UNE Partnerships - the education and training company of the University of New England

UNE Partnerships: The Education and Training Company of the University of New England - Improving individual performance and organisational capability through education and training.

Policies



Access and Equity

UNE Partnerships abides by the Access and Equity Policy of the University of New England (UNE) and follows its disciplinary, grievance, mediation and welfare mechanisms. Further information can be obtained by contacting UNE Partnerships or visiting the UNE Equity Office website at www.une.edu.au/eeo

Access to Records

UNE Partnerships maintains a record of training for every student including contact details, enrolment, payment and assessment records and communications. Personal information regarding enrolment with UNE Partnerships is available on request and will only be disclosed externally where:

  • disclosure has been consented to by the individual to whom it relates; or
  • disclosure is required by law and requested in an authorised written form (such as an official request from a government or statutory body

Students should contact UNE Partnerships with any changes to personal details.

Appeals

If you are not satisfied with an assessment result you should discuss this directly with your assessor in the first instance. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the discussion you may lodge a written appeal with the Program Manager. An appeal outlining the reason for dissatisfaction should be lodged within 30 days of receiving the disputed result. The Academic Director will review all documentation, confer with the assessor involved and take one of the following courses of action:

  • uphold the assessment decision
  • use professional judgment to revise the assessment decision
  • request further evidence to support competency.

If your appeal is unsuccessful, feedback on further evidence required will be provided by the Academic Director.

Complaints

UNE Partnerships undertakes to deal with complaints fairly, providing advice and guidance for a satisfactory and unbiased outcome. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service provided by UNE Partnerships you should discuss this directly with a member of the program team. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the discussion you may lodge a written complaint with the Program Manager outlining the reason for dissatisfaction. The Director, Program Management will review the complaint and provide a written response with five days of receipt.

Course Evaluation

UNE Partnerships values student feedback at any point during the study period and students are encouraged to complete a course evaluation upon completion of study. The course evaluation is designed to gather information about the content, format, structure, and workplace relevance and delivery methods of our programs. Feedback is important to us as it helps identify gaps in service delivery in addition to enabling a consolidation of our strengths.

Course Materials

All materials issued by UNE Partnerships are subject to copyright and are for the use of the student only. An additional fee is charged for issue of replacement materials (cost will vary depending on the course of study). Course materials are available in hard copy and are accessible online through the student online resource site.

Credit Transfer

UNE Partnerships recognises the AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations. Enrolled students can apply for Direct Credit Transfer for any unit of competency that meets the qualification packaging rules and for which they can provide evidence. A student applying for Direct Credit Transfer must submit to UNE Partnerships the original (or certified true copy of) certification/ Statement of Attainment, academic transcript, and any other relevant information, for validation

Employability Skills

Employability Skills are skills that apply across a variety of jobs and life contexts and which are included in all new Training Packages. Information on the employability skills relevant to specific qualifications can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: http://employabilityskills.training.com.au

Fees

Enrolment fees, and any associated charges for a program, are stated on the enrolment form and on the website. Payment must be received in full or a payment plan entered into before course materials are issued or before workshops and/or residential schools are attended.

For enrolments subsidised or organised and sponsored by employers or other sponsors, students give authority for UNE Partnerships to provide information relating to their enrolment and study progress to their employer and/or sponsoring organisation.

Issuing Qualifications

A qualification is issued to students who have successfully completed the assessment requirements related to all units of competency required for that qualification. Students must successfully complete all modules and assessment activities as required in the relevant industry training package or course accreditation to receive the qualification.

Each qualification is accompanied by an academic transcript which lists the units of competency (or modules of study for accredited courses) and the student’s level of achievement.

Students who exit their course prior to completing all requirements are entitled to receive a statement of attainment for all modules or units of competency satisfactorily completed. Students may re-enrol at a later date and complete the program. Fees will apply for re-enrolment.

An administration fee is payable for re-issue of qualifications and/or statements of attainment. Blended delivery programs

Notification of withdrawal from blended delivery programs (workshops or tutorials) must be received at UNE Partnerships no less than 7 days prior to course commencement and will incur a fee equal to 50% of the full course enrolment fee. Withdrawal less than 7 working days prior to course commencement will incur the full course fee. If UNE Partnerships cancels a course, a full refund will be granted.

Legislative compliance/Occupational Health and Safety

UNE Partnerships complies with all legislative requirements relevant to training, delivery and assessment in the vocational sector including national/state health and safety requirements.

