Please be sure to check your student portal in case there have been any late changes to these dates.
Student Code of Conduct
The conduct of all students at SI is expected to reflect SI’s core values.
Academic excellence
Students must respect the principle of academic freedom and free and open intellectual inquiry, for themselves, fellow students and staff.
Students must have a profound respect for the truth and academic honesty in their approach to their study. Cheating, collusion, plagiarism, falsification of research is expressly forbidden and penalties under the Misconduct Policy will apply to students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty.
Students are expected to participate in good faith and to the best of their ability in their education.
Inclusion and equity
Discriminatory behaviour or language of any kind is not acceptable. Students must never engage in discrimination against individuals or groups due to their race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, intersex or transgender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, religious or political beliefs, employment, age, physical appearance, disability or medical or mental health issues.
Students are expected to demonstrate respect for Australian Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures.
Students must never engage in violent or threatening behaviour to other students or staff, including verbal or physical.
Any instances of sexual harassment or assault are strictly forbidden and will be addressed as per the Sexual Harassment and Assault Policy.
Global citizenship and partnership
As a condition of enrolment students must have respect for SI property and resources.
The use of IT resources is subject to the IT Resources and Online Conduct Policy. The use of SI’s internet provision for illegal activity, downloading copyrighted materials or pornography or objectionable material is strictly forbidden.
Students are expected to behave with professionalism and respect in their interactions with SI staff, academics, fellow students, visitors, and any potential external SI partners, such as those engaged for work-integrated learning activities.
Students are expected to abide by all SI policies and procedures applicable to them as published on the SI website and to seek clarification where necessary.
Lifelong learning
Students should seek further advice on program requirements and assessment activities wherever necessary and ensure they are aware of what is required of them to progress through a program of study.
Students are expected to take constructive criticism on their work from teaching staff in the spirit of learning and teaching that is intended.
Students are invited to contribute to the teaching feedback process for continual improvement of SI programs and to engage in the teaching feedback process in good faith.
Ethical leadership
Students are expected to read and understand all official notices and communications to them, to seek clarification wherever necessary, and to attend to all administrative processes required of them, including informing SI whenever their situation changes.
Students must respect other students’ abilities to participate fully in their education, including by valuing and respecting a multiplicity of perspectives and viewpoints in an academic environment that cultivates learning and teaching.
Students are expected to notify SI of any breaches of this student code of conduct that they witness or are a party to.
SI Policies and Procedures
All policies and procedures
All policies and procedures are available at all times through the SI website. This includes policies that establish the culture and values, administrative procedures, and academic processes at SI.
As policies are updated from time to time, it is strongly recommended you go to the SI website to review the latest policies that directly affect you, such as:
Change of Enrolment
After enrolling, students may modify their program by withdrawing from a subject, enrolling in an additional subject, or changing the semester in which they commence a subject. This can be done through the online student portal, or through Student Administration.
Students are advised to change their enrolment before the program administrative date in order to avoid being charged a fee for late changes to their enrolment.
Program Withdrawal
Students who wish to withdraw from a program at SI are strongly encouraged to speak with the academic staff and/or a relevant student support officer in order to discuss their reason for withdrawal and future plans. Students may apply to Student Administration to withdraw from their program.
Students are not guaranteed a place in the program from which they have withdrawn. If they wish to be re-admitted in future, they must go through the program application and admissions process.
For international students, SI will only grant program deferrals and leaves of absence and impose temporary suspensions on serious grounds such as:
SI recognises its obligation to report any changes to the enrolment details of an international student through the Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS) system.
Tuition fee refunds
Refunds will be returned to the account debited for program fees unless the student requests otherwise. In order to claim a refund, students must complete and submit a request through student support/administrative staff.
In order for a student to be eligible for a subject change refund, or program withdrawal or deferral refund:
- The student must change their enrolment prior to the Program Census date
- Refunds will only be granted upon provision of evidence of special circumstances if the enrolment was changed after the Program Census date.
In the event that a student has incurred fees due to an administrative error, they will be refunded 100% of the fees deducted.
