your application being unsuccessful.
If TAFE Queensland is considering to refuse admission or withdraw an offer, you will be given the opportunity to provide written reasons why you should be permitted to attend TAFE Queensland.
Where you are refused entry or if your offer is revoked under the conditions outlined above, you will not be eligible to apply for admission into the same higher education course for a period of two years. Any resultant enrolment will be forfeited.
Re-Admissions
What You Need to Know
Requests for Re-Admission:
You will need to apply for Re-Admission if you want to return to study after:
(a) The deferred offer period;
(b) Your offer has lapsed or been declined;
(c) A period of inactive enrolment; or
(d) Exclusion/suspension from study.
Requests for re-admission into a course will generally not be permitted when:
(a) You are unlikely to complete the course within the maximum period for completing the course;
(b) You cannot reasonably be expected to complete the course before TAFE Queensland stops delivering it;
(c) You have been excluded on disciplinary or academic grounds and the exclusion period is still current; or
(d) You are unable to demonstrate current knowledge or comply with current course and/or professional registration and entry requirements.
You will need to apply for re-admission prior to the start of study date as published in the Higher Education Academic Calendar available on the TAFE Queensland website. The Higher Education Re-Admission Fact Sheet - Student will assist you in completing the Higher Education Re-Admission Application Form.
Unsuccessful Re-Admission Applications:
If you are unsuccessful in your application for re-admission you will be notified in writing of the decision outcome. If your course is still available you will need to commence an application as a new applicant.
Further Information:
For further information, please visit the How to Apply section of the TAFE Queensland website.
Useful forms
Higher Education Direct Entry Application Form
Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form
Enrolments
What You Need to Know
Study Loads:
The standard study loads are:
(a) A standard Unit of Study is 10 credit points;
(b) The standard annual full-time study load is generally 80 credit points; and
(c) The standard annual part time load is generally 40 credit points.
If you are enrolled in 30 credit points or more in a semester you are considered to have a full-time enrolment status for that semester. The maximum study load for a semester is 40 credit points.
If you are enrolled in less than 30 credits points you will generally be considered to have a part-time study load. The standard part-time study load for a semester is 20 credit points.
Enrolment Eligibility:
You are typically required to enrol and commence study in at least one Unit of Study each semester.
To be eligible to enrol you:
(a) Must have accepted an offer of admission to a course and have completed any course specific enrolment requirements;
(b) Submitted any outstanding admissions documentation;
(c) Must have paid any fees and charges that are required to be paid as a condition of enrolment and have no outstanding fee balance;
(d) Must fulfil the conditions prescribed for HELP-Loan students if admitted into a HELP-Loan approved course;
(e) Have an approved re-admission application (where relevant); and
(f) Must not be currently excluded, expelled or suspended from TAFE Queensland.
If you believe that you have completed your enrolment requirements but have yet to receive official confirmation of enrolment you will need to contact your faculty administration to verify your enrolment status.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria you are not permitted to enrol into Unit/s of Study.
You are not permitted to attend classes, access teaching materials, or engage in the teaching activities in a Unit of Study unless you are enrolled in that Unit of Study or are awaiting an outcome of an enrolment application.
Enrolment into Unit/s of study are subject to the following criteria:
(a) Quota restrictions;
(b) Student study load restrictions;
(c) Unit of study eligibility requirements (e.g. regulatory and/or professional accreditation requirements);
(d) Completion of prerequisites;
(e) Timing of enrolment application submissions; and
(f) Maximum course completion time limits.
If you do not meet the published enrolment eligibility requirements for a unit of study you must obtain written approval from the Course Coordinator prior to your enrolment.
Adding Units of Study:
Requests to add units of study are made using the Higher Education Student Change of Enrolment Form in the following situations:
(a) As a standard enrolment within the published enrolment dates;
(b) As an additional study load in order to complete a course or because a Unit of Study is unavailable in the relevant semester; and
(c) As a personal choice where you are seeking to complete a Unit of Study that will not contribute to the credit points required for completion of your current course or will result in you completing more credit points than is required to achieve your reward.
You are typically not permitted to enrol in extra Units of Study that do not contribute to the completion requirements for your course, or will result in you completing more credit points than is required to achieve your reward. To enrol into units, you will need to be enrolled as a full fee-paying student and will be in-eligible for a HELP-Loan. If you have over enrolled and remain enrolled into the extra units after the Census Date of your current enrolment you will be financially liable for your Unit/s of Study.
Withdrawals
What You Need to Know
Withdrawing Units of Study:
The TAFE Queensland Academic Calendar contains important dates relating to your enrolment that can impact the consequences for withdrawing from a Unit of Study.
When you withdraw prior to the Start of Study you do not need to submit an application. You can request to be withdrawn without financial or academic penalty by contacting the relevant Administration Officer.
If you wish to withdraw after the Start of Study you will need to submit a withdrawal application, incorporating:
(a) You can withdraw after the Start of Study but before the census date for your unit of study without academic or financial penalty;
(b) If you withdraw after the census date but before the academic penalty date you will be financially liable for your enrolment; and
(c) If you withdraw after the census date and the academic penalty date you will be financially liable for your enrolment and will incur an academic penalty on your official academic record.
Academic Progression
What You Need to Know
Academic Standing Requirements:
You are expected to:
(a) Maintain a satisfactory Academic Standing in in your course;
(b) Complete your course within the expected duration of your course; and
(c) Seek support and assistance with your learning as required.
To maintain a satisfactory Academic Standing within your course you will need to:
(a) Maintain a pass overall Grade Point Average;
(b) Meet required attendance levels at mandatory practicum/clinical sessions;
(c) Receive no more than one fail grade for the same unit of study;
(d) Receive a fail grade for less that 50% of enrollled units in any semester; and
(e) Complete your course requirements within the maximum course completion time.
Your Academic Standing is determined at the end of each semester/delivery period.
Failure to Maintain Your Academic Standing:
If you fail to maintain a satisfactory Academic Standing you will receive a letter advising you that you have been put on Academic Probation. Under Academic Probation you will be required to attend an Academic Intervention Meeting with your Course Coordinator before you can re-enrol and the number of Units of Study you can enrol into may be restricted.
Academic Probation lasts for one semester. At the end of this time your Academic Standing will be re-evaluated. You will be in breach of your Academic Probation if:
(a) You receive an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of less than 3.0 in a semester/study period;
(b) Fail to attend mandatory practicum session or are repeatedly absent, late to arrive, or early to depart from clinical practicums in a semester; or
(c) Receive a fail grade in a Unit of Study that you have previously failed.
