Glossary of University Terms

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A

Academic dress

The components of dress all graduates are required to wear at a graduation ceremony. The academic dress of the University of South Australia is:

Doctor of Philosophy
Oxford style black gown with red facing on the front of the gown and around the sleeve cuffs. Black Oxford style hood, fully lined with red, and edged with gold. Black Tutor velvet bonnet with black tassel.

Professional Doctorates
Oxford style black gown faced with discipline colour (as per undergraduate degree) on front of gown and around sleeve cuffs. Black Oxford style hoods, lined with discipline colour, and edged with gold. Black Tudor velvet bonnet with black tassel.

Masters
Oxford style black gown. Black Oxford style hood, fully lined with blue, and edged with gold. Black mortarboard with black tassel.

Graduate Diplomas
Cambridge style black gown. Red stole with gold edging and two stripes.

Graduate Certificates
Cambridge style black gown. Blue stole with gold edging and one stripe.

Undergraduate Degrees
Cambridge style black gown. Black mortarboard with black tassel. Black Oxford style hood, fully lined, with discipline colour:

Discipline	Colour
Natural & Physical Sciences	Fuscia
Information Technology	Beige
Engineering and related technologies	Emerald Green
Architecture and Building	Silver
Agricultural, Environmental and related studies	Orange
Health Sciences	Red
Education	Violet
Management and Commerce	Burgundy
Society and Culture	Yellow
Creative Arts	Light Blue

Undergraduate Diplomas
Cambridge style black gown. Gold stole with blue edging.

Academic integrity

Academic Integrity has been defined as 'a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. From these values flow principles of behaviour that enable academic communities to translate ideals into action.' For more information see the UniSA Academic Integrity website.

Academic misconduct

For the purposes of UniSA policy, academic misconduct includes:

plagiarism
breaches of the examination procedures specified in Section 6 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual
presentation of data, with respect to laboratory work, field trips or other work, that has been copied, falsified, or in other ways obtained improperly
inclusion of material in individual work that has involved significant assistance from another person, where such assistance is not expressly permitted in the course information booklet
providing assistance to a student in the presentation of individual work, where such assistance is not expressly permitted in the course information booklet
falsification or misrepresentation of academic records
other actions that contravene the principles of academic integrity

For more information see Section 9 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Academic plan

An academic plan is the area of specialisation within an academic program. For example, Applied Geology within the Bachelor of Applied Science, or International Business within a Bachelor of Business.

Academic policies

Academic Policies provide a statement of the University's position on academic and student issues and the procedures to be followed when acting on these policies.

Academic review

At the end of each academic review period, the academic progress of each student is assessed using specific criteria to identify students who are making unsatisfactory progress. This is called 'academic review'.

Students are identified as 'making unsatisfactory progress' if they:

fail a course for the second time
fail courses in an academic review period, resulting in a grade point average for that period of less than 2.80
fail a practicum, field, or clinical placement, where that failure constitutes failure of the course

For more information see Section 10 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Academic review period

The academic review period is the group of study periods used to formally assess a student's academic progress. Usually this will occur mid-year for study periods 1, 2 and 3 (and 6 and/or 7 where applicable) and at the end of the year for study periods 4 and 5 (and 6 and/or 7 where applicable), depending on the dates final results are available. Divisions may approve the use of an alternate academic review period where applicable, for example for accelerated programs.

Accrediting body

A professional association which formally accredits programs within a particular discipline. In some cases it may be a statutory body which has been established for this purpose and has responsibility for administering the legislation which controls the registration and practice of the profession.

Articulation

Articulation is the specific design of education and training programs in ways which facilitate and maximise opportunities for credit transfer, and/or for students to proceed from one level of education/training to the next (not necessarily with credit).

Assessment

Assessment is a measurement of a student's skill and knowledge, both during a course and at the end of a course. Judgments are made about the extent to which a student has achieved course objectives and demonstrated Graduate Qualities. Assessment can take a variety of forms including written assignments, such as essays or reports, examinations, laboratory work, oral presentations, and practical assignments. Usually the lecturer or tutor will assess the work, but sometimes an aspect of the assessment requires a student to assess their own work (self-assessment) or the work of others (peer assessment).

Associate degree

An associate degree is a sub-degree award conferred following the satisfactory completion of an academic program normally of at least two years full-time duration.

Audit enrolment

Audit enrolment is a type of single course enrolment in which attendance at a course is for information only, with no assessment. Audit enrolment cannot be used to gain credit towards future enrolment in an award program.

Australian student

An Australian student is a student whose citizenship status is Australian, New Zealand, or permanent resident.

Award

An award is the qualification conferred upon a student following the successful completion of an academic program. The categories of award are: Diploma, Bachelor Degree, Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master Degree, Doctor of Philosophy, or Professional Doctorate, Higher Doctorate.

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B

Bachelor degree

A bachelor degree is an undergraduate award of three or more years of full-time study. It is the entry qualification for many professions.

Bad Financial Standing (BFS)

A student will acquire Bad Financial Standing (BFS) on their student record following non-payment of a University fee or charge in full by the due date. The impact of BFS can vary but will usually mean that results are withheld and that students are not permitted to re-enrol, obtain an academic transcript or graduate until payment of all outstanding debts is made in full.

For more information see the Student Fees Policy or contact Student Finance email: student_finance@unisa.edu.au.

Bilingual print dictionary

A Bilingual print dictionary is a dictionary that translates words or phrases from one language to another, without providing a definition of the word in either language. A bilingual dictionary can be either mono-directional, meaning it translates only from language A to language B, or it can be bi-directional, translating to and from both languages.

BUGE courses

Broadening Undergraduate Education (BUGE) courses are elective courses which provide students with an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills outside their main area of study. The course home page on the University website indicates whether or not a particular course is available as a BUGE.

