INSTITUTE FOR ABORIGINAL DEVELOPMENT

 

 

General Information
 

Welfare and Guidance Services
Student Services is one of the most important areas for Student’s attending IAD. The Student Services Office can assist you with a wide range of issues such as career planning, work experience and accommodation, child care, access to transport and Abstudy allowances.

As well as assisting you in these areas the Student Services Officers offer guidance, financial advice, academic and welfare assistance through a support network of Aboriginal organizations and non-Aboriginal resource services such as Centrelink.

If you would like advice about work or have any problems or need advice, either to do with your studies or a personal problem, feel free to come into Student Services and have a chat.

Client selection 
IAD is an independent Aboriginal controlled organisation, whose primary aim is to provide Education for Aboriginal people up to and including tertiary qualifications.

Aboriginal means a person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent:
a)   who identifies as an Aboriginal person or as a Torres Strait Islander: and
b)   is recognised as such by the community in which the person currently lives or by the community outside of Central Australia in which the person presently or formally lived.

At IAD we believe that every Student has the right to expect to succeed. When Students apply to undertake a course of study at IAD they will be given a pre-enrolment assessment to ensure that they’re not entered into a course that is beyond their current capacity.  Students are then placed in their selected course at the most appropriate level.

The provision for language literacy and numeracy assistance
If, during the pre-enrolment assessment a need for additional assistance with language, literacy and/or numeracy has been identified, IAD has the capacity to provide this assistance through its Courses in Spoken and Written English.
Client support, including any external support the RTO has arranged for clients.

Tutors are available for Students who need additional support with their studies. This support is arranged through Student Services.

Students with physical disabilities who need additional support to attend classes should discuss their needs with Student Services and, where possible, the support of an external support person will be arranged.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)
This form of education is aimed at providing students with the skills and knowledge required in the workplace. Many of our courses are selected with your vocational future in mind. VET training can be delivered in a class room or on the job.

Flexible learning
Learning is adjusted to meet the needs of the Student and will be delivered in a number of different contexts and conditions. It is our aim to ensure that learning is flexible enough to meet the needs of a diverse group of Students.  Flexible learning is a special feature of VET and helps meet the needs of employers and employees.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships
An apprenticeship or traineeship is an excellent way to start a career and get paid while you learn. However it is important that you are aware that IAD cannot provide Students with an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship must be arranged through a workplace or by a New Apprenticeships Service. When you have been signed up for an apprenticeship you are then ready for training and it is only at this time that IAD may be able to assist you.
If you are thinking of an Apprenticeship, discuss this with Student Services who will provide the information you require.

Privacy and Confidentiality
As a Registered Training Organisation we are required to collect certain personal information about our Students. Under the Privacy Act and IAD’s Policies in relation to Privacy and Confidentiality, you can be assured that all personal information concerning any Student is treated with the greatest confidentiality.

All information of a personal nature is maintained in separate confidential files.  Students are entitled to view their own personal files. Only the client and appropriately appointed IAD personnel have access to these files. Any verbal or written information of a personal nature will be handled discretely and all records will be thoroughly destroyed after the elapse of the mandatory period of retention.

Our Privacy policy states that we will
Only collect information that is necessary for the delivery of our services and programs;
Be neither intrusive nor unfair in our collection of information;
Protect personal information from misuse, loss and unauthorized access;
Make personal information available on request of the owner (conditions apply);
Refrain from collecting sensitive information unless special circumstances apply.

Staff responsibilities for ensuring Student access and equity
IAD has implemented the following principles and strategies to ensure that you are treated fairly and that you have equal opportunity to access our courses and can expect to be treated with respect at all times.
To support the inclusion of disadvantaged people into our courses we are committed to ensuring that:
Training will be made available to all Aboriginal people equally;
Training will be designed to provide positive outcomes for all Students;
The training staff will work towards fulfilling the individual training needs of each Student;
Our training will offer support to assist the needs of the individual;
Information about the amount of assistance available in the areas of language, literacy and/or numeracy through the organisation will be clearly outlined at the time of enrolment;
We will celebrate the different languages spoken by our Students;
Staff will be made aware of their responsibilities for access and equity as provided by IAD.

Discrimination
IAD is committed to having a harmonious and just working environment for all Students and staff. To support this end, discrimination, harassment or prejudicial treatment on the basis of race, religion, sexuality or disability will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behaviour includes:
Failure to provide equality of opportunity in such things as employment, acceptance of the application of rules and policies;
Racial vilification (including teasing or making other unwelcome comments);
Sexual harassment (including teasing or making other unwelcome comments, jokes, displays of sexually explicit material, or unwelcome physical contact);
Initiating violence (including any form of physical contact, aggression, threats of violence);
Should any employee or Student of IAD feel that they have in any way been discriminated against, a grievance procedure is available. For further information regarding these procedures please contact Student Services on 89511355 or Directorate on 89511322.