You may be recommended for Academic Exclusion if:
(a) Previously had at least one period of academic probation in your current course of study and have not subsequently regained and/or maintained a status of satisfactory academic standing within an appropriate timeframe;
(b) Have been awarded a GPA of less than three in two consecutive semesters;
(c) Have failed a Unit of Study more than twice;
(d) Have failed to meet any special requirement/s imposed by TAFE Queensland as a condition of admission/return to study or continuation in a course of study; or
(e) For Clinical Practice, repeatedly failed to attend mandatory practicum sessions or repeated absences, late arrivals and early departures from clinical practicums sessions in more than one semester of study.
(f) For international students:
a. The student failed to respond to requests for a formal academic progression meeting (at least two attempts to arrange a meeting must be documented); and/or
b. The student failed to attend a scheduled academic progression meeting and provide evidence to support their absence; and/or
c. The student chose not to accept assistance recommended in the Student Academic Progression Plan and/or refused to abide by the terms of the plan and/or refused to sign the plan; and
d. The student is not going to complete the Course within the original Course duration.
Course Completion Time Limits:
Unless otherwise mandated by Government Policy, the maximum time limits for course completion are:
(a) Undergraduate certificate, equivalent to half a year of full-time study – 2 years;
(b) Associate degree, equivalent to two years of full-time study – 5 years;
(c) Bachelor degree, equivalent to three years of full-time study – 8 years;
(d) Post graduate certificates, equivalent to 0.5 year of full-time study – 2 years;
(e) Post graduate diplomas, equivalent to one year of full-time study – 3 years; and
(f) Masters (Coursework), equivalent to two years of full-time study – 5 years.
These time limits include:
(a) Periods of exclusion;
(b) Periods of approved leave of absence;
(c) Other approved periods of interruption;
(d) Non-approved periods of leave; and
(e) Work experience/placements that are part of the course requirements.
If you transition to a new version of an award the course completion time limit will be counted from the first day of the initial course. If you transition to a new award, the course completion time limit will be counted from the first day of your new course.
If you are going to exceed your maximum course completion time limit you will need to apply for an extension prior to enrolling into a Unit of Study. To do this you will need to complete the Higher Education Request to Extend Course Duration Form and submit it to your Course Coordinator prior to the start of semester. You will need to provide evidence of:
(a) Compassionate and/or compelling circumstances; and/or
(b) That there has been an approved suspension of studies.
Leave of Absences
What You Need to Know
Eligibility:
Under certain circumstances you may need to suspend your study for a specific period of time and then resume your studies at a future date. An approved leave of absence guarantees you a returning place in your course for which leave has been granted. Access to TAFE Queensland services will be suspended for the duration of your leave.
A leave of absence will be considered when:
(a) A minimum of one semester has been requested;
(b) The Course rules permit a leave of absence;
(c) You have commenced study in your course and enrolled in at least one Unit of Study;
(d) You have no outstanding fees or fines payable to TAFE Queensland;
(e) You are likely to complete the course within the maximum period for completing the course;
(f) The course will still be offered at TAFE Queensland on your return and you will be reasonably able to complete the course within any established teach-out periods;
(g) The period of absence does not exceed the maximum leave period for the course; and
(h) The application has been correctly completed and relevant supporting documentation has been submitted in the application.
Leave of Absence Duration:
Maximum leave periods consider the cumulative duration of all Leave of Absences taken within a Course of Study and are as follows:
(a) One semester where the Course duration full time is 1 year;
(b) Two semesters where the Course duration full time is 2 years; or
(c) Three Semesters where the Course duration full-time is 3 years.
Application:
You can apply for a Leave of Absence by completing the Higher Education Leave of Absence Application Form and submitting any supporting documentation such as the Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form to an Administration Officer. Applications should be made as soon as practical for the requested leave period.
If you submit a Leave of Absence application and are subsequently withdrawn from enrolled Unit/s of Study after the Start of Study:
(a) But before your Census Date there will be no financial or academic penalties;
(b) And after the Census Date but before the Academic Penalty Date you will be financially liable for any enrolled units but will not receive any academic penalties; or
(c) And after the Academic Penalty Date you will be financially liable for your unit/s of study and will receive an academic penalty against the result for each Unit of study.
The final date to withdraw from a unit of study as a consequence of taking a Leave of Absence without Academic Penalty is:
(a) Friday of Week 10 for a standard semester; and
(b) Friday of the week that equates to 70% of delivered teaching for a non-standard semester.
You may request a tuition fee refund and/or academic penalty review on the grounds of compassionate and/or compelling circumstances via the Higher Education Leave of Absence Application Form, at the time of your application.
Once you have submitted your application you should continue to attend and participate in your learning activities (where practical to do so) until you receive written communication of the application outcome.
If you are unsuccessful in your application you will need to consider withdrawing from your course. If you withdraw from your course and subsequently choose to return to study you will need to apply for re-admission into your course.
Absences without Leave:
If you fail to enrol into your unit/s of study for a semester and have no approved leave of absence or exclusion you will be contacted by an Administration Officer. Failure to return to study will result in your enrolment being cancelled and you will be withdrawn from your course.
Return from Leave of Absences:
If you wish to return early from an approved leave of absence you must complete the Higher Education Early Return to Study Application Form and submit it to an Administration Officer.
Once your leave of absence has concluded you will need to re-enrol by the relevant due date for your Unit/s of Study otherwise you will be deemed Absent without Leave and will be withdrawn from your course.
You will need to meet with your relevant Course Coordinator to:
(a) Confirm that you meet the prerequisite and inherent requirements of your course;
(b) Ensure you have a current study plan for successful completion of your course;
(c) Demonstrate that your meet the most recent entry requirements for your Course of Study; and
(d) Demonstrate compliance with current requirements for an accredited course.
If you would like to change to a different course of study after you Leave of Absence you will need to apply for the new course and meet the course entry requirements as a new student.
Useful Forms
Higher Education Student Change of Enrolment Form
Higher Education Enrolment Fact Sheet – Student
Higher Education Request to Extend Course Duration Form
Higher Education Leave of Absence Application Form
Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form
Higher Education Leave of Absence Student Fact Sheet
Higher Education Early Return to Study Application Form
Higher Education Disability Fact Sheet
Higher Education Infectious Disease Status Dental Student Form
Higher Education Infectious Disease Status Student Fact Sheet
Advanced Standing
What you need to know
What is Advanced Standing:
Advanced standing is an exemption from study as a result of previous learning and can be gained via credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and/or formalised articulation. Advanced standing can be granted to you in the form of credit towards one or more unit/s of study which make up your course.
