How do I? - ecu.edu.au · Your Journey. StartGuide. Virtual Information Pack. Fees. SSAF. Your ECU Account. Your ECU ID Card. Advanced Standing. SIMO. Enrolment. Blackboard. Timetable.

How do I?

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production. The information is subject to change from time to time and theUniversity reserves the right to add, vary or discontinue courses and impose limitations on enrolment in any course. The publication constitutes an expression of intent and is not to be taken as a firm offer or understanding.CRICOS IPC00279B 1

The Student Guide to ECU Melbourne

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people and their custodianship of the land on which we gather today.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production. The information is subject to change from time to time and theUniversity reserves the right to add, vary or discontinue courses and impose limitations on enrolment in any course. The publication constitutes an expression of intent and is not to be taken as a firm offer or understanding.CRICOS IPC00279B 2

Welcome to ECU MelbourneYou’re joining Australia’s most satisfied public university students.Congratulations, you have made the right decision to study at Edith Cowan University (ECU). I am sure you’re going to have a great time here at ECU because we provide the ideal learning environment for ourstudents.

ECU courses are developed in consultation with industry, and our exceptional teaching staff have the industry experience and networks to benefit you. That’s why, as an ECU student, you can expect access to placement opportunities, fieldwork, practicums and networking events as part of your studies.

This approach has been rewarded with five-star ratings for teaching quality over the past seven years, along with consistently high ratings for graduate satisfaction and generic skills, as reported in the Good Universities Guide.

3

ECU & VIT: Partners on locationVIT is our partner in deliveringa quality educational experience to you.

Facilities:Like the library, student lounge and quiet studyzones

Technology:Like the wi-fi and IT support

Academic Support:Such as learning advisors, counsellors and thelibrarian

As ECU students,you will come to ECU only for:

• Academic Matters• Fees information• Visa Support• Enrolment Support• Matters pertaining to marks & exams• Issues regarding yourstudy

VIT will deliver the on location service, but an online service is also available from ECU for:

• Academic Learning Support• Library Support• CareersAdvice• Academic Instruction

Welcome to ECU

5

Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Arshad Omari

Executive Dean of Business and Law, Professor Maryam Omari

Executive Dean of Science, Professor Andrew Woodward

Academic Director (National Programs) Dr Nathalie Collins

Academic Coordinator (National Programs) Dr Jenny Katis

Your Journey

Start Guide

Virtual Information

Pack

Fees SSAF

Your ECU Account

Your ECU ID Card

Advanced Standing

SIMO Enrolment Blackboard Timetable

Results & Appeals

Library Services

Learning Advice

LocationMap Amenities Accommodation Homestay

Enquiries

After Hours Access

Careers Services StudySpaces

Overseas Health Cover

Medical Services

Counselling Services

Equity & Disability

Student Charter StudentGuild Visa

Conditions

Academic Life

Help Guide

Non Academic

Life

Tax in Australia

Cultural Transition

What isTax?

Tax Return

Tax Rates SuperannuationCash in Hand Tax File Number

Tax Help

Exams

Important Dates

IT Support

FaithSupport

Misconduct

Complaints

English Language Support

Wireless Network

Study and Enrolment

StudentConnect

6

Virtual Information Pack What is this?The Virtual Information Pack (VIP) is the online page where you:

• Respond to your offer• Activate your email

account• Find out what your

course units will be• Get your checklist for

next steps after enrolment

When do I use this?Access this after you receive your offer.

If I need help who do I contact?Off Campus Support via Ask Us

Web: ecu.edu.au/new-students/virtual-information-pack

7

Start Guide

Cultural TransitionWhat is this?Adapting to changes in physical location, language, customs and/or culture which can be stressful.

How do I navigate transition?• Knowing yourself and the new situation• Take care of yourself and your wellbeing• Acknowledge difficulties, but focus on the positives (understand that it’s normal)

What can I do?• Talk to others- Student Connect- Fellow students - Academic staff- Other support services - Friends & family• Become involved- Student activities- Volunteering and mentoring• Be informed/get information- Student requirements- University processes- Important dates as per the Student Portal

8

Start Guide

EnquiriesWhat do I do if I have a question?First, search for keywords on Ask Us – a knowledge base of FAQs.

