Services
IT provides support for students in their learning and research, including systems, through developing and maintaining computer labs; plus managing infrastructure resources for student related services.
Skilled support teams are available providing student IT services and operational delivery:
- at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from 7:30am to 6:30pm
- at Ballarat and Canberra from 8:30am to 5pm
- at Adelaide through Service Desk and Melbourne Desktop Support Teams.
IT services students receive include:
- an ACU Office 365 email account
- free WiFi access through the University's networks
- 40 megabytes of personal server storage space on the Student File Server
- access to recorded lectures enabling audio and video files to be accessible at a later stage
- wireless printing
- induction on ACU systems
- free anti-virus software available to students on personal devices as well as ACU desktops in public areas through Sophos Endpoint Security and Control
- free access to an online training library containing over 6,300 courses, spanning more than 267,000 searchable video tutorials for all students
- student helpdesk in the library.
IT ensures the development and implementation of enhanced delivery systems and infrastructure. For student related services this includes managing:
- security and risk including regulatory compliance, risk management, security management, privacy and data protection
- systems access including password - authorising the usage of systems and enabling access through standard controls including systems-specific passwords or single network sign on
- network access, including internet enabled services and data network management
- audio-visual systems and classroom technologies.
IT provides proactive communications to inform students on IT matters. IT also develops tailored training materials to increase skills and awareness of students.
ACU Library supports learning and research at ACU by providing:
- One Library across many locations
- 24/7 online access to eBooks, databases, journals, videos and other content
- A range of material, including print books, DVDs, CDs and laptop computers, available for loan
- Online subject guides
- Endnote software to help manage bibliographies
- Online learning and teaching resources to support sudents with their study and research
- A range of study spaces at each campus library including individual quiet study spaces, informal study spaces, group study rooms and computer workstations
- After hours facilities at most campus libraries
- Printing, copying and scanning facilities including wireless printing facilities
- Support services for students registered with ACU as having print disabilities
Our professional staff are available to advise students, either in person at their campus library or online via our Ask Your Librarian service. Staff from ACU IT and Academic Skills are also available at campus Libraries to work with students. For more information on the Library’s services, resources and facilities visit ACU Library.
As part of the wider portfolio of Students Learning and Teaching, the Office of Student Success (OSS) provides students with support services to promote student engagement in university life; to provide opportunities for the development of student leadership; and to provide opportunities for students to develop graduate attributes making them career ready professionals. The Office of Student Success is also responsible for the support of the Student Associations including ACUNSA.
The Director, Office of Student Success manages and leads the professional support services for students which are delivered across the University. These services aim to provide every student with opportunities to assist them with achieving their academic and personal goals.
Student support is available through the following service areas:
Academic Skills Unit
The Academic Skills Unit (ASU) works to develop students' skills and strategies for successful university study.
Skills and strategies taught include: transition to tertiary study, managing time, numeracy, academic reading, referencing, note taking and academic writing.
For students, there are workshops, consultations, drop-ins, Ask an Adviser all available online and on campus. A range of self-access online resources are also available.
For staff, Academic Skills Advisers can assist in the development of integrated academic skills support into teaching programs, as well as provide activities, materials and resources to support student learning.
For further information about ASU and their services, visit Academic Skills.
Career Development Service
The Career Development Service delivers a comprehensive range of engaging and specialized career services to current students and graduates. Central to this is ACU CareerHub, an online portal which provides students with opportunities for employment, community engagement, work experience, volunteer and Internships. Students can also make an appointment, access our online service and stay informed of career related events via CareerHub. In addition, the Student Jobs on Campus program provides students with meaningful employment opportunities with ACU staff across national campuses.
For staff, the Career Development Service can assist with working in collaboration with academics in the design, facilitation and assessment of career development learning in the curriculum.
Learn more about the Career Development Service at Career Support.
Register on ACU CareerHub.
Counselling
The Counselling service offers free, confidential assessment and counselling support to students both in-person or online. The Counsellors offer the Mental Health First Aid which educates and raises awareness about mental health and empowers people to respond appropriately. A number of early intervention stress management programs are offered on each campus and a range of workshops are offered on the campuses to encourage proactive wellbeing management. Counselling appointments can be booked online and in addition half hour drop-in sessions are available 12 noon to 1pm each day on all campuses, except for Ballarat and Canberra.