Currency and Types of Learning:
For your prior learning to be recognised for credit into a Higher Education qualification at TAFE Queensland, typically it must not have occurred more than 10 years prior to the application for advanced standing. This is measured:
(a) Formal learning – from completion of a unit, group of units, or completion of the course, whichever is the most relevant; or
(b) Non-formal and informal learning – from and including the most recent year of relevant experience or learning.
Credit may be granted for learning that occurred prior to the limits of the currency period (i.e. more than 10 years ago), where evidence can be provided that the previous learning has been maintained through further related learning and/or experience.
A shorter currency period may be applicable for courses where the content is considered to be more rapidly evolving or where professional accreditation requirements specify a shorter timeframe.
Minimum Study Amounts and Advanced Standing Limits:
Advanced standing into a qualification will be limited to ensure course learning outcomes and the academic integrity of the course is not compromised. This is limited to:
(a) For credit sought from external learning: up to 50% of a course;
(b) For credit sought for non-formal or informal learning: up to 25% of a course; and
(c) For credit sought from a previously complete TAFE Queensland Course: up to 100% of a course.
Advanced Standing Applications
What you need to know
How to apply:
If you are seeking advanced standing related to external learning you must submit an application for every unit of study that you are seeking credit towards – including any pre and co/requisite units. You are strongly advices to submit your advanced standing application at the time of admission into your course.
To apply you will need to submit:
(a) A completed Higher Education Advanced Standing Application Kit;
(b) Copies of unit of study guides Copies of unit of study guides / subject outlines for all units / subjects completed via formal learning;
(c) Evidence of completion / grades awarded for all formal and non-formal learning;
(d) Evidence of how informal learning meets the requirements of the unit/s of study under application for advanced standing; and
(e) Other evidence that might demonstrate parity of learning to meet the requirements of the unit/s of study under application (as guided by the Higher Education Advanced Standing Application Kit).
Acceptance of Credit:
Once you have received notification of TAFE Queensland’s decision on your advanced standing application, you must respond to the decision by return email advising of your acceptance. Credit will not be applied to our record until the decision has been accepted in writing. Once credit acceptance is received, credit will be applied to your study plan for all granted units within 2 working days.
Denial of Credit:
Credit will not be granted where:
(a) Evidence provided is insufficient to show currency of learning
(b) Evidence provided is insufficient to show at least 80% comparability (to the unit of study for which credit is sought) of:
a. AQF level;
b. Unit Learning Outcomes;
c. Volume of learning
d. Discipline-specific assessment; or
e. Depth and scope of content.
(c) The assessment completed does not demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for the unit for which credit is sought;
(d) Evidence provided shows credit granted for the previous learning, not the basis on which that credit was originally granted;
(e) Previous learning did not achieve at least a passing grade (conceded pass or lower not accepted);
(f) The total volume of credit requested exceeds the volume of equivalent study previously completed;
(g) The total volume of credit requested would exceed the TAFE Queensland maximum credit limits (outlined above) and no special circumstances apply;
(h) The granting of credit would fail to meet professional recognition obligations you or the course;
(i) The unit for which credit is sought is a capstone unit;
(j) In any circumstance that may disadvantage you in achieving the course’s learning outcomes, professional recognition on graduation, or would otherwise diminish the academic integrity of the course; or
(k) Your application for advanced standing has not met the requirements of the relevant timeframes or been accompanied by relevant evidence and/or fees (if relevant).
Withdrawal of Credit:
Credit may be withdrawn at any time prior to graduation when:
(a) An administrative, assessment, or other error has been identified;
(b) An application is found to be incomplete, misleading, false or invalid;
(c) You submit a request for withdrawal / cancellation of previously awarded credit; or
(d) If you withdraw from the course.
If you reject credit or if credit is rescinded based on your request or withdrawal from a course, the credit is not automatically granted again if you return to the course or change your mind. A new application for advanced standing will be required.
General Attendance Expectations
What you need to know
TAFE Queensland is committed to providing a supportive environment which motivates and encourages students to engaged with learning through attendance at all learning activities to achieve successful outcomes.
TAFE Queensland encourages 100% attendance for all classes to ensure the best possible academic outcomes and study engagement; however, this is not a standard requirement for all learning activities.
If you choose not to attend classes, your engagement with the learning material and academic progression will be closely monitored and they may be identified as a student ‘at risk’ of failing the unit. Students identified as ‘at risk’ may then be contacted with support options.
You are also not permitted to attend a class they have not been enrolled into unless attending to audit the class, as approved by the Course Coordinator.
Specific Attendance Expectations
What you need to know
Practical classes:
Any practical units or specific sessions within units (including laboratories, simulations, excursions, clinical training etc) will have a mandatory attendance requirement.
The Unit of Study Guide will outline the specific attendance requirement of each unit, if applicable.
If you have unforeseen circumstances that will necessitate missing a required class/es, you must submit the Higher Education Mandatory Attendance – Leave Request with supporting documentation.
You must then liaise with the class Educator to make up the required learning, which must be completed prior to the semester’s grades being released. It should be noted that some practical classes may not be able to be made up due to TAFE Queensland resourcing requirements, and in this case the leave request may be denied and the grade may be impacted.
Students who have missed more than 25% worth of classes will be unable to meet the subject requirements and will need to withdraw from the subject (if prior to census) or will be awarded a Fail grade.
In these situations, if the student wishes to continue in the unit and submits a request for consideration via email, the Course Coordinator will consider the student’s situation on a case-by-case basis.
When considering valid reasons for special consideration, students and staff should consider the Higher Education Special Consideration Fact Sheet – Student and liaise regarding appropriate evidence based on the circumstance.
The following will not be considered valid reasons for missing a class with attendance requirements:
- Work commitments;
- Holiday or wedding arrangements;
- Social and leisure events or personal commitments;
- Mis-reading or misunderstanding the timetable;
- Sleeping in / poor time-keeping; and
- Failure to understand census dates or withdrawal procedures.
You must make up all missed practical or clinical learning to be eligible for a passing mark for that portion of the unit. If you fail to make up the missed learning by the end of the semester, then the mark for that portion of the unit will be impacted.
Professional Placements:
All placements require 100% attendance within the agreed hours of the placement. This reflects workplace requirements.
If you are unable to attend placement for any reason, you must notify the placement supervisor and your placement coordinator.
Your placement booklet / logbook requires completion to confirm hours completed. Placement hours must be signed off as ‘successful’ hours as determined by the placement supervisor.
Late Attendance:
It is your responsibility to arrive at class on time and to stay until the class is completed.
Students who are more than 15 minutes late for a compulsory class may not be admitted, at the discretion of the Educator.
