Educational Matters
Access, Equity and Diversity
Sunshine Coast TAFE is committed to the TAFE Qld Equity and Diversity Policy. We will provide timely and appropriate information, advice and support services to assist you in identifying and achieving your training goals. We adhere to all legislative requirements that contribute to improving the outcomes for the diversity of vocational education and training clients.
Skills Recognition
Skills recognition benefits students by recognising skills and knowledge gained from previous studies, informal training or experiences gained at work and in everyday life. The following categories can be progressed:
- Internal Transfer Credit (for competencies already achieved in TAFE Queensland)
- External Transfer Credit (for the achievement of equivalent competencies outside TAFE Queensland)
- Recognition of Prior Learning is the process that formally recognizes that you have acquired relevant skills and knowledge as a result of work experience, life experience, previous training or education (by written application)
For more information on whether you are eligible to apply for any of those forms of Skills Recognition, contact our Skills
Recognition Officer on 5459 3838.
What assessment will I be required to undertake as part of my program?
You will be required to meet dates in a range of ways such as:
- Submission dates for assignments and projects
- Pre-determined assessment activities held within class times (ie presentations, group activities etc)
- Examination dates
- Workplace visits by assessors
SCT students are assessed using the competency based assessment model for majority of our programs offered. To be eligible to complete your program, you must satisfactorily complete all the requirements of your program, which means that you are assessed in terms of being able to do the job to industry standard. Final results will be given as one of the following:
J – competent
M – not competent
MI – unit assessment incomplete
All results and awards will be mailed to you within 21 days of completion of study so it is important to keep your personal details up to date. If you do not receive your award within three weeks of completion please contact us.
Assessment – Re-evaluation
You will be advised at the commencement of the program of the assessment requirements. All assessment work must be completed by due dates to be eligible for a qualification.
If you are dissatisfied with the result of an assessment item, you may submit a written application to your teacher within 14 days of notification of the result to request re-evaluation. Once the assessment item has been re-evaluated, if you are dissatisfied with the outcome you have a further right to appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee.
Assessment - Academic Appeals
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the re-assessment, you have the right to lodge the complaint in writing to the Institute Director by lodging a “Notice of Appeal” to the Academic Appeals Committee, in writing and within seven days of the outcome of the re-evaluation process.
See the TAFE Qld Student Rules for further information on this process.
Attendance / Absence
You are required to let Sunshine Coast TAFE know if you cannot attend college because of injury, illness or accident. Payment of Centrelink Allowance may be affected if you do not attend regularly. Sunshine Coast TAFE is obliged to report extended, unexplained absences for students receiving assistance to the relevant agency.
Discipline / Misconduct
Sunshine Coast TAFE has the authority to suspend or exclude students from classes in the event of misconduct. Misconduct includes inappropriate academic or behavioural misconduct, for example:
- Cheating, plagiarism or collusion
- Disrupting the learning of others
- Preventing staff members from performing their duties
- Endangering the health and safety of others
- Interfering with TAFE operations; or
- Indulging in any acts, which may result in damage to TAFE property, reputation or unduly interferes with the comfort or convenience of any person lawfully entitled to be within the premises of Sunshine Coast TAFE.
You will be provided with more information at your orientation.
Feedback, complaints and compliments
SCT has policies and procedures in place for dealing with client complaints. During your study you will be provided with several opportunities to provide feedback about your experience including surveys.
If you have a complaint, suggestion or compliment about the services, decisions or actions of SCT, we would like to hear about it and are committed to responding to your views and concerns effectively.
How to make a complaint:
- Submit an online feedback form
- Place your written response into our feedback boxes located in the libraries and Customer Service Centres
- Send us an email - See Contact Us
- Phone our Customer Service Centre hotline (07) 5459 3000
- Write a letter and post it to:
Business Quality and Improvement
Sunshine Coast TAFE
PO Box 5252, SCMC
Nambour Qld 4560
Our client complaints brochure can be downloaded from our website or obtained from our Customer Service Centres.
How your complaint will be investigated and how long will it take?
- SCT has a formal process to ensure that all complaints are quickly dealt with
- We may contact you to discuss your concerns or ask for more information
- All clients and staff will be treated with fairness. All matters will be treated with due respect to privacy and equity
- We will acknowledge your complaint in writing within 5 working days
Further avenues for making a complaint are available by contacting:
- National Training Complaints Hotline
- Training Quality and Regulation
- Department of Education, Training and the Arts offices locally
Student ID Cards
For your security, Sunshine Coast TAFE Student ID Cards are compulsory for all students on-campus. ID Cards are valid for the duration of your enrolment however they will need to be renewed annually. The ID Card fee is payable on enrolment when program fees are paid. Lost or damaged cards must be replaced by the student at cost.
Student Orientation
Students are required to participate in an orientation session before commencement of their program. The orientation is designed to provide information critical to achieving a successful outcome from your program.
Student Rules
When you enrol, you are agreeing to abide by the TAFE Queensland Student Rules.
Study Tips
Students often ask “How much time do I need to study each week?” The answer will depend on what program you are studying, whether you are studying at the campus or entirely at home, your ability, and your work rate.
