ORIENTATION 2014
COURSE INDUCTION BOOKLET
SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
CONTENTS
WELCOME ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
Head of School ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Courses Director..................................................................................................................................... 1
CSU ORIENTATION FOR STUDENTS ............................................................................................................. 2
Online Orientation................................................................................................................................... 2
Orientation for Science Students ........................................................................................................... 2
COMMUNICATION .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Student Central....................................................................................................................................... 3
Student.csu ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Message Centre ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Subject Outlines ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Subject and Course Forums .................................................................................................................. 4
PRINCIPLAL DATES ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Session 1 ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Session 2 ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Timetable for students............................................................................................................................ 5
COURSE STRUCTURES.................................................................................................................................... 6
SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS AND PRIZES....................................................................................................... 6
CSU Scholarships .................................................................................................................................. 6
Awards and Prizes ................................................................................................................................. 6
CSU STUDENT GENERAL INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 6
CSU Student Charter ............................................................................................................................. 6
Graduate Attributes ................................................................................................................................ 7
CSU Commitment to Undergraduates .................................................................................................. 7
Transition to University........................................................................................................................... 7
CSU Study Support ................................................................................................................................ 7
Academic Regulations ........................................................................................................................... 8
CSU Card ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Your Personal Details ............................................................................................................................ 8
CSU Library Services ............................................................................................................................. 9
eSTUDENT Support .............................................................................................................................. 9
HECS/FEE HELP................................................................................................................................... 9
My Degree Planner ................................................................................................................................ 9
How to Enrol Online ............................................................................................................................... 9
Campus Maps ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Terminology ............................................................................................................................................ 9
ABOUT THE FACULTY ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Faculty of Science ................................................................................................................................ 10
The School of Community Health........................................................................................................ 10
Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................................... 11
WELCOME
Head of School
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to your study in the School of Community Health at
Charles Sturt University. I am sure many of you are feeling excited by the prospect of becoming a
health professional and are imaging now, what that journey of study is going to be like. We are
excited that you have chosen Charles Sturt University to partner you in this journey.
The School of Community Health brings together five health professional education courses with a
common interest in developing health professionals who improve the health of individuals so they can
participate fully in their communities.
We approach helping you become the best health professional you can be through
COLLABORATION, EDUCATION and WELLNESS.
Collaboration We believe that one of the most critical skills any health professional needs is to be
able to collaborate effectively with others. We are committed to ensuring that you
know and understand how to meet the health needs of regional, rural and remote
communities. This needs skills in collaboration. Some important ways that we will do
this is to ensure that you have the interprofessional capabilities to respect, collaborate
and partner with people needing healthcare and with other members of the healthcare
team.
We will ensure that you have the capabilities to understand your cultural background
and to be able to use this as a foundation to partner effectively in healthcare with
peoples from cultures other than your own. In particular we commit to supporting you
to develop capabilities to partner effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples in optimising their health.
Education
This might seem obvious but we state it here because education and learning is
central to what we do and what you will need to do for your whole career. You won't
know all that can be known by the time you finish your study with us and you won't
know what is not known yet but may become known during your time as a health
professional. We are committed to ensuring you have the education that will enable
you to keep learning.
Wellness
Being well and having good health matters to us all. It matters to us as individuals and
it matters to the people who will seek our expertise as health professionals. Using
wellness as a guiding principle reminds us why we are all here.
Studying to be a health professional can be challenging and rewarding, tough but fulfilling, and
frustrating at times but also great fun. We look forward to sharing your journey to becoming a health
professional at Charles Sturt University.
Associate Professor Megan Smith
Head of School
School of Community Health
Courses Director
Warmest of welcomes to all new students of the School of Community Health. I hope your studies in
the School are productive and enjoyable. The Course Leaders, Subject Coordinators and I are able
to help you with any matter related to your course at CSU. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with
any questions that you may have about your courses or subjects.
