Student support

Transitioning to higher education study – whether you are straight from high school, haven’t studied in some years, or are enrolled in online courses – can be a challenging experience. We all have different learning experiences, skills and knowledge and it takes each person a different time to adjust to the excitement and challenges of the new.

AFTRS offers several types of academic support to all students:

• Enrolled students have access to Assessment Support via a guide that contains a range of resources, including templates, videos, and self-quizzes, to help you assess and improve your skills.
• If you want to develop your academic skills in essay writing, referencing, and research, or if you don’t quite understand your assignments and what you need to do, the Education Division runs daytime workshops to help you improve your skills. For a current schedule please see the Academic Support page on Moodle.
• One-to-One support is also available. If you are having persistent problems in your course, speak to your Subject Leader/Specialist Lecturer to work out a strategy. The Subject Leader/Specialist Lecturer may refer you for some one-to-one academic support with an Education Specialist.

The Academic Writing Room presents library resources to assist you in developing and refining your presentation and writing skills.

The Library provides students with a range of academic support including one-to-one and course group sessions on:

• Correct citation referencing.
• Research techniques for visual materials and texts.
• Critical evaluation of information.
• Tools for literature reviews.
• Copyright compliance issues.
• Information skills training – database searching and catalogue training.

The Library holds e-books and reference books that can assist you in developing and refining your academic skills. Use your password and login to access e-books such as:

• How to write better essays. Greetham Bryan
• Writing at University: A guide for students. Lea, Mary R.; Creme, Phyllis
• Write great essays. Levin, Peter
• The complete guide to referencing and avoiding plagiarism. Neville, Colin
• Studying at a distance. Talbot, Christine.

AFTRS students are able to access free and confidential counselling through the Student Centre. Students can self-refer. Counselling can help students with issues such as managing mental health, stress, anxiety, conflict, and more.

Counselling sessions are available on-site, as well as virtually (video and phone). Access the online counselling booking system here.

Special consideration recognises hardship or exceptional circumstances that may affect or has affected progress through your course of study. Exceptional circumstances could include:

• serious illness
• loss or bereavement
• hardship.

If your exceptional circumstances mean you cannot complete set assignments an application for special consideration can be lodged with the Head of Student Services who will facilitate approval from the Director of Curriculum and Registrar and communication to the Subject Leader/Lecturer.

If you have a pre-existing or newly diagnosed medical condition that might impact your progress in your course of study please advise the Student Centre.

For more detailed information please refer to the Disability Policy and the Access and Equity Policy.