Conditions of Enrolment

Conditions of Enrolment

Fees

1. All fees are payable as determined by Sarina Russo Institute (SRI) at enrolment. All International student fees are payable up to no more than 50% of total course fees – prior to commencement. If course is 25 weeks or less in duration then total course fees are required in advance. Note: A student may choose to pay more than 50% of their course fees.
2. Fees are correct at time of publishing, and may vary at any time without prior notice.
3. Students total course fees, including resources and all other sundries as listed in the Payment Details in the International Student Written Agreement are agreed to in the Student Acceptance of Offer and Payment Agreement Form.
4. For international students who are applying for a student visa, fees are deposited into a designated account in accordance with the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).
5. Where the student requires SRI to organise Overseas Student Health Cover, the fee is withdrawn from the designated account and paid to the Health Insurance Fund on the student’s arrival.
6. Students should be aware that there are deadlines for accepting offers and making fee payment. All fees are required to be paid as notified in writing by SRI or as per the issued invoice. A penalty of $50 per week may apply for late payments.
7. Failure to pay fees may result in the student’s enrolment being cancelled. SRI will issue an Intention to Cancel, and the student has 20 working days to access our Complaints and Appeals policy. (Note: Written notices under Standard 10.6 of the ESOS Framework will be given by electronic communication). Where extenuating circumstances relating to the welfare of the student apply will be considered in certain, limited circumstances.

Variation to Course Enrolments – Current Students

For details on Deferment, Suspension, Cancellation, Transferring or Abandonment of courses, please refer to SRI’s Variation of Course Enrolment Policy.

Other Conditions

1. All courses offered by SRI are subject to student enrolment numbers.
2. International students must meet the minimum English Language requirements for enrolment into their relevant program.
3. It is a condition of student’s enrolment that they achieve satisfactory academic progress throughout their course to ensure they are able to complete their course in the nominated duration.

Refund Policy

For full information please refer to SRI Refund Policy.

Important Information

Access and Equity

SRI embraces diversity in the student population in respect of age, gender, cultural and linguistic background, and socio-economic status. We will ensure that equity principles for all groups are implemented through fair allocation of resources and increased opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Anti-Discrimination Act

SRI ensures that it provides its services without unlawful discrimination and in accordance with the provisions of any relevant legislative requirements of the Commonwealth or States.

Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance is recorded on a daily basis and students are expected to attend all classes on time as scheduled on their timetable. An international student who holds a student visa must maintain at least 80% attendance at all times throughout their study.

Students enrolled in English Language programs will be subject to attendance requirements. These requirements will be explained to students at orientation.

If an English Language Student falls below 80% attendance (with or without medical certificates) and is unable to reach 80% by the completion of their study, they must be reported to the Secretary of The Department of Education and Training, as they will be in breach of their student visa. Sarina Russo Institute has in place an attendance monitoring system to ensure students are attending all scheduled classes.

Attendance Warning Letter System

An Attendance Warning Letter is issued to all students who are in danger of falling below 80% attendance.

1. Attendance Percentage Advice – issued to students whose projected attendance is below 90%
2. Risk of unsatisfactory Attendance Warning Letter – issued to students whose projected attendance is less than 85%
3. Intention to Report Breach of Student Visa Letter – issued to English Language Students whose projected attendance is at or under 80%.

At this point the student will also be informed within the letter of the student’s right to access SRI’s Complaints and Appeals process and the fact the student has 20 working days in which to do so. (Note: Written notices under Standard 10.6 of the ESOS Framework will be given by electronic communication) If a student chooses not to access SRI’s Complaints and Appeal process within the 20 working day period, withdraws from the Complaints and Appeals process or has been unsuccessful in their appeal then the Secretary of The Department of Education and Training will be notified via PRISMS.

Change of Address and/or Telephone Numbers

Records are kept to enable us to contact students regarding important program information.
It is a requirement of your international student visa to update your contact details with your education provider within seven (7) days of change.

Course Progress – International VET

In order to maintain satisfactory course progress at SRI – International VET, a student who is enrolled must achieve competency in 50% or more of the units attempted in a study period. If a student is considered to be at risk of not successfully completing their course an Intervention Strategy will be put in place to ensure that they are able to complete their course. If after the Intervention Strategy has been put in place and the student fails to achieve satisfactory progress in a second consecutive compulsory study period, the student will be issued with an Intention to Report for Unsatisfactory Progress letter. (Note: Written notices under Standard 10.6 of the ESOS Framework will be given by electronic communication)

At this point the student will also be informed within the letter of the student’s right to access SRI’s Complaints and Appeals process and the fact the student has 20 working days in which to do so. If a student chooses not to access SRI’s Complaints and Appeal process within the 20 working day period, withdraws from the Complaints and Appeals process or has been unsuccessful in their appeal then the Secretary of The Department of Education and Training will be notified via PRISMS.