Dr Ross Richards
Courses Director
School of Community Health
Charles Sturt University | Course Induction Booklet 2014
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CSU ORIENTATION FOR STUDENTS
Online Orientation
If you haven’t already, log on to our online orientation website
Orientation for Science Students
To find out how you can prepare for a science degree at University visit Your First Year in Science.
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COMMUNICATION
Student Central
Student Central is the first point of contact for students to access all non-teaching services at CSU.
Please submit an online enquiry form at www.csu.edu.au/student/central or search our Knowledge
Base. Many of your questions can be answered by the information maintained in our Knowledge
Base. This information is updated weekly by experts across CSU.
To contact Student Central:
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Telephone 1800 Ask CSU (1800 275 278)
Fax 02 63386599
Call from outside Australia on +61 2 69337508.
Visit www.csu.edu.au/student/central
Types of enquiries that students can make at Student Central include:
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help accessing your personal records or changing your details
assistance changing your enrolment
HECS/FEE Help
making counseling and learning skills appointments
problems accessing your CSU websites
applications for leave of absence, grade reviews, withdrawals
accommodation information
questions on your financial balances
assistance when distance education packages have not been received
guidance when you don’t know where to go or who to speak with
Student.csu
Student.csu is your personalised portal to the full range of online services and facilities for CSU
students. To access student.csu go to CSU student website: http://student.csu.edu.au/home.
You will need your username and password to access all secure CSU online services.
For more information visit Online Learning Tools.
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Message Centre
The Message Centre is the CSU communications system for sending and tracking official messages
or correspondence. For more information visit the online orientation Communication Webpage:
Subject Outlines
By the first week of every session, you will have access to a Subject Outline for each subject that you
are enrolled in. The subject outline will give you an overview of the subject, its objectives,
assessment items and the contact information for the subject’s coordinator and teaching staff. This is
an important document; you should read it thoroughly and direct any questions you may have to the
subject coordinator.
Subject outlines are available online through your subject Interact sites via the Interact Portal.
Subject and Course Forums
As an enrolled student you have access to subject and course forums. Subject forums are available
for each subject in which you are enrolled. These forums are where you can communicate with other
students in your subject and with the Subject Co-ordinator. Course forums are available for some
courses. These forums are for communication with other students in the same course as well as your
Course Co-ordinator.
Forums are a great way to form networks and to obtain useful information about what is happening in
your course or subject. Messages in regard to subject availability, workshops and career opportunities
may also be posted here. Students often use subject forums to discuss assignment tasks and plan
attendance at workshops.
You can connect to forums using subject sites in the Interact Portal.
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PRINCIPLAL DATES
Session 1
Activity
Dates
Orientation Week
Monday 24 February to Friday 28 February 2014
Session Commences
Monday 3 March 2014
Census Date for Session 1
Friday 28 March 2014
Session Break
Monday 7 April to Friday 18 April 2014
Session Ends
Friday 6 June 2014
Exam Period
Monday 9 June to Friday 20 June 2014
Session 1 Grade Release
Friday 11 July 2014
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Session 2
Activity
Dates
Session Commences
Monday 14 July 2014
Census Date for Session 1
Friday 8 August 2014
Session Break
Monday 25 August to Friday 5 September 2014
Session Ends
Friday 17 October 2014
Exam Period
Monday 20 October to Friday 31 October 2014
Session 2 Grade Release
Friday 14 November 2014
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Complete details of CSUs principal dates are available online from the Principal Dates for 2014
Timetable for students
You should familiarise yourself with the locations of buildings and rooms prior to attending classes. A
timetable for students studying on-campus is available through the Timetable Website.
Every effort is made to ensure students do not experience clashes of times for lectures, workshops
and tutorials. Unfortunately, if you are studying on an altered program (that is, not undertaking a
normal course pattern) or elective subjects, no guarantees can be made.
