Services

Information Technology
Libraries
Student Associations
The Office of Student Success
Academic Skills
Career Development and Employment Service
Counselling
Campus Life
Campus Ministry and Chaplaincy in the Directorate of Identity and Mission
The Equity and Disability Unit
Disability and Medical Conditions

Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) provides technology resources to support students in their study and research through the provision of the following equipment and services:

- wireless internet access for wireless enabled devices;
- computer laboratories and computer support;
- network kiosks for on the go quick internet access;
- support for the library controlled printing system;
- email accounts for each student;
- network storage for each student;
- postgraduate computer laboratories;
- student induction on ACU systems;
- online computer-based training (CBT) via Atomic Learning;
- lecture recording into LMS* in main auditoriums;
- interactive Smartboards;
- Computers on Wheels (COWS) for flexible learning;
- applications including Microsoft Office 2007 and Adobe Creative Suite 4;
- secure desktop environment;
- power lockers for recharging laptops securely.

These services are available at each ACU campus and are supported through skilled Desktop Support teams which are available from 7.30am to 6.30pm at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney and 7.30am to 5.30pm at Ballarat and Canberra.

*LMS = Learning Management System currently Blackboard

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Libraries

The Library on each campus supports learning and research by providing:

- information resources;
- computers with internet access, Microsoft Office and other applications;
- study spaces;
- printing and copying facilities.

The library collection includes books, journals and audiovisual resources. Access to a large number of electronic databases and journals is available both on and off campus.

To enable students to make the most of its resources the Library conducts Information Literacy classes and staff are available at the Information Desk.

For further information about Library Facilities and Services visit the website.

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Student Associations

Each campus has a Student Association which represents the students in matters concerning the general welfare of the student body. This involves student leadership, taking action on behalf of the student body, promoting student involvement in student activities and affairs, supporting recreational and social activities as well as Clubs and Societies, and providing student representatives to the various campus and University boards and committees.

ACUNSA, the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Student Association, comprises the Student Association President of each of ACU's six campuses and the Student Senator. Each year ACUNSA elects a Student Senator to the University Senate, and to facilitate the representation of students on Academic Board and other committees.

International students are represented on Student Associations to ensure their special needs are addressed. In addition to the facilities and activities provided for all University students, ACU com also organises regular social activities for international students in their programs.

Postgraduate students have an Association which provides a network of support.

For further information about Student Associations visit the website.

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The Office of Student Success

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Learning and Teaching) has responsibility for Student Administration, Engagement, Learning, and Support Services. The Executive Manager of the Office of Student Success liaises with Student Associations and leads the services on each campus that assist students in the achievement of their academic and personal goals. These services are listed below:

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Academic Skills

The Academic Skills Unit assists undergraduate and postgraduate students to develop independent learning strategies and acquire the graduate attributes. Topics taught include: transition to tertiary study, managing time, reading, referencing, note taking and academic writing. The service offers individual appointments as well as consultations in small groups, larger workshops, print and web-based study resources. Academic Skills Advisers also collaborate with academic staff to integrate academic skills into teaching programs across the University. The ACU Study Guide is available on each campus.

For further information about the Academic Skills Unit services visit the website.

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Career Development and Employment Service

Careers Advisers are available on each campus of Australian Catholic University to facilitate students career decision-making, and to provide assistance with identifying personal career goals, developing employability skills, job searching and preparing employment applications.

Individual appointments with Careers Advisers can be scheduled. A variety of group workshops and seminars are also available to assist students to develop skills and knowledge enabling them to take personal responsibility for managing a successful transition from their university study into the rapidly changing world of work, or into postgraduate study. Web-based resources and web-based interactive career development and employment related activities are available to assist students to make informed career decisions appropriate to the lifelong career development process.

For further information about the Careers Services visit the website.

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Counselling

The Counselling Service is free, voluntary and confidential and is staffed by Psychologists or Social Workers who adhere to their professional associations ethical guidelines.

Personal concerns including psychological, relationship and university issues can affect a students capacity to achieve their academic goals. Counselling can assist students to understand and assess any personal concerns within a supportive relationship. This experience can contribute to insight and clarity and usually eases anxiety and pain.

Counselling is generally provided by a 50 minute appointment. The Counselling Service also provides group support, workshops and online resources on issues relevant to students. For further information on the Counselling Service and online resources visit the University website.

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Campus Life

Campus Life Coordinators on each campus support the development of the Australian Catholic University community through the facilitation of a rich, enjoyable, diverse and caring campus culture. They invite students, staff and the wider community to engage in a vibrant and dynamic campus life. Campus Life activities include the following:

- orientation and transition programs;
- student leadership training and formation;
- mentoring and support networks;
- sport
- clubs and societies
- campus events
- national events

The Campus Life Team strives to improve the student experience, feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

For further information about Student Associations visit the website.

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Campus Ministry and Chaplaincy in the Directorate of Identity and Mission

Formation Programs
The Directorate of Identity and Mission will provide a series of opportunities rich in human, spiritual, doctrinal, leadership and missionary formation. These will be offered using various means, classroom-style lectures, small group discussions and practical workshops. These will be available to students and staff.

To find out more contact Identity and Mission Directorate: Emily.Wolfenden@acu.edu.au or telephone (03) 9953 3098.

Campus Ministry is about bringing the distinctive identity and mission of Australian Catholic University to life! It is a vital part of the University community. Students and staff are invited to participate in some or all of the following activities:

- weekly Eucharist, celebrated every Wednesday at midday on all campuses;
- opportunities for prayer, reflection and retreats;
- faith-sharing groups focused on listening to the Word of God;
- groups exploring the link between faith and reason;
- opportunities to be involved in evangelisation, social justice and community engagement;
- Exploring the Mission of ACU workshops.
- leadership formation;

There are many opportunities to become part of the community, so contact your local Campus Ministry Team.

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The Equity and Disability Unit

The Equity and Disability Unit provides services for students with disabilities and chronic medical conditions. It also works with other areas of the University to develop policies and strategies that help achieve equitable outcomes for prospective and current students. One such policy is the Discrimination and Harassment Policy. See Legislative Requirements, under General Information above or visit the Equity and Disability Unit webpage.

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Disability and Medical Conditions

The University seeks to provide appropriate and comprehensive services for students with disabilities. The University can do this providing needs are made known in advance. Students who may require assistance during their studies because of a disability or medical condition are encouraged to make an early approach to a Disability Adviser; they are also requested to indicate such needs at enrolment. Students with temporary disabilities arising from accidents or illness experienced during the year should make known their needs if services are required.

Those who have a disability or a chronic medical condition and who are considering applying to the University for the first time are warmly invited to contact the Disability Adviser at any time in the year before enrolment, to discuss disability related services.

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