STUDENT HANDBOOK INFORMATION POLICIES & PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT HOLISTIC EDUCATION COLLEGE... 3 WELCOME TO HOLISTIC EDUCATION COLLEGE... 3 COURSES... 3 LOCATION... 3 FACILITIES... 4 EDUCATION AND TRAINING... 5 SELECTION AND ENROLEMENT... 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS... 5 RECOGNITION OF YOUR PAST TRAINING AND SKILLS (RPL)... 5 CREDIT TRANSFER... 6 THE ORIENTATION PROGRAM... 6 STUDYING AT HOLISTIC EDUCATION COLLEGE... 7 EXPECTATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS... 7 COUNCELING AND DISCIPLINE... 8 TERMINATION... 8 PARTICIPANT WELFARE... 9 LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND NUMERACY (LLN)... 9 LEGISLATION...10 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY...10 COURSE COMPLETION...12 STUDY INCLUDES GROUP WORK & ORAL COMMUNICATION...12 SPECIAL LEARNING NEEDS...12 CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND CONTACT DETAILS...12 COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS...13 ASSESSMENT...14 THE PROCEDURES TO SUPPORT QUALITY ASSESSMENT...14 ASSESSMENT METHODS...14 CONDUCT OF ASSESSMENT...14 FEEDBACK TO PARTICIPANT...15 PLAGIARISM...15 ASSESSMENT APPEALS...16 FEES, CANCELLATION & REFUNDS POLICY...17 FEES POLICY...17 TERMS AND CONDITIONS...18 GENERAL REFUND POLICY...19 CANCELLATION AND WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE (PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT)...19 PRIVACY POLICY...20 RTO STAFF...21 2
ABOUT HOLISTIC EDUCATION COLLEGE WELCOME TO HOLISTIC EDUCATION COLLEGE Our goal is to provide you with an enjoyable and successful study program with support and guidance. The College has been in operation for some sixteen years and is committed to the delivery of educational programs related to holistic health. Our experience in the health industry provides us with the knowledge and assessment processes to evaluate the competencies required to be a successful massage therapist and our programs are structured accordingly. This handbook provides you information about: - Our courses - Studying at Holistic Education College - Policies and Procedures We wish you all every success and look forward to meeting with you. COURSES Holistic Education College (HEC) currently offers accredited training in Natural Therapies specialising in Remedial Massage LOCATION HEC Melbourne Campus is located at CERES Community Environment Park, a 10 acre award-winning urban environmental centre, on Stewart St, Brunswick East. The site is located on Merri Creek and includes a cafe, nursery, markets, organic farming and various other environmental projects and installations. With close proximity to tram and bus services, accessing the college is easy. It is located on the bicycle path of Merri Creek and ample car parking is available on the evenings of the courses. If there are no parks immediately outside the gates, then there are many spaces at the Cretan Brotherhood church car park which is shared with CERES. 3
FACILITIES The College offers professional and comprehensive customer service delivery including well-equipped training facilities. These facilities are comprised of new air-conditioned lecture rooms, interactive learning facilities, kitchenette and showers. The facilities and equipment are checked and maintained regularly to ensure effective and efficient operation. 4
EDUCATION AND TRAINING SELECTION AND ENROLEMENT Participants apply via e-mail or by contacting RTO by phone. Course information, information about the RTO and access to this participant handbook is all available prior to enrolment. You must make an informed decision on the best course for you and your interests before you enroll. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS For specific details regarding entry requirements for your course please refer to the relevant course information. RECOGNITION OF YOUR PAST TRAINING AND SKILLS (RPL) Students who believe they already have the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency can request Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by completing the Application for Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit transfer. Students must provide evidence to demonstrate competency against each unit of competency applied for. The cost varies according to each potential student s assessment evidence. Administration fee for RPL is $400 and all RPL fees are payable by the student. To request RPL you will need to: Check your skills and knowledge against the requirements (elements and performance criteria) for each unit you wish to apply for RPL. The individual units of competency are outlined on the website and in this Handbook and further information can be sought from your trainer. Collect your evidence to show your competence, e.g. photographs, documented stages/process. Your evidence must be valid (*as described in the unit of competency), sufficient (enough), current (up-to-date) and authentic (your own work). List the types of evidence you have for each unit of competency. Present the list of evidence with the evidence to the trainer for assessment. A copy of the details of any credit granted must be signed by the assessor and the student and a copy placed on the student s file. Recognition can take place before you enroll by interview with an RTO representative or at our offices. You complete an application and submit your proof or evidence. Recognition can take place after you enroll or in the induction or early part of a course once the course has started you can talk with your trainer and complete an interview to discuss recognition of prior learning. Again, you complete an application and submit your proof or evidence. You may also be asked to complete a skills test. 5