If you experience a clash of lecture times, you should contact your Course Coordinator who may be
able to suggest an alternative subject for you to take. You will be given a campus specific timetable
for your course based on the normal enrolment pattern for first year students.
Information on how to use the new timetabling facility is available at the site below http://student.csu.edu.au/study/study-essentials/timetable
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COURSE STRUCTURES
A Course Structure provides a list of subjects that constitute a normal study pattern for each course.
Links to Course Structures offered through the School of Community Health are provided below.
Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Science - view here
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - view here
Bachelor of Physiotherapy - view here
Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine - view here
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology - view here
SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS AND PRIZES
CSU Scholarships
For information about the full range of scholarships available to Charles Sturt University students
please visit the Scholarships webpage: http://student.csu.edu.au/support/scholarships-grants
Awards and Prizes
Prizes
Awards and prizes won by graduating students are normally presented at graduation ceremonies.
Awards and prizes won by continuing students will be presented by their School on the relevant
campus. Some professional bodies may wish to present their award or prize at their own function.
For more information about prizes visit - http://www.csu.edu.au/acad_sec/prizes/
Dean’s Awards
Dean’s Awards acknowledge outstanding academic performance by undergraduate students within a
Faculty.
To be considered for a Dean’s Award a student must have:
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Achieved a grade of Distinction or High Distinction in all coursework subjects undertaken (or
Honours Class 1 for Honours subjects), and
Completed a minimum of 32 points over a maximum of 3 sessions.
For more information see - http://www.csu.edu.au/acad_sec/academic-manual/mcontm.htm
CSU STUDENT GENERAL INFORMATION
CSU Student Charter
The Student Charter outlines what students can expect at CSU and what the University expects of
students. It aims to help you understand what it means to be a student member of the CSU
community and encourages active partnership in all aspects of University life.
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Graduate Attributes
Charles Sturt University aims to produce graduates who are:
1. Well-educated in the knowledge and skills of their discipline or profession
2. Effective communicators who have problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills and
can work both independently and in teams
3. Work-ready and able to apply discipline expertise in professional practice
4. Able to develop and apply international perspectives in their discipline or profession
5. Able to engage meaningfully with the culture, experiences, histories and contemporary issues
of Indigenous communities
6. Understanding of the responsibilities of global citizenship, value diversity and ethical practice
7. Understanding of financial, social and environmental sustainability
8. Able to learn effectively in a range of environments including online
Opportunities to develop these outcomes will be provided throughout your studies at CSU.
CSU Commitment to Undergraduates
Through our educational programs CSU commits to ensuring that all our undergraduates have:
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A supported transition to the first year of study
Opportunities to develop skills in communication, problem-solving and analytical thinking
Access to international experiences
Opportunities to engage meaningfully with the culture, experiences, histories and
contemporary issues of Indigenous communities
Education based in practice
Opportunities to gain a firm understanding of ethics
Understandings of financial, social and environmental sustainability
Opportunities to develop online proficiency
Transition to University
All students regardless of their age, educational background, location or study mode experience a
period of transition or adjustment when commencing study. Transition is commonly associated with
school leavers commencing university on campus. However, the transition to university study, a new
discipline, or to a new study mode is just as important. In addition to students studying on campus,
CSU is mindful of the diversity of our student cohorts including study mode, age, educational
background and ethnicity. Through the orientation process, CSU seeks to acknowledge and support
the particular needs of all students.
If you are experiencing difficulty with your transition to university or would like to know about the
support services CSU offers please visit Student Support.
CSU Study Support
CSU Learning Support offers academic learning support to students to enable them to acquire or
enhance the skills they need to succeed in university studies. During workshops, tutorials, drop-in
sessions and study centres or through individual consultations, students are presented with strategies
and techniques that will allow them to better participate in academic activities. To find out more visit
Learning Support.