If you can’t find the answer, contact Off Campus Support by one of the following ways:1. Chat in real time to a

staff member via the “Chat to Us” tab on Ask Us.

2. Via the “Ask a Question” tab on Ask Us. Ensure the subject field is related to your question.

3. Send an email to [email protected]

9

Web: askus.ecu.edu.au/

Start Guide

Your ECU AccountWhat is this?Once you’ve accepted your offer you’ll be provided with your ECU LoginID, which gives you access to a range of services and resources that support your studies including Blackboard, the Student Portal and MyECU – your Student email account.When do I use this?During semester.

If I need help who do I contact?Phone: 134 328

Off Campus Support via Ask Us

10

Web: portal.ecu.edu.au

Start Guide

Your ECU EmailWhat is this?All students are provided with an ECU student email account. It is important to check your student email regularly as the University will send you important information such as re-enrolments dates, assessments, exams, cut-off dates and fees invoices.

How do I access this?Click on the ‘My ECU Email’ link in the left hand side menu in the Student Portal. You can then login using your student email address ([email protected]) and ECU password.

11

Web: webmail.student.ecu.edu.au

Start Guide

What is this?Your ID card provides a form of identification to use within the university and gives you access to a variety of services and discounts for student.Your photo will be taken by VIT staff and sent to ECU to produce the card. VIT will distribute the cards once received.

When do I use this?During semester and exams.

If I need help who do I contact?Front desk staff will be able to assist

Your ECU ID Card

12

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/support/it-services/getting-connected/student-id-cards

Start Guide

Important DatesWhat is this?All the important dates you will need to know during semester.

Academic Calendar When classes start and finish.

Academic Penalty Dates Withdrawal after this date will result in a withdrawn fail (WF).

13

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/dates-and-events/home

Start Guide

What is this?Advanced standing allows you to reduce the number of units you need to study to be awarded your ECU qualification. If you have previously studied, you may be eligible. You should apply for this as soon as possible after offer acceptance.

How do I know if I am eligible?Check our Advanced Standing Database.

How do I apply?After you have accepted your offer and paid your fees, you must apply via the online Application for Advanced Standing form.

Advanced Standing

14

Web: apps.wcms.ecu.edu.au/advanced-standing/overviewapps.wcms.ecu.edu.au/advanced-standing/course-search

Start Guide

FeesHow much do I need to pay?The indicative semester fee and total fee is located on your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment.

When do I need to pay my fees?Fees are payable each Semester. Your invoice is provided online via SIMO after you enrol into your units and will tell you when to pay your fees by.

How do I pay?There are a variety of ways to pay your fees including Online Payment, BPAY, and telephone payment. 15

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/money-matters/feesapps.ecu.edu.au/fees-calculator

Start Guide

Start Guide SSAFWhat is this?The Student Services and Amenities (SSAF) fee is allocated to the provision of services and amenities including counselling and careers advice.

Your SSAF must be paid in addition to your tuition fees.

How do I pay?There are a variety of ways to pay your fees including Online Payment, BPAY, and telephone payment.

16

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/money-matters/student-service-amenities-fee

SIMOAcademic Life

What is this?This is where you can: Enrol in units before the

start of each semester See your class and

exam timetables View your results Confirm your personal

details

How do I access this?You first access SIMO when you complete the VIP and use it to enrol in your first semester units. You can then login to SIMO through the login links on the left hand side of the Student Portal.

If I need help who do I contact?Off Campus Support via Ask Us 17

Web: simo.ecu.edu.au

EnrolmentAcademic Life

What is this?You are required to enrol in your units for each semester.

How do I enrol?You need to login to SIMO, select ‘Enrol Online’ and follow the prompts.

If I need help who do I contact?Off Campus Support via Ask Us

18

Web: simo.ecu.edu.au

BlackboardAcademic Life

What is this?Blackboard is the online learning environment where you can access unit specific information, communication from your lecturer about the unit as well as forums. Each unit uses Blackboard in different ways depending on the lecturer’s preferences.