International Students and Virtual Classes:
If a unit of study is delivered in any part via synchronous livestream (e.g. zoom, Teams), international students may be required to attend the livestream session on campus to provide students with the opportunity to remain in compliance with visa requirements. In this case, the Unit of Study Guide will outline when sessions will be livestreamed.
International students should attend, where possible, in the classroom from which the session is being taught / livestreamed. Where not possible, they should use their own device (e.g. laptop) with headphones to attend the session via livestream from another suitable place on campus (e.g. library study carrel, student breakout area).
The Course Coordinator will be able to advise international students on livestream / campus attendance requirements.
Examination / Assessment Attendance:
Students must attend examinations / scheduled assessment on the day and at the set time according to the timetable which they have been supplied in advance.
If you are unable to attend examinations / assessment you must apply for special consideration.
If you miss a compulsory class due to attendance at exams / assessment, you should follow the process to apply for a make-up.
Assistance and Support
What you need to know
Students who are unable to meet attendance requirements due to personal circumstances should first seek support from the Delivery Support Officer / Faculty Administration Officer for their faculty, who can direct them to appropriate support services within TAFE Queensland and externally.
Useful forms:
Assessment
What You Need to Know
Conduct of Assessment:
TAFE Queensland will conduct assessment following the assessment instructions, and under the conditions of assessment outlined in the assessment documentation provided to you.
You are expected to comply with all directions for the conduct of assessment, and where required use the Higher Education Assessment Submission Form to accompany the assessment items.
Requesting Additional Feedback:
If you are not satisfied with the adequacy of the feedback about your work and require further information, you may seek informal further feedback by making a written request to the relevant Course Coordinator, within 5 working days of receipt of your assessment feedback. Your request must outline:
(a) What feedback you received and why it is considered inadequate;
(b) The steps that you have taken to obtain additional feedback; and/or
(c) Any exceptional circumstances that have prevented you from accessing all currently available feedback.
If you remain dissatisfied with the adequacy of the feedback about your work you may request a meeting with the Dean Higher Education to discuss your requirements.
Return of Assessment:
Assessments submitted electronically will be marked and returned electronically.
Examinations, final assessment tasks, and assessments that are not submitted electronically, are not returned to students and remain the property of TAFE Queensland for result verification purposes. You may request temporary access to your own written examination scripts, written answers to examination questions, or other forms of written/recorded assessment. You are responsible for retaining a copy of all work submitted for assessment.
Inability to Locate an Assessment Item:
In cases where there are reasonable grounds for you to believe that the assessment item was submitted correctly but the marker is unable to locate the item and no copy is available you will be informed in writing of the problem and the remedial action required. You may appeal the decision within 20 working days of notification of the decision outcome. To request the necessary form please contact your student administration.
Examinations
What You Need to Know
Examination Timetables and Locations:
Examination timetables are published as follows:
(a) Final Examinations: Timetables will be published at least 3 weeks prior to the commencement of the final examination period;
(b) Supplementary/deferred examinations: Timetables will be published at least one week prior to commencement of supplementary/deferred examination period; and
(c) Mid-semester examination: Times are published in the approved Unit Study Guide before the start of semester.
You are responsible for identifying the dates, times, and venues of the examinations you are to attend. You must also notify your Faculty Administration Officer of any clashes by the published dates and any reasonable adjustment requirements.
Your examination will be located at the campus at which you attend classes for the Unit of Study being examined, or at an approved examination centre. If you are completing your study online you will undertake your examinations online.
During Examinations:
For all examinations you must comply with all directions given by the Invigilator, and their decision is final.
If you are attending any on-campus examination you will be assigned a seat number. Seat numbers are posted at the examination venue on the day of the examination.
If you have an enquiry during an exam you will be provided with a Higher Education Examination Question Form to complete. If your question refers to an examination mistake, the Invigilator will make an announcement to all students, otherwise you will receive you answer on the completed Higher Education Examination Question Form.
Entering and Exiting Examinations:
If you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your examination you will be granted entry but will not be allowed any additional time. If you arrive later than 30 minutes after the start of your examination you will not be granted entry and must report to the Dean Higher Education so you can be advised of your options.
You may leave your examination early after the first 30 minutes of the examination has passed and your presence has been recorded on the roll. If you leave the examination room without remaining under supervision you will not be allowed to re-enter the examination room. While exiting the examination you must adhere to all instructions provided by the Invigilator.
You will not be permitted to leave and examination during the last 10 minutes of an examination or if your examination is 1-hour duration or less.
At the conclusion of your examination you must maintain examination conditions until all materials have been collected and you have been given permission to leave the examination room.
Illness during Examinations:
If you are feeling unwell prior to your examination you should not sit your examination, and apply to defer your examination. Where possible it is recommended that you obtain a medical certificate before the commencement of the examination session.
If you become ill during an examination, you may temporarily leave the examination under supervision and be allowed to continue. You will not be allowed any additional time to complete the examination and you may be requested to move to an alternative location to prevent disruption to other students. If you are requested to move the time required for you to move locations will be added to your allocated examination time.
If you cannot continue with the examination and wish to leave the examination venue you will be provided with a Higher Education Exam Student Ill Form which you will need to complete. Subject to the extent of the examination attempted you may submit an application for special consideration. In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to submit an application for a Deferred Examination.
Modified Assessment:
You may be able to apply for a modified arrangement if you feel your capacity to demonstrate your true level of competence in an examination was, is, or will be significantly impaired as a result of medical compassionate and/or compelling circumstances.
Modified Assessment may take the form of an alternative venue or alternative form of assessment, instead of an exam.
To apply you will need to complete the Higher Education Modified Assessment Application Form and submit it with an approved request for reasonable adjustment at least four weeks before the commencement of the relevant examination period.
Marking and Grading
What You Need to Know
Marking and Feedback:
In-semester assessment marking will be completed within 15 working days of the final assessment submission date unless the assessment task has been subject to special consideration or extension. The marking period of final assessments is outlined in the Higher Education Academic Calendar.
Marking Penalties:
Your assessment task will identify if any marking penalties have been imposed for an assessment task through the assessment Task instructions or Unit Study Guide. These may include:
(a) Unless an extension, deferral or special consideration has been granted, or otherwise specified, assessment tasks submitted after the due date will receive a late-submission penalty of 10% of the available marks in that task applied for each day (24 hour period), or part thereof, the assessment task is overdue up to a maximum of 7 working days. After this time, or if the assessment is not submitted/attended the assessment will be awarded a mark of zero for the assessment task and you will not receive feedback;
(b) Assessment tasks with word limit restrictions attract a marking penalty of 10% of the available marks if they exceed the maximum word count by 10% or more and the portion of assessment tasks in-excess of 10% of the maximum word limit will not be reviewed nor provided with feedback; and
(c) Unapproved absence from mandatory clinical/practice-based assessment attract a marking penalty of 30% of the available marks in that task.