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Academic Regulations
The basic philosophy of Charles Sturt University is that students are mature individuals capable of
assuming some responsibility for management of their study programs. It is each student’s
responsibility to be acquainted with and comply with relevant academic regulations. This means the
University will not monitor such compliance other than to notify students when they have not followed
the appropriate regulations.
If you are having difficulty through illness or personal circumstances you should read the Academic
Regulations in their entirety and discuss the matter with your Course Coordinator.
Regulations you should be familiar with include:
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Special Consideration
Grade Pending
Leave of Absence
Withdrawal from Subjects
Supplementary Exams
Enrolment Variation
Examination Regulations
Review of Grade
Exclusion
Student Academic Misconduct
The Academic Regulations are available online:
Academic Regulations
Academic Governance
Student Administration Manual
If you are still unsure, please search the Knowledge Base or contact Student Central for more
information.
CSU Card
Commencing students will receive their CSU Card soon after accepting their offer of admission.
Internal students can collect their CSU cards from Student Central during Orientation and Distance
Education students will receive their CSU Cards via the post.
CSU Cards contain a contact-less mifare microchip and an antenna that enables access to a number
of services across CSU. Such services currently include:
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Identification on CSU campuses including entrance to examinations
NSW Travel concession card (restrictions apply)
Dining Hall meals for on-campus students
Access to buildings, including 24 hour computer labs
Borrowing materials from the library
Payment for photocopying
Purchase of goods in most on campus retail food outlets
Purchase of internet quota
More information about how to use the CSU Card can be found on the CSU Card website.
Your Personal Details
Please ensure that CSU has your current contact details at all times. You can change your personal
details at the Online Administration site.
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CSU Library Services
The CSU Library home page is your gateway to the Library, giving you access to the range of
services and resources available for your study through Charles Sturt University.
Use the Online Library Orientation to become familiar with this invaluable virtual library or explore
the site yourself discovering a wide range of resources such as Online Reference, the Library’s Blog
and PrimoSearch.
eSTUDENT Support
Whether you're studying on campus or by distance you will need to learn how to use CSU's online
environment. The eSTUDENT Support is helpful in providing the information and guidance that you
may be looking for to function and learn effectively within the online environment.
Visit http://student.csu.edu.au/study/estudent-support
HECS/FEE HELP
HECS-HELP refers to the Higher Education Contribution Scheme and is for non fee paying
Commonwealth supported students and FEE-HELP is for fee paying non Commonwealth supported
students. For each subject you will be charged HECS which you can either pay upfront at a discount,
or you can defer it and pay it later (your liability will be recorded and provided to the Australian Tax
Office for later calculation in your annual Income Tax return).You can visit the Federal Government
HECS/FEE HELP webpage for more information.
My Degree Planner
My Degree Planner compares your student record against the prescribed course requirements
resulting in the creation of a degree audit. An audit identifies what the student has completed and
what is yet to be studied to meet the requirement of the course.
My Degree Planner will:
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Allow you to monitor your progress through your course program.
Check subject availability and pre-requisite study requirements.
Allow you to plan your future session enrolment and facilitate an easy discussion of that plan
with your Course Advisor.
Check your eligibility to graduate.
How to Enrol Online
Students are responsible for their subject enrolment each year. In most courses, you will be
automatically enrolled in your first session of study only. You will need to check and confirm your
enrolment details and complete you enrolment for the full year of study. Students can find information
on how to manage their enrolment by visiting Enrolment Information.
Please note, the deadline for adding subjects to your enrolment is the Friday of the first week of
session. Subjects can be deleted from your enrolment up until HECS census date without penalty.
Campus Maps
Maps of each CSU campus are available at the Locations Webpage.
Terminology
Definitions and explanations of University terms and acronyms can be accessed via the Glossary.
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ABOUT THE FACULTY
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science is one of the most broadly based scientific academic concentrations in
Australasia with focus in agricultural science, animal and veterinary science, environmental science,
allied health, medical science and dentistry.
