Responsibility and rules

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolment
Academic history
Accelerated progression
Articulation
Assessment
Awards
Children on campus
Computer and network use
Credit policy
Credit transfer
Feedback, grievances and concerns
Graduation
Grievance and appeals
Harassment
Misconduct
National Recognition
Online enrolment
Parking
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Refunds and cancellations
Security
Smoking policy
Student authority to release information

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolment

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible for a fee concession. Refer to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolment guideline (PDF, 43KB) for further information.

Academic history

A student academic history is an accumulative list of academic achievements through TAFE Queensland. It is not an award - it serves as a student reference. A student may apply at one of the Customer Service and Information Centres for a student academic history. The Customer Service and Information Centre staff member will advise the cost of providing a Student Academic History.

Accelerated progression

Accelerated progression (or fast tracking) requires the completion of all designated assessment requirements for the particular unit of competency and will be negotiated between the student and their teacher. No special applications or processes are required and normal enrolment fees apply. All activities will be recorded as part of the standard operation of the class and a result processed at the completion of the assessment.

Articulation

There are a number of ways in which some TAFE courses link to other TAFE courses and also to university courses. A TAFE course may:

• Provide pre-requisites for other TAFE or university courses
• Be used to increase a student's QTAC rank (similar to an OP) which may assist the student in being offered a place in a university course or in a TAFE diploma or advanced diploma course.

For further information on articulation, contact the Student Counsellors on your campus.

Assessment

Competencies and modules studied at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE are part of accredited courses and national training packages. In order to be successful in gaining competency, students must demonstrate they have the necessary underpinning knowledge and can apply this in a practical way in a workplace setting to industry standard. Assessment of competencies will be graded as either:

• J Competency Achieve
• M Competency No Achieved
• AW Withdrawn

Some specific courses may include performance level assessment.

The due date for submission of assessment will be set out in the competency outline/training plan given to students. This date will be regarded as the student's first attempt, whether they choose to attempt or not. Use the Institute assessment cover sheet (PDF, 44KB) when submitting assessment items.

A student who does not wish to incur an academic penalty due to non-progression, must formally withdraw from the enrolment at least 21 days prior to the class end date for the unit. The Institute refund policy (PDF, 253KB) outlines the process to follow to withdraw.

Re-sit/re-submission of assessment

When a student has not achieved competency on their first attempt, the teacher/trainer will provide feedback and negotiate additional assessment or resubmission requirements. All assessment (including the reassessment) must be completed prior to the close of study date on their enrolment. The resubmission of assessment policy (PDF, 67KB) outlines the process.

Special/deferred assessment

In exceptional circumstances a student may be allowed to undertake a deferred assessment. Any student wishing to apply for deferred assessment should complete the request for assignment/assessment consideration/modification form (PDF, 147KB).

Please note: medical certificates are required for all applications for special consideration based on illness.

Collecting marked assessment

The onus is on the student to collect his/her assessment item within twenty-one (21) days after the results of the assessment have been published. The relevant program delivery area has the authority to discard any assessment items not collected within three (3) months of completion of the unit.

Re-evaluation of result

If a student considers the result received for an assessment is not a fair reflection of his/her work, the student can apply for re-evaluation of that assessment. The appeals procedure (PDF, 96KB) details the steps and timeframes to be adhered to by the student and the Institute.

Awards

To be eligible for a course award, the student must successfully complete all relevant competencies/modules. The Institute will issue awards to eligible students within the prescribed timeframes as detailed in the Training and Employment Act 2000.

Children on campus

Brisbane North Institute of TAFE recognises that under extreme circumstances a student may want to bring their child into a classroom. The children on campus policy (PDF, 111KB) outlines the Institute process for a student's responsibility should they wish to bring children onto an Institute campus.

Computer and network use

Brisbane North Institute of TAFE recognises that computing and electronic resources are a valuable source of learning and information relevant to educational programs. The policy computer and network use terms and conditions (PDF, 41KB) provides information about the acceptable use of computing and electronic resources provided by the Institute.

Credit policy

If you are unable to pay your fees at the time you are enrolling you may be eligible for a Time to Pay arrangement. The credit policy (PDF, 68KB) outlines the conditions of time to pay arrangements.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the process whereby formal documented study equivalent to that of the proposed study is recognised. Credit transfer will not be granted for a full qualification, and must be submitted and approved within 5 weeks after start of study for the subject/module/competency.

Students seeking credit transfer or exemptions from any subject/module/competency should apply by completing and lodging an application for credit transfer (PDF, 318KB) with the relevant program delivery administration. Applications should be supported by relevant documentation such as academic transcripts and syllabus outlines.

Feedback, grievances and concerns

Brisbane North Institute of TAFE strives for continuous improvement in the quality of teaching and learning. The Institute welcomes constructive feedback to help provide the best service for current and future customers.

If the student has any feedback, concern or grievance, they should first discuss this with the teacher/manager of the appropriate area. If the situation is not resolved to their satisfaction, or they do not feel comfortable discussing the issue with either of these people, they should complete a customer feedback form.

Customer feedback forms and confidential customer feedback boxes are available on every campus, usually in the foyer, at enrolments, administration or the cafeterias. Alternatively, feedback may be submitted via the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE website.

Comments are taken seriously and sent to the appropriate manager to ensure the issue is actioned.

Alternatively, the student may speak to one of the Student Counsellors. Following review of the student's concern they will be advised of the outcome. If the student is still dissatisfied, they have the opportunity to request their concerns be revisited.

