Policies & Procedures

AAIC Code of Conduct

At AAIC, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and intellectually stimulating study environment for all students. It is essential that students, staff, contractors, and visitors behave in a manner that upholds the values and expectations set by AAIC.

Our Values

• Embrace difference and diversity
• Show respect and cooperation
• Practice tolerance
• Engage in academic debate
• Balance freedom of expression with social responsibility

Expectations

As a student at AAIC, we expect you to:

• Treat fellow students and staff with respect, ensuring their health, safety, privacy, and welfare are not compromised.
• Contribute to the orderly, effective, and safe functioning of AAIC.
• Adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Follow all lawful directions given by staff while on AAIC premises or involved in AAIC-related activities.
• Uphold AAIC's commitment to preventing and eliminating unlawful discrimination.
• Refrain from bullying, harassing, or engaging in any other unlawful activity or behavior while on AAIC premises or participating in AAIC activities, including online environments.
• Abstain from acts of self-harm.
• Only access and use AAIC property to which you are entitled and qualified, doing so in a responsible manner.
• Adhere to program requirements and class norms set within each class.
• Ensure that information held by AAIC or other students is not accessed, used, or published inappropriately.
• Make timely payment of any fees, charges, or penalties imposed by AAIC.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:

• Disobeying reasonable directions from AAIC staff members.
• Engaging in dishonest practices during tests, examinations, or assessments required for course evaluation.
• Failing to return library or loaned AAIC property on time.
• Viewing or distributing offensive material through the internet, email, or other means.
• Discrimination, harassment, victimization, or making racist or sexist comments.
• Behaving disruptively, such as swearing, yelling, or using offensive language.
• Using mobile phones during classes in a disruptive manner.
• Engaging in illegal use of drugs or alcohol on AAIC premises or during AAIC activities.
• Stealing, vandalizing, or causing intentional damage to AAIC property.
• Endangering the safety of yourself or others.
• Assaulting or attempting to assault anyone on AAIC premises.
• Possessing guns, knives, or other weapons inappropriately during AAIC activities.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Any disruptive or unacceptable behavior may result in disciplinary action. AAIC lecturers have the authority to remove disruptive individuals from classrooms or refuse entry if necessary. Serious cases that threaten the safety of others, interfere with staff or students' duties, or damage AAIC property may lead to suspension.

We strongly condemn violence, intimidation, and harassment, and such behavior will not be tolerated within our learning environment. In cases of possible criminal behavior, the police may be contacted.

For enrollment-related information, kindly consult the Domestic Student Handbook.

Fees

AAIC provides a diverse range of courses for domestic students, each with its own fee structure. The fees may vary depending on the student's background and eligibility for government subsidies and concessions. Students who are not eligible for any subsidies or concessions will be required to pay the full domestic course fee. Please note that course fees are subject to change, and we advise prospective students to contact the AAIC admission team to obtain the most up-to-date course fee information. It is essential for students to confirm the course fees before proceeding with enrolment.

For detailed information on subsidies, concessions, and eligibility criteria, please refer to the Subsidised Training page.

Concessions may be available to eligible candidates at the time of enrolment if they hold:

• A valid Health Care Card
• A Pensioner Concession Card
• A Veteran Affairs Pensioner Concessioner Card
• Currently, they are a prisoner in a South Australian correctional institution.

Payment Options

We generally do not collect fees in advance from domestic students. We offer various payment schemes to assist students in paