Services
- Information Technology
- Libraries
- Student Associations
- The Office of Student Success
- Academic Skills
- Student Advocacy Service
- Career Development Service
- Counselling
- Discrimination and Harassment Policy
- The Equity and Disability Unit
- Campus Life
- Directorate of Identity and Mission
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;
- Kiosk PCs for on the go quick internet access;
- PC Lab and Library printing services, including Wi-Fi printing;
- email accounts for each student;
- network storage for each student;
- postgraduate computer laboratories and printers;
- student induction on ACU systems;
- free access for each student to an online training library containing over 3,500 courses spanning more than 144,000 searchable videos;
- lecture recording into LMS* in main auditoriums;
- a standard operating desktop environment - Microsoft Windows 7 and Office 2010.
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 8.30am to 5.00pm at Ballarat and Canberra during the teaching Semester. Adelaide is supported by Service Desk and Melbourne Desktop Support teams.
*LMS = Learning Management System - also known as Learning Environment Online (LEO)
Libraries
The ACU Library supports learning and research needs by providing:
- 24/7 access to ebooks, databases, journals and videos
- Access to books, DVDs, CDs, etc.
- Subject specific online guides and resources
- Access to EndNote and RefWorks
- PCs and group study rooms
- Laptops, iPads and flip cameras for loan
- Printing, copying and scanning facilities
- Disability support services
Our professional team of library staff is available to assist students online via the chat/SMS and email service, and in person at your nearest campus library. IT and Academic Skills Unit staff are also rostered at service points to assist students. The Library’s Leap into Learning program, available online, provides the searching, researching, referencing and evaluating skills required to help students succeed at University and beyond. For more information on Leap into Learning and the Library’s services, resources and facilities visit: http://library.acu.edu.au/
Student Associations
Each campus of the University has a Student Association, as well as the Post Graduate Association. Student Associations seek to promote a vibrant campus atmosphere by organising activities and events (social, sporting, cultural and spiritual). They also support the development and continuation of Clubs and Societies. In addition to this, the Student Associations represent all students on various campus and university boards and committees.
The Australian Catholic University National Student Association (ACUNSA) is comprised of the seven Student Association Presidents and is chaired by the Student Senator. All Presidents and the Student Senator are selected by application and interview process towards the latter part of each year. In addition to their role in ACUNSA, the Student Senator is appointed as a member of the University Senate.
For further information about the Student Associations, visit the ACUNSA website: students.acu.edu.au/388493.
The Office of Student Success
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Learning and Teaching) has responsibility for the portfolios of the Learning and Teaching Centre, Library, Office of Student Success, Student Engagement and Services, Equity Pathways and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education. The Director, Office of Student Success manages and leads the Professional Support Services for students across the University. These services include the Academic Skills Unit, Career Development Service, Counselling Service, The Equity and Disability Unit, Student Advocacy Service and The Campus Life Team. Professional Support Services are provided so that each student can access the services to help them achieve their academic and personal goals.
The Director, Office of Student Success is responsible for the Student Associations including ACUNSA. For further information about the Office of Student Success, visit the OSS website: students.acu.edu.au/332286.
Academic Skills
The Academic Skills Unit works to develop students' skills and strategies for successful university study. Skills and strategies taught include: transition to tertiary study, managing time, numeracy, reading, referencing, note taking and academic writing.
For students, there are workshops, consultations, drop-ins, Ask an Adviser and a range of online and print resources including ACU Study Guide: Skills For Success.
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 the Academic Skills Unit services, visit the ASU website: students.acu.edu.au/371871.
Student Advocacy Service
The Student Advocacy Service provides students with confidential support, information and referral on matters related to ACU’s academic and procedural rules and regulations. Through individual consultations, resources and information sessions, the Student Advocacy Service empowers students to navigate University policies and procedures.
For further information about the Student Advocacy service, visit the Student Advocacy website: students.acu.edu.au/550243
Career Development Service
Career 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.
By registering on CareerHub (https://acu.careerhub.com.au/), students can make individual appointments with Career Advisers and register for a range of employer events and a variety of group workshops and seminars designed to assist students in developing the skills and knowledge to make a successful transition from university to the workplace or to further study. Web-based resources and web-based interactive career development and employment related activities are available on CareerHub to assist students to make informed career decisions appropriate to the lifelong career development process. Students can also access a range of advertised paid and voluntary work positions. Having a part-time job and engaging in community engagement activities assists students to gain a range of transferable skills which enables them to compete successfully for graduate opportunities.
For further information about the Career Development Service, visit the website: students.acu.edu.au/371875.
Counselling
The Counselling service offers free, confidential assessment and counselling support to students both in-person or online. The Counsellors offer mental health first aid training 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.
A range of workshops are offered on the campuses to encourage proactive health management. The Counsellors offer confidential appointments that can be booked online.
For further information about the Counselling service, visit the Counselling website: students.acu.edu.au/371879.
Discrimination and Harassment Policy
The University has a Policy on Discrimination and Harassment; it is available via the web. Visit www.acu.edu.au/policy/175819.