Grade Penalties:
If you are enrolled and choose to withdraw from a Unit of Study after the Census Date and after the last day to withdraw without academic penalty, you will be deemed to have failed the Unit of Study. You may be eligible for an exemption from academic penalty if you are withdrawing due to exceptional circumstances.
Special Consideration:
If you are prevented by serious, unavoidable or unforeseen severe disruption from performing an assessment task in accordance with your usual demonstrated performance level you may be able to apply for special consideration. If there is a substantiated case of academic misconduct against you which has resulted in you receiving a lower mark then special consideration is not permitted.
You will need to submit the Higher Education Special Consideration Request Form within 3 working days of attending/submitting/attempting your assessment and be able to demonstrate that you attempted/submitted/attended the assessment task but your circumstance:
(a) Could not have been reasonably anticipated, avoided or guarded against;
(b) Was beyond your control;
(c) Caused substantial disruption to your capacity for effective study and/or to complete the required work;
(d) Substantially interfered with the otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of an assessment requirement; and
(e) Was of at least 3 consecutive days duration within a study period.
The Dean Higher Education will determine the appropriate nature of the special consideration. You will not be able to appeal a decision. However, if you are unsatisfied with the result of your application you may lodge a complaint.
If it is determined that you are seeking to gain an unfair advantage in your assessment by submitting an application for special consideration that is not genuine you will be subject to disciplinary action.
Remark of Assessment and Review of Grade:
If you believe that an individual assessment task has been unfairly graded or inappropriately assessed or that your Final Grade awarded for a Unit of Study has been unfairly or inappropriately determined you can request a review of your grade/mark. A re-mark can only be conducted once on a piece of assessment.
To request a remark of an assessment you will need to complete the Higher Education Request for Re-Mark of Assessment Form and submit it and any supporting evidence such as the Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form within five working days of the release of the mark.
To request a review of your Final Grade for a Unit of Study you will need to complete the Higher Education Request for Review of Grade Form and submit it with any supporting evidence such as the Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form within ten working days of the release of the final grade.
Where it is determined that grounds exist for a re-mark of an assessment a blind remark of the assessment will occur. In all cases a re-mark will replace the original mark on an assessment in the calculation of the final grade which could result in a higher or lower mark and/or grade.
In all cases of a review of a final grade, the review will not result in the lowering of a final grade.
Effect of Withheld Grades on Conferral:
If you are eligible for conferral and your results are suspended awaiting a final determination, you may not be able to attend a conferring ceremony until after the end of the following teaching period.
If you have an outstanding debt with TAFE Queensland your final grade in any Unit of Study will not be officially communicated to you nor will you be permitted to graduate until your debt is resolved.
Moderation of Final Grades:
Moderation occurs every semester for all final assessment items, whereby the Educators in your course will ‘check’ each other’s marking to ensure grades are being allocated fairly and according to the requirements of the assessment task as outlined to the students.
Prior to release of grades for each unit of study at the end of each Semester, the Chief Examiner’s Committee will meet after this moderation to consider all recommended final grades and discuss any issues that have arisen during moderation meetings.
The Chief Examiner’s Committee may choose to withhold grades that are under question for further investigation or until adjustments can be made.
If this occurs, your final grade may be initially released as AI (Assessment Incomplete), however any outstanding grades of this nature will be resolved within a week of the official grade release date.
Grade Point Average:
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numerical index which represents the average value of final grades earned in Units of Study and is calculated each semester and as an overall GPA for Course of Study.
Multiple attempts in the same Unit of Study and within the same Course of Study taken at different times are included in any GPA calculation each time the Unit of Study is attempted.
Extensions and Deferrals
What You Need to Know
Assessment Variations:
Where you are not able to complete an assessment task by or at the required time you may be able to apply for a variation to your assessment. A variation to an assessment task depends on the length of time which you are affected by illness or other compassionate and/or compelling circumstances and the point of time when the impact on you became evident. There are two principle variations that TAFE Queensland provides for assessment items:
(a) Extensions to assessment due dates; and
(b) Deferral of certain types of assessment tasks.
Extension to Assessment Due Dates:
Extensions to due dates are applied to assessment tasks that are not invigilated or supervised. These tasks occur outside of a scheduled timetable either individually or in a group and can include but are not limited to:
(a) Literature reviews;
(b) Essays;
(c) Project plans;
(d) Case Studies and Clinical reviews; and
(e) Patient Treatment plans and evaluations.
Deferred Assessment:
A deferral of an assessment task applies to an assessment task that was scheduled to occur on a specific date and time within a scheduled timetable. This can include:
(a) Exams, tests or quizzes;
(b) Presentations or performances;
(c) Clinical practice/demonstrations; and
(d) Guided discussions.
If you request a deferred assessment, but then attend the original scheduled assessment (in person or online), you will have your application declined.
Applications:
To be eligible for a deferred assessment you must be able to demonstrate the existence of an illness or other compassionate and/or compelling circumstances.
The key elements of compassionate and/or compelling circumstances are that:
(a) It was beyond your control;
(b) It impacted your ability to complete assessment tasks by or at the required time, or impacted your ability during the assessment task; and
(c) It is documented by appropriate evidence.
To apply you will need to complete the Higher Education Extension-Deferral of Assessment Application Form and submit it along with any supporting documentation.
Your supporting documentation must directly relate to the illness or other compassionate and/or compelling circumstance that is resulting in your application for a variation to your assessment. The Higher Education Extension-Deferral of Assessment Guide will aid in determining the supporting evidence requirements for various circumstances and scenarios. If your circumstances are related to an illness or medical condition your will need to provide the Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form as supporting documentation.
Applications must be made:
(a) Extensions to Assessment Due Dates – at least two working days prior to the due date of the assignment; and
(b) Deferred assessment – at least two working days prior to the assessment task.
Applications for extensions and deferrals that occur after these times may be considered by the Dean Higher Education on a case by case basis in exceptional circumstances. These applications must be made within 5 working days after the assessment due date.
Previously Deferred Assessment:
Deferment of a previously deferred assessment task is generally not permitted. If you are prevented from attending a previously deferred assessment task you may submit a Higher Education Deferral of a Deferred Assessment Application Form to the Dean of Higher Education within three working days of the date of the original deferred assessment to have this restriction reconsidered.
