International Student Support Procedure

Document Title: International Student Support Procedure

Document Number: ISS-P-001

Effective Date: June 8, 2024

Review Date: June 8, 2025

1. Purpose

This procedure outlines the guidelines for supporting the needs of international students at Rosehill College. It ensures that international students receive appropriate assistance and resources to succeed academically and adapt to life in Australia.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all staff and international students at Rosehill College. It covers the application, review, and provision of support services, including visa and immigration assistance, cultural orientation, and language support.

3. Definitions

  • International Student: A student who is not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia and is studying at Rosehill College on a student visa.
  • Student Service Officer: A designated staff member responsible for providing support services to students.
  • Cultural Orientation: Programs and activities designed to help international students adapt to Australian culture and life.
  • Visa Assistance: Guidance provided to international students on visa-related matters.
  • Language Support: Additional resources and programs to help non-native English speakers improve their English proficiency.

4. Procedure

4.1 Visa and Immigration Assistance

  1. Initial Guidance:
    • Information: Provide detailed information on visa application processes, requirements, and deadlines during the orientation.
    • Contacts: Offer referrals to education and migration lawyers for professional advice.
  2. Application Support:
    • Documentation: Assist students in understanding the required documentation for visa applications.
    • Preparation: Provide basic guidance on preparing visa applications and understanding visa conditions.
  3. Regulation Updates:
    • Notifications: Regularly update students about changes to visa and immigration policies.
    • Workshops: Conduct periodic workshops on visa regulations and compliance requirements.

4.2 Cultural Orientation

  1. Orientation Sessions:
    • Welcome Program: Conduct comprehensive orientation sessions that introduce students to Australian culture, local customs, and college life.
    • Resource Distribution: Provide detailed orientation materials, including guides and maps.
  2. Organized Activities:
    • Events: Organize cultural events, tours, and social activities to help students immerse themselves in the local culture.
    • Integration: Facilitate interactions between international students and local students.
  3. Ongoing Support:
    • Mentorship: Pair new international students with mentors for continuous support and guidance.
    • Community Engagement: Encourage participation in community and college events.

4.3 Language Support

  1. General English Courses:
    • Enrollment: Offer General English courses to improve proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
    • Free Sessions: Provide free language support sessions tailored to individual needs.
  2. Conversation Clubs:
    • Clubs: Establish conversation clubs to practice English in a casual, supportive environment with peers and native speakers.
  3. Language Resources:
    • Materials: Provide access to language learning materials, including books, software, and online resources.
    • Tutoring: Offer tutoring services for students requiring additional language support.

4.4 Academic Support

  1. Study Skills Workshops:
    • Topics: Conduct workshops on study skills, time management, and exam preparation.
    • Resources: Provide academic resources, including guides and templates for assignments.
  2. Tutoring Services:
    • Availability: Offer tutoring services for specific subjects or courses.
    • Appointments: Allow students to book appointments with tutors for personalized assistance.
  3. Advising:
    • Advisors: Provide access to academic advisors for guidance on course selection and academic planning.

4.5 Health and Wellbeing

  1. Health Services:
    • Access: Provide information on local health services and how to access medical care.
    • Insurance: Assist students with understanding and using their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
  2. Counseling Services:
    • Availability: Offer access to counseling services for mental health support.
    • Confidentiality: Ensure confidentiality of all counseling sessions.
  3. Wellbeing Programs:
    • Workshops: Conduct workshops on stress management and healthy living.
    • Activities: Organize activities that promote physical and mental well-being.

4.6 Appeals Process

  1. Submit Appeal:
    • Form: Complete the Appeal Form if dissatisfied with the support provided.
    • Timeline: Submit the appeal within 14 days of the support decision.
  2. Review Appeal:
    • Committee: The International Student Support Committee reviews the appeal and makes a decision within 10 working days.
    • Outcome: Communicate the final decision to the appellant in writing.

4.7 Documentation and Record Keeping

  1. Maintain Records:
    • Applications: Keep accurate records of all support requests and decisions.
    • Plans: Maintain copies of all support plans and related documentation.
    • Secure Storage: Store records securely for a minimum of 7 years.
  2. Confidentiality:
    • Access: Restrict access to support records to authorized personnel only.

5. Responsibilities

5.1 International Student Support Committee

  • Role: Review support requests, develop support plans, and handle appeals.
  • Responsibility: Ensure fair and effective management of international student support services.

5.2 Student Service Officer

  • Role: Assist students with support requests, provide information, and coordinate support services.
  • Responsibility: Ensure students receive the necessary support and resources.

5.3 Teaching and Support Staff

  • Role: Provide academic and language support and offer feedback on the effectiveness of support services.
  • Responsibility: Ensure international students receive appropriate support.

6. Review Compliance

  1. Monthly Review:
    • Meetings: Include international student support processes in the monthly Student Support Services Meeting agenda.
  2. Annual Review:
    • Tool: Use the ASQA RTO Self-assessment tool template for the annual review.
    • Audit: Include international student support processes in the annual compliance audit.

7. Document Control

  • Version Number: V1.0
  • Approved By: CEO
  • Approval Date: June 8, 2024
  • Review Date: June 8, 2025