(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. (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. (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. (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: (9) The University outlines the governance and operations of its student support services through the following instruments: (10) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will oversee: (11) 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. (12) The review will include an at-least annual report on the Student Advising Program. (13) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will report annually to the Commonwealth Government on relevant matters as required. (14) For the purposes of this Policy: (15) This Policy is made under the La Trobe University Act 2009. (16) Associated information includes:Student Support Policy
Section 1 - Key Information
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Policy Type and Approval Body
Administrative – Vice-Chancellor
Accountable Executive – Policy
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Responsible Manager – Policy
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience and Employability)
Review Date
20 December 2026
Section 2 - Purpose
Section 3 - Scope
Section 4 - Key Decisions
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Key Decisions
Role
Oversight of the Student Support Policy
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Section 5 - Policy Statement
Principles for Provision of Student Support
Policies and Strategies
Support Type
Instrument(s)
Processes for assessing a student’s suitability to continue to undertake a subject, or to identify students at risk of not completing
Processes for supporting students that are identified as ‘academically at risk’ of unsuccessful completion
- are assessed at risk of not completing
- have previously failed to successfully complete a subject
- demonstrate a low level of engagement
Processes for providing non-academic support to students, including mental health support
Processes for identifying students in need of targeted individual literacy, numeracy and other academic supports and how these supports will be delivered
Peer Support Services
Support from academic staff for ‘at-risk’ students, offering adjustments and referral to support services where required
Critical harm response arrangements for students
Specific arrangements for:
First Nations students
Indigenous Strategy
Students with disability
Students who have experienced family and domestic violence
Students who have experienced aggravated or sexual assault
Students who have experienced traumatic events
Support for Students Policy is faithfully and fairly implemented, and errors, outliers and opportunities for improvement are identified and escalated
QA Section of this Policy
Processes for accessing the provider’s staff who specialise in identifying the reasons why students are at risk of not successfully completing their units of study and can work with students to develop a plan to enable them to succeed
Quality Assurance and Reporting
Evaluation and Review
Reporting
Section 6 - Definitions
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Section 7 - Authority and Associated Information
Top of PageSection 8 - Schedule of University Support Services
Academic Support Services
Service
Description
How to Access
Orientation
La Trobe’s comprehensive Orientation Program is designed to support students’ transition to university studies and foster a sense of belonging with their peers and the institution.
Peer Learning Advisors (PLA)
Peer Learning Advisors (PLAs) are experienced La Trobe students specially trained to help others with navigating study and assessments. PLAs come from many different discipline areas and offer support at every campus and online.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/library/study-and-research-support
Discipline Hubs
The Discipline Hubs connect students with expert tutors who provide support in maths, science and coding skills.
Academic Skills and Language Advisor and Online Chat Service
Individual support with study skills, assignment planning and writing skills
On-Demand Academic Skills Workshops
Assist students to develop their skills in writing assessments, referencing, and time management.
Library and subject support services
Assistance in navigating referencing and information and identifying assessment and research questions
English Language Support
LMS Modules to assist students for whom English is a second language develop their vocabulary and learn about academic culture and expectations in Australia
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/mylatrobe/improve-your-english-with-a-new-lms-module/
Dedicated research skills programs and support
The Graduate Research School's Research Education and Development (RED) team supports and assists La Trobe graduate researchers in:
- quality research practices
- strategies for success in research publication and funding
- insight into researcher career paths and industry sectors
- practising excellent research communication skills. https://www.latrobe.edu.au/researchers/grs/red
Library Researcher training
Workshops and training for researcher skills.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/library/research-support/researcher-education
Graduate Research School
Candidature lifecycle support and advice to all graduate research students.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/researchers/grs
Academic Integrity Training
A compulsory Academic integrity Module introduces students to La Trobe's values and its academic integrity standards so they are informed about how to avoid plagiarism and academic misconduct.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/admin/academic-integrity/academic-integrity-module
Student Advisors
The Student Advising team provides students with individualised support for their studies.
Ask La Trobe
Indigenous Student Services
Indigenous Student Services aim to ensure the delivery of the highest quality services to Indigenous Australians as prospective and current students as well as alumni.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/indigenous/student-services
Indigenous Academic Enrichment Program (IAEP)
Under the IAEP an Indigenous Australian student may access up to 2 hours per week per subject (during the teaching period) to a maximum of 8 hours as approved through their application.
Non-Academic Support Services
Service
Description
How to Access
Counselling and Mental Health Support
A broad range of free counselling and other support services.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/counselling
Safer Community Service
Safer Community is a free, confidential support service for students experiencing concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/safer-community
Multifaith Spiritual Wellbeing
Support for faith based matters.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/multifaith
LGBTQIA+ Health and Wellbeing Service
LGBTIQA+ community support.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/lgbtiqa
Legal Service
Legal assistance is free, confidential and available to currently enrolled students.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/legalservice
AccessAbility and Inclusion
For students who need Reasonable Adjustments and other support to successfully complete their studies.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/accessability-hub
Men’s Health and Wellbeing Service
Support for the mental health and wellbeing of male and male identifying students at La Trobe.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/mens-health
Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Service
The Indigenous counselling service is a safe space that provides culturally appropriate and sensitive support for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at La Trobe University.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/indigenous
Wellbeing Check-In
Wellbeing Connect provides support for students to manage their own wellbeing and reach their goals.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/wellbeing-connect-and-check-in
Financial Counselling
Free financial counselling for students.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/support/wellbeing/services/financial-counselling
Scholarships
La Trobe offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students’ success and ongoing participation in their studies.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/scholarships
Indigenous Student Services
Indigenous Student Services aim to ensure the delivery of the highest quality services to Indigenous Australians as prospective and current students as well as alumni.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/indigenous/student-services
La Trobe Leaders
The La Trobe Leaders Program provides opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills through welcoming incoming students, mentoring peers and participating in a range of engagement activities held on campus throughout the semester.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/opportunities/leadership-volunteering/leaders-program
Student Excellence Academy
The La Trobe Excellence Academy provides additional opportunities for students who demonstrate excellence across a range of streams (e.g. entrepreneurship, academic, sporting). These includes mentoring, industry connections and seminars.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/opportunities/student-excellence-academy
Orientation
La Trobe’s comprehensive Orientation Program is designed to support students’ transition to university studies and foster a sense of belonging with their peers and the institution.
Student Events
The University provides an engaging and vibrant suite of events throughout the year, enabling students to connect with peers and build their sense of belonging with La Trobe.
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/life/events
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Student Transition Experience Policy (revision in progress)
Processes to ensure:
students have access to support services including before Census Date
students are pro-actively offered access to support services prior to the Census Date where they:
Student Transition Experience Policy (revision in progress)
Student Transition Experience Policy (revision in progress)
Learning Resources and Support Policy (under development)
Learning Resources and Support Policy (under development)
Student Transition Experience Policy (revision in progress)
Learning Resources and Support Policy (under development)
Student Transition Experience Policy (revision in progress)
Critical Incident and Business Continuity Management Policy (revision in progress)
Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Policy (revision in progress)
Universal Design and Inclusion Plan
Family and Domestic Violence Support Policy (review scheduled for 2024)
Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Policy (revision in progress)
Student Transition Experience Policy (revision in progress)
Student Transition Experience Policy (revision in progress)