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 by providing:
- A range of Library services and study spaces
- One Library across many locations
- 24/7 online access to eBooks, databases, journals, videos and other content
- Print books and journals, DVDs, CDs, laptops, iPads and digital cameras to borrow
- Online subject and recreational guides
- Bibliographic software, including EndNote and RefWorks
- Leap into Learning, a program that introduces students to skills to help them succeed at University and beyond.
- PCs, individual quiet study spaces and group study rooms at each campus library
- After hours facilities at most campus libraries
- Printing, copying and scanning facilities, wireless printing facilities
- Support services for students registered with ACU as having print disabilities
Our professional staff can assist students in person at your nearest campus library or online via our 24/7 Ask Your Librarian service. Staff from ACU IT and Academic Skills are also rostered at each campus Library to assist students. For more information on the Library's services, resources, facilities, Leap into Learning, and opening hours 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 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 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 events via CareerHub. In addition, the Student Jobs on Campus program offers students meaningful employment opportunities across ACU 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 CareerHub.
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 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 health 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 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 Adviser, visit Disability Services.
Student Enrichment Unit
The Student Enrichment Unit seeks to develop a rich, enjoyable and diverse campus culture that engages students, staff and the wider community in a vibrant and dynamic campus life, initiatives include:
- Student Development provides opportunities for students to develop their graduate attributes through leadership development. Student development 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 Association.
- Student Enrichment 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
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.
- Membership of the Golden Key International Society provides students with leadership competencies and skills that contribute to their development as active and global citizens.
- Early 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.
- ACU Student Choirs on the Brisbane, Canberra, North Sydney, Strathfield, Melbourne and Ballarat campuses which have organised events such as rehearsals, performances and annual Masterclasses to Sydney and Rome.
For further information about the Office of Student Success, visit ACU Student Experience - Support Services website.
The Directorate of Identity and Mission has as its' 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Working in collaboration with the PVC (Engagement), the Directorate supports 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: 2017-10-24
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/1281356
Page last updated: 2017-10-24
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/1281356