How do I access this?You can access Blackboard from the links on the left hand menu in the Student Portal.

If I need help who do I contact?Off Campus Support via Ask Us 19

Web: blackboard.ecu.edu.au

TimetableAcademic Lifee

What is this?Your unit timetable tells you which classes you have on and where. You can draft your timetable before enrolling by using our Semester Timetable app.

How do I see my own Timetable?Visit the ECU Melbourne and Sydney Timetable site to view your study timetable and exam locations.

If I need help who do I contact?ECU Melbourne and Sydney Enquiry Desk

20

Web: ecu.edu.au/courses/ecu-melbourne-ecu-sydney/

ExaminationsAcademic Life

How do I found out when my exams are?Exam schedules will be available under the “Exam Timetable” tab in SIMO approximately six weeks before the examinational period.

What happens if I can’t attend an exam?You may apply for a deferred exam. Please note, deferred exams are only granted in certain circumstances.

If I need help who do I call?Off Campus Support via Ask Us

21

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/my-studies/exams-and-resultsaskus.ecu.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/803

Melbourne

Exam Room

Melbourne

Exam Room

Results and AppealsAcademic Life

How do I find out my semester results?Your results will be released on SIMO approximately 4 weeks after the examination period.

How do I make an appeal?If you wish to appeal a unit result or course status, you have the right to submit an appeal within 20 business days of the result being released.

If I need help who do I call?Off Campus Support via Ask Us

22

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/my-studies/exams-and-results/results

Library ServicesAcademicLife

What is this?A variety of services and resources, including support sessions and private consultation with a librarian.

What can I get help with?• Academic and

scholarly resources• Assistance with finding

information• Referencing• Training in Information

Skills

es/overview

Useful Links

23

State Library University Libraries

Learning AdviceAcademicLife

What is this?Learning consultants can assist you with developing your study skills and can answer many questions regarding your studies.

What can I get help with?• Managing and

organising your studies

• Referencing

How do I get help? You can register for an individual appointment,one hour group sessions or workshops through reception or by emailing [email protected]

In 2018,Studiosity is your free, 24/7, online lifesaver.

Find itatblackboard.ecu.edu.au

Help is always available

24

You get FREE expert help after hours, with Accounting | Economics | English skills and writing | Maths | Referencing | Report Writing | Research | Statistics | And more

English Language SupportAcademicLife

What is this? Individual appointments with a qualified EnglishLanguage teacher to assistyou with English LanguageProficiency.

What can I get help with?• Academic writing• Vocabulary and

grammar improvements• Accessing reliable

sources• Understanding

plagiarism

How do I get help? You can book an appointment through reception or by [email protected]

25

MisconductAcademicLife

What is this?ECU regards any form of academic or general misconduct as unacceptable. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:• Plagiarism;• Unauthorised

collaboration;• Cheating in

assessments; and/or• Theft of another

students’ work General misconduct includes, but is not limited to:• Breaches the University

Act, Statutes, Rules and/or By-laws

• Constitutes a serious impediment to the University 26

Web: ecu.edu.au/centres/strategic-and-governance-services/our-services/policy-and-legislation/university-statutes-rules-and-by-laws

Location Map

Address: 235 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000,Australia

Non Academic

Life

27

Amenities Map

Address: 235 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000,Australia

Non Academic

Life

28

AccommodationWhat if I need somewhere to stay? If you are looking for accommodation inMelbourne, you may like to visit OZiHOUSE Group. This is an International Student Hostel located in South Yarra.

Non Academic

Life

Web: visitvictoria.com/regions/Melbourne/Accommodation/Backpackers-and-hostels/OZiHOUSE-Group.aspx

29

HomestayWhat is this? Homestay is another alternative style of accommodation. Students selecting Homestay will live in an environment inwhich they can study and have access to the Australian way of life through interaction with another family or individual.

I am interested, what do you do next?Visit homestaynetwork.org/ and select students.

Non Academic

Life

30

After Hours AccessWhat is this?You may need to access the building after it has closed for the day.

What if I need access even later?Please call after hours Security on +61 408 306 795 to let you in.