In the event that a program has been discontinued by SI, students will be refunded in line with the measures detailed in the Program Discontinuation Policy.
In the event that students are entitled to a refund due to administrative error or program discontinuance, the student will be refunded automatically and is not required to submit a request.
Complaints and Appeals
All students have the right to make complaints and appeal decisions made by SI or a SI employee at no financial or academic cost to the student. If you are unhappy with a decision that has been made about an aspect of your enrolment, you may lodge a formal complaint or appeal that will be investigated further, including aspects provided by a third party or contractor.
A student may submit a formal complaint to Student Administration. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing, detailing the issue and attaching any relevant evidence.
On receipt of a formal complaint, an investigating officer will carry out an investigation into the matter. The parties involved may be asked to attend a meeting or hearing, and if so, will be given 14 days’ notice.
The decision and rationale behind it will be communicated in writing, along with information about further avenues through which you can pursue the matter if you choose to do so.
An appeal against a decision should be submitted within 30 days of the date of the decision.
Students may elect to pursue the matter externally. For more information, refer to the Student Complaints and Appeals Policy.
Student Safety
Safety on campus
All students have the right to a safe, supportive, and fair higher education learning environment.
SI works to ensure that the campus is safe and secure at all times through the following measures:
- Physical spaces are monitored to ensure that hazards to safety and wellbeing are monitored as per the Work Health and Safety Policy. This includes ensuring that spaces are well-lit at all hours
- CCTV will be in use at the front entrance
- All staff are trained in responding to injury, illness, and emergencies
- SI has clear emergency response procedures as per the Critical Incident Response Policy
- Details of emergency plans including evacuation and emergency contact numbers are prominently displayed around campus
- All staff and students on campus take part in periodic evacuation and emergency drills.
On-campus security
On-campus security is available to assist you at all times during business hours.
Emergencies
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) – Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade.
An emergency includes:
- any suspected offence in progress, being witnessed or just committed
- any situation where life or injury is threatened
- motor vehicle accident where persons are injured
- air, rail or water accident
- any event which might cause danger to persons or property
- explosion or bomb incident/threat
- a disturbance or breach of the peace, for example, domestic violence incident or anti-social behaviour.
For 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Online safety
SI will ensure that student online safety, security, and wellbeing is protected as per the IT Resources and Online Conduct Policy.
SI’s IT systems are designed to protect student safety and confidentiality.
SI’s strict online conduct rules ensure that the learning environment remains safe and secure for all students. As with the Student Code of Conduct, the responsible use of IT resources is a condition of your enrolment in higher education programs at SI.
SI has deemed the following to be inappropriate usage of the internet, and may impose disciplinary consequences upon those who commit the following whilst using SI’s internet:
- Gaining unauthorised access to accounts belonging to SI, or external organisations
- Sharing unique SI login details with others
- Peer to peer file-sharing; use of file-sharing programs such as Bittorrent or U-Torrent
- Illegal activity; conducting activities that have been deemed illegal through legislation
- Activity that, in addition to contravening Australian law, goes against SI values, codes of conduct, and policies
- Viewing or downloading pornography
- Playing games (unless the game is part of a student’s program progression).
For more information see the SI IT Resources and Online Conduct Policy.
Sexual Harassment and Assault
SI acknowledges that the high prevalence of sexual harassment and assault in higher education settings in Australia needs to be proactively addressed in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. SI implements a range of measures to create conditions in which the likelihood of sexual harassment and assault occurring is reduced.
SI has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and assault by students or staff. No matter where an incident occurs, SI considers it a serious contravention of the Student Code of Conduct.
The following actions constitute harassment and sexual assault (crimes under Australian and New South Wales law) and will not be tolerated at SI:
- Any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour, which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated, including:
- staring or leering
- unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against you or unwelcome touching
- suggestive comments or jokes
- insults or taunts of a sexual nature
- intrusive questions or statements about your private life
- displaying posters, magazines or screensavers of a sexual nature
- sending sexually explicit emails or text messages
- inappropriate advances on social networking sites
- accessing sexually explicit internet sites
- requests for sex or repeated unwanted requests to go out on dates
- behaviour that may also be considered to be an offence under criminal law, such as physical assault, indecent exposure, sexual assault, stalking or obscene communications.
