• Section 1 - Key Information
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Key Decisions
• Section 5 - Policy Statement
• Principles for Provision of Student Support
• Indigenous Student Support
• Policies and Strategies
• Quality Assurance and Reporting
• Section 6 - Definitions
• Section 7 - Authority and Associated Information
• Section 8 - Schedule of University Support Services
• Academic Support Services
• Non-Academic Support Services

Section 1 - Key Information

Section 2 - Purpose

(1) This document provides an overarching framework for the governance and provision of academic and non-academic support services for students at La Trobe University in order to foster an environment where students are supported to achieve success in their studies.

(2) This Policy is published in accordance with the University’s obligations under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and the Higher Education Provider Amendment (Support for Students Policy) Guidelines 2023.

Section 3 - Scope

(3) This Policy applies to all academic and non-academic support services provided to students (including graduate research candidates)in award and non-award courses at La Trobe.

Section 4 - Key Decisions

Section 5 - Policy Statement

Principles for Provision of Student Support

(4) The University provides a wide range of academic and non-academic tailored support services to support all students to achieve their aims in higher education.  Students are expected to take responsibility for their own excellence in scholarship, engagement and learning as outlined in the Student Charter.

(5) Academic staff and professional staff with appropriate responsibilities strive to identify students who may benefit from support using a range of mechanisms. Such students are referred to and encouraged to access appropriate support services, which may include services offered in the community where appropriate.

(6) All students are expected to actively participate in and manage their studies and to take advantage of the support services provided by the University, and in the community where appropriate.

(7) The provision of University support services is guided by a suite of specific university policies and strategies as outlined in this Policy.

(8) Support services are:

1. designed to be both broad and targeted, age appropriate, and to address the academic and non-academic needs of the student body and specific cohorts: these include neurodiverse students, international students, students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ students, students with a disability, those suffering from a temporary illness or who have experienced family trauma or violence, Indigenous students, or students with other forms of disadvantage
2. informed by comprehensive data collection, predictive analytics, evidence-based practice and stakeholder consultation
3. pro-actively communicated to students at critical points in their course including at admission, enrolment, orientation, pre-Census, and at all stages of academic progression, in addition to being permanently accessible via University webpages
4. connected to appropriate community and public services
5. regularly evaluated and reviewed
6. overseen by University peak governance bodies.

Indigenous Student Support

(9) The University is committed to ensuring that Indigenous students are provided with tailored support services that recognise and address their unique cultural, educational, and social needs.  This is achieved by:

1. ensuring that Indigenous students have access to culturally safe spaces and providing an inclusive learning environment;
2. the proactive provision of support and focus on raising aspirations, including academic and non-academic services, that respects cultural needs and educational goals;
3. fostering engagement between Indigenous students and communities, both on-campus and through partnerships with local Indigenous organisations;
4. offering dedicated financial support programs and scholarships for Indigenous students to remove barriers to participation and success; and 
5. providing targeted orientation programs to actively support transition to study.

(10) Indigenous students are proactively informed about available support at key points in their university journey, from pre-enrolment to graduation, through tailored communication strategies.  The specific support mechanisms available to Indigenous students are:

1. Indigenous Student Advisors who specialise in supporting Indigenous students’ academic needs and providing culturally safe and appropriate developmental advising support;
2. academic services tailored to student needs through the Indigenous Academic Enrichment Program (IAEP), an academic and educational support initiative providing students with the opportunity to receive personalised tutoring;
3. opportunities to participate in peer mentoring programs that connect them with other Indigenous students who can provide guidance and support;
4. culturally sensitive health and wellbeing services, including Indigenous counselling and wellbeing support;
5. targeted scholarships support to assist students and ensure that students have access to accomodation, support and resources throughout their studies; and
6. employability support including targeted communication and the promotion of Indigenous employment and career related opportunities.

Policies and Strategies

(11) The University outlines the governance and operations of its student support services through the following instruments:

Quality Assurance and Reporting

Evaluation and Review

(12) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will oversee:

1. the annual review of the Student Support Policy to ensure it remains fit for purpose and to identify any opportunities for improvement
2. the periodic review of the delivery of student support services for efficiency, impact, accessibility and alignment with the Higher Education Provider Amendment (Support for Students Policy) Guidelines 2003.

(13) Review documentation and outcomes will be tabled for consideration at the Student Services Amenities Group (SSAG), before being considered by Education Committee, Academic Board, the Vice-Chancellor and the appropriate senior management group.

(14) The review will include an at-least annual report on the Student Advising Program.

Reporting

(15) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will report annually to the Commonwealth Government on relevant matters as required.

Section 6 - Definitions

(16) For the purposes of this Policy:

1. academically at-risk: a description applied to students who exhibit indicators, such as low grades, low levels of engagement, impact from significant life events or other challenges, indicating that they may struggle academically and may benefit from targeted support and intervention measures to enhance their educational success. At risk indicators include where a student: 
   1. reports significant life circumstances that are impacting their capacity to study
   2. belongs to a cohort identified as benefitting from additional support
   3. fails to engage with academic learning, as evidenced by failure to engage with the Learning Management System or assessment
   4. fails an early assessment item in their subject
   5. fails one subject for the first time other than a workplace-based subject
   6. fails for the first time any workplace-based subject
   7. fails 50% or more of their enrolled credit points for the first time
   8. fails the same subject in a course for a second time, or
   9. looks likely that they will not complete their course within the maximum period of study
   10. withdraws from all subjects for any one progression review period after the Census Date.

Section 7 - Authority and Associated Information

(17) This Policy is made under the La Trobe University Act 2009.

(18) Associated information includes:

1. Student Support Policy, Help and Support
2. the Higher Education Provider Amendment (Support for Students Policy) Guidelines 2023.

Section 8 - Schedule of University Support Services

Academic Support Services

Non-Academic Support Services