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C

Campus

The University is located on five sites called campuses. These are: City West, City East, Mawson Lakes, Magill, and Whyalla. The Underdale campus was closed at the end of 2004.

Case study

A case study is an applied form of study involving an intensive, detailed description and analysis of a single project or program in the context of its environment. Case studies are common in the Business and Management disciplines.

Census date

The Census date is the key date within each Study Period by which a student's enrolment in a course and the financial obligations for that course must be finalised. It is the last day on which a student can withdraw from a course and have it deleted from their academic record.

Domestic students who withdraw on or before the census date do not incur tuition fees or student contribution amounts for that course. International and transnational students may incur fees for withdrawals as stated in their letter of offer.

The full cost of tuition fees and student contribution amounts is charged for all withdrawals made after the census date.

Chancellor's Letters of Commendation

The Chancellor's Letters of Commendation is awarded annually to students whose academic performance in a year of study in an undergraduate degree program has been outstanding. Receipt of a Chancellor's Letter of Commendation will be recorded on the student's academic transcript. For more information see the Coursework Scholarships and Prizes policy.

Clinical placement

Clinical placements provide students with direct education and valuable exposure to professional practice in both metropolitan and rural settings. They are a core element of many of the programs offered by the Division of Health Sciences. For more information see Clinical/Field Placement information for students website.

Cognate

A Cognate is a group of courses related in content. A student may be required to undertake a cognate to complete their program. See also 'Minor'.

Commencing student

A commencing student is a student who has been enrolled in a university for less than a certain period, usually one year.

Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF)

Students who are enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place, or who are requesting assistance under the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP), must complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF). Students must submit the required documentation on or prior to the census date of the Study Period they wish the support or assistance to commence from.

For more information see the Student Fees policy or contact Student Finance email: student_finance@unisa.edu.au.

Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)

A Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN) is issued to students who are Commonwealth supported and to students who have sought HELP assistance. It advises students of their current Student Learning Entitlement and any scholarship or HELP assistance consumed. Prior to 2004, the Commonwealth Assistance Notice was known as the HECS Liability or Audit Notice.

For more information see the Student Fees policy.

Commonwealth assisted student

Commonwealth assisted students are those who receive a Commonwealth loan via the HELP program, or a Commonwealth Learning Scholarship (CLS). Students must be Australian Citizens, or holders of a permanent humanitarian visa to be eligible for Commonwealth assistance. Holders of non-humanitarian permanent visas, and New Zealand Citizens, are not eligible for Commonwealth assistance but may be eligible as domestic students for a Commonwealth Supported Place.

For more information see the Student Fees policy.

Commonwealth contribution

Commonwealth contributions are contributions that the Commonwealth makes towards the cost of a student's education through the Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS).

Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN)

All students who take up a Commonwealth Supported Place are issued with a Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to track their access to learning entitlements and loans. The CHESSN will remain linked to the student for the duration of their academic study and afterward to manage the student's:

Student Learning Entitlement (SLE)
Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP)
Commonwealth Scholarships

Students can use their CHESSN to access information on their use of Commonwealth assistance by visiting the Going to Uni website at: www.goingtouni.gov.au.

Commonwealth Scholarships (CS)

In 2004, the Federal Government established the Commonwealth Scholarships program (previously named Commonwealth Learning Scholarships). The scholarships are available to Commonwealth assisted students. They are designed to assist students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those from rural and regional areas and Indigenous students, with the costs associated with higher education.

The Commonwealth Scholarships program consists of two types of scholarships:

Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS), to assist with accommodation costs
Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships (CECS), to assist with general education costs

In 2008, an additional five new scholarships are being offered:

Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships, with up to two years of funding, to assist with general education costs for Associate Degree (CECS-Associate Degree)
Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships, with up to two years of funding, to assist with accommodation costs for Associate Degrees (CAS-Associate Degree)
Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships, with up to one year of funding for general education costs, to assist Indigenous students to undertake an eligible enabling course (CECS-Indigenous Enabling)
Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships, with up to one year of funding for general education costs, to assist Indigenous students to undertake an eligible enabling course (CAS-Indigenous Enabling)
Indigenous Access Scholarships, a one off scholarship payment, to assist Indigenous students to undertake either an eligible enabling course or an undergraduate course (Indigenous Access)

A student of the University of South Australia may be awarded a CECS and a CAS concurrently.

For more information see Scholarships at UniSA or the Higher Education Support Act 2003 Guidelines.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place for which the Commonwealth makes a financial contribution. Prior to 2004, these places were known as HECS places.

All domestic undergraduate places at UniSA are Commonwealth supported.

Postgraduate coursework places may be offered on a full fee-paying basis or as Commonwealth Supported Places.

Commonwealth supported student

A Commonwealth supported student is a student enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place. These students do not pay tuition fees, but instead are charged a student contribution amount towards the cost of their program. Formerly a 'HECS student'.

Community service

Community service refers to non-academic duties that impose some restriction on a student's participation in or completion of an assessment requirement for example: elite athletes, jury duty and Defence forces etc.

For more information see Section 3 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Computer practical

A computer practical is a learning opportunity which takes place in a computer pool. There is usually a brief presentation by the lecturer or tutor followed by students completing set exercises. Computer practicals provide opportunities for interaction and discussion with the lecturer or tutor and fellow students.

Conceded Pass

A conceded pass permits the student to use the course as a prerequisite for another course. That is, for prerequisite purposes, a conceded pass is treated like any other pass.

For more information see Section 8 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Conferral

Conferral is the date on which an academic qualification is granted. This date appears on the student's official parchment.

Conferred 'in absentia'

When a graduand is conferred at a graduation ceremony at which they are not present.

Contact time

Contact time is the number of hours per week a student spends in class, eg in tutorials, lectures, workshops and practical sessions. See also non-contact time.