- Forcing, coercing or tricking someone into sexual acts against their will or without their consent
- Exposing a child or young person under 18 to sexual activities.
For more information see the SI Sexual Harassment and Assault Policy.
Learning and Teaching resources
Academic staff
SI’s academic staff are the best source of support you will have during your studies. They are highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated to your academic success.
Academic staff will be available for a minimum of two office hours per week to student consultations, allowing students to discuss any concerns they may have regarding their studies and progression. Additionally, students are permitted to utilise academic staff email addresses.
Academic Skills Advisor
The Academic Skills Advisor coordinates academic support services, including group workshops and one-on-one consultation (see ‘Student Support Services’ section below).
Library
The SI library contains digital and hard copies of all the required and recommended readings for programs.
All staff and students with valid SI staff or student identification will be permitted to use and borrow items. Access to library and information resources will be free of charge.
Borrowing limitations are:
- One library loan spans 14 days, with the option to renew
- Late fees apply if library loans are not returned
- Students cannot borrow more than five items at a time
- Staff cannot borrow more than ten items at a time.
Computer labs
SI’s computer laboratories are available for use for subjects within programs with IT practical components. They may also be accessed by students outside of class times. The computer labs are equipped with all software required to undertake your program.
Classrooms additionally include a projector for presentations.
Student Portal
The student portal, accessible only by current students, includes the following information at a minimum:
- Assessment and examination information
- Program details
- Program timetables
- Enrolment tools
- Contact information for staff
- Fee and invoice information for students
- Information about accessing academic and wellbeing support services
- Accessing the learning management system and library resources.
Learning Management System (LMS)
The Learning Management System is an essential resource for all students at SI. You will have a unique login that enables you to access program forums and e-learning materials. The LMS is:
- Available for use by students at all times, with reasonable exceptions for maintenance
- Designed for maximum accessibility in accordance with best practice for web content
- Regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance of information.
Student Support
Academic language and learning
Academic language and learning support services at SI are tailored to each student cohort and specific disciplines.
Academic language support services address using English for academic purposes, for example, essay writing, report writing, editing and proof-reading skills.
Academic learning support services cover topics such as note taking, time management, and exam preparation.
The Academic Skills Advisor is responsible for organising these support services. The Academic Skills Advisor organises and is available for:
- Workshops
- Seminars
- One-on-one consultations.
Workshops and seminars will be open to all students. In order to book a one-on-one consultation, contact Student Administration for assistance.
Special consideration
SI will grant special consideration to students who have experienced extenuating circumstances such as:
- Medical conditions
- Severe and sudden change of domestic circumstances
- Emotional trauma and loss
- Falling victim to crime
- Legal duties
- Misadventure
Non-Academic
SI provides non-academic support services including:
- Free on-campus counselling for all students
- Advice and support regarding day-to-day and administrative matters
- One-on-one consultations and counselling sessions.
The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Officer is responsible for organising these support services.
The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Officer organises and is available for:
Seminars
One-on-one consultations and counselling sessions.
Additionally, SI student support staff will be able to refer students to external non-academic support services.
Student administration
Student administration staff are available to provide support and referrals to internal and external support services. They are equipped to answer your enquiries and assist you in booking sessions with the Academic Skills Advisor or counsellor. If they do not know the answer to your question, they will find someone who does.
Student administration will be available at all times during business hours at:
- Address: Level 3, 695-699 George Street Sydney NSW 2000
- Phone: + 612 8098 1288
Accessibility
SI has measures in place to ensure that all students have full and comprehensive access to all aspects of program delivery and associated activities at SI, including online activities. Both academic and non-academic support services will be fully accessible to all students.
SI’s infrastructure is designed to ensure accessibility, and reasonable adjustments will be granted to students as required. This will ensure full accessibility for students with disabilities.