For further information and to make an appointment to speak with a Counsellor, visit Counselling Services.
Disability Services
Disability Services is committed to promoting access and equity for students with disabilities and assists to provide an environment in which all students can participate fully in the life of the University. Disability Services recommends and coordinates adjustments through the development of Education Inclusion plans (EIPs) for students with disabilities, medical conditions, carer responsibilities (e.g. caring for an elderly person or a person with a disability or medical/health condition) and temporary illness and injury. Disability Services advises and liaises with University staff to assist with understanding and implementing reasonable adjustments. Disability Services assists the University to meet its legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education (DSE) 2005.
For further information and to make an appointment to speak with a Disability Advisor, visit Disability Services.
Student Enrichment Unit
- Student Advancement and Transactions provides opportunities for students to develop their graduate attributes through leadership development. Student advancement and transactions supports and works closely with the student leaders of clubs, societies and associations, providing guidance, direction and opportunities to acquire skills and competencies for work readiness. Learn more about the Student Associations.
- Student Enrichment Activities provides co-curricular activities and events to encourage a sense of belonging to an inclusive and diverse community. Student Enrichment coordinates the University's Orientation program and provides opportunities for students to develop their graduate attributes through participating in programs such as language lessons, creative and performing arts initiatives, debating, toastmasters and oratory.
- Student Advocacy Service provides students with confidential support, information and referral on matters related to ACU's academic and procedural rules and regulations. The Student Advocacy Service empowers students to navigate the University policies and procedures, creating a culture of student advocacy where the dignity and respect of all parties is maintained. Learn more at Student Advocacy.
- Membership of the Golden Key International Society provides students with leadership competencies and skills that contribute to their development as active and global citizens.
- Community Achievers' Program is an alternative entry program for students who have shown a commitment to community service, and the service of others. Once they enter ACU through this program, a series of leadership opportunities are offered to keep these students engaged in the service of others.
The Office of Student Success also provides student programs for whole of life formation through leadership opportunities which promote the development of character, responsibility, integrity, motivation, humility, spirituality, service and compassion for others:
- PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)is a free, voluntary, academic support program that provides weekly small group peer-led study sessions to first year students enrolled in specific units that are known to be difficult. Current students can check the Student Portal to find out if there is a PASS program for their units of study.
- Leadership Program for Students: Leading with Impact comprises of diverse learning experiences and real-life opportunities that students can choose to develop their leadership skills. The program is flexible, customisable and recognised with an ACU Leadership Program Certificate upon graduation. Learn more at Leadership.
For further information about the Office of Student Success, visit ACU Student Experience - Support Services website.
The Office of the Vice President is responsible for Catholic-related operations of the University and brings together new and existing Catholic functions. The Vice President simultaneously holds the position of Director, Identity and Mission. This Vice President’s portfolio includes the Directorate of Identity and Mission, Campus Ministry, Community Engagement, La Salle Academy, Church Relations, Congregational Projects, Staff Formation and the ACU Centre for Liturgy. The Portfolio also serves as a resource for those wishing to better understand and explore the Catholic mission and identity of Australian Catholic University
The Office of the Vice President animates programs and activities that engage, celebrate, and support the University community’s development in and understanding of our Mission, Catholic identity, and living traditions.Campus Ministry
Through Campus Ministry, the Office of the Vice President animates opportunities for members of the University community to deepen their experience of faith and to use their gifts and talents in service to the world, while enabling them to engage in an authentic Catholic university experience while studying or working at ACU.
Beneath the formal programs, retreats, lectures, and workshops lies a spirited dedication to the identity and mission of ACU. At the core of ACU is its identity as part of the legacy of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. This is not a static legacy but a vibrant, living legacy that is found on each of our campuses, every day.