Supplementary Assessment
What You Need to Know
Forms of Supplementary Assessment:
Where you have marginally failed a previous examination or assessment you may be offered a new piece of assessment to provide you with an additional opportunity to demonstrate that you have achieved the academic standard required for a Pass level in your Unit of Study. A supplementary assessment may include examinations or assignments.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for consideration of a supplementary assessment you must:
(a) Have been studying a Unit of Study that permits supplementary assessment;
(b) Be currently enrolled in your final semester/year of study;
(c) Have failed overall in a Unit of Study but gained a final mark of at least 5% of the minimum pass mark in the relevant Unit of Study;
(d) Have not exhausted the available number of supplementary assessment attempts;
(e) Have not failed more than 2 Units of Study in the same period; and
(f) Have submitted all major assessment tasks as specified in the Unit Study Guide and have made a reasonable attempt to address the assessment criteria; or
(g) Have the potential to achieve a passing grade and any required minimum mark (specified in the Unit Study Guide) by completing a single, supplementary assessment task.
Requesting a Supplementary Assessment:
If you are eligible you will receive a written notification to offer you an opportunity to complete a supplementary assessment, using the Supplementary Assessment Application Form. You will need to respond within 5 working days. If you decide not to undertake the supplementary assessment you will receive your original final mark and related grade for your Unit of Study.
If you believe that you are eligible for a supplementary assessment but you have not received an offer you may make an application in writing to your Faculty Administration Officer. Your request must be made within 5 working days of receiving your final grade.
Supplementary Assessment Timing and Deferral:
Supplementary assessment will normally be undertaken before the close of study date for your Unit of Study. If the supplementary assessment task is an examination it will take place during the relevant deferred examination period. In some instances, you may be offered a supplementary assessment at the start of the next teaching period.
You may apply for supplementary assessment deferral only in exceptional compassionate and/or compelling circumstances. You will need to be able to provide supporting documentation such as the Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form.
Marking and Results:
Your supplementary assessment task is marked on a pass/fail basis only. If you achieve a pass mark on your supplementary assessment you will receive the minimum required mark required to achieve a pass grade for your Unit of Study.
Assessment Appeals
What you need to know:
For more information on assessment appeals, go to the Assessment Appeals section of the Sutdent Rules and Policies.
Useful Forms
Higher Education Assessment Submission Form
Higher Education Modified Assessment Application Form
Higher Education Special Consideration Request Form
Higher Education Request for Re-Mark of Assessment Form
Higher Education Medical Impact Statement Form
Higher Education Grade Point Average Fact Sheet - Student
Higher Education Request for Review of Grade Form
Higher Education Request for Academic Record Form
Higher Education Remark and Review of Grade Fact Sheet - Student
Higher Education Assessment Special Consideration Fact Sheet - Student
Higher Education Medical Certificates Fact Sheet – Student
Higher Education Extension-Deferral of Assessment Application Form
Higher Education Extension-Deferral of Assessment Guide
Higher Education Deferral of a Deferred Assessment Application Form
Higher Education Supplementary Assessment Application Form
Higher Education Supplementary Assessment Fact Sheet - Students
Higher Education Student Dental Immunisation Fact Sheet
Higher Education Grade Codes Fact Sheet
Higher Education Student Nursing Placement Absence Form
Academic Integrity Culture
What you need to know
What is Academic Integrity:
Academic Integrity at TAFE Queensland comprises the following broad issues, each of which has its own unique considerations:
(a) Cheating (including contract cheating);
(b) Collusion / Facilitating Academic Dishonesty;
(c) Deception / Fraud;
(d) Misrepresentation / fabrication;
(e) Obstruction / interference; and
(f) Plagiarism / Acknowledgement.
Cheating is when a student seeks to obtain an unfair advantage through the dishonest use of information or misleading or deceptive submission of work and in any academic context, thus breaching the principles of Academic Integrity. This also includes contract cheating which occurs when students outsource their assessments to a third party, whether that is a commercial provider, current or former student, family member or acquaintance.
Collusion is the act of a student/s present work as their own, which was the outcome of directly working with others. Collusion involves working with others without permission to produce work that is then presented as work completed independently by the student.
Instances of deception and fraud involve persuading someone to act in one’s favour by a gift, money, or other inducement including the use of force or threats, to gain an academic advantage. Certain forms of fraud related to bribery or coercion are reportable to police.
Misrepresentation and fabrication involve altering or making untrue statements, in an academic context, about information/data/results or student identity.
Obstruction or interference occurs when a student acts in an improper way where the outcome of that action benefits the student or harms others.
Plagiarism involves intentionally or unintentionally presenting someone else’s academic work or ideas as your own without attributing appropriate acknowledgement and reference to the true author or creator. It is a type of intellectual theft. This also includes unintentional plagiarism which can occur because of improper or inadequate referencing, or failure to reference some materials.
Your Responsibilities:
You are responsible for your individual academic skills development, including maintain academic integrity in your studies, through:
(a) Successfully completing your online academic integrity module;
(b) Understanding the TAFE Queensland Student Rules and complying with the requirements for academic integrity in your discipline;
(c) Ensuring that you understand the expected authorship conventions and appropriate use/acknowledgement of all types of intellectual material relevant to your discipline;
(d) Presenting/ submitting your own assessment work including:
a. Signing assessment coversheets (as required);
b. Completing the prompt on Connect for electronic assessment, both of which confirm that the work submitted is your own;
c. Acknowledging all assessment sources correctly; and
d. Using similarity checking software to check work before submitting assessments (where relevant).
(e) Submitting original works for assessment, not recycled works;
(f) Safeguarding your own work so it cannot be access/used by others who may submit it as their own;
(g) Seeking support and assistance where you are uncertain about appropriate authorship conventions; and
(h) Upholding academic integrity in your discipline bey reporting concerns of potential breaches of academic integrity by other students, to the Unit Convenor or Course Coordinator.
Academic Integrity Breaches
What you need to know
Reporting Academic Integrity Breaches:
Any person may, verbally or in writing, report a suspected breach of academic integrity to TAFE Queensland. Allegations may be reported against current and former students and graduates.
You can make a report to any TAFE Queensland staff member, and/or submit your report via the TAFE Queensland Feedback Form. If you have reported a suspected breach of academic integrity, you will receive an acknowledgement within 2 working days of the allegation being received. You may choose to make your allegation anonymously if you want.
The Unit Convenor will then undertake an initial assessment of the allegation to determine the nature and severity of the allegation and whether to act on anonymous reports.
If an allegation of a breach of Academic Integrity has been made against you, you will be notified in writing.
Categories of Academic Breaches:
Breaches of Academic Integrity can be categorised on the level of severity of the breach. The level of severity will determine how the breach is investigated and managed. These categories include:
(a) Minor: includes behaviours/action which, in all circumstances, are unintentional and that which provides the opportunity to educate the student and reinforce the principles of academic integrity rather than penalising the student.
