APPENDIX 5: UNIT WITHDRAWAL DATES FOR 2000 UnitsTeaching PeriodWithdrawal Date * Standard First Semester28 February – 2 June 2000^5 May 2000 Standard Second Semester17 July – 20 October 2000^15 September 2000 Multi–semesterTwo or more semestersCensus date of semester of enrolment for final component (31 March or 31 August 2000 as appropriate) QUT International College (QUTIC)Teaching Period 1:28 February – 2 June 20005 May 2000 Teaching Period 2:17 July – 13 October 200015 September 2000 Teaching Period 3:6 November – 2 February 20015 January 2001 Brisbane Graduate School of Business6 credit point modules (BGSB)Semester 1A:28 February – 7 April 200024 March 2000 Semester 1B:17 April – 2 June 200019 May 2000 Semester 2A:17 July – 25 August 200011 August 2000 Semester 2B: 4 September – 20 October 20006 October 2000 Semester 3A:6 November – 15 December 20001 December 2000 Semester 3B:2 January – 9 February 200126 January 2001 Graduate Certificate in Management – Queensland Health Cohort Teaching Period 1:4 January – 24 March 200025 February 2000 Teaching Period 2:3 April – 23 June 200026 May 2000 Teaching Period 3:3 July – 22 September 200025 August 2000 Teaching Period 4:2 October – 22 December 200024 November 2000 Students undertaking other 12 credit point BGSB units should refer to the standard first, second semester or intensive mode dates in this schedule as applicable Intensive Mode, Summer ProgramTeaching Period:Less than two weeksPrior to the commencement of the or Offshoreteaching period Teaching Period:More than two weeks and up to six weeksIn the first two weeks of the teaching period Teaching Period:More than six weeksIn the first six weeks of the teaching period *Academic penalty will apply for withdrawal after these specified dates. ^Some units may commence prior to this date.
P O L I C Y S T A T E M E N T S
Suggested variations in assessment techniques for students with disabilities are listed below. Issues of validity, reliability and equity, together with ease of marketing, should be taken into account when adopting such alternatives.
Variations Examples Mode
Questioning Brailed or audiotaped questions, modality viva voce testing, signing inter-
preter, etc.
Response Oral rather than written answers – modality recorded on tape, viva voce,
signing, etc.
Context
Time Extended period to answer examination, respite breaks during an examination, extra time to complete assignments, deferment without penalty, etc.
Equipment Tape recorder, brailler, print magnifier, electric typewriter, special desk for wheelchair, adapted laboratory equipment, etc.
Separate Special equipment, personal examination assistance (to avoid disturbing
room others).
Personal Amanuensis, reader, interpreter, assistance aide.
To support their request for alternative assessment arrangements, students may be required by the relevant lecturer and course coordinator to present a certificate from a medical or other relevant specialist practitioner which substantiates the nature of the special need.
The University accepts that general principles of confidentiality and privacy should apply in such circumstances. Therefore, students may choose to refer the certificate to the QUT Disability Officer or a QUT counsellor who shall recommend appropriate action to the relevant lecturer or course coordinator.
Following any decisions in relation to such a request, all documentation in relation to the disability should be forwarded to the QUT Disability Officer for retention on a confidential file. A record of requests and adaptations will be retained for review purposes by the QUT Disability Officer with a record of the decision forwarded to the Examinations Officer for retention on the student’s file.
ACCESS TO ASSESSMENT RESULTS The University is committed to a policy of openness with respect to the release of assessment results.
Effective from the date of commencement of the Queensland Freedom of Information Act, QUT policy on access to assessment results and/or marks is as follows:
For units where percentage marks are calculated, such marks will be placed on the confidential individual student records located in the QUT Virtual web pages (https://qutvirtual.qut.edu.au).
Faculty academic boards must make appropriate arrangements for students who request to peruse their own examination scripts or written answers to examination questions or other forms of assessment, provided that the request is made within three months of the release of the examination results. Should students request a photocopy of their script, a fee will be levied.
Where examination question papers or other forms of assessment will be re-used in successive examinations, Faculty academic boards must arrange for students to receive advice on their performance with reference to their own examination scripts in a way which does not prejudice the examination mode.
ASSESSMENT PROVISIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students with permanent or temporary disabilities have the right to alternative arrangements which areconsistent with a commitment to academic excellence and the provision of equality of opportunity to enable students to fulfil course requirements.
Normally, students should notify the relevant course coordinator in writing early in the semester, but no later than the semester census date. Failure to do so may jeopardise access to appropriate services.
Students who suffer a disability, illness or injury after the census date can, during the semester, seek special consideration or other means of addressing their need for alternative arrangements.
Alternative forms of assessment are usually negoti- ated between student and course coordinator, but ad- vice can be sought from the QUT Disability Officer as needed, particularly if differing views are held about the appropriateness of such accommodation/
arrangements.
The student must be advised in writing of any variations that will be made to assessment. The Examinations Section will notify the student in the case of central examinations and the school office will do so for school-based assessment.
Students who are not granted alternative assessment but believe that they are entitled to alternative assessment under the above provisions may request a review of the decision under the University’s procedures for reviews of academic rulings.
INFORMATION ACCESS AND PRIVACY
QUT recognises that privacy is essential to human dignity and a key value which underpins other key values such as freedom of speech and freedom of association (Australian Privacy Charter, Australian Privacy Charter Council, December 1994).
However, the University is required to have on record a variety of factual information about staff and students, both for internal use and for the compilation of statistical reports to meet the requirements of such external bodies as the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, and the Australian Taxation Office.
QUT also recognises that all staff and students, both past and present, are entitled to a legitimate expectation that the University will protect all information of a personal nature which it holds about them. The Registrar is the official custodian of all records containing such information, and is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for their proper maintenance and control.
The University accepts that the general principles of confidentiality and privacy apply to the use and availability of its records. Where information about a staff member or student includes personal details, that person may quite reasonably expect that the University will maintain confidentiality, except where disclosure is required for legitimate purposes.
QUT also recognises the increased tendency to store and access records by electronic means. Any reference to “personal records” or “files containing personal information”, includes files held in hard- copy form, and also by all electronic means.
With respect to disclosure required by law, the University acknowledges that other legislative obligations, such as the Queensland Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) (see section F/9.7 of the MOPP), may require the divulging of information which the University would ordinarily seek to protect. In such circumstances, the procedures set out in the FOI Act will be followed;
that is, information about a person will only be released where the public interest of disclosure outweighs the need to maintain the privacy of the records.
Student assessment and publication of results
Each semester, the University publishes students’
results in the press and on University notice boards.
Students who would prefer that their results are not published in the press or displayed by name on University notice boards have the right to request that their academic records remain confidential. The request to withhold results from public release remains in force until specifically revoked by the student.
Student Records, Transcripts and References
It is the responsibility of the Registrar to provide students with copies of their official University transcripts on request for use at the student’s discretion, or to forward the transcript to another person or organisation when authorised in writing by the student to do so.
Should the Registrar of another institution to which a student is seeking admission formally request a copy of a student’s academic record, its transmission will be assumed to be authorised by the student.
Official University transcripts may only be provided to other individuals, employers or agencies outside the University upon the written authorisation or request of the student addressed to the Registrar.
Staff members who are asked to provide references for students should indicate that official transcripts are available only through the Student Administration Department, but where they are asked by a student to comment on general academic performance and other attributes they are clearly free to do so.
DISABILITY SER VICES POLICY 1. Introduction
In accordance with QUT’s Equal Opportunity Policy, (ref A8.4) the University recognises its social and legal obligation to provide an accessible and inclusive environment for people with disabilities.
QUT is bound by the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Queensland Anti- Discrimination Act 1991, under which the University can be vicariously liable for discrimination or harassment against a person with a disability by a member of staff or any of its agents.
This policy seeks to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in all aspects
of university life, including education and employment. It is based on the philosophy of inclusion, which promotes strategies to develop a flexible work and study environment which is able to meet the needs of a diverse range of users.
The policy is accompanied by detailed operational guidelines available from the Equity Section.
2. Principles
QUT is committed to the creation of an environment which promotes dignity, acknowledges the right to privacy and confidentiality, and cultivates an awareness of the needs and rights of people with disabilities.
In creating this environment, the University is guided by the following principles:
Reasonable accommodations are to be provided for people with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student or staff member to substantiate their eligibility for disability services.
The needs of people with disabilities are to be assessed in consultation with them by the Disability Officer/s on an individual basis.
Accommodations for people with disabilities will neither advantage nor disadvantage them in comparison to other people not receiving disability support services, but will be designed to ensure that people with a disability have equal access to employment or education.
Any information in relation to a person’s disability remains confidential, is not part of the person’s open record of employment or academic progress, and will not be disclosed without prior written consent, except for statistical reports designed for monitoring and evaluation. (Ref. F9.2 for policy on confidentiality of staff and student records).
The University may seek information about a person’s disability only insofar as it relates to the request for reasonable accommodation and/or the need for general accountability to funding agencies, policy development or monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs, including affirmative action programs for staff with disabilities.
By law, access to work and study may not be limited on the basis of the cost of services and accommodations required, unless the adjustments would impose “unjustifiable hardship” on the University.
People with disabilities should be able to access and negotiate each campus in safety and with ease.
People with disabilities should have access to ex- isting information networks (e.g. advertisements,
publications, promotional material) in appropri- ate formats.
3. Definitions Disability
As outlined in the relevant legislation, a disability may be either temporary or permanent, total or partial, physical, psychological or psychiatric, life- long or acquired. Also included are people who require devices or aids for assistance, or are accompanied by guide dogs.
Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation refers to administrative, physical or procedural alterations required to ensure equal opportunity for a person with a disability.
Unjustifiable Hardship
In some cases it may be unreasonable for the University to make certain adjustments. Relevant circumstances in determining unjustifiable hardship include:
the nature of the benefit or detriment likely to accrue or be suffered by any persons concerned;
the financial circumstances of the institution and the cost of making the required adjustments.
A thorough understanding of the effect of the disability on the individual and the impact of any adjustment or alteration is required in order to determine whether such adjustments are reasonable and necessary. The relevant State and Commonwealth administrative bodies require detailed evidence to support a claim of unjustifiable hardship.
4. Provisions of Disability Services Policy The policy makes the following provisions:
Entry to Work and Study
QUT does not discriminate on grounds other than academic and merit based criteria when considering applications for admission as a student or staff member.
Access to Academic Programs and Employment
The University will endeavour to make all its academic programs, employment and development opportunities available to prospective students and staff members with a disability, consistent with the entry provisions above.
Support Services
QUT has a wide range of support services available to all staff and students. The University recognises that students and staff with disabilities may require specialised assistance. Support services include note- takers, alternative formatting of learning material, participation assistants etc.
Adapting the Learning and Working Environment
The University supports the practice of job re-design, workplace modifications and alternative teaching and assessment practices to enable a staff member or a student with a disability to fulfil the requirements of a particular position or academic course.
Creation of Employment/Study Opportunities
The University aims to provide equal employment and educational opportunities and to implement affirmative action programs for equity groups (see section A/8.4) . The University develops strategies to take full advantage of funding initiatives by Government agencies aimed at providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including its own graduates.
The Physical Environment
The built environment should be accessible to people with disabilities. All new buildings are designed in accordance with the appropriate standards and codes.
The University endeavours to improve access to older buildings which do not meet these standards.
Promotion of Disability Awareness
All staff and students will be given the opportunity to acquire the understanding and skills necessary to meet the employment, educational and social support needs of people with disabilities.
Non-Discriminatory Presentation and Practice
In accordance with QUT Policy and Guidelines on Inclusive Language and Presentation (MOPP.A/8.7), the University will endeavour to ensure that all essential educational, administrative and promotional material is available in alternative formats for access by people with disabilities.
Community Service and Outreach
The University has a responsibility to make its human and physical resources available in a manner which is responsive to the needs and aspirations of people with disabilities, unless to do so would cause unjustifiable hardship for the University.
Quality Assurance Measures
The University is committed to the continued review of policy and procedures, and to the involvement of people with disabilities in matters that affect them.
The University will actively seek to involve consumers in decision-making, and develop quality assurance mechanisms to support this policy.
AWARDS WITH HONOURS
This policy does not deal with honours programs which are end-on to a bachelor degree course.
In degree courses of four or more years, a degree with honours may be awarded to students who have recorded outstanding achievement in the four-year program. Honours are presently awarded in the degree courses in Architecture, Engineering, Information Technology, Law, Optometry, Human Movement Studies, and Education. Degrees with honours are also awarded to students who have recorded outstanding achievement in a component of a double degree program where that component is a degree for which awards with honours are made.
First class honours, second class honours division A and second class honours division B may be awarded. Candidates for a degree with honours must fulfil the requirements for a pass degree and achieve a standard of proficiency in all course units as may from time to time be determined by the relevant faculty academic board and approved by University Academic Board.
Honours are awarded:
to indicate that students may appropriately proceed to higher degrees
to encourage students to w ork consistently throughout a course
to ensure that QUT students can apply equally for emplo yment in competition with honours graduates from other institutions
to ensure that QUT graduates are eligible for the same level of salary on commencement as graduates from other institutions
to enable QUT graduates to compete equally for scholarships.
EQUAL OPPOR TUNITY POLICY The Council of the Queensland University of Technology is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and freedom from all forms of discrimination as determined by legislation or by Council. The policy is issued on the basis that it is fair and just and contributes to the fulfilment of QUT’s Missions and Goals.
In fulfilling this policy, the University aims to:
promote the development of a University culture supportive of equity principles
ensure all of its management and educational policies and practices reflect and respect the social and cultural diversity contained within the University and the community it serves
ensure that the appointment and advancement of staff and admission and progression of students within QUT are determined on the basis of merit
provide equal employment and educational opportunities within QUT and identify and remove barriers to participation and progression in employment and education, and implement an Affirmative Action Program for equity groups eliminate unlawful discrimination against staff and students on the grounds of sex; marital status;
pregnancy; breastfeeding; race; age; parenthood;
physical, intellectual and mental impairment;
religious belief; lawful sexual activity; trade union activity; criminal record; social origin; medical record; nationality; or political belief or activity comply with state and federal legislation on Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and binding international human rights instruments.
The Vice-Chancellor, through the Registrar and the management of the University, is responsible for implementation of this policy. The Registrar is assisted by the Equity Coordinator.
QUT expects all staff, students and members of the University community to act in accordance with this policy.
POLICY ON INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE AND PRESENTATION
Under its Equal Opportunity polic y (1993), Queensland University of Technology aims to
‘provide equal employment and educational opportunities within QUT and identify and remove barriers to participation and progression in employment and education’.
To this end, QUT supports a policy of inclusive language and presentation in all administrative and academic activities of the University. This means that the University will:
actively promote awareness and use of inclusive language and presentation by staff and students in all QUT documents and materials in all forms actively promote the use of inclusive texts and materials in all QUT teaching and presentations work towards the elimination of demeaning or discriminatory language use and visual representations at QUT
take active steps to ensure all staff and students are aware of their responsibilities under the policy and take appropriate action to assist staff and students to comply, and
develop and maintain a procedure for resolving complaints of demeaning or discriminatory language and presentation.
For the purpose of this policy:
Inclusive language and presentation positively reflects the richness of the social and cultural diversity of Australian society and QUT community by embracing the lifestyles, experiences and values of all groups of people.
Discriminatory language and presentation devalues or demeans people or groups of people by harassing them, highlighting individual characteristics in an offensive or prejudicial manner, or by excluding them.
QUT recognises that use of inclusive language and presentation in all activities will assist in the University’s mission to bring the benefit of teaching, research and learning to the community.
QUT expects all staff, students and other members of the University community to act in accordance with this policy.
Responsibility
Deans, Heads of Divisions and Chancellery are responsible for ensuring that their staff and, where applicable, students act in accordance with this policy.
Information on Inclusive Language and Presentation
In support of this policy, QUT has produced a guidebook to inclusive language and presentation. The guidebook contains examples and practical suggestions on how to be inclusive in communication and procedures for resolving complaints of demeaning or discriminatory language and presentation.
The guidebook is available from the Equity Section, Division of Administrative Services.
SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT POLICY
QUT has adopted a Policy on Equal Opportunity to reflect its commitment to equal opportunity and freedom from all forms of discrimination in education and employment, as determined by legislation or by Council.
QUT recognises the right of all students and staff to work and/or study in an environment free from sexual and gender-based harassment. Sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex are unlawful and unacceptable within the University.
The University acknowledges its responsibility to ensure that staff, students and members of the uni- versity community are made aware of what consti- tutes unacceptable behaviour within the University and that all managers and supervisors are aware of their responsibility for ensuring the maintenance of proper standards of conduct within the University.