Complaints and Appeals

Sarina Russo Schools | Australia Pty Ltd ABN 390 101 29325 Trading as Sarina Russo Institute (SRI) has a process in place to assist students in providing a resolution for a complaint or an appeal

Any appeals, disputes or complaints will be handled in accordance with the policies and procedures of SRI. Any student who feels that they have not been treated in accordance with these conditions should follow the complaints and appeals procedure.

You have the right to be accompanied by a support person of your choice at any stage.  This agreement does not remove the right of the student to take action under Australia’s consumer protection laws.

The SRI Complaints & Appeals Procedure is published in the Student Handbook.

Intention to Report

A notice of Intention to Report is issued to a student who has breached their visa condition in relation to course progress or attendance requirements. If you receive a notice of Intention to Report you have 20 working days to lodge an appeal in writing. (Note: Written notices under Standard 10.6 of the ESOS Framework will be given by electronic communication)

If you lodge an appeal you may be required to attend an interview to discuss your situation. While your appeal is being considered, you must continue to attend classes. You will be advised in writing of the outcome of your appeal and if you are not satisfied with the decision, you will have 10 working days to lodge an external appeal with the Overseas Students Ombudsman (OSO). The OSO will consider whether SRI has followed its own policies and procedures and whether the handling of your appeal has been fair and reasonable.

https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/How-we-can-help/overseas-students
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au
Phone: 1300 362 072 within Australia
Outside Australia call +61 2 6276 0111
Postal: GPO Box 442 Canberra ACT 2601

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

At the time of interview, prospective students may be asked to complete a literacy & numeracy test to determine their suitability for a course. At any time during the course, if recommended by a teacher and/or counselor, a student may be asked to complete a literacy & numeracy test.

English Language students will undertake an English Language assessment at Orientation.

Privacy

SRI takes great care to ensure that information collected is accurate and used correctly. SRI staff will treat your information with the utmost level of confidentiality. You may be assured that the information will be kept securely and used only for authorised purposes, which may include provision of information to Education Services for Overseas Students, the Secretary of The Department of Education and Training.

From time to time we may need to contact a parent, guardian or agent to discuss matters concerning a student’s tuition payment status, welfare and academic progress. To do this, we require a student’s permission. Permission is sought in a declaration completed during Orientation. Please note this includes providing exam results if requested. Personal information may also be made available to Commonwealth and State Agencies pursuant to obligations under the ESOS Act 2000 and the National Code.

You are entitled to ask what information about you is being collected, why it is being collected and how it will be used disclosed and stored. SRI is guided by the Australian Privacy Principles and protects your privacy in accordance with these principles.

Please see our Privacy Policy for further details.

Reissue of Results or Verification of Results

A replacement (reissue) certificate can be issued when an original certificate has been lost, stolen, destroyed, not received or damaged. To obtain a replacement certificate, a graduate must complete a Reissue of Certificate Form.

If a certificate has been damaged, the graduate can opt to surrender the damaged original and return it with a Reissue of Certificate Form.

Records can be verified by a graduate providing a scanned copy of the documents or if required the documents can be reissued then verified.

Fees associated with reissues:

Certificate only: $22.00

Record of results: $22.00

State of attainment: $22.00

*For government funded training programs, a discounted fee of $16.85 applies.

Student Responsibility

Students are expected to abide by the standards as set out in the Student Learning Contract, including a Code of Conduct published in the Student Orientation Manual. Students are required to sign the Student Learning Contract at Induction and adhere to its content. Any breach of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action.

Students are responsible for their own property including books, course materials, and all personal items. SRI will not be held responsible for any liability and claims for any loss or damage to such items.

Students may be required to attend SRI excursions and activities as part of their course. Any associated transportation relating to such activities will be at the students additional cost.

Welfare and Guidance Services

We welcome the opportunity to assist any student with issues relating to their progress. We have academic support staff available by appointment. For issues relating to personal and welfare we will assist students to source an appropriate service and a suitable time for counselling when required. A large range of government and private welfare services can be sourced by our staff to assist students in a variety of matters.

Students agree for SRI to obtain medical treatment for them if such actions are deemed necessary by SRI or a staff member acting on behalf of SRI. SRI and its staff are to be indemnified for any loss, damage, expense or liability whatsoever as a result of arrangements or emergency medical treatment that may arise from these actions.