(b) Concerning: includes behaviours/action which:
a. Is, or appears from the evidence to be, negligent or reckless;
b. Is where the issue should have been foreseen;
c. Is, or appears from the evidence to be, an intent to gain advantage.
(c) Major: Includes behaviours/actions which for all intents and purposes is intentional, and:
a. Is, or appears from the evidence to be accompanied by a clear or demonstrable intention to flout or contravene TAFE Queensland’s requirement for academic honesty;
b. Is, or appears from the available evidence to be, carefully and deliberately planned, repetitive, organised or systematic in nature;
c. Is, or appears from the available evidence to be, significant in scale or scope; or
d. Is contract cheating, deception, or fraud (including coercion and/or bribery).
Minor Academic Integrity Breaches:
Where the breach has been determined to be minor you will be asked to attend an informal meeting with your Unit Convenor. This will be held as soon as practicable following the allegation, but in any event, within 5 working days of the allegation being reported. The meeting will not be held at a time which might interfere with your revision or examination performance.
Once all available evidence and relevant situational factors have been considered your Unit Convenor will determine:
(a) That the allegation should be dismissed; or
(b) That a minor academic integrity breach has occurred and identify the response/penalty.
You will be notified of the outcome of the investigation in writing.
Concerning/Major Academic Integrity Breaches:
Where it is determined that the breach is more than minor in nature you will be asked to attend a formal meeting with the Course Coordinator within 10 working days of the allegation being received. This interview can be completed in person, by telephone, electronically or by other means.
(a) You may advise the Course Coordinator of any considerations you would like to be made for the meeting arrangements due to gender, disability, cultural background, social responsibilities etc.
(b) The meeting cannot be recording without the express consent of all persons involved in the meeting. However, a record of the conversation will be made as evidence of procedural fairness.
(c) Your meeting may be attended by a relevant regional Delivery Support Officer for administrative purposes.
After reasonable attempts to contact you have been made without success, or if you fail to attend the meeting, the Course Coordinator may make a finding decision in your absence, with respect to the allegation, and impose one or more consequences, without having spoken with the student.
Once the investigation is complete you will be notified in writing of the Course Coordinators decision to either:
(a) Dismiss the allegation;
(b) Determine that a major academic integrity breach has occurred, and escalate the incident and all evidence to the Academic Integrity Investigation Officer; or
(c) Determine that a minor/concerning academic integrity breach has occurred and determine the appropriate consequences.
Escalation to the Academic Integrity Committee:
Your case may be escalated to the Academic Integrity Committee if:
(a) Your breach of academic integrity is determined to be major in nature; or
(b) You do not abide by or refuse to participate in any consequences/actions as determined by the Course Coordinator.
In this instance you will be invited to an additional meeting with the Academic Integrity Committee.
Once the Academic Integrity Committee have concluded their investigation you will be notified of the committee’s decision to:
(a) Dismiss the allegation if it is found to be unsupported; or
(b) Determine that the allegation is supported and the consequences/ penalties.
International Students:
If you are an international student and the consequences for your breach of academic integrity involves any form of exclusion, suspension, or reduction in study load, TAFE Queensland will implement the International Student Notice of Intent to Report, suspend, and Cancel process.
Graduands:
TAFE Queensland may revoke a graduate’s degree where there is demonstrated evidence that the graduate committed a major breach of academic integrity in an assessment task associated with the requirements for that course. In this instance the matter will be referred directly to the Academic Integrity Committee for a review and decision as outline above.
Scope of Academic Freedom
What you need to know
TAFE Queensland is committed to having an institutional environment in which academic freedom and freedom of speech are upheld and protected.
Academic Freedom:
Academic freedom includes:
(a) The freedom of academic staff to teach, discuss, research, and to disseminate and publish the results of their research;
(b) The freedom of academic staff and students to engage in intellectual inquiry, to express their opinions and beliefs, and to contribute to public debate, in relation to their subjects of study and research;
(c) The freedom of academic staff and students to express their opinions in relation to the higher education provider in which they work or are enrolled;
(d) The freedom of academic staff to participate in professional or representative academic bodies;
(e) The freedom of students to participate in professional or representative bodies; and
(f) The autonomy of the higher education provider in relation to the choice of academic courses and offerings, the ways in which they are taught and the choices of research activities and the ways in which they are conducted.
Freedom of Speech:
Freedom of speech relates to:
The freedom of staff and students to make lawful public comment on any issue in their personal capacity or area of academic expertise. This includes all forms of expressive conduct including oral speech and written, artistic, musical performance and performing works, peaceful protest and activity and communication using social media.
Management of Academic Freedom
What you need to know
TAFE Queensland is committed to building a culture of diversity, respect and inclusion, integrating these into our everyday activities and operations as part of our duty to foster the wellbeing of staff and students.
TAFE Queensland higher education staff and students enjoy academic freedom and freedom of speech on our premises or in connection with TAFE Queensland activities, and in the context of academic expertise areas, subject to reasonable limitations set out in induction documents.
Those limitations may include reasonable and proportionate restrictions of conduct necessary to:
(a) Discharge TAFE Queensland’s teaching and scholarship activities in an orderly manner;
(b) Comply with the law and relevant policies (e.g. Workplace Health and Safety legislation, Public Service Code of Conduct etc);
(c) Discharge the duty of care to protect the psychosocial wellbeing of staff members and students;
(d) Prevent harassment, discrimination, vilification or intimidation;
(e) Prevent conflicts between the expression of the staff member and their ability to carry out their role effectively;
(f) Comply with TAFE Queensland’s legal obligations including contractual obligations with third parties pertaining to such matters as confidentiality and the protection of intellectual property; and
(g) Maintain scholarly standards.
TAFE Queensland will manage non-compliances with our policies and procedures, in accordance with the Student Rules and Policies.
TAFE Queensland will also determine the terms and conditions under which visiting higher education speakers may present on TAFE Queensland premises, using TAFE Queensland facilities or in connection to TAFE Queensland activities.
Scope of Student Consultations
What you need to know
TAFE Queensland is committed to providing a supportive environment, encouraging students to engage with learning and to seek further advice on course content from their Educators to achieve successful outcomes.
You may consult with your academic staff (Educators) during set consultation times about the following types of issues:
(a) Clarification of unit of study requirements;
(b) Clarification of assessment task requirements;
(c) Assistance in catching up on content from any classes they may have missed;
(d) Advice on strategies to complete assessment tasks;
(e) Extension of assessment due dates;
(f) Feedback on assessment results and/or performance to date; and
(g) Professional information / advice.
Consultation Times and Locations
What You Need to Know
Your Educator will be available for student consultation outside of scheduled class time each week for the duration of the semester, including study and exam weeks, in person or online.