Continuing student

A continuing student is a student who has been enrolled in a university for more than a certain period of time, usually one year.

Core courses

Core courses are compulsory and must be successfully completed as part of an academic program.

Co-requisite course

A co-requisite course is a course which must be taken at the same time as another course in a particular study area.

Course

At UniSA, a course is the basic component of an academic program. A course is identified by a course name (eg Chemistry 101) and an area and catalogue number (eg CHEM 1007). Courses are usually 4.5 units, with a unit representing a minimum of 40 hours of student work, including contact time and non-contact time. A full-time student will usually enrol in four courses per half year of study.

Course Coordinator

The course coordinator is the academic staff member responsible for a particular course.

Course ID

A course ID is a unique six digit code assigned to each course which is used to identify the course on the University's record system.

Credit

The term 'credit' is used in two ways in the University:

recognition granted towards meeting the requirements of an award program, either on the basis of prior study or of prior experience which is assessed as equivalent in content and level to the course/s for which credit is sought. For more information see the Recognition of prior learning for credit, exemption and studies-in-lieu policy
a grade awarded for a piece of assessment

Credit Transfer Register

The Credit Transfer Register provides information on formal credit transfer arrangements that have been agreed between UniSA and other higher education providers in Australia and in other countries.

CRICOS code

All courses for international students must be approved by the relevant State or Territory accreditation authority, and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Criterion referenced assessment

Criterion referenced assessment is the assessment of student performance against pre-determined criteria related to the learning outcomes of the course. The criteria by which work is to be judged are made explicit and the grade awarded is intended to directly reflect how well the student has met the criteria. Final grading depends on each student's learning, regardless of the performance of other students in the class.

Critical dates

Each course taught at UniSA has four critical dates attached to it:

the Add deadline (one per study period) is the date after which a student cannot add a course to their enrolment for that study period without the permission of the Course Coordinator, and therefore requires a signature approving the addition, usually on a hard copy form.
the Census date is the date on which a student's enrolment is finalised for a course, and applicable fees and charges are incurred. It is the last day on which a student can withdraw from a course and have it deleted from an academic record.
the Withdrawal date (which is after the census date) is the last day on which a student can withdraw from a course and have it recorded as 'withdrawn' (W) on an academic record. The full cost of tuition fees and student contribution amounts is charged for all withdrawals made after the census date, including up to and after the withdrawal date. A 'W' notation does not contribute towards the calculation of a student's grade point average (GPA).
the Withdrawal-fail date (which is after the withdrawal date) is the last day on which a student can withdraw from a course and have it recorded as 'withdrawn-fail' (WF) on an academic record. Withdrawals made after the nominated withdrawal-fail date are recorded as fail grades on the academic record and give no indication that the student withdrew rather than failed their assessment. The full cost of tuition fees and student contribution amounts is charged for all withdrawals made after the census date, including up to and after the withdrawal-fail date. A 'WF' notation contributes a grade point of 1.5 towards the calculation of a student's grade point average (GPA).

Critical dates that fall on a public holiday or weekend will remain in effect and will not be altered to a different date. Online transactions completed on those days (withdrawals and/or payments) will take effect from the actual date on which they were made. For more information see the Enrolment Policy.

Cross institutional enrolment

A cross-institutional enrolment is one where the student is enrolled in an academic program at one educational institution (the home institution) and is permitted by that institution to enrol in courses at another recognised educational institution (the host institution) to be counted towards an award at the home institution.

Incoming cross-institutional enrolment describes enrolment by a student in one or more UniSA courses that will be credited to their program at another university (home university), as agreed to by UniSA and the home university.

Outgoing cross-institutional enrolment describes enrolment by a UniSA student in one or more courses at another institution (host institution) that will be credited to their program at UniSA, as agreed to by UniSA and the host university. For more information see the Enrolment Policy .

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D

Deferment

After receiving an offer for a place in an academic program, and before commencing studies, a student may apply through SATAC to defer their study for a specified period, usually one year.

Deferred assessment (examination)

Students who are unable to complete an assessment requirement for medical or personal reasons may apply to complete their assessment at a later date. An application form is available from Campus Central and must be completed by a University Counsellor (located in Learning Connection), registered doctor or dentist. Deferred assessments are usually conducted at the end of each study period. The full range of grades is available following completion of a deferred assessment.

For more information see Section 7 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Degree with honours

Degrees with honours are four years or more in duration and include a minimum of one year of advanced studies for students who demonstrate a high level of achievement in the initial years of the program. Students who fail to meet the necessary grade point average for the honours stream continue with the ordinary degree.

DEEWR

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

Diploma

A diploma is a sub-degree award that is conferred following the satisfactory completion of an academic program of one or two years duration or part-time equivalent.

Direct Entry Academic Programs

Direct Entry Academic Programs are programs where applications are processed by the University rather than through SATAC.

Directed study

This is a course in which a student works under the direction of an academic on a subject area which is relevant to their program and in which they have a particular interest.

Disability

Disabliltiy is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) as

Total or partial loss of the person's bodily or mental functions
Total or partial loss of a part of the body
The presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness
The presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness
The malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person's body
A disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction
A disorder, illness or disease that affects a person's thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour.

It also includes a disability that presently exists, or previously existed but no longer exists, or may exist in the future, or is imputed to a person.
For more information about University policy and procedures relating to disability, see Students with Disabilities Policy .

Distance Education

Distance education is study undertaken externally. See Mode of Study.

Doctoral degree

A doctoral degree is an award conferred following the satisfactory completion of an original research project which is comprehensive in both theory and practice, and results in a significant contribution to knowledge or understanding and/or the application of knowledge within the field of study. Leads to the award of Doctor of Philosophy.