The Faculty has more than 9000 students and over 500 staff dedicated to advancing scientific
knowledge. It delivers flexible, innovative teaching programs designed to produce job-ready
graduates for the professions. A leader in strategic and applied research in a wide array of sciences it
enhances and extends knowledge, trains and educates future researchers and provides scientific
solutions to current challenges. The staff and students in the Faculty achieve this through ethical
practice, professional collaborations, industry involvement and a commitment to continual
improvement.
The School of Community Health
The School of Community Health has a diverse range of staff who work together in the pursuit of
excellence in teaching, research and community engagement. Our five professional courses are in
the areas of:
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Health and Rehabilitation Science
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Podiatric Medicine
Speech and Language Pathology
We are strengthened through additional expertise from Biomedical Scientists (Anatomy and
Physiology) who are integral to the school.
In Teaching we work to enable students to reach their full potential so that they enhance the
communities in which they work as graduate health professionals.
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we aim for graduates of the School to be able to work in national and international settings,
but have specific skills for regional and rural practice; and
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we use a range of innovative teaching practices that seek to foster our graduates' ability to
work in the current and future health environment.
Our staff are committed to working with regional and rural communities to train and graduate future
health professionals; we use research to find answers to community questions; and we work together
to support people to become agents for positive change within their community. Our Research
strengths have been developed through cooperative methods that link researchers from a range of
backgrounds with the communities that we form a part of.
The School operates across three campuses in New South Wales, Albury-Wodonga Campus on the
state border between New South Wales and Victoria, Orange Campus in the Central West and
Port Macquarie on the North Coast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a course and a subject?
A course is the full three or four year program you are undertaking, for example Bachelor of
Occupational Therapy. Your course is made up of subjects that must be completed to gain your
degree. Each subject has a code and name, e.g. BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1. The first number
(i.e. BMS 129) indicates the level of the subject.
How do I work out my timetable?
If you are an internal student you will be advised during O Week of the timetable for students in each
course. You should familiarise yourself with the locations of buildings and rooms prior to attending
classes. A timetable for students studying on-campus is available through the Timetable Website.
How to add and delete subjects?
Subjects can be added and deleted online, more information is available from Student
Administration. The deadline for adding subjects to your enrolment is the Friday of the first week of
session. Subjects can be deleted from your enrolment up until HECS census date without penalty.
What are practical sessions?
Practical sessions enable you to experience the “hands-on” side of what you are learning. These
practical sessions will normally be held within the Laboratories or in the Computing Facilities for more
computer based practicals. Not all subjects involve practical sessions so do not be alarmed if
practical sessions are not listed in the timetable.
What if I fall behind in assessment items?
First of all do not panic, but don't ignore it either. See your Subject Coordinator who will be only too
willing to give good advice.
What if I am having difficulties coping?
Again – do not panic. As University study is so different to studying at school, this is a common
problem in the first year of studies. It often helps to talk about it with your friends and you will be quite
surprised to find that you are not the only one who feels they are having problems. There are many
avenues for you to follow. Seek out your lecturer or Subject Coordinator. Student Services offers help
in the form of counselling, time management and study skills sessions. You should also feel free to
make an appointment to see the Head of School at any time.
Do I have to have assignments typed?
There is generally no requirement for assessment items to be typed but it is in your own best interests
to present your assessment items in a neat and appropriate format. Check your subject outline for
information on the presentation style and format required for your assessments.
What if I don't have the textbook?
Copies of the textbook should be available and can be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop. If sold
out and in the process of being reordered, please bring this to the attention of the Subject
Coordinator. The Library also has copies of prescribed textbooks.
Where can I find or contact my lecturer?
Contact information for your subject co-ordinators is provided in your subject outlines. All academic
staff have consultation times and you should make an appointment by email before attending the
office.
What if I fail a subject?
If you fail a subject, see your Subject Coordinator as you may not be able to continue with some
subjects in the next session if you have failed any prerequisite subjects.
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