Accessibility is embedded in various policies, including the Disability Support Policy, IT Resources and Online Conduct Policy, Library and Information Resources Policy, and Information for Students Policy.
Student Participation in Decision-making
SI reserves at least one place on its Academic Board for student representatives. Student perspectives are critical in the decisions made for SI. The Academic Board plays a highly important role in maintaining the quality of the education that students receive across all aspects of every program offered, as well as the student experience more broadly – from study support, staffing levels, library and IT resources and infrastructure, through to the policies that create a learning environment that allows you to participate fully in your education with SI. Students must have a voice within these discussions and decisions.
Elections for student representative will be held at the start of each year for student representatives on the Academic Board. Any student enrolled in any program at SI is eligible to be nominated. Keep an eye on the Student Portal and communications through your SI email account for more information.
International student information
General information
International students seeking to study at SI must have a valid student visa granted by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).
Your student visa has conditions attached that relate to the amount of time you study and work. You are responsible for meeting the requirements of your student visa. If you should need any help, advice, or support, the SI staff will be able to assist you.
SI strongly encourages all international students to have enough money to live in Australia with minimal income (see the cost of living details below).
The information below will be available online, and will also be covered at the Orientation Program sessions for international students.
Overseas Student Health Cover
All international students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Costs may vary according to the length of time and the company from which you purchase coverage.
A great deal of information about OSHC, including how to purchase coverage, indicative costs, a list of providers, the rules for extent and type of coverage required and more can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Cost of living
Cost of living as a guideline is AUD$24,505 per year. This will vary according to personal preferences, choices and circumstances. With some research and adjustments, many students are able to enjoy their lives here within or below this budget. The Department of Home Affairs requires that international students provide evidence that students can afford to live in Australia before granting a student visa.
As per the Department of Home Affairs website, as of October 2019, the 12-month living costs are:
- student or guardian – AUD $21,041
- partner or spouse – AUD $7,362
- child – AUD $3,152.
This does not include travel costs or tuition fees.
The cost of living in Sydney varies according to your lifestyle. Below we have included general estimates of the costs. However, we highly recommend you do your own research on living costs for the area that you will be living in while you study. Check the Study Australia website for more information.
| Living need: |
Expense (AUD): |
| Start-up costs (e.g. bond and furniture) |
$1,500 |
| Rent (room in a share house) |
$95 to $215 per week |
| Rent (one bedroom unit) |
$185 to $440 per week |
| Utilities (gas, water, electricity) |
$10 to $20 per week |
| Public transport |
$30 to $60 per week |
| Phone and Internet |
$15 to $30 per week |
| Groceries and eating out |
$140 to $280 per week |
| Entertainment |
$80 to $150 per week |
Parents and guardians
Will you be accompanied by and responsible for a school-aged minor (between the ages of 5 and 18) at any point during your stay in Australia? If so, you are legally required to ensure that the minor attends school when they are in Australia.
School fees vary, so SI recommends that you undertake independent research on local schools before making the decision to move to Australia. Contact our support staff for assistance if necessary.
Work conditions
Check conditions and restrictions for work with the Department of Home Affairs.
Transport
Transport Info line 131 500 or check the Trip Planner or you can also use the bus Route Finder. An Opal Card will make travelling on buses, trains and ferries convenient and will include any discounts you may be entitled to.
ESOS Framework
Standard 2.1g of the National Code requires SI to provide important information for students regarding the ESOS framework.
Health Care
Find a health care provider close to you. Also see Medibank.
Social Activities and Events in Sydney
Enquiries
Our Student Administration staff are well-equipped to answer any enquiries you may have. Contact them at reception or through the following contact details:
Phone: +612 8098 1288
Campus: Level 3, 695-699 George Street Sydney NSW 2000
Enquiries may include:
- Guidance for administrative and enrolment processes, including submitting any kind of form or request
- Payment or refund of tuition fees
- Information about new student orientation programs
- Overseas Student Health Cover enquiries
- Contact details for academic or support staff
- Requests for referral to internal or external support services.