Domestic students

Domestic students are:

Australian citizens; or
Holders of Australian permanent visas who are resident in Australia for the duration of their enrolled studies; or
New Zealand citizens who are resident in Australia for the duration of their enrolled studies.

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E

Electives

Electives are courses that may be chosen from the total range offered by the University, provided that any course prerequisite is met.

Enabling (or Bridging Academic) Program

An enabling or bridging program is a program of study which meets Commonwealth guidelines, and provides bridging or supplementary education which enables a person to undertake an award program at the University or at another university.

English language print dictionary

For UniSA purposes, an English language print dictionary is a book containing a selection of words in the English language, arranged alphabetically, giving information about meaning, pronunciation, etymology (origin of the word), and inflected forms, expressed in English. It does not include a thesaurus.

Enrolment

Enrolment is the process by which persons who have been admitted to University programs formally register as new or continuing students of the University.

Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL)

Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL) is the measure used by DEEWR to determine a student's study load. In accordance with DEEWR requirements, the University sets a unit value for each course. At UniSA, one EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time load for one student for one year, and is expressed as 36 units.

Examination

An examination is a form of assessment whereby a student is required to undertake a specified academic task within a specified limited period of time, normally between one and three hours. The location of the examination and access to external assistance are normally also regulated. Access to resource material is prohibited in closed book examinations.

Exchange enrolment

Exchange enrolments are reciprocal arrangements which enable students from UniSA and from an overseas institution to exchange places for a short period of study (usually one study period) while continuing to pay fees at their home institutions. Incoming and outgoing exchange students do not pay tuition at the institution they are visiting.

Exempt students

Exempt students are students who do not have to pay student contribution amounts or tuition fees for specified courses. For more information see the Student Fees Policy and Student fees and charges guidelines.

Exemption

Exemption is release from specified parts of a course. It may be exemption from lectures, practicals, tutorials, projects or any other components of a course including elements of assessment. The exact requirements will be determined by the Program Director.

External mode

See Mode of Study.

External Students

External students are those studying off campus. Administrative services for external students are located at Campus Central. The Learning and Teaching Unit dispatches printed learning resources for many of the external courses on offer at UniSA.

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F

FEE HELP

FEE-HELP loans are provided by the Commonwealth under the Higher Education Loans Program (HELP) to eligible fee-paying students. These loans enable students who are not Commonwealth supported to defer the payment of some or all of their tuition fees. The loan is then paid back through the tax system when the student gains employment and reaches a certain income level.

Fee Paying Overseas Student

A Fee Paying Overseas Student (FPOS) is an overseas student who pays a fee to the University which covers the full cost of teaching, administration and other services and facilities.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is completed in an organisation or environment outside the University. The focus is on linking what is learnt in class with what is seen, collected and tested in the field. The specific aims of fieldwork may vary, but they usually include one or more of the following:

observing principles learnt in class as they appear out in the field
applying what has been learnt in class to real situations
collecting information such as samples which can be used in class.

Fieldwork assignments are generally associated with Natural and Built Environmental Sciences and related disciplines.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is an assessment that generates feedback to enable students to monitor their progress, develop and improve. It may include (but not be limited to) examinations, assignments, quizzes, reports, discussion or tests that are intended to improve outcomes rather than determine a final grade/mark.

Foundation course

A foundation course develops the basic skills and understanding which a student will need for future study at university. Foundation courses usually teach students what to expect in lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops, how to write reports and essays and how to make an oral presentation.

Full-time study load

A student undertaking at least 75% of a full-time load for the academic year will be full-time for that year. If a student is undertaking at least 75% of a full-time load for either the first half or second half of the year, they will be full-time for that half year. The standard annual full-time load is 36 units or 1.0 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load).

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G

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade Point Average is the calculation of a student's average performance over a specified period of the program, such as a specified teaching period, an academic year, or over the duration of the program. The calculation is based on the grade, the grade point value associated with that grade, and the unit value of each course.

For more information see Section 8 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Grade

A grade is a code used to signify a range of percentage marks or status of a result (where percentage marks are not applicable). Grades indicate the level of performance in a course against specified criteria and standards. Grades are awarded in all courses. The grading system for courses at the University can be found in Section 8 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Graduand

A graduand is someone who has qualified for an award but who has not yet had the award conferred.

Graduate

A graduate is someone who has had an award conferred.

Graduate Bachelors Degree

Graduate entry bachelors degree programs normally require a minimum of one and a half years of full-time study or part-time equivalent following the satisfactory completion of a degree. They provide a professional level qualification for graduates.

Graduate Certificate

A Graduate Certificate is a postgraduate award of at least six month's duration full-time or its equivalent part-time following the successful completion of an academic program.

Graduate Destination Survey (GDS)

The Graduate Destination Survey is an annual survey of all university students who graduated in the previous year which seeks information on their activities since graduation, eg further study, employment.

Graduate Diploma

A Graduate Diploma is a postgraduate award of at least one year's duration full-time or equivalent part-time following the successful completion of an academic program.

Graduate Qualities

The University recognises that its graduates require particular qualities which enable them to participate in employment and the community. Seven graduate qualities identify a graduate of the University of South Australia. A graduate of the University of South Australia:

operates effectively with and upon a body of knowledge of sufficient depth to begin professional practice
is prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of personal development and excellence in professional practice
problem solving
can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a professional
is committed to ethical action and social responsibility as a professional and a citizen
communicates effectively in professional practice and as a member of the community
demonstrates international perspectives as a professional and as a citizen.

These qualities are developed through teaching and learning in courses and programs.

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H

HECS

The Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) was introduced by the Commonwealth Government in 1989 to assist eligible students with the payment of their tuition costs. It is now obsolete and has been replaced by HECS-HELP.

HECS - HELP

HECS-HELP is a loan that enables eligible Commonwealth supported students to defer payment of their student contributions until their income reaches a certain repayment threshold. HECS-HELP loans are indexed, but are otherwise interest-free. Formerly HECS.

HEIMS (Higher Education Information Management System)

The Higher Education Information Management System is the DEEWR student record database which tracks allocation of Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Numbers (CHESSN) and the use of Student Learning Entitlements (SLE). The HEIMS database interfaces with each university's own student administration system. Individual student information can be accessed available through the Going to Uni website at www.goingtouni.gov.au.

Higher Doctorate

A higher doctorate is the award of Doctor of Letters or Doctor of Science. It is based on substantiated publications and/or the achievements of the candidate being recognised as a distinguished contribution resulting in an authoritative international standing in the field.

Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

The Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for the payment of tuition fees to assist Australian citizens and holders of permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:

HECS-HELP - for eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth Supported Places
FEE-HELP - for eligible fee-paying students enrolled at an eligible provider
OS-HELP - for eligible Commonwealth supported students who wish to study overseas

Higher Education Provider (HEP)

All public and private higher education institutions approved under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 are known as Higher Education Providers (HEPs).

Higher Education Support Act (HESA)

In 2002, the Australian Government conducted a review of Australia's higher education system. The outcome of the review was the 'Our Universities: Backing Australia's Future' policy statement. The enabling legislation for the reforms, known as the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA), was passed by both Houses of Parliament in December 2003.

Honorary Degree

The award of Doctor of the University is made in recognition of

distinction by the recipient in public service, or service to the University, or
a distinguished contribution by the recipient in a field of academic endeavour.

Honours Degree

An honours degree is a one year undergraduate degree program of advanced studies for outstanding students following a three year bachelor's degree.

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I

Identity Number (ID)

The Identity number is the number given to a student during the enrolment process. It is used as a means of identification for all official University processes.

Industrial placement

An industrial placement is a work placement which is completed in an organisation outside the University. The focus is on applying what has been learnt in the program in an industrial setting. Industrial placements are usually associated with Engineering and related disciplines.

Industrial association

The professional body representing a particular discipline which is not formally recognised as a profession. Professional practice standards and codes of conduct may be endorsed and promoted but the association has no statutory authority.

Internal accreditation

This term is used by the University to indicate that a program has undergone an internal five yearly major review and has approval to continue.

International accreditation

International accreditation is the formal recognition of the program by one or more relevant overseas accrediting bodies. It may be an automatic benefit of the program being accredited by a local professional body which has established international agreements. This form of accreditation may also be known as 'mutual recognition' or 'reciprocal recognition'. Alternatively, international accreditation may be the result of a Program Director's professional network and personal initiative.

International Student

An international student is a student who is on a temporary residency permit, or has status other than as an Australian.

Invigilator

An invigilator is a staff member or approved nominee who is responsible for supervising examinations.

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L

Learning Connection

Learning Connection is a service area within the University which provides resources and services designed to help all students to achieve their best in their studies. Professional advice and specially prepared resources are available in the following areas:

Language and learning development
Career preparation
Personal issues
Disability support
Living and studying in Australia (for International students)

Learning Connection staffs run workshops, see students face-to-face, and put resources onto the web.

Leave of absence

Leave of absence is a period of time during which a student is permitted to suspend their enrolment in an academic program.

Lecture

A lecture is a formal presentation by an academic staff member, usually to a large number of students. Lectures may include the use of handouts and audio-visual presentations. Opportunities for asking questions or discussing the material being presented are usually limited.

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M

Major

A Major is a stream of courses comprising 36 units (usually eight courses) which are related to each other in content and are usually studied in sequence.

Mark

A mark is a quantitative value, often expressed as a percentage, awarded for an assessment. For more information see Section 8 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Masters degree

A Masters degree is either a research postgraduate program of two years full-time duration (or part-time equivalent), or a coursework degree of one or two year's full-time duration (or part-time equivalent), leading to the award of Master of (Discipline).

Medical Certificate

Medical certificates are legal documents and must contain the medical practitioner's stamp. For UniSA's purposes, a medical certificate is a signed statement from a qualified registered medical or dental practitioner which explains the nature of the condition from which the student is or was suffering and the period during which the condition has or will affect the student. The certificate should also specify the precise nature of the medical condition, unless to do so would result in a breach of patient confidentiality. The qualified registered medical practitioner must not be a family member.

Minor

A Minor is a stream of courses related in content and comprising up to 18 units (usually four courses). A Minor may also be referred to as a 'Cognate'.

Mixed mode

See Mode of study.

Mode of study

'Mode of study' describes how and where a course or academic program is delivered. There are three modes of study:

External mode - distance education where students receive program materials and submit assignments by mail or online and do not attend a campus.
Internal mode - students attend lectures and tutorials at one or more campuses. This mode of study may be onshore or offshore.
Mixed mode - a combination of internal and external modes of study, where at least one course is undertaken in internal mode of attendance and at least one course is undertaken in external mode

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Non-award enrolment

Non-award enrolment is a type of single course enrolment which describes enrolment in one or more UniSA courses, where completion of the course does not count toward a program. Non-award students incur tuition fees and are not eligible for Commonwealth support.

Non-contact time

Non-contact time refers to the time that students are expected to give to learning outside of lectures, tutorials and seminars. For example, library research, preparation for tutorials, reading and reviewing lecture notes.

Normative assessment

Normative assessment is a form of assessment where grades are awarded based on a predetermined distribution. The most common form of normative assessment assumes grades/marks are distributed according to a standard distribution curve. Each student's grade is determined in part by how well other students do in the same assessment task/course.

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Offshore

Offshore refers to UniSA international activity outside Australia. Programs and courses offered offshore are not available to students studying in Australia.