What do I do if I amfeeling unsafe?Call security immediately.

Non Academic

Life

31

Careers ServiceWhat is this?Careers Advisers can assistwith:• Career Development• Self-awareness• Job Search• Networking• Values of internships,

graduate programs and vacation programs

How do I access this? Keep an eye out for Careers Days around the time your classes are on.

JOIN LINKED IN AND THE MELBOURNE OR SYDNEY ECU GROUPFor a direct line to career opportunities and to message the Academic Director

Non Academic

Life

32

Study Spaces

33

What study spaces are available to me?Level 6, 118 Queen Street:Room 601: Classroom andComputer LabRoom 602 – Classroom Room 604b – Group Work Room/Academic Offices Student Lounge – 123 Queen Street

What if I want a private study room for my group? You can book a meeting room at 123 Queen Street by emailing [email protected]

What if I want a quietstudy space?You can use the Quiet Study Zone in Level 6, 118 Queen Street

Non Academic

Life

IT SupportWhat is this?A range of IT relatedservices including assisting with computer and network problems.

Who do I contact if I am having trouble connecting to the ECU network?ECU IT Service Desk: [email protected]+61 8 6304 6000

Who do I contact if I am having computer lab issues?Contact VIT IT Support from the front desk orEmail: [email protected]: (03) 9670 7848

Non Academic

Life

34

Wireless Network

What is this?Wireless connection will be vital to access the internet and materials for your units.

ECU students must use the VPN as these are unsecured networks.

How do I access this? Signs on the wall give the channel name and password

If I need help who do Icontact?Contact Student Services Email: [email protected] Phone: (03) 9670 7848

Non Academic

Life

35

ComplaintsWhat is this? Concerns that you may have about your experience at ECU will very often be resolvedsimply in discussionwith staff. If you have a complaint about ECU’s service or administrative practices you are welcome to discuss your concerns with a relevant member of staff involved in the service delivery or administration.

What is my issue still isn’t resolved?You can lodge a FormalComplaint Form.

Web: ecu.edu.au/centres/office-of-governance-services/our-services/student-complaints

Non Academic

Life

36

Overseas Health CoverHelp Guide

What is this?OSHC is mandatory insurance to assist with meeting the costs of medical and hospital care. Medibank is ECU’s preferred provider.

How do I get my OSHC card?Contact your provider.

How do I make a claim? You should attend a GP that direct bills your provider. You can contact your provider for this.

Picture??

Web: health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/overseas+student+health+cover+faq-1

37

Medical ServicesHelp Guide

38

What should I do if I require first aid whileon location?Let a staff member know as soon as possible.They will contact a first aid officer.

Contact Details: Damien Donehue and Richard O’Connor Phone: (03) 9670 7848Mobile: +61 449 800 676

What do I do if I need to visit a doctor?Please contact your OSHC insurance provider to book an appointment with a GP.

Counselling ServicesHelp Guide

What is this?The Counselling Service is a free and confidential service which provides professional, short-term, counselling to students.

What are some things I can talk about?• Balancing study, life and

work• Time management• CulturalAdjustment• Anxiety & Depression• Relationship problems• Difficulty studying

If I need help who do I contact?Book an appointmentby visiting reception or by [email protected] 39

Equity and DisabilityHelp Guide

an officer via phone/email 40

What is this?The Equity, Diversity and Disability Service (EDDS) provides a free, confidential service for students with a disability or medical condition, either permanent or temporary. EDDS also caters for students who are carers for a family member with a disability or medical condition. You can get help reading materials in alternative formats, alternative exam conditions and other support as required.

If I need help who do I contact?Make an appointment with

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/support/student-equity

Faith SupportHelp Guide

41

What is this?You, your faith, and your traditions are valued and respected as a member of ECU’s dynamic, multicultural and multifaith community.