Campus Ministry desires to reflect truth, beauty and goodness through the teachings, sacraments, life and prayer of the Catholic Church. Specifically, Campus Ministry promotes:
- Prayer and worship
- Faith development
- Student and staff retreats
- Social justice
- Leadership development
- Spiritual directions
- Pastoral care and counselling
- Groups exploring faith and reason
- Interfaith dialogue.
ACU Engagement
The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) is responsible for the development and implementation of ACU’s Community Engagement Strategy that includes integration of community engagement into ACU’s curriculum across all Faculties; contribution and expansion of community stakeholder relationships; and, broadening and deepening community engagement as a defining representation of the University’s mission.
ACU Engagement collaborates with Identity and Mission, Faculties, Institutes and other operational units in order to achieve enhanced opportunities for our staff and students to experience community engagement that is both academically rich and exemplifies Catholic Social Principles.
ACU Engagement also works to provide opportunities for ACU staff, students, alumni and affiliates to make a contribution to their community that meets their skills, capabilities, and capacity; and to provide opportunities for our partner organisations to access the skills and resources of ACU to achieve goals that are consistent with the ACU Mission.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) is also responsible for the development and implementation of strategic frameworks that implement the measurement of research engagement and impact.
ACU Engagement undertakes the collection and reporting of Research Engagement and Impact data; and the development and implementation of policies and strategies to increase Research Engagement and Impact. ACU Engagement also works with Faculties and Institutes to encourage, facilitate and promote Research Engagement and Impact outcomes.
Institute of child protection studies
The Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS) aims to enhance outcomes for children, young people and families through quality research, evaluation, training and community education. The Institute’s research strengths include promoting children's participation, strengthening service systems and informing practice, and supporting child-safe communities.
Through its research, evaluation and community engagement activities, ICPS aims to influence policy and practice to achieve positive social change, enhancement of the Common Good, and improved outcomes for children, young people and families. ICPS is committed to collaborative approaches to translating knowledge into policy and practice, enabled through partnerships with government, non-government and community organisations.
ACU Centre for Liturgy
The ACU Centre for Liturgy seeks to promote, support and enhance the liturgical life of the Catholic Church in Australia and the region through tertiary education, scholarship and pastoral formation. It provides high-quality academic programs and research in liturgical studies and sacramental theology through ACU’s Faculty of Theology and Philosophy and LaSalle Academy for Religious Education. It also provides practical professional training and development in liturgy and the sacred arts through the Office of the Vice President.
The ACU Centre for Liturgy operates under the auspices of the Office of the Vice President and cooperates with the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy in the delivery of academic programs in liturgy, sacraments and the sacred arts.
LA Salle Academy for Faith Formation and Religious Education
The Academy provides an integrated approach to curriculum development, delivery and assessment, and faith formation activities. The Academy is committed to training teachers and leaders of faith formation and religious education in a way that extends their competency and efficacy, expands their theological literacy, and equips them with a new set of skills so that they can help the Church find doorways through which contemporary Australians can enter and bring faith and life into dialogue.
Our education and training opportunities develop teachers and leaders with professional efficacy, theological literacy and the skills to bring faith and life into dialogue. Above all else, however, teachers and leaders need to be witnesses; people who live by the spirit of faith.
Academic Coordinator, Catholic Programs
The Vice President’s Office is responsible, through the Academic Coordinator, Catholic Programs, for animating the Catholic Identity and Mission of the University to its staff and stakeholders through a range for staff induction and ongoing formation and professional development programs that engage staff in a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nature of Catholic higher education in general, and the distinct Catholic identity and mission of ACU in particular.
Church Relations and Congregational Projects
The Senior Advisor Church Policy delivers advice, reports and expertise to a variety of stakeholders in the Catholic Church on matters of public policy and ethics on behalf of Australian Catholic University. The position monitors and devises responses to major strategic issues of concern to the Church. It helps to reposition the Church’s place in the public square and promote the Church’s response to complex social and political questions. Through the Office of the Vice President, the Senior Advisor Church Policy also provides high level advice to senior members of the University’s leadership team to assist the University on building and maintaining relationships with key Catholic Church stakeholders.
Page last updated: 2019-09-25
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/1421707
Page last updated: 2019-09-25
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/1421707