Students are covered by the Policy in relation to the provision of their education. Although the Policy cannot cover students in the course of employment, they are encouraged to consult a Discrimination and Harassment Adviser if they encounter any such difficulties. Students who are unsure of what constitutes unlawful discrimination and harassment or who wish to discuss a concern should consult a campus Discrimination and Harassment Adviser.
The Equity and Disability Unit
The EDU provides an assessment and planning service and coordinates adjustments through the development of Education Inclusion plans (EIPs) to meet the accessibility needs of students with disabilities. The EDU advises and liaises with the staff of the University concerning students with a disability to assist the university to meet its legal obligations in relation to the DDA 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education (DSE) 2005.
For further information about the Equity & Disability Unit, visit the EDU website: students.acu.edu.au/371883.
Campus Life
Campus Life Staff on each campus support the development of the Australian Catholic University community through the facilitation of a rich, enjoyable, diverse and caring campus culture. Campus Life offer students opportunities to participate in local and national events and programs that cater to students cultural, social, health & well-being needs. Campus Life is committed to ensuring ACU students achieve graduate attributes by providing programs where students can participate in debating, learning a language, toastmasters, performing arts, leadership, mentor and volunteer opportunities.
Campus Life provides opportunities for students to participate in local and national competitions such as Oratory, Photography and other Creative Arts. Campus Life collaborates with students to promote student life opportunity and works closely with the Student Associations and supports them in their leadership roles.
Campus Life encourages students to benefit from many of the Student Support Services on Campus or with our external partners. These services include counselling, academic skills, careers, equity & disability, student advocacy, legal and tax services. Campus Life also supports students to access health & well-being programs, scholarships and ACU student accommodation.
For further information about the Campus Life Team, visit the Campus Life website: students.acu.edu.au/377537
Directorate of Identity and Mission
The Directorate of Identity and Mission has as it’s primary purpose the articulation, promotion and transmission of the Catholic identity, mission and intellectual and spiritual traditions of the University. Flowing from the mission and core values of the University, the Directorate seeks to engage with staff and student to live in and make contributions to the human community according to the Catholic identity and mission of the University.
In order to achieve this goal, the Directorate has a number of key units that enable it to fulfil its purpose.
a) Campus Ministry
Through Campus Ministry the Directorate 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. Specifically, Campus Ministry promotes spiritual growth and faith formation on and off campus. Campus Ministry takes the University mission to heart in all that it does; our ministry is created to encourage learning, to care for the whole person, and to foster the service of faith and the promotion of the Gospel. Grounded in the University’s Catholic identity and the charisms of our foundation religious communities, Campus Ministry’s outreach embraces people of all faith traditions. Campus Ministry promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can express their faith passionately and discern their life calling in community. Campus Ministry truly is a place to belong, to believe, and to become. Campus Ministry desires to reflect truth, beauty and goodness through the teachings, sacraments, life and prayer of the Church.
Specifically Campus Ministry promotes:
- prayer
- reception of the Sacraments (particularly Eucharist)
- faith development
- student and staff retreats
- evangelisation
- social justice
- leadership development
- spiritual direction
- ACU World Youth Day pilgrimages
- pastoral care and counselling
- groups exploring faith and reason
- interfaith dialogue.
b) Staff Formation
The Directorate of Identity and Mission also provides a series of programs rich in human, spiritual, theological, leadership and missionary formation for staff. These formation programs provide and create opportunities for staff to explore, deepen and discover faith, and to grow in character. The four pillars of formation: Spiritual, Community, Mission and Intellectual transpire through a variety of programs including talks, workshops, forums, debates, retreats, conferences, professional developmewnt opportunities and pilgrimages.
c) Spiritual and Pastoral
The Directorate, through Campus Ministry, is also responsible for upholding and strengthening the pastoral and spiritual dimension of the University. It is responsible to lead the University in identifying and articulating, with its senior staff, the unique charism of ACU. It also oversees the various dimensions of the identity of the University as a Catholic University, and the content and approach of its mission, seeking to ensure that this reflects its Catholic identity and mission.
d) Liturgy and Symbols
The central aspect of the faith life of ACU is its liturgical worship of God, featured on every campus of the University, and at key events in the life of the University such as graduation, commencement of the academic year and at other times in the Church's liturgical calendar. Enhancing the liturgical practice and participation of students and staff, as well as the chapels themselves, is a vital responsibility of the Directorate of Identity and Mission. So to, is its role in assisting with the development of key symbols of the University such as its patron, motto, prayer and hymn, as well as its religious art on all of our campuses.
Institute for Advancing Community Engagement
Community engagement is one of the distinctive ways in which ACU expresses its identity and mission. In particular, community engagement offers staff and students opportunities to act in ways which bring the principles of Catholic social teaching to life in particular contexts. Through the Institute for Advancing Community Engagement, the Directorate facilitates University-community partnerships that enhance the wellbeing and dignity of people and their communities locally, nationally and internationally, as well as within the university.
Centre for Liturgy
The Centre for Liturgy at ACU seeks to support, promote and enhance the liturgical life of the Catholic Church through tertiary education, scholarship and pastoral formation. It provides high-quality academic programs 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 ACU’s Directorate of Identity and Mission.
Page last updated: 2017-06-27
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/749046
Page last updated: 2017-06-27
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/749046