Below are some places around Melbourne you might like tovisit:

Islam and MuslimBilal Mosque – Collins StreetMelbourne Madinah – 359 Exhibition Street Mosque ICV – Jeffcott Place

SikhSri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha – 127 Whitehorse Road,Blackburn

ChristianCrossCulture Church of Christ – 194 Little LonsdaleStreet Uniting Church ofAustralia – 130 Little Collins Street

CatholicCatholicArchdiocese of Melbourne – 486Albert Street

Student CharterHelp Guide

42

What is this?The University is pledged to providing all students with equal opportunities, and embraces its statutory obligations to guarantee an environment free of racial, sexual, religious, cultural and physical discrimination.In addition, the University is committed to the values of integrity, respect, rational inquiry and personal excellence, and the Student Charter is informed by these values. It sets out the standardsof provision which students are expected to assume as members of the University.

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/my-studies/rules-and-policies/student-charter

Student ConnectHelp Guide

au 43

What is this?At times you may find that you require additional advice and support to negotiate university life.Student Connect Officers can assist with• Ongoing support to

enhance study progress, health and wellbeing

• Referrals to specialistsupport services

• Investigate alternative study options

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) extensions

How do I contact them? Via Ask Us or [email protected].

Web: intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/support/student-connect

Student GuildHelp Guide

What is this?The Student Guild is run by students for students. They ensure that UniversityAdministration is aware of student concerns and issues.

What can they help with?• Guidance throughan

appeal process• Help resolve

grievances• Support you if accused

of academic misconduct

How do I contact them? Visit ecuguild.org.au/contact and complete the web

Web: ecuguild.org.au

form 44

Visa ConditionsHelp Guide

45

• 40 hour per fortnight work limitation

• Maintain registered course enrolment including satisfactory courseprogress

• Must have sufficient funds for study and living costs

• Maintain health insurance (OSHC)

• Maintain schooling for independentchildren

• Notify ECU of change of address within 7 days

Study and EnrolmentHelp Guide

46

• Course complete with your CoE timeframe

• Reduced study loads must be approved by a Student ConnectOfficer

• You may enrol in online units if:

- You enrol in at least one on-campus unit per semester

- Your online units do not exceed 25% of the remaining total credit points required for your

course completion

• To calculate the amount of online units you can study:

- Eg. Total course credit points = 360

- 25% of 360 = 90 credit points can be studiedonline

What is Tax?Tax inAustralia

47

Tax is the money that governments collect from people and businessesto pay for services to the

community eg. hospitals, schools and roads.

In Australia, everyone pays their fair share of tax, individuals andbusiness.

As an Australiaresident:

- you must declare all income you earned anywhere in the world on your tax return

- you’re entitled to the tax-free threshold – this means there is no tax on your income up to a

$18,200- you'll generally pay the Medicare levy.

- the more money you earn the more tax youpay

Australian residents with a tax file number generally pay a lower rate of tax than foreign residents.

Tax RatesTax in Australia

48

These rates apply to individuals who areAustralian residents for tax purposes.

These rates are for the 2017-18 year and apply from 1 July2017

Taxable income0 – $18,200

$18,201 – $37,000

$37,001 – $87,000

$87,001 – $180,000

$180,001 and over

Tax on this incomeNil

19c for each $1 over $18,200

$3,572 plus 32.5c for each $1 over$37,000

$19,822 plus 37c for each $1 over $87,000

$54,232 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

The above rates do not include the:

• Medicare levy of 2%

• Temporary Budget Repair Levy; this levy is payable at a rate of 2% for taxable incomes over

$180,000.

Cash in Hand

When people of businesses deliberately hide income to avoid paying tax it’s called the cash and hidden

economy and it’s not fair. When transactions go unrecorded it means there are less funds for important

community services.

If you are paid wages in cash, this couldmean:

• You are being paid less than the correct award wages

• You could end up with a large tax bill because your employer has not taken tax out of yourpay

• You may be missing out on being paid super

• You may not be covered by workers compensation insurance

If you are being paid your wages in cash, you should:

• Declare the cash as income when you lodge your tax return

• Still receive a pay slip showing all of your earnings and the amount of tax takenout• Receive a payment summary at the end of the year which sets out your full earnings of the yearand

how much tax has been deducted

• Check with your employer that you are receiving super contributions49

Tax in Australia

Superannuation

Superannuation or “Super” is money you set aside during your working life to provide an income to live

on when you retire from work. You must leave your super in a super fund until you either read a

minimum age or meet strict requirements set by thegovernment.