CREDIT TRANSFER The College recognizes all nationally recognised qualifications from other RTOs. Students who wish to claim credit for nationally recognised units of competency or qualifications should bring authenticated copies of their Statements of Attainment or Qualification to the College before or a at the start of their course. THE ORIENTATION PROGRAM Orientation is part of the introduction to all our courses. This involves: A basic introduction to the RTO and to your course Information in this participant handbook Rules and responsibilities for participants at our RTO and when using RTO facilities Occupational Health and Safety requirements 6
STUDYING AT THE HOLISTIC EDUCATION COLLEGE EXPECTATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS CONDUCT Students are expected to conduct themselves in a quiet, courteous and orderly manner at all times while on College premises. It is expected that all College trainers and staff will be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR You are asked to read these expectations thoroughly prior to completing your enrolment: 1. Participate in all training and assessment activities and carry out any tasks that may be asked by your trainer to the best of your ability. 2. You must complete all activities and assessments which may include self-paced learning workbooks, class activities, and final assessments as required. 3. You must promptly advise your trainer of any concern that you may have regarding your progress throughout your Course. 4. You must advise RTO of any changes in your personal details. 5. You must keep training areas and facilities tidy at all times and abide by the rules of the building. 6. Consumption or being under the influence of alcohol/illicit substances during training hours is unacceptable, and will result in you being asked to leave the premises. Continued abuse of this policy may result in your removal from the Course. 7. Your behaviour must not disrupt or threaten other participants or RTO staff. Abusive behaviour or physical violence may result in instant expulsion from your program. 8. Failure to comply with points 6 and 7 above will result in your suspension and/or expulsion from the Course. SMOKING The College is a smoke free zone. Students wishing to smoke must do so outside and away from the College. Students are not to stand in front of the building and smoke, as this is inconsiderate to visitors to the College & illegal. VANDALISM Writing on or sticking chewing gum on walls, doors, computers and desks, is vandalism and will not be tolerated. Litter is to be placed in the appropriate bins provided. 7
Books and College materials are not to be removed from the College premises without permission. ASSESSMENTS - INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVITY Cheating of all forms either during assessments or copying of assignments will not be tolerated. A person found cheating or plagiarising in a particular unit of competency will be excluded from that unit and will have to repeat that unit when next offered. A second offence may be subject to instant dismissal from the course. Assignments, projects and essays must be the student s own work and students are required to sign each written assessment to this effect. If quoting a passage from a book, appropriate referencing must be used. DRESS CODE Smart casual dress is required; long trousers/pants, closed in non-slip soled shoes. T-shirts are acceptable but should not have writing or pictures on them that others might find offensive. Thongs, singlets or shorts are not acceptable. COUNSELLING AND DISCIPLINE Where an HEC trainer becomes aware of a student issue, and it is appropriate (that is, the issue does not concern trainer/student communication), the trainer will discuss the issue with the student at a pre-arranged one-on-one meeting. The trainer will detail matters for discussion on a non-conformance and agreed corrective action including students reason/s for the problem and the outcome of the meeting. Outcomes may include: Monitoring of student behaviour for a set period of time. Referrals on to further counseling either with HEC General Manager or an external agency On-going updates will be provided to the HEC General Manager as part of this policy. The student will be given the opportunity and support to resolve any difficulty as relevant. In all situations a professional and inclusive approach will be utilised to facilitate positive outcomes. The HEC Student Support administrator will be available and involved in any on-going student issue as required. HEC takes seriously its commitment to provide a nurturing and professional training delivery environment to all students. HEC and its employees have the right and responsibility to remove any student exhibiting disruptive, negative or dangerous behaviour in class or on College premises where such behaviour impacts on the comfort and/or rights of others. TERMINATION The College reserves the right to suspend or cancel the enrolment of any student whose conduct is not of a standard acceptable to the College that is, any behaviour deemed inappropriate by the College including but not limited to: Harassment; Bullying; Theft; Inappropriate behaviour; Cheating, Willful Damage; Failure to adhere to advised College process, procedure or policy 8