Ongoing Assessment

Ongoing assessment is where assessment for the course continues in a subsequent study period or academic year. This is only applicable in research degrees.

Optional courses

Optional courses are courses chosen from a limited range within a particular study area. These are usually listed in the program schedule which can be found on the program home page via the University website.

Oral presentation

An oral presentation involves a student presenting information to an audience (usually other students and /or academic staff) in verbal format with the support of audio-visual aids such as Powerpoint slides. An oral presentation may be a component of the assessment for a course.

Orientation

Orientation is a program of activities run at the beginning of the academic year which is designed to provide students who are new to the University with the information and support they need to become familiar with and confident about University life. The program includes online resources, workshops and a range of other activities.

OS-HELP (Overseas-HELP)

OS-HELP loans are available to eligible Commonwealth supported students who are normally based in Australia to enable them to undertake some of their study overseas as study abroad students. OS-HELP loans may be used to cover expenses associated with the overseas study, such as airfares, accommodation and other travel or settling expenses.

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P

Parchment

A parchment is the official certificate which a student received when an award is conferred.

Part-time student

A part-time student is a student undertaking less than the load specified for full-time status.

Peer assessment

In some courses, students are given the opportunity to develop skills in making judgements on the quality of each other's work. The student grade will usually form a part of the final overall assessment.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism means using other people's work without due acknowledgement, and is regarded as serious academic misconduct. Whether inadvertent or deliberate, plagiarism includes the following:

word-for-word copying of sentences or whole paragraphs from one or more sources (the work or data of other persons), or presenting of substantial extracts from books, articles, theses, other unpublished work such as working papers, seminar and conference papers, internal reports, lecture notes or tapes, without clearly indicating their origin.
using very close paraphrasing of sentences or whole paragraphs without due acknowledgment in the form of reference to the original work;
submitting another student's work in whole or in part;
use of other person's ideas, work or research data without acknowledgment;
submitting work which has been written by someone else on the student's behalf;
copying computer files, algorithms or computer code without clearly indicating their origin;
submitting work which has been derived, in whole or in part, from another student's work by a process of mechanical transformation (eg changing variable names in computer programs);

For more information see Section 9 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme (PELS)

The Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme was introduced by the Commonwealth Government in 2002 to provide income contingent interest free loans to fee-paying postgraduate coursework students, to be repaid through the taxation system when a particular income threshold is reached. PELS has been absorbed into the Higher Education Loans Program (HELP) and PELS loans are now part of a suite of loans known as FEE-HELP.

Postgraduate program

A postgraduate program is an advanced level academic program which is normally available only to a person who holds a bachelor degree or diploma. It does not include an honours degree.

Post nominal

A post nominal is the formal abbreviation of an award title. For example Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) is BA(CommStud).

Practical

This is a learning opportunity which involves a brief presentation by the lecturer or tutor followed by students participating in various exercises or experiments. Practicals provide opportunities for interaction and discussion with the lecturer or tutor and fellow students.

Practicum

A practicum is a learning opportunity in which the student spends a defined period of time in a professional setting outside the University which is relevant to their main area of study. The student may be expected to actively participate in the professional setting or may merely act as an observer. At the end of the practicum, a report may be written on the student's performance by a supervisor / observer, or the student may be required to prepare a report based on their observations.

Preclusion

Preclusion may apply to a course or a program.

Where a student has failed a course at least twice, re-enrolment in that particular course will not be authorised for at least one semester from the date of preclusion.

Preclusion from an academic program means that enrolment in the academic program is cancelled and re-admission to the academic program, or to an academic program at the same level in the same discipline, will normally not be considered for two years.

Re-admission to the academic program after preclusion will be through the normal admissions procedures.

For more information see Section 10 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Pre-requisite course

A pre-requisite is a course or group of courses which must be successfully completed prior to undertaking a more advanced course. Pre-requisites are listed on course home pages and in the University Calendar. See also co-requisite course.

Profession

A profession is a group of individuals within a given discipline who are recognised by the public as possessing specialised knowledge and skills derived from education and training at a high level, and who apply this knowledge and skills in the interest of others.

It is inherent in the definition of a profession that a code of ethics governs the activities of the profession.

Professional accreditation

A formal process of assessment and review by a relevant accrediting body leading to formal recognition that a program meets the standards required to ensure that graduates possess the competencies necessary to begin professional practice.

Professional accreditation may include the requirement for graduates to gain formal registration with the relevant statutory body before they can begin professional practice.

Professional association

A professional association is a regulatory body whose functions include monitoring and maintaining professional practice standards and codes of conduct for the profession. Depending on the profession, the association may also determine the requirements necessary for professional registration, approve courses for education and training, and investigate professional misconduct.

Professional Doctorate

A professional doctorate is a postgraduate award of three years of full-time study or part-time equivalent which consists of a combination of advanced coursework and practice and a program of research, leading to the degree of Doctor of (Discipline).

Professional Major

See Major.

Professional recognition

Recognition by a professional association that a program meets industry standards and requirements. Recognition is on the basis of graduate qualification, and does not involve a detailed review of the curriculum and other elements of the program.

Graduates are eligible for membership of the professional association, but are not required to gain formal registration to begin professional practice

Professional registration

Graduates of a program are required to gain formal registration with the relevant statutory body before they can begin professional practice.

Program

A program is a combination of courses undertaken during university study to obtain a degree, certificate or diploma. This can include non-award programs or enabling programs. It is the primary award in which a student is enrolled eg Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Business, or Doctor of Philosophy.

Program code

A program code is a four digit alpha code used to identify the academic program on the University's student record system. The first letter represents the campus, the second letter represents the program level and the last two letters are an abbreviation of the program name.

Program Director

A Program Director is the academic staff member, or staff member of an organisation with which the University has a formal contract, who is responsible for a particular academic program.