Where applicable, UNE Partnerships undertakes to:

  • identify relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements associated with a particular training program (ie which govern the profession and must be included in the course).
  • ensure that facilitators have a knowledge and understanding of the relevant safety standards and are able to teach these.
  • hold up to date copies of the relevant standards and maintain currency in relation to these standards.
  • ensure that the most current version of the standards is taught on the program.
  • ensure that graduates have the required competence in the standards.
  • ensure that training venues meet OH&S and EEO requirements.

Plagiarism and improper conduct

UNE Partnerships views with the greatest concern the action of a student who acts dishonestly or improperly in connection with work submitted for assessment and such action shall investigated.

This includes the misuse or plagiarism of the work of other persons, copying (in whole or in part) the work or data of other persons, or presenting substantial extracts from books, articles, theses, computer software, lecture notes or tapes without due acknowledgement. Plagiarism issues will be dealt with by the Academic Director and may result in expulsion from the course.

Improper conduct during workshops, residential schools or tutorial sessions will not be tolerated. Such behaviour includes the use of discriminatory or abusive language or being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Such behaviour will be dealt with by the nominated trainer/assessor and may result in expulsion from the session and the course.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge that may have been gained through formal and informal training and/or learning, work experience and life experience. Applicants who can demonstrate competence in some or all aspects of a qualification can apply for RPL, once enrolled.

Selection and induction

UNE Partnerships offers programs within its scope of registration to all students, subject to any pre-requisites or special enrolment conditions that apply to a specific program. Application is made by completion of the enrolment form. Information relating to the contents of a program, any special conditions and the assessment requirements associated with the program is provided prior to enrolment.

Study period (Candidature)

Students are allocated a reasonable period of time in which to successfully complete their chosen course of study. The nominal study period for each qualification is based on the number of hours it would take for an average student, studying part time, to complete all course requirements. The study period varies between course levels and delivery modes and in the case of traineeships is set by the relevant state training authority. Information on standard study periods is available in pre-enrolment information.

Each student is given a customised study timetable with suggested assessment submission dates. If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student has difficulty meeting the course requirements within the nominated study period, for an additional fee they may apply for a special extension of time.

UNE Partnerships works to provide a positive learning experience and provides flexible arrangements for learning and assessment wherever possible. We have processes in place to assist learners who require special consideration with their studies.

Support services

All students receive comprehensive study material in hard copy and in soft copy through student online resource sites, access to an allocated assessor, customised study plan.

Students receive regular progress updates and reminders of due dates for submission of assessment tasks throughout their study period. This is in addition to regular support and contact from administration and academic staff via telephone courtesy calls and email notices and through student online resource sites.
Students who experience difficulties for personal or study related reasons at any time during their study period should contact UNE Partnerships for assistance, support and guidance.

UNE Partnerships has procedures in place to support the needs of individuals who have a disability, impairment or special needs that could impact on their learning.

UNE Partnerships has mechanisms in place to address literacy or numeracy issues so that learners can successfully achieve their desired outcome.

UNE Partnerships is committed to providing training and assessment services that reflect fair and reasonable opportunity without discrimination and encourages participation from students with diverse backgrounds. Our trainers and assessors apply the principle of reasonable adjustment where it is relevant and appropriate.

UNE Alumni

Successful students are eligible to join the UNE Alumni program. Further details will be advised on completion.

Withdrawal and refunds

Students may withdraw from a course of study at any time during their course by notifying UNE Partnerships in writing. Refunds for withdrawal due to exceptional circumstances are considered on a case by case basis and incur an administrative fee.

Requests for a refund must be made in writing to the Director of Program Management. The notification must include: full name, student number, course name and documentary evidence where withdrawal is based on exceptional circumstances.

For distance education students, notification of withdrawal must be received at UNE Partnerships within 21 days of the enrolment date and will incur a fee equal to 30% of the full course fee. Requests received after the 21-day cooling-off period will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Notification of withdrawal from blended delivery programs (workshops or tutorials) must be received at UNE Partnerships no less than 7 days prior to course commencement and will incur a fee equal to 50% of the full course enrolment fee. Withdrawal less than 7 working days prior to course commencement will incur the full course fee. If UNE Partnerships cancels a course, a full refund will be granted.

Workshops/Tutorials

Public workshops and/or tutorials require a minimum number of participants to be feasible. If the required number is not reached and the event is postponed or cancelled, UNE Partnerships accepts no responsibility for any costs you may have incurred (e.g. accommodation, travel). Students participating in workshops and/or tutorials must be respectful of others, adhere to OHS requirements and show consideration for all participants and facilitators.

UNEP