Complaints
While we try to make your time with us as incident free as possible, there may be times when you feel that you have been treated unjustly in some way. At IAD we believe that everyone has the right to be heard, and to this end we have in place policies and processes to deal with Disputes and Grievances.
When Students enroll at IAD they receive an induction pack. This pack contains forms to help you file a complaint.

An officer from Student Services will assist you to complete these forms if required.

Appeals
As a Student of IAD you have the right to appeal the assessment decision made by your Trainer if you believe that the judgment was not made in accordance with the Assessment Agreement or that the judgment was unfair or incorrect. There is a time frame for appeals so it is important that you lodge your appeal within 7 days of the assessment decision.  Students who appeal against an assessment decision will be given the opportunity to be reassessed. This information will be extended upon during induction and again before assessment takes place.

Code of Conduct
Aboriginal cultural issues and sensitivities are recognised, accepted and practised by the IAD Board, Management, Employees and Students of the Institute; and that all persons behave with acceptance and respect for each other.

In order to uphold our obligations to each other we must:
Maintain and respect confidentiality both personal and professional and focus on professional issues rather than personal factors;
Co-operate with each other and respect all colleagues in their positions of employ or study;
Remember that we are here for the sole purpose of the maximum operational functions of IAD and educational advancement of all Students;
Maintain a commitment to the vision and educational philosophy of IAD;
Deliver the best service that we can offer with all due care; and treat clients in a fair and equitable manner;
Not interfere with or hinder the production and performance of the organisation in general;
Not use, damage, remove or destroy anything belonging to the organisation or another person;
Not make improper use of inside information in order to gain, or seek to benefit for advantage of oneself or another person.
Disclose and take reasonable steps to avoid any conflict of interest;
At all times behave and present an appropriate appearance, which upholds Aboriginal cultural values.

Disciplinary Processes
Please read our code of conduct carefully. As a Student of IAD you will be expected to abide by this code of conduct at all times.


The Director of IAD is responsible for overseeing the monitoring and maintenance of appropriate student and employee behaviour and is committed to ensuring that misconduct of any nature is handled in a fair and expedient manner.

IAD regards certain forms of behaviour as unacceptable and will deal with this behaviour with identified processes that take into consideration both the rights and safety of IAD employees and Students.
Student’s will be made aware of their rights and responsibilities during the induction process and given a copy of the IAD Disciplinary Policy.
In the event of serious misconduct IAD may initiate disciplinary action and impose sanctions against any student who breaches the guidelines set for each of the following areas:
·         Unacceptable and Disruptive Behaviour
·         Harassment and Discrimination
·         Aggressive and Violent Behaviour
·         Criminal and Illegal Behaviour

Not withstanding anything in a relevant ACT or any other legislation and dependent upon the severity and nature of the misconduct, the IAD Director can immediately suspend an IAD Student leading to their immediate removal from the IAD campus.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) arrangements and credit transfer.
RPL and our commitment to you: “You do not have to re-learn what you already know, but you do have to provide evidence of that knowledge and the related skills.”

IAD recognises that skills and knowledge can be acquired through a number of means and offers Students the opportunity to provide evidence of prior learning through their RPL process.  Students who believe they may already have the skills and knowledge required for competency in any unit or module in the course in which they have enrolled, should discuss this with the  Trainer or course facilitator, who will explain the RPL process and assist the Student to compile/provide the appropriate evidence.

IAD accepts the qualifications issued by other RTO’s. This means that if you have received statements of attainment for one or more of the units or modules in the course for which you are applying, These credits will be transferred and you will not be asked to do further study for those units or modules. IAD cannot award these credit transfers until they have sighted your Statement of Attainment.

Fees and charges
No fee is payable by Aboriginal Students enrolling in DEET – or DEET funded courses delivered on an IAD Campus or at a specific site for which full course funding has been provided. In all other cases a fee is payable. The cost of courses is available at Student Services.

Where applicable a deposit of not less than 25% of the full fee may be required at the time of enrolment. The balance should be paid two (2) weeks prior to course commencement.

Terms of payment for other courses attracting fees may be negotiated through the department providing the program.

Refunds
Course enrolment fees will not be refunded where the Students/attendee fails to provide 5 working days notice of withdrawal from enrolment.

Students/attendees withdrawing from courses or failing to attend a course must pay any fees applicable to that enrolment.

IAD reserves the right to cancel courses not meeting required Student numbers five (5) working days before the advertised start date. Any fees paid in such circumstances will be fully refunded.

IAD has in place a refund policy to ensure that any fees paid in advance are secure and readily available should a refund be required. This policy will be in the Student’s pack which you will receive at the time of enrolment. Please read it carefully. A copy of this policy is readily available from Student Services on request.

