Consistent with its Mission, Australian Catholic University recognises the dignity of each individual, supports the holistic development of students and provides appropriate levels of support for students in recognition of their diverse backgrounds and career aspirations. It is committed to helping all students to achieve their academic and personal potential. In particular, this Policy reflects the University’s commitment to assist students, who are elite athletes, to combine their academic and elite sporting aspirations successfully at the highest level.
In support of elite athletes, the University collaborates with the Australian Institute of Sport and other national or state bodies representing elite athletes in various sporting endeavours and, at a local level, with Athlete Career and Education (ACE) Advisors nominated by those bodies.
Elite athlete: someone who has been identified as such by the Australian Institute of Sport, a State Institute (or Academy) of Sport or a relevant national association such as the AFL Players Association, the Australian Cricketers Association or the Rugby Union Players Association. In the case of minority sports, the Elite Athlete Coordinator (EAC) will make a judgment based on the advice of the Australian Sports Commission through the National ACE Manager.
Elite Athlete Coordinator (EAC): a member of academic staff designated as such by the Faculties.
Elite Athlete Program: a mechanism through which support and flexible study options for elite athletes, registered as members of the Elite Athlete Program, can be facilitated.
The role of the EAC is to:
Elite athletes may apply for any course through the standard admission processes. In addition, the University will consider admitting a limited number of elite athletes who have outstanding sporting or appropriate recreational/vocational performance but do not meet normal entry criteria. Applicants in this category should contact AskACU.
A student who wishes to be registered under the Elite Athlete Program must apply in a timely manner, usually at the beginning of his/her first semester at Australian Catholic University or the first semester in which he/she meets the criteria for recognition as an elite athlete.
Such a student must submit to the University’s EAC, the Elite Athlete Program application form, accompanied by a training and competitive program duly endorsed by the ACE Advisor of the relevant national sporting body.
The Elite Athlete Program Coordinator will consult with the relevant Course Coordinator and will advise the student and the Course Coordinator, in writing, of the outcome of the application for Elite Athlete Program registration.
6.1 It is recognised that elite athletes must meet competing needs in reconciling their training and competition calendars with the University academic calendar and course requirements. Some adjustments or modifications may be approved, consistent with the Academic Regulations and the student achieving all requirements for the degree (or other qualification), and subject to the principle of equity for all students within the Elite Athlete Program.
Where, for reasons outside the athlete’s control and that could not, in the opinion of the EAC, have been reasonably anticipated, timely accommodations are not negotiated by an elite athlete, every effort will be made to implement a flexible study option, although a successful outcome cannot be guaranteed.
6.2 Enrolment-related Needs
A student who has been registered under the Elite Athlete Program will seek endorsement of his/her enrolment (and any variation of enrolment) by the EAC prior to its submission to the Course Coordinator for approval. The EAC will be in close contact with the relevant ACE Advisor concerning the athlete’s anticipated training and competitive program. This process will facilitate the:
6.3 Course-related Needs
Consistent with current practice and commitment to web-enhanced teaching, elite athletes may have the facility to access class information and lecture notes and to negotiate some unit requirements directly with lecturers.
6.4 Assessment-related Needs
Students who are registered in the Elite Athlete Program may, with the support of the EAC and approval of the relevant Course Coordinator:
Page last updated: 2017-06-27
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/749149
Page last updated: 2017-06-27
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/749149