Graduation

Students who have successfully completed an advanced diploma, diploma or certificate IV course are eligible to participate in the graduation. These ceremonies are formal events and academic dress is mandatory. Graduation ceremonies are held to honour students for their efforts and family and friends of the graduating students are welcome to attend. Graduates will be forwarded an invitation prior to the ceremony.

Grievance and appeals

A decision made by Brisbane North Institute of TAFE regarding the following can be appealed:

• an academic result
• penalty imposed as a result of misconduct by a student
• breach of academic requirements by an international student
• refusal of either a refund or a release from study for an international student

The Institute Grievance and Appeals Procedure (PDF, 325KB) outlines the process and the timelines that both the student and the institute must adhere.

Harassment

Unwanted and unwelcome sexual attention, bullying, abuse of power or intimidation are examples of harassment or workplace violence.

Sexual harassment

Sexual Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome sexual attention. It may be sexual harassment when someone:

• leers at you
• touches or brushes against your body
• persists in asking you out after you have said no
• tells dirty jokes in your presence
• displays offensive printed material
• makes unwelcome comments or asks questions about your personal life or sexual habits
• tries to force you to have sex

What if you're not sure you're being sexually harassed? If the behaviour made you feel:

• offended
• intimidated
• upset
• frightened
• humiliated
• angry

or that someone went too far - then it's sexual harassment.

You don't have to put up with sexual harassment. You may feel you have to keep quite about sexual harassment or even play along with it. You may feel that if you do object to sexual harassment you will be seen as over-reacting or unable to take a joke.

But remember:

• sexual harassment is not flattering or harmless fun
• it is not friendship, or part of normal social relationships
• it is unwanted and unwelcome sexual attention which denies you respect and fair treatment
• you have every right to object and do something about it

Is sexual harassment against the law?

State and Commonwealth legislation outlaws sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination. TAFE Queensland takes its obligations under this legislation very seriously. Brisbane North Institute of TAFE will not tolerate sexual harassment.

If you are sexually harassed:

• Tell the person you find their behaviour offensive; keep a record of the incident
• Talk to your Student Counsellor for personal advice and support in dealing with the feelings caused by the harassment
• Consult a Sexual Harassment Referral Officer (SHRO) for a clear presentation of the options available to resolve the problem
• Report the complaint to the Director or another member of Executive at the Institute. Both Counsellors and the SHRO can support you in this process - all complaints will be treated confidentially
• Share your concerns with any other member of staff with whom you feel comfortable. They will support you and refer you to others who will assist you in resolving the problem

Students who have concerns regarding harassment should discuss them with Student Counsellors and/or Sexual Harassment Referral Officers (SHRO) so that appropriate action can be taken.

Misconduct

Misconduct is inappropriate behaviour which:

• disrupts the learning of others
• prevents staff members from performing their duties
• endangers the health and safety of staff or students
• interferes with the conduct of Institute operations
• indulges in any acts which may result in damage to Institute property, reputation or unduly interferes with the comfort or conveniences of any person lawfully entitled to be within the premises of the Institute.

Please note that misconduct may result in a student being excluded or expelled, or in the case of an apprentice, fined and/or suspended.

The Institute's position on unacceptable student behaviour and related student discipline is detailed in the student misconduct management (PDF, 82KB).

National Recognition

National recognition is the process that recognises AQF qualifications and statements of attainment issued by other registered training organisations enabling individuals to receive national recognition of their achievements.

Online enrolment

If you choose to utilise our online enrolment functionality this policy will provide some additional information. Refer to the online enrolment policy document (PDF, 45KB) for further information.

Parking

There are rules about where staff and students can park on Brisbane North Institute of TAFE campus grounds. The Institute vehicle parking policy (PDF, 34KB)  affects all staff, students and visitors who park on the campus grounds of BNIT.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Recognition of prior learning, also referred to as RPL, is the formal recognition of a person's current skills and knowledge, no matter how, when or where the learning occurred. Even if a person has never formally studied or trained in a particular area, they may have gained knowledge and skills through their education, training, work and life experience.

RPL is a recognition process evidenced in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework and could provide individuals with a full or part qualification, and avoid duplication of training. It could be used to identify what training may be needed to complete a qualification, or provide a pathway to higher qualifications. There is a cost involved in the recognition process; however it will cost less than formal training.

Refunds and cancellations

If you choose not to continue with your enrolment or the institute has to cancel your course you may be eligible for a refund. The withdrawal and refund policy (PDF, 252KB)outlines the conditions under which a refund can be made. Refund application form (PDF, 44KB).

Security

Campus Security

Security Officers are available on each of the Institute's campuses.

Breakages, losses and damage

Students are required to report all damage to Institute property (to a staff member) whether involved in the damage or not. If a student wilfully breaks or damages Institute property, or personal property, the student will be asked to pay for the replacement of that property. Disciplinary action may result.

Drugs and alcohol

Students are not permitted to attend class or any Institute site, or participate in any Institute activity (such as industry placement) following the consumption of performance inhibiting substances such as drugs and alcohol. By law, any drug offence is automatically reported to the police.

Smoking policy

Brisbane North Institute of TAFE is required to comply with the Queensland Government Tobacco and other Smoking Products Act 1998 which legislates against smoking in Government buildings and vehicles. At Brisbane North Institute of TAFE all students and staff should obey individual campus signage relating to smoking at all times. Refer to the Institute smoking policy (PDF, 39KB)  for compliance requirements.

Student authority to release information

The student authority to release information (PDF, 35KB)   is to be completed by students wishing to allow a third party (parent or guardian) access to their Brisbane North Institute of TAFE student records. This form is NOT for use by Solicitors, Recruitment, Employment or Verification Agencies. These organisations must use their own form appropriate to the act/circumstances of the request.