Student Support Services

The following support services are available and accessible for all students studying with SHEA. SHEA will provide students with contact details to refer any matters that require further follow up with relevant professionals. Any referrals are made by SHEA at no cost to the student but fees and charges may apply where an external service is used by the student and this should be clarified by the student prior to using such services outside of SHEA. For further information, please refer to SHEA’s Student Support Framework or contact SHEA student support team at admin@shea.edu.au.

Academic issues

Students may have concerns with their attendance, academic performance or other related issues that are placing them at risk of not achieving the requirements of their course. Students are able to gain advice and support in ensuring they maintain appropriate academic levels, attendance levels and commitment to ensure they achieve satisfactory results in their studies.

All students’ progress is monitored and guidance and support provided where unsatisfactory results or issues related to academic literacy and English language proficiency are identified. Each subject has an early assessment task as an early indicator of possible students at risk. The Educator will monitor student engagement (such as submitting assessments on time, satisfactory marks and attending classes) and alert the Student Support Officer and Course Coordinator to take follow-up action.

A student is able to access the Student Support Officer (as noted above) to discuss any academic, attendance, or other related issues at any time. The Student Support Officer will be able to provide advice and guidance, or referral, where required.

Counselling and Study assistance

The Student Support Officer is able to assist in times of stress or pressure during the course. Students may contact the Student Support Officer at any time for advice relating to study, such as:

time management issues;
setting and achieving learning goals;
motivation;
ways of learning;
managing assessment tasks;
self-care.

If the need arises to seek additional counselling services the Student Support Officer will maintain a list of the contact details of appropriate external support services.

Personal and social issues

There are many issues that may affect a student’s social or personal life and students have access to the Student Support Officer during SHEA’s normal hours of operation to gain advice and guidance on personal, accommodation or family/friend issues that may be adversely impacting their academic performance. Where the Student Support Officer feels further support may be required, a referral to an appropriate support service will be organised.

Accommodation (international students)

While SHEA does not offer accommodation services or take any responsibility for accommodation arrangements, SHEA is able to refer students to appropriate accommodation services and the staff at SHEA are always available to discuss any issues or concerns a student may have with their accommodation arrangements. All international students are encouraged to have accommodation organised prior to arrival in Australia but, if not, the Student Support Officer can refer students to appropriate accommodation services.

Special needs assistance

A student is requested to advise their educator of any special needs that may affect their learning. The Student Support Officer is available to provide advice to students and will consult with the Course Coordinator when necessary.

Hardship

The academic requirements of study may present some students with hardship due to economic, social or other difficulties. Where genuine hardship exists, a student may make application to the Course Coordinator seeking permission to review their academic workload or other related matters.

To make an application a student is required to provide a letter to the Student Support Officer describing the reason for their hardship. It is essential to include evidence supporting a claim of hardship, for example:

Financial hardship: government benefit statements, pay slips or bank statements which indicate financial status;
Medical grounds: medical certificates stating nature of condition, and duration;
Single parent: evidence by way of statutory declaration and supporting government documentation.
An international student who is an applicant under this category must still meet the requirements of the relevant regulations affecting student visas in these circumstances.