Student Services and Support FAQ


Can I get help with accommodation?
Help with accommodation problems is available from the Student Access and Equity Team. Contact the Student Advisor on 5564 8973.

Who can help if I'm involved in a dispute?
The Institute has a pamphlet titled Student Rights and Responsibilities and a brochure outlining its Grievance policy. Students in dispute with the Institute or teachers can get support from Student Services staff in their negotiations or from other people as required. Contact Student Services 5564 8924.  See also Student Policies & Procedures.

Is there any AIDS support?
Yes. Freecall AIDSLINE 1800 133 392.

What audio visual equipment is available?
A range of equipment is available in the Library for course related use by student:

• digital camera
• cassette recorders
• screen overhead projector
• slide projector
• portable VCR/monitor
• video camera
• tripod
• headphones.

Can I access bus services?
Where vacancies exist, TAFE students are permitted to travel on school buses. Information is available from Reception at all campuses.

Is there information and advice about child abuse?
For information and advice contact Department of Human Services 1800 675 598.

Is child care available?
The Student Advisor can assist in providing information regarding existing community facilities. Child care facilities at the Warrnambool campus are available through the Florence Collins Children's Services Complex 5564 7840.

Where can I access computers?
Computers are available in the Library at each campus. Laptop computers are also available for loan from the Library at Warrnambool and Glenormiston or reception at Hamilton and Portland.

Is computer help available?
Your first point of contact is your teacher. Some general help is available from the Study Skills Centre and Library staff.

Are there counselling services for courses and careers?
Assistance is available to help with:

• Advice on updating qualifications
• Applying for courses interstate
• Assistance with job searching
• Career planning and education pathways
• Course Information at South West Institute of TAFE
• Direction towards retraining
• General careers counselling
• Financial issues related to study

Appointments should be made at Reception of any campus. 

Are there counselling services for personal issues?
The Student Advisor is available to assist students to resolve any difficulties or issues they may be experiencing as a result of:

• relationship/family issues
• personal problems
• health issues
• grief/loss
• teacher/student problems
• pressure from returning to study
• time commitments.
• Financial Problems.

All visits to the Student Advisor are confidential and are not discussed with your teachers or any other staff member without your approval.  It may be necessary to refer you to an external support agency and this will be done in consultation with you.

Appointments should be made through Reception at any campus or contact the Student Advisor on 5564 8973.  

What are the links with Deakin University Student Association?
South West Institute of TAFE Student Association has a close relationship with Deakin University Student Union (DUSA). Students are generally welcome at each other's functions with access at concessionary prices.  South West TAFE students are provided with access to the DUSA Student Lounge free of charge.

Is help available for a drugs problem?
If you are concerned about your own or someone else's alcohol or drug abuse, contact Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre 5562 3222.

What about facilities?
Suggestions for improvements to Institute facilities should be made to a member of the Student Activities Team or the Client Services Manager.

What if I need first aid?
First aid kits are distributed throughout the Institute. A number of staff are qualified to give first aid assistance.  For assistance contact the Institute’s Emergency Hotline on 777.

What can I use reception for?
If you are unsure about anything to do with the Institute contact Reception at any campus.

Glenormiston College (03) 5557 8200

Hamilton Campus (03) 5551 4144
Portland Campus (03) 5521 0444
Sherwood Park (03) 5564 8799
Warrnambool Campus (03) 5564 8911

What if I have a grievance?
The Institute’s Grievance Policy is available online. Students in dispute with the Institute or teachers can get support from the Student Access and Equity staff in their negotiations or from other people as required.  Contact the Student Advisor on (03) 5564 8973. 

What general health information is there?
Events such as talks, health tests and screening, demonstrations, special lunches and family planning advice take place from time to time. Suggestions for events are welcomed at the Student Activities Office.

What services are available at the library?
Located in the Student Learning Centre, the Library is the place to go to do your research and to work on assignments.  Walk in access to networked computers is available, together with printing, scanning and photocopying.  Experienced Library staff can lend assistance.

A great collection of books, journals, newspapers, DVDs, CDs (etc.) is available for loan.   These closely match the courses offered here at South West TAFE.   You’ll also find material relevant to your hobbies and interests. 

In addition, online access to a growing range of journal and newspaper articles, Australian Standards and statistics (etc.) is available via the Library website (below).

Library staff are keen to assist, and to help you further develop your information skills (finding, evaluating and referencing sources).

Equipment available for loan includes laptop computers and digital cameras.

Phone 5564 8956 or email library@swtafe.vic.edu.au for further information or assistance.

Can I get legal advice?
Free and confidential legal advice and information is available by contacting Community Connections on 1300 361 680.

Are there lockers available?
A limited number of lockers are available for student use throughout the Institute. Your Course Coordinator will have up-to-date information on their availability.

What if I lose something?
Enquire at the Reception of each campus regarding lost or found property.

Can I access microwave ovens?
Microwaves are available for student use in food areas at all campuses.

Can I get photocopying done?
Photocopying facilities are available in the library at each campus.

Is there advice about pregnancy?
Information and assistance is available from Access Family Planning and Educational Service. Phone: 5562 7434, or the Student Advisor on 5564 8973.

Can I get referrals?
Referrals can be made to appropriate organisations in connection with any health concern, legal advice or community service. Contact the Student Advisor on 5564 8973.

Is there advice about sexual assault?
Contact the South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault 5563 1277.

Is there advice about sexual harassment?

The South West Institute of TAFE has a Access and Equity Policy which affirms the right of students or staff to an environment free of sexual harassment. Students wishing to discuss issues of sexual harassment should contact Student Access and Equity staff. Confidentiality is assured, telephone 5564 8973. See also Student Policies & Procedures.

Are showers available?
At Warrnambool campus showers are available in the F Building toilet block. At other campuses showers are available in the disabled toilet block. 

Are my special needs catered for?
The Disability Support Coordinator ensures that the Institute works towards meeting the needs of students who have a disability. The Disability Support Coordinator provides ongoing support to people who have a physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric or medical disability that may be temporary or a permanent. Contact the Disability Support Coordinator on 5564 8964.

Special needs
Ongoing and one off support and assistance is available for students who have special needs. Support may take the form of:

• note takers
• volunteers or tutorial assistants to provide classroom assistance
• alternative study and exam methods
• provision of special equipment and aids where possible
• physical access
• provision of enrolment support.

What is the Student Management (Records) Office?
This is where your enrolment details and results are processed. You must notify Reception of any change of address or course/subject change. Address changes can also be made via OnCourse online in the Institute website. 

How do I nominate for Student Representative
Nominations for student representatives will be called for in February or March. More details are available from the Student Association office.

Is there tenants' advice?
Contact the Student Advisor 5564 8973 or Community Connections 1300 361 680.