Consultation times will be detailed in Connect, and allocated to both appointments and drop-ins. If bookings are made, you are encouraged to email the Educator with a summary of their query / concern at least the day prior to the booking.
Consultation Conduct
What You Need to Know
We ask you to be respectful during consultations, and of course, standards of personal conduct and behaviour are managed under the Student Rules and Policies.
If you have any concerns about how a consultation was undertaken, you may raise their concerns with the Course Coordinator or through the complaints process.
Professional Practice Arrangements
What you need to know
What is Professional Practice:
Professional Practice is an assessment activity that integrates theory with the practice of work. It includes work-integrated learning, and activities normally involve students interacting within a work context or simulation.
Professional practice is unpaid and students are not eligible to receive other employment related benefits. It cannot exceed 240 hours for a 12-month period from the commencement of the professional practice, except in cases of approved exemption.
If professional placement is required for your course, it will be referenced in your course guide and on the course page of the TAFE Queensland website. This information will include:
(a) The timing and duration of the professional placement in your course;
(b) Any immunisation requirements; and
(c) Any other regulatory requirements (e.g. White Card, Blue Card, and/ or criminal history checks).
Sourcing a Professional Practice Placement:
Where required TAFE Queensland will provide you with a professional practice placement for your course. You may source your own professional practice placement if you would like, however TAFE Queensland will assess the suitability of the placement to ensure the quality of the placement meets the course requirements.
You will need to complete a Professional Practice Agreement for each placement you are required to complete.
Assessment of Professional Practice:
Throughout your professional practice you will be required to complete a Professional Practice Student Logbook. You will be awarded a grade based on evidence of achievement toward the assessment criteria as part of your professional practice.
If you receive an ‘unsatisfactory’ grade for your professional practice you may arrange further enrolment. Relevant fees will apply.
On completion of your professional practice you will be required to complete a Professional Practice Student Exit Survey.
Professional Practice Disputes, Breaches and Misconduct:
You are expected to report any perceived, potential or actual conflicts of interest, issues or breaches relevant to your placement. If you have engaged in inappropriate behaviour while competing your Professional will be investigated and managed as a matter of student misconduct.
If a resolution of an issue or dispute between you and your provider is not feasible, then you will be provided with adequate notice and withdrawn from your professional practice placement and another placement will be arranged.
TAFE Queensland, the Professional Practice placement provider, or you may cancel or terminate the Professional Practice Agreement at any time by written notice to the other parties.
Eligibility for Awards
What you need to know
To qualify for their relevant Award, you must:
(a) Fulfill the relevant course requirements specified in the course rules that apply to that qualification;
(b) Comply with all rules that apply to that qualification; and
(c) Comply with all regulations, rules and policies of TAFE Queensland that apply to that student.
Students must also complete at least 50% of the qualification credit point requirements at TAFE Queensland.
Conferral of Awards
What you need to know
Documentation:
Once you have successfully completed an accredited higher education AQF course you are entitled to receive the following graduation documentation on award of the qualification:
(a) Testamur (award certificate) - an official certificate issued to a student who successfully completes a qualification and is issued when a student graduates;
(b) Record of Results - a formal record of results issued by TAFE Queensland, which provides the academic history of the student whilst enrolled in the award TAFE Queensland; and
(c) Graduation Statement (Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) - an official statement which is approved by the Australian Government, whose purpose is to improve the worldwide recognition of Australian qualifications. TAFE Queensland provides graduation statements to all higher education students who successfully graduate from their course.
Graduation documentation is sent by mail as soon as possible after conferral of awards.
TAFE Queensland must only issue AQF certification documentation directly to students, not to another party.
Any student with outstanding fees or charges is not entitled to receive graduation documents until outstanding fees and charges are settled.
Student Name:
The name on the graduation documentation will be your legal name as registered on the Student Management System.
If a name change is required prior to issuance of documentation, you must supply TAFE Queensland with relevant legal documentation to prove official name change.
Graduates are eligible to apply for a name change at any time but must also pay the fee for re-issue of documentation.
Early Completion and Conferral:
Students in their final semester of study may be eligible to apply for special consideration to complete their studies earlier than the published completion and conferral dates.
Intermediate Awards:
If you are enrolled in a higher award within a broader program and chooses to withdraw from the course, you may be eligible to receive an intermediate award and exit with that award (if the relevant units have been completed prior to withdrawing).
If a student requires confirmation of completion of intermediate award requirements (e.g. for employment purposes), a letter of confirmation can be requested directly through the Faculty Delivery Support Officer (or equivalent).
Honorary Awards:
In cases where a student’s death or serious illness or injury precludes the completion of a qualification, TAFE Queensland will consider the conferral of an honorary award, to acknowledge the student’s achievements.
The eligibility requirements for an honorary award are that:
(a) The student was within 1 semester of the completion of their qualification; or
(b) The student’s progress of study indicates that they would likely have satisfactorily completed their qualification prior to their death, illness, or injury.
Skill Sets (Non-Award Units):
If you enrol in and complete one or more skill set/s (also known as non-award unit/s), you will be eligible for a formal Statement of Attainment on completion of the enrolled skill set/s.
Rescinding and Re-issuing Awards
What you need to know
Rescinding of Awards:
Graduates are entitled to retain their award once they have been issued, unless it is rescinded by TAFE Queensland, where it has been identified that the award has been issued in error, or because a document or representation by the student was false, misleading, or was obtained or made in another improper way.
When rescinding/cancelling the award, you will be provided with written notification:
(a) Outlining the reasons for rescinding the award;
(b) Informing the graduate that the award will be rescinded within 21 business days of receipt of the written notification, unless they wish to appeal the cancellation (which must occur within 20 business days);
(c) Informing the graduate of TAFE Queensland’s appeals and reviews process;
(d) Requesting that the award be returned to the TAFE Queensland region within 21 days of receiving the notification; and
(e) Inclusion of the correct award (if necessary).
Re-Issuing of Awards:
Awards may be re-issued in certain circumstances such as loss or damage of previous documentation, documents not received in mail, or change of name (fees may apply).
Application for a replacement award, supported by a valid reason and/or documentary evidence is to be made to the TAFE Queensland region that issued the award (fees may apply); the local customer service team can advise on the appropriate regional contact.
A graduate who applies for replacement / re-issued documentation must return the original award to TAFE Queensland. If lost, they must return if it is found at a later date.
TAFE Queensland reserves the right to deny re-issue or replacement of documentation if the graduate is unable to supply specific details of their enrolment (e.g. correct name and address at the time), or the details of the course which they completed (e.g. award title, approximate completion date).