Program transfer

Program transfer is the process whereby a student currently enrolled in a UniSA award applies to transfer (either internally or through SATAC) to another award of the University.

Program transition

Program transition is the process whereby the University, as a result of a program change, requires students currently enrolled in a UniSA award to be transitioned to a new program.

Progressive assessment

Progressive assessments are assessments that occur during the study period prior to a final summative assessment

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Reader

A readers is a collection of required readings such as articles or extracts from books and other sources which have been compiled by the lecturer for student use.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning is, for the purposes of University policy, the assessment for credit, exemption or studies-in-lieu of a range of prior learning from:

a recognised higher education institution;
TAFE or other Vocational Education Training (VET) provider;
professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or other similar body;
work experience or other forms of practical experience, including voluntary work
life experience

Registered Medical Practitioner

A medical practitioner is defined under the Medical Practice Act 2004 (SA) as a person who is registered on the general register, or on both the general register and the specialist register, authorising the person to provide medical treatment. For students studying offshore, the equivalent legislation or registration system will apply.

Re-marking

Re-marking is marking for a second time a piece of work that has not been altered or added to by the student. Re-marking applies to progressive assessments and not to final examinations or research theses.

For more information see Section 5 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Re-submission

Re-submission is acceptance for marking of a piece of work which has been substantially altered, added to, re-written or re-worked by the student to replace the original assessment exercise. Re-submission applies to progressive assessments and not to final examinations or research theses.
For more information see Section 5 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Result

For continuous assessment a result is comprised of a grade and, where applicable, a percentage mark. For final assessment, a result is comprised of a grade only. The final result enables the University to certify a student's performance.

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SATAC

The South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) processes and assesses applications on behalf of TAFE SA, the three South Australian universities and Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory. SATAC also administers the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) for special entry program applicants and the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT) for international applicants.

SATAC Code

The code assigned to an academic program by the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre and used by applicants on SATAC application forms.

Scholarship

A scholarship is an award selected on merit (including but not limited to academic merit) to assist a student to undertake or complete a program of study at the University, in accordance with the selection criteria. A scholarship may take the form of monetary assistance or reduction in specified costs (such as tuition fees) and may be known as a grant.

Self accreditation

Universities are 'self-accrediting'. This means that they have legislative authority to accredit their own programs and are responsible for their academic standards. Universities must have appropriate quality assurance processes in place, including peer assessment processes, external examination of higher degrees and the involvement of professional bodies in the accreditation of particular programs.

Self assessment

Self assessment is a form of assessment where students are asked to assess their own work against a set of criteria. The self assessment may form a part of the overall student grade for that course.

Seminar

A seminar is a gathering of a small group of students and a lecturer or tutor, and usually runs for 1-3 hours. A seminar usually includes a presentation by the lecturer or tutor, or by a student or group of students. Students are expected to prepare for and participate actively in seminars by giving a paper, answering questions, or discussing subject matter in small groups.

Single course enrolment

Single course enrolment refers to either non-award enrolment or audit enrolment, both of which are defined in the Enrolment Policy.

Special consideration

Special consideration involves the application of a variation to marking or assessment due to unexpected circumstances believed by a Course Coordinator to impact on a student's capacity to perform in a particular assessment. This may include, but is not limited to, accidents, unexpected illness or bereavement. It does not include a disability or illness for which variations have already been made, unless it is compounded by an unexpected change in the condition, or an additional condition.

Special Entry applicant

A special entry applicant is a person who does not meet the entry requirements of a particular academic program and is admitted to that academic program through special entry provisions.

Specialisation

A specialisation is a component of an academic program, leading to a generic award, which involves study in a particular aspect of a broad discipline area, for example applied geology within a Bachelor of Science.

Student

An applicant to an academic program becomes a student of the University in a particular academic year once the enrolment procedures have been completed for an academic year. A person remains a student until withdrawing from the program, or completing the requirements of the program.

Student contribution

The student contribution is the amount charged to Commonwealth supported students to contribute towards the cost of their education. The University, within the limits prescribed under the Higher Education Support Act (HESA), determines and publishes student contribution amounts on an annual basis. Prior to 2004, student contributions were known as HECS fees.

Student Learning Entitlement (SLE)

The Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) is the number of years a student can access Commonwealth Assistance to study. This is usually seven years unless the program takes more than five years of full-time study to complete.

Student Ombud

The role of the Student Ombud is to ensure that all students receive fair and equitable treatment within the University of South Australia. It is usually best to think of the Student Ombud as a last resort who can be approached when all else has failed within the University. However in cases of unlawful discrimination and harassment, the Ombud office may be contacted directly.

For more information visit the Student Ombud website.

Studies-in-lieu

Studies-in-lieu is when a student undertakes alternative work in place of a course which is scheduled in the program.

Studio

A studio session is a teaching period where students spend time in a studio learning environment.

Study abroad enrolment

Study abroad enrolments are individual arrangements to study at an overseas institution for one or more study periods, without a reciprocal exchange.

Incoming study abroad students are international students who choose to study at UniSA whilst enrolled in an award program at an institution overseas, and who pay international tuition fees to UniSA.
Outgoing study abroad students are enrolled UniSA students who undertake a short-term enrolment at an overseas institution that is not part of an exchange program, and who pay fees to the institution that they are visiting and who do not pay any fees to UniSA for the equivalent period.

Study period

The term 'Study Period' was introduced at UniSA in 2005, and replaces 'Term' and 'Semester'.

A Study period is the period of time during which all aspects of a course occur, including reading, preparation, induction and orientation, contact hours (or teaching period) and assessment. It does not necessarily include any supplementary or deferred assessment, which may be scheduled outside of the study period.

