- Home
- Students and online services
- Student support services
Student support services
>> Do you need assistance with assignments, homework or forms? CQ TAFE can help for FREE (PDF, 200KB)<<
On this page:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support
- Student Services Advisor
- Disability support service
- Equity and diversity
- Financial support
- Harrassment
- Literacy and numeracy support
- Other information
To make an appointment with a Student Services Advisor, Institute Disability Officer, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander Service, visit the Student Services Office or the Client Service Office or phone 1300 27 8233.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support
This service provides support and advice to Indigenous and South Sea Islander students. The aim being to increase the successful participation of these students in TAFE programs.
Student Services Advisor
The Student Services Advisor is available to:
-
offer support to all students; on-campus or off-campus, internal or external,
-
provide career guidance and pathways
-
help you choose a course or program that's right for you
-
provide representation, negotiation and support for educational concerns
- provide advice with financial worries or student payment benefits such as austudy/abstudy
-
help you with health or welfare issues which may be negatively affecting your studies by refering you to the appropriate outside service
-
provide information about QTAC and admission requirements
-
offer support with relationships or personal hassles by referring you to the appropriate outside specialised professionals and support services
- offer time management advice with your studies and balance other priorities
-
provide support with harassment and grievance issues
Computerised career counselling is available in Mackay. Students can access the "Career-Mate" package for a small fee and have follow-up career counselling.
Want more information?
Student Services Centre, J Block (Level 1), Sydney Street, Mackay Campus
Student Services Centre, B Block (Level 1), Canning Street, Rockhampton Campus
Telephone: 1300 278 233 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm) to make an appointment
Email: cqtafe.info@deta.qld.gov.au
Disability support service
Definition of disability
Central Queensland Institute of TAFE supports the participation of people with a disability in vocational education and training. The TAFE Queensland Equity Policy (2007-2009) represents TAFE Queensland's commitment to respond to and be inclusive of the diversity of learners and prospective learners and to maximise access, participation and outcomes for people with a disability. A copy of the policy is held with the Disability Services Officer.
Disability Services supports students who may have a condition which is temporary or permanent and may affect their ability to achieve competency in a TAFE Queensland program. These conditions could include:
-
a physical impairment (eg using a wheelchair, spina bifida)
-
an intellectual impairment
-
sensory impairment (eg deaf, vision impaired)
-
learning disability (eg attention deficity hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia
-
acquired brain injury or neurological condition
-
psychiatric disability or mental illness
-
autistic spectrum disorders, eg Asperger's Syndrome
-
medical conditions, eg asthma, heart condition.
Requesting assistance
Students requesting assistance from Disability Services must make an appointment with the Disability Services Officer to discuss their individual support needs. This should be done as soon as possible, preferably before enrolment to ensure informed decisions on appropriate programs and to give sufficient time for support to be arranged.
Eligibility for support depends on how the disability or condition affects the student's ability to learn, and situations are assessed on an individual basis.
Students do not have to disclose their disability to Disability Services, but if they think support will be required, disclosure is necessary. Students should endeavour to provide any supporting documentation to the Disability Services Officer to assist in assessing the level and type of support required.
Enrolment
Disability Services can provide assistance with enrolment by providing support to complete enrolment documentation or providing information in alternative formats. Disclosure of disability on forms is recommended but voluntary.
The TAFE New Student - Personal Details Form has one question with two sections relating to disability. It is important that all students with a disability tick 'yes' in the box provided and indicate their area of disability. The second part of the question asks students if they would like to receive advice on support services, equipment and facilities. Ticking 'yes' in this box will assist with the provision of support, however it is still recommended that students contact the Disability Services Officer directly to ensure appropriate support is provided in a timely manner.