PARTICIPANT WELFARE The RTO is concerned about the welfare of participants and offers support through our trainers and Compliance Officer. We assist all participants with a short orientation program at the beginning of each course. We will be quick to respond to unacceptable behaviour from participants or staff. Discrimination, harassment or victimisation will be dealt with as per legislation and our procedures. Training and administration staff is aware of their responsibilities to ensure that participants feel safe and supported at our RTO. LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND NUMERACY (LLN) Prospective students may be assessed on language, literacy and numeracy skills where relevant for the benefit of both parties. Where a student has registered and been accepted on a HEC program and are having LLN difficulties, we request that the student advise their trainer if they are aware that they require further assistance in this regard. When LLN issues are identified, remedial action will be taken including the following: Meeting between Student and Facilitator to identify student s particular needs Restructuring training delivery and assessment methods to suit these needs On-going support and monitoring of progress by facilitator to ensure successful learning outcomes Where further additional assistance may be required, the trainer or student may approach the Compliance Manager to arrange external training support, through a Brisbane Holistic Health Centre approved training provider such as TAFE. All LLN issues are treated with understanding, discretion and confidentiality. 9
LEGISLATION Relevant legislation that Holistic Education College will comply with includes: Affirmative Action (Equal Opportunity for Women) Act 1986 Age Discrimination Act 2004 Copyright Act, 1879. 42 Vic No 20 (Reprinted March 1979) Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth) Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Commonwealth) Equal Employment Opportunity Act (1987) Fair Work Act (2009) Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissions Act 1986 (Commonwealth) Human Rights Legislation Amendment Act 1999 Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 Qld Workcover Queensland Act 1996 Worker s Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld) Privacy (Private Sector) Regulations 2001 (Commonwealth) Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Commonwealth) Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Commonwealth) Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 (Qld) The Policy sand Procedures Manual is available upon request at our offices as a reference for Staff, Trainers and students. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY RTO is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors and visitors. We aim to achieve the highest degree of occupational health, safety and security by adhering to government legislation and taking personal interest in the wellbeing of our staff and visitors. Our Occupational Health and Safety policy encompass all employees, contractors and visitors to our organisation. 10
Our organisation abides by the following Commonwealth acts and applicable State acts/legislation to maintain its position as an organisation committed to the health, safety and security of all employees, contractors and visitors: Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1991 Applicable State Workers Compensation legislation Applicable State Workplace Rehabilitation legislation For more details visit: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ www.workplace.gov.au RESPONSIBILITY FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY All employees and students are responsible for Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace. STUDENTS Students are not only responsible for their own health and safety, but the health and safety of others within their working environment. Students must report unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment and accidents in the workplace or training environment immediately to their Trainer. Students must abide by safe working practices and comply with health and safety practices. Students who do not abide by these practices may be subject to disciplinary action. EMPLOYEES Employees are responsible for the implementation and instruction of all company occupational health and safety procedures, and are also responsible for ensuring that other staff members are adhering to the procedures set by the organisation. Employees must report all accidents, or near misses, to the Environmental Training Manager or Training Director immediately and complete an incident report pertaining to the accident within 24 hours. Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act have the same powers as the Act itself. If the organisation or employees do not comply with the regulations or acts, they may face prosecution; incur a fine or both as stated in the individual State Occupational Health and Safety Acts. 11
FIRE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES In case of fire the following must be observed: Follow your facilitator/hec employee directions Be calm Know your exits Know your meeting point If evacuation is required, students will be informed by the trainer to move out of the building through exit doors and congregate at the designated meeting place. Procedures are placed in training facility. COURSE COMPLETION To receive a qualification from HEC participants must achieve competency in their course. Anyone who does not complete the entire course is entitled to a Statements of Attainment for units completed. This will be issued on notification of withdrawal from the course or at the end of the course. Certificates will be presented within 7 days of the completion of the course or posted by arrangement. STUDY INCLUDES GROUP WORK & ORAL COMMUNICATION Many courses require participants to learn technical knowledge and theory then apply this in a practical sense and demonstrate skills. Some learning and assessments will be oral, use questioning and observe participants working in small groups. This may be a different way of learning for you but it is very important in vocational education and part of the competency guidelines. SPECIAL LEARNING NEEDS HEC recognises that there will be cultural diversity and a range of education and learning backgrounds amongst candidates. It is HEC policy to ensure all people have an equal opportunity to learn and better themselves. As such, we endeavour to aid as much as possible, those who require additional help in these areas, so as to maximise their ability to undertake their training effectively. Assistance may be sought from the RTO trainers and staff. All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure any special assistance is provided as effectively as possible. CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND CONTACT DETAILS During the period of your enrolment you are obliged to keep your contact details up to date. You must inform us of any change of address details. 12
COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS You are entitled to access the Complaints and Appeals process should you be dissatisfied about the course or RTO decisions. You should also be aware that this agreement, and the availability of complaints and appeals processes, does not remove the right of the student to take action under consumer protection law. If you have a matter that has not been resolved by talking with your trainer, the administration or support staff, then you can take this further by submitting a written complaint to the management by completing The Student Complaints Form, which is available from the Office. COMPLAINTS PROCESS First talk to your trainer If not solved. Talk to the Compliance Manager If not solved. Use the Student Complaint form to lodge a formal complaint and we will work towards resolving the problem. We will supply you with an answer in writing. If not solved. There are a number of options if you are not satisfied: 1. Call the Department of Fair Trading 2. Contact the Department of Education and Training 13
ASSESSMENT The aim of this section is to outline the broad assessment policy for RTO and provide guidelines for all candidates enrolled in the courses. It is expected that assessors will conduct assessment in accordance with National Assessor Code of Practice. This section outlines: 1. The procedures to support quality assessment 2. Assessment methods and tools 3. Conduct of assessment 4. Feedback 5. Appeals procedure THE PROCEDURES TO SUPPORT QUALITY ASSESSMENT Participants will be informed of the assessments to be conducted at the start of a course. The Trainer will give them oral instructions. All assessment results are treated as strictly confidential. We will provide feedback on the assessment and provide further guidance on extra training or evidence if there are gaps in the assessment. ASSESSMENT METHODS Methods of assessment may vary for each course but may include: Written knowledge testing using standard assessment instruments Written and oral quizzes Oral questioning when there is practical demonstration Case studies and scenarios Major projects Final observation of skills & knowledge CONDUCT OF ASSESSMENT The Assessor will check that the candidate is ready for assessment. The Assessor will provide the candidate with the time to go through all steps as set out in the assessment instrument. At appropriate points, the Assessor will ask oral questions about skills, knowledge and specific procedures as required. If the participant shows low literacy levels or ESL issues the trainer may stop the assessment and conduct it orally. (Refer to Section on Literacy and Numeracy for more information) 14
All written assessments must have a completed Assessment Task Coversheet. Your trainer will give you a copy of this with details of the assessment requirements. Assessments cannot be marked if this is not completed. FEEDBACK TO PARTICIPANT As soon as is reasonably possible at the end of assessment, the Assessor will inform the participant of the result of the assessment. Feedback will begin with whether the participant achieved the required mark in the written assessment task or demonstrated they were competent or not yet competent. Feedback will be constructive and the participant is encouraged to seek clarification if required. Feedback can be in the form of: Oral feedback when results are provided at the end of an observation or in a workshop Test results where the individual is debriefed Project or Assessment task results If any candidate is dissatisfied with the results of their assessment they have the right to access the appeal process. PLAGIARISM The Plagiarism policy will be clearly explained to each participant at the beginning of each course. For each written assessment task submitted, students will be required to sign a declaration on the Assessment Task Cover Sheet that states: I confirm that the attached assignment is my own original work, and that any references used have been cited. 15
ASSESSMENT APPEALS From time to time, a participant may be dissatisfied with the results of a major assessment and wish to appeal the decision. It is important that the appeal is settled as quickly as possible. The diagram below outlines the key steps in this procedure. If your assessment appeal is substantiated, it is our responsibility to follow up on the issues, modify policies and procedures if required and record this action in the continuous improvement system. The participant will be notified of this follow up and corrective action. Where appropriate, trainers will be involved in a validation of the course assessment plan and assessment activities to benchmark their assessment practice with other trainers 16
FEES, CANCELLATION & REFUNDS POLICY FEES POLICY Payment terms, including the timing and amount of fees to be paid and any non-refundable deposit/enrolment fee are in the fees information. See the website Course payment options. 11 Week Payment Plans HLT40312 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice: Cost including Registration fee, Administration and Tuition Cost = $3800 HLT50307 Diploma in Remedial Massage: Cost including Registration fee, Administration and Tuition Cost = $4190 Option A: Pay $1000 on enrolment to secure your place. Installments must then be paid as outlined below. Payment in full must be made prior to the completion of the course: Certificate IV Payment Due Dates Payment One: $1000 Enrolment (prior to commencement) Payment Two: Week 4 - $900 Payment Three: Week 8 - $900 Payment Four: Week 11 - $1000 Diploma Payment Due Dates Payment One: $1000 Enrolment (prior to commencement) Payment Two: Week 1 - $1000 Payment Three: Week 6 - $1100 Payment Four: Week 11 - $1090 17