Study Periods 1, 2 and 3 are referred to as the first half of the year
Study Periods 4, 5, and 6 are referred to as the second half of the year and incorporates Winter School
Study Period 7 is referred to as Summer School

Study program

A Study program is the pattern of courses which makes up an approved academic program for a particular student or group of students.

Sub-major

A sub-major is a stream of related courses which comprise between 19 and 35 units (usually six courses). In some programs these may be referred to as 'general studies sub-majors'.

Summative Assessment

Summative Assessment is n assessment which is intended to determine the extent to which student learning outcomes have been met. It may take the form of examinations, assignments, quizzes, reports, recitals, tests or other evaluations that are used to determine a final grade/mark.

Informal summative assessment takes place during a study period. Students are normally given feedback in order to improve learning outcomes. This may involve return of annotated scripts, distribution of model answers, individual or plenary review sessions and the like.
Formal summative assessment is held in the scheduled assessment/examination period timetabled at the end of a study period. Students normally receive minimal or no feedback on their performance other than through notification of their final grade.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is an additional assessment, not included in the standard assessment schedule for a course, which tests a student's knowledge and skill in one or more areas of the course. The assessment may be a formal summative examination if the course approved to offer supplementary examinations by Division board. Satisfactory completion of the supplementary assessment will lead to a supplementary pass (SP).

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Teaching period

A teaching period is the period of time within a study period during which teaching activities such as lectures, tutorials, practicals, workshops and placements are scheduled.

Terminating pass

A terminating pass does not permit a student to use the course as a prerequisite for another course.

Textbook

A text book contains material that is central to the understanding of a course. Students are normally required to purchase or have continuous access to books listed as texts.

Transcript of academic record

A transcript is a list of courses a student has studied and the results gained, including withdrawals from courses.

Transnational program

A transnational program is one which the students are located in a different country to the one where the institution providing the program is based.

Transnational student

Transnational students are those students studying a UniSA program with an offshore partner in a country outside Australia, who are not domestic students.

Tutorial

A tutorial is a class of between 5-30 students in which students discuss key topics, concepts and ideas with their tutors. Tutorials are closely linked to assessment and often involve small group discussions and group work. All students are expected to prepare for tutorials by reading material and preparing questions and / or answers to questions. Students are also expected to participate actively in class discussions and small group activities. Tutorials often complement the lectures given for a course and usually run for 1 -2 hours.

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Undergraduate program

An undergraduate program is an academic program of study leading to a qualification, such as an associate diploma, diploma or bachelor degree and including an honours degree.

Unexpected and exceptional grounds/circumstances

Whether circumstances are unexpected or exceptional will depend on the facts in each particular case. The circumstances must be somehow unusual. They may be circumstances beyond the control of the student that prevented them from submitting an application for a supplementary assessment/examination, an application to defer an assessment/examination, an application for special consideration or an application for an extension etc or circumstances of which the full impact is not immediately evident For further information see the 'Definitions' Section of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

Unit(s) of study

Units represent the hours of student work required for that course. One unit represents approximately 40 hours of student work, including contact and non-contact time. The normal full time load is 18 units each half year or 36 units over a full academic year. A three-year degree requires 108 units.

University Award

Each academic program offered by the University leads to a nationally registered award.

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Withdrawal date

The withdrawal date (which is after the census date) is the last day on which a student can withdraw from a course and have it recorded as 'withdrawn' (W) on an academic record. The full cost of tuition fees and student contribution amounts is charged for all withdrawals made after the census date, including up to and after the withdrawal date. A 'W' notation does not contribute towards the calculation of a student's grade point average (GPA).

Withdrawal from an academic program

Students who do not enrol in one or more courses for at least one calendar year and have not been granted leave of absence shall be deemed to have forfeited their place and withdrawn from the academic program.

Withdrawal-fail date

The withdrawal-fail date (which is after the withdrawal date) is the last day on which a student can withdraw from a course and have it recorded as 'withdrawn-fail' (WF) on an academic record. Withdrawals made after the nominated withdrawal-fail date are recorded as fail grades on the academic record and give no indication that the student withdrew rather than failed their assessment. The full cost of tuition fees and student contribution amounts is charged for all withdrawals made after the census date, including up to and after the withdrawal-fail date. A 'WF' notation contributes a grade point of 1.5 towards the calculation of a student's grade point average (GPA).

Work Experience in Industry (WEI)

In accordance with the Act, student load will not include courses consisting wholly of WEI. The following considerations apply in determining whether a course is a work experience in industry course:

Courses that involve industry components, in which the University directs learning and performance, are not deemed to be work experience in industry courses, and students will consume SLE (if Commonwealth supported), and be charged tuition fees or student contributions for such units. Such courses will thus be included in calculating student load for Commonwealth Grant Scheme purposes.
Courses that involve industry components, in which learning and performance are supported, but not directed by the University, are deemed to be supported work experience in industry courses. Students will not consume SLE for such courses, nor will enrolments in such courses be included in calculating student load for Commonwealth Grant Scheme purposes. Students in such courses may, however, be charged tuition fees or a student contribution amount.
Courses that involve industry components, in which learning and performance are neither supported nor directed by the University, are deemed to be unsupported work experience in industry courses. Students will not consume SLE for such courses, nor will enrolments in such courses be included in calculating student load for Commonwealth Grant Scheme purposes. Students in such courses will not be charged tuition fees or a student contribution amount.

Workload

Workload is the amount of work being undertaken by a student within a year, in accordance with the unit value of the student's enrolment.

Workshop

A workshop usually involves a short introduction in which a specific problem is identified and presented to students by the lecturer or tutor. This is followed by discussion and activities in which students work collaboratively to investigate, analyse and formulate a solution to the problem. Outcomes may be presented by groups or by individual students at the completion of the workshop.

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