Important Information – International VET

Training and Assessment Overview – International VET

Training Method – Competency Based Training (CBT). What is CBT?

You are considered to be competent when you are able to apply your knowledge and skills to successfully complete work activities in a range of situations and environments, in accordance with the standard of performance expected in the workplace.

CBT describes the skills and knowledge required by a person to work effectively in their industry area. These skills have been defined and developed by industry, are nationally recognised and form the basis of training for specific industries. When students can demonstrate the requirements of the qualification, they are assessed as “competent”.

Pathways also exist to higher levels of education. In gaining skills at one level, pathways exist where students can proceed to study at the next level.

Assessment

Competency-based assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgements about whether a student can demonstrate competence, which has been achieved against a benchmark of standards in an applied context.

It is important to remember that assessment measures a person’s achievement against identified competency standards and not against another persons’ achievement.

The trainer/assessor will explain assessments for each unit of competency at the commencement of the unit. Assessments tools may include:

• Observation            • Written work                • Practical work
• Case studies          • Oral questions             • Portfolio of work

To gain competence in each unit, all assessment activities must be successfully completed. Students will be given feedback at each stage of assessment.

Any unauthorised copying of SRI materials and lessons may constitute a breach of the Copyright Act 1968 (as amended)

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer* Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT) is available to all students.  RPL means that students may receive recognition for any previous learning, work or life experience they have acquired – if it is relevant to the course they are entering. This is regardless of where or how they acquired this learning.

CT recognises formal learning. Credit may be given for a completed unit of competency which is equivalent to the learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards in the course they are enrolling.

CT applications should be submitted prior to the student’s commencement of the course/unit of competency.  Students are required to complete the Credit Transfer Application Form by accessing the SRI website at here.

SRI – International VET recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other registered training organisations.

Students are required to apply for RPL or CT within one (1) week of the commencement of the unit of competency.  All RPL/CT applications will be processes within a three (3) week period.

NOTE:

Students are required to keep attending classes until assessment of the RPL/CT application is finalised.

* RPL fees will apply.

If granting of RPL/CT effects course length and course hours the Secretary of The Department of Education and Training will be notified via PRISMS.

For more information regarding RPL click here

Applying Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustment is the term applied to modifying the learning environment or making changes to the training delivered to assist a learner who may be disadvantaged by standard training and assessment processes.

Assessment / Assignment Conditions

Plagiarism occurs when you take somebody else’s ideas or words and use them as if they were one’s own. Therefore, students must reference any material which is taken from another source.

Plagiarism may result in being deemed Not Competent (NC). A repeat of the unit will be required with payment of the full unit fee.

Students must not bring any unauthorised material into the examination room.

Students must not communicate in any way with any other person other than the trainer/assessor while the assessment is in progress.  Cheating is not acceptable and may result in cancellation of enrolment.  Cheating will result in being deemed Not Competent (NC).

Assessment Extension Requests

Students must request extensions of time to submit assessments at least 48 hours prior to the due date.  Requests must be made in writing on a standard form that is available from your trainer.

Students who do not request an extension and do not complete the assessment on time will be permitted only one more opportunity for assessment (assignment, examination etc).

Where extenuating circumstances prevent a student from submitting their assessment, consideration of the circumstances and further actions in certain, limited circumstances will occur.

Appeals for Reassessment

If a student feels that during the assessment process they have been dealt with in a manner which they consider to be fair and equitable, the student has the right to appeal. If this situation should occur, students should discuss it with their trainer.

Requests for appeals must be submitted to the trainer within 5 working days of receiving the assessment result. Responses to a student appeal must be acknowledged in writing and a decision given to them within 10 working days. If students are not happy with the outcome, they should refer to the Complaints and Appeals Process (refer above).

NOTE:

Students are required to keep attending classes until the assessment appeal is finalised.

Assessment Resits / Resubmissions

If a piece of assessment is missed or not submitted on time and NO medical certificate is provided, students are provided only one opportunity to resubmit/undertake the assessment.

If the assessment is subsequently deemed ‘not satisfactory’, the student will be deemed ‘not competent’ and may be required to repeat the unit of competency.

Where extenuating circumstances prevent a student from submitting/completing their assessment, consideration of the circumstances and further actions in certain, limited circumstances may occur.

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of a qualification or an accredited course, a Certificate will be issued. A certificate cannot be issued unless all requirements of the course/qualification have been successfully completed

Statement of Results and Statement of Attainment

Upon successful completion of a course, students are issued with a Statement of Results detailing all units of competency of their course.

A Statement of Attainment will be issued for partial completion of an accredited course or unit/s of competency.