Option B: The full course fee may be paid in weekly instalments over the duration of the course. An enrolment fee of $1000 required to hold a place in the course. Make an appointment with our Course Administrator who will discuss this & other payment options with you. Payment is available as follows Via Direct Deposit By Credit Card over the Phone or face to face Cash or cheque TERMS AND CONDITIONS Holistic Education College guarantees to complete the training and/or assessment once the student has commenced study in their chosen qualification or course. Once a student has enrolled and commenced a course, the student has the right to be supported to complete the course and assessments in line with Holistic Education College student support and assessment policies. For short courses, the maximum length of enrolment is 6 months. There are no charges to students for re-assessment. 18
GENERAL REFUND POLICY REFUNDS The enrolment application fee is non-refundable Course fees for qualification may be made in installments see Item 2 Tuition & Fees Should Holistic Education College cancel any course, participants are entitled to a full refund or transfer of funds to a future course. An initial non-refundable deposit of 25% will apply to all courses, payable on enrollment. No refund is available to participants who leave before finalising the course unless they can provide a medical certificate or show extreme personal hardship. In that case, fees may be refunded on a pro-rata basis. Should participants wish to finalise incomplete modules in a future course, the original fee payment can be used as credit towards that course within twelve months of initial payment. All monies received are placed in a HEC bank account to be accessed on commencement of each course as required. A relevant proportion of fees for the course will remain in that account until the course is completed; to ensure pro-rata refunds are available if required. CANCELLATION AND WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE (PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT) Requests must be in writing or email. A cancellation requested at least 28 days prior to the course will be refunded less an administration fee of $75.00 A transfer to another course will be offered. A cancellation requested 14 days prior to the course will be refunded at 50% less an administration fee of $75.00 A transfer to another course will be offered. Cancellation requested less than 14 days prior to the course will not be refunded. A transfer to another course will be offered. Another person may be nominated for the place in the course. Withdrawals from a course that has commenced will not be refunded. A transfer to a later course may be offered depending on the circumstances. EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES Any refunds made due to exceptional circumstances will be at the discretion of the Director. Applications must be made in writing to the Director giving details for the request. COMPLAINTS FEES AND REFUNDS Students are entitled to access the Complaints process should they be dissatisfied about Holistic Education College decisions relating to fees, refunds or other matters. This information is available on the website and in the Handbook. Students are advised that the agreement and the availability of complaints process does not remove the right of the student to take action under consumer protection law. 19
PRIVACY POLICY The Privacy Act 1988 applies to students and employees of Holistic Education College. The Privacy Act 1988 can be accessed via www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/pa1988108/ Information relating to personal details of any student is protected under the Privacy Act 1988. RTO is committed to adhering to the national privacy principles (NPP s) contained in the Act. The NPPs are principles or rules about collecting, using and disclosing personal information. The NPPs also cover keeping information secure, paying attention to data quality and accuracy, being open about collection and information handling practices, providing anonymity where possible and protection when transferring personal information to others. We make every endeavour to ensure that the principle of security is incorporated into our data collection and storage procedures: Holistic Education College (HEC) will: Have secure computer passwords and lockable filing cabinets. Check an individual s identity when they ask for access to the personal information we hold about them. Keep personal information away from those who do not need to see it - staff as well as customers. Destroy information securely. Raise security awareness with all staff. Review procedures from time to time. Information regarding students, student results or other personal information may not be released to any third party without the express written permission from the student. Students may access their personal records and files and any other information held by the organisation by making a request in writing to the management. 20
RTO STAFF At RTO everyone on the staff is always willing to help you. The table below explains your key contact people, their title, name and what they do. TITLE NAME LOOKS AFTER. Principal General Manager Adam Hovav Susie Ronto RTO HR, Business & Marketing, Compliance, Training delivery and assessment activities Course Administrator Marc Senator Enrolments, attendance, document control, student welfare 21