Super is important for you because the more super you accumulate during your working life, the higher

your standard of living will be in retirement. In general, most Australians would like to have a higher

income in retirement than that offered by the government age pension. Over time, the age pension will

provide a basic safety net for older Australians, which will be supplemented or even replaced by the

income generated from their superannuation.

50

Tax in Australia

Tax File Number

• If you start earning money, you will need a tax file number (TFN), a unique number issued bythe

Australia Taxation Office (ATO) to identify you for tax purposes. You will need this to:

- To lodge your tax return

- To apply for Centrelink payments while you study or look for work

- To ensure you pay the correct amount of tax.

In Australia, when you earn any income from salary or wages (or other sources), you are required to pay

tax on this income. Once Australian residents earn over a certain amount in a given year (the “tax-freethreshold”, currently $18,200), their employer is obliged to take, or “withhold” this tax out of theirpay

and send this to the Tax Office regularly.

When this happens, your TFN is used to record how much you’ve earned, and how much tax your

employer has taken from your pay, to ensure that you pay the correct amount of tax. You don’t haveto

have a TFN, but if you don’t give your employer your TFN within 28 days of starting a job then theymay

have to withhold 49% of your pay as tax, and this means you are paying too much!

51

Tax in Australia

Tax File Number

You can get your TFN is by completing an online application form and taking this toyour nearest

participating Australia Post outlet.

You can apply for a TFN through a free service by theAustralia Post if you:

• are anAustralian resident (for tax purposes)

• can attend an interview at a participatingAustralia Post outlet, and

• can present your identity documents at the interview.

If you're unable to use theAustralia Post service you can apply in person at an Australian Taxation

Office shopfront or you can apply bypost.

If you are not anAustralian resident but have either:

• a valid permanent migrant visa

• a valid overseas student visa, or

• a valid visa allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitelythen there is a separate online application form. Just go to the Tax Office web-site as well go to

ab.gov.au/TFN. If you need more information, visit your nearest ATO shopfront, phone 13 28 61 or the

Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.52

Tax in Australia

Tax File Number

Your TFN is an important part of confirming your identity. Keep it secure – in the wrong hands, itcould

be used to commit fraud.

Only some people and organisations can ask for your TFN. The most common are:Employers: after you commence work so that they can withhold the correct amount of tax fromyour

pay.

Universities will need your TFN if you want to apply for a higher education loan to defer yourfees.

Centrelink require your TFN if you want to apply for government benefits while you look forwork.Banks may ask for your TFN when you open an account so they don’t have to take extra tax out of the

interest you earn on your savings.

Super funds: Your employer may need to pay contributions to a superannuation fund on your behalf,

quoting your TFN to the superannuation fund. Your super fund will also need your TFN if you wantto

make personal contributions into your fund.

Tax agents: If you use a tax agent to prepare your tax return then they will need yourTFN.If you think your TFN has been lost, stolen or accessed by an unauthorised third party, contact

theATO as soon as possible, on 1800 467 033 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.53

Tax in Australia

Tax Return

If you had tax taken from any income you received during the financial year, you will need to lodge a tax

return. A tax return is the document used to inform the Tax Office how much income you earned and any

tax deductions or tax offsets you are claiming for the financial year. The financial year ends on the 30th

of June and, unless you are using a tax agent, you have until the 31st of October to lodge your return.

Options available for you to lodge your tax returnare:

• online using myTax• free help with a Tax Help Volunteer, or

• Registered TaxAgent

To lodge your tax return you will need the following information:

• details of any income you earned in the last financialyear

• details of any deductions you are eligible to claim

You can look at the ATO web-site for some examples of the types of things you can claim for.

54

Tax in Australia

Tax Help

If you need help with tax in Australia, youcan connect with the tax office:

Personal tax enquiries 13 2861

Translating and Interpreting Service 13 14 50

ato.gov.au/otherlanguages

Tax in Australia

55

ECUjourney

edithcowanuni

edithcowanuniversity

ECUgetready.com.au

56