 

Attendance
The general policy for attendance is that Student’s will attend on an average 80% of course time. If attendance falls below this, your Trainer will review your enrolment. Prolonged unapproved leave will result in the suspension or cancellation of Abstudy.

 

Ceremonial Leave / Sorry Business
Under certain circumstances, absence due to family business can be negotiated with the Trainer and Student Services Officer.

 

Sick Leave
A doctor’s certificate is required after two continuous day’s absence for health reasons (including family sickness).

 

Child Care
Child-care for children under five can be arranged through Congress Child Care. A fee may apply. If you need further information please contact IAD Student Services on 89511355 or 89511356

 

Telephone
Calls received for Students will not be put through to the classroom unless they are urgent. Messages will be taken and passed on to your Trainer.

Student Card
All Students will be issued with a photo ID card. This card allows you to access the library.

Library
The Library at IAD has an extensive range of resources and services such as books, novels, journals, video cassettes, audiocassettes and newspaper clippings. These resources are available for students use.
The Library is open Monday to Friday between 8:30am – 12:00 noon and 1:00pm – 4:00pm
As a Student of IAD your borrowing rights will allow you to borrow for up to two weeks. Certain items, which are restricted, may be used in the library only. If a borrowed item is lost, you must replace it. All borrowing rights will be cancelled until this is done. Should you wish to become a member of the library please contact the Librarian.

Abstudy
Most students attending IAD are entitled to receive an Aboriginal Study Grant from Centrelink. The Abstudy payment varies according to age, number of dependents and the course taken. Part-time Students can receive Abstudy grants to cover the cost of their materials and books. Our  Student Service Officers will assist you with any Abstudy correspondence that you are not sure about, or you can call the Abstudy  Student  Assistance Centre on 132 317

Counselling
Student Services are available for guidance and will refer Students to support services and may access other organizations from time to time for referral. There are several services in the community which IAD invites to visit the Student to explain what their counselling services include and how to access these services.
These include:

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress                    Phone:             8951 4460
Alice Springs Youth Accommodation                       Phone:             8953 4200
Centacare                                                              Phone:             8953 3177

Accommodation
Aboriginal Housing & Information Referral Service
Suite 2 Helm House, Gregory Terrace
Alice Springs, NT 0870                                            Phone:             8952 3366
                                                                             Fax:                  8953 4293

The Lodge Residential Accommodation
16 Bath Street, Alice Springs NT 0870                      Phone:             8952 3108

Territory Housing
Leichhardt Building, 19 – 21 Gregory Terrace
Alice Springs NT 0871                                             Phone:             8951 5344

NOTE: You need to be a resident of the NT for three months before applying for bond assistance from Territory Housing.

Transport
IAD provides transport for those students who are unable to get here themselves. These buses are used to pick up and drop off Students from town camps and the town area only. The buses run in the morning and afternoon. If you are using this bus service for pick-up and drop-off, please inform your Trainer or Student Services if you change your address.

Vehicles
IAD vehicles are not available for Students use.

 

Fire Procedures
While you are on campus we have a duty of care to ensure your safety. During induction you will be taken through the fire evacuation procedures. Please pay attention.

If during your time on campus you should notice the start of a fire you should raise the alarm and proceed to evacuate the building in an orderly fashion. If at all possible close all doors behind you. Inform your Trainer or the administration office (the extension number is 9).


Fire fighting equipment is located around the Institute and staffs are trained to handle emergencies.


For all Police, Fire and Ambulance emergencies, please call 000. Please note, when calling 000 you will be asked to identify the department you require.

IAD Numbers

General Enquiries
Phone:    08 89511311
Fax:        08 89531884
                   

Toll-free    
Phone:     1800065131

Student Services        
Phone:      08 89511355 / 08 89511356

Semester Dates for 2010

1st Term

Tuesday 27 January       

Thursday 1 April

2nd Term

Monday 12 April             

Friday 18 June

3rd Term

Monday 19 July                

Friday 24 September

4th Term

Monday 4 October       

Friday 10 December

 

 

 

NB: These dates are subject to confirmation and may change
 

Timetable

Monday

9am – 12noon

1pm – 3pm

Tuesday

9am – 12noon

1pm – 3pm

Wednesday

9am – 12noon

1pm – 3pm

Thursday

9am – 12noon

1pm – 3pm

Friday

Student Free Day

Student Free Day

NB: The above times are subject to change (your Trainer will advise).

Block delivery courses run Monday - Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Policy Information
Student Induction Packs provide copies of policies relevant to Students. You will be able to access other policies or policy related information through Student Services once you are an enrolled Student of IAD.

 

 


 

Copyright © Institute for Aboriginal Development 2009                         

IAD is a registered training organisation (National code: 0167)

3 South Terrace Alice Springs  phone: 08 8951 1311  fax: 08 8953 1884  Email: general.info@iad.edu.au
 

Home