Reasonable adjustments
Disability Services is able to offer students with disabilities a range of reasonable adjustments. Reasonable Adjustments reduce the impact that a particular disability has on the student and maximise the opportunities for success. They do not provide an unfair advantage and are targeted specifically to meet an individual student's need. Some examples of reasonable adjustments are:
-
provision of adaptive/assistive equipment, technology and software
-
alternative arrangements for assessment including provision of additional time, providing an examination reader or scribe, allowing a student to use a computer, providing oral assessment
-
flexible enrolment, attendance and mode of delivery
-
learning materials provided in alternative formats such as electronic, large print, audio or Braille
-
provision of tutors, disability coaches and support workers to assist the student
-
provision of Auslan interpreters or note takers for deaf or hearing impaired students.
Students (and in some instances any relevant family members or support staff) need to discuss their specific support needs with the Disability Services Officer or disability contact staff, in some cases in consultation with teaching staff. CQ TAFE staff must consider the student's disability and adjust the organisational, learning and physical environment to ensure learning and assessment occurs effectively. Teaching/training staff are provided with the relevant resources to assist in this process.
For more information view the Reasonable adjustment guidelines for TAFE Queensland Individual management plan
Prior to or after commencing TAFE studies, students may work with the Disability Services Officer to develop an Individual Management Plan, which will provide information on support needs to help achieve training goals. The Disability Services Officer will also liaise with CQ TAFE staff and assist in ensuring reasonable adjustments are made as required and agreed to by all parties.
The Individual Management Plan consists of personal and disability information, a comprehensive summary of arrangements for individual support and a Consent to Release Information form. Completion of this form ensures that all parties agree to the suitable provision of support to individual students and the process involved.
Reviewing disability support
Usually students receiving disability support will meet with the Disability Services Officer or other disability support staff on an as needs basis. At this time, support provisions will be discussed and reviewed if necessary. Students are expected to keep the Disability Services Officer informed of any issues with their progress and any additional services which may be required. Students may also be asked to see the Disability Services Office rif there are particular issues which need to be discussed.
Feedback on disability services
Disability Services welcomes suggestions on ways to improve services. Staff may seek feedback from students, who can also provide feedback whenever they like by making contact with the Disability Services Officer or completing an evaluation form on services provided.
Disability resources
Disability Services may be able to provide students with access to resources to assist them with information in relation to
-
legislation.
-
policies and procedures.
-
assistive equipment and technology.
-
counselling or other student services.
-
support for apprentices and trainees.
-
referral to external agencies.
Please contact the Disability Services Officer for further advice regarding these resources.
Equity and diversity
Central Queensland Institute of TAFE is committed to maximising opportunities for access, participation and outcomes for all Queenslanders within the vocational education and training system.
Financial support
The Commonwealth Government has a variety of financial support payments available dependant upon age, study commitments, approved activities and work or job search commitments. Please CHECK with your local Centrelink office for assistance eligibility and APPLY EARLY in the course.
The Student Services Advisor can assist you in applying for a suitable support option.
Harrassment
If another person's behaviour towards you makes you feel frightened, offended, angry or humiliated, then maybe you are being harrassed. The Student Services Advisor can assist you by provide confidential support and advice to any student experiencing harrassment.
Literacy and numeracy support
Literacy and numeracy courses are available to you if you are experiencing difficulties in these areas. Diagnostic assessment services are available for literacy, numeracy and English language skills at Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton Campuses. Should you require this service, please contact the Customer Contact Centre or Student Services Advisor at your campus.
Adult Literacy classes are offered at campuses of Central Queensland Institute of TAFE. Students are interviewed and enrolled into a module which will cater for their needs (personal, vocational, employment or workplace focus where on offer). Numeracy needs are also catered for in modular form. Due to changing demands in the workplace, many people are finding they need to refresh their skills. Enrolling in individual modules can help you to retrain or re-enter the workforce.
Contact the Customer Contact Centre or Student Services Advisor on 07 4940 2446 for more details.
Other information
For information regarding accommodation, financial assistance, austudy and abstudy, card 18+, courses, rail concession card (bus concessions) and student identification you may contact the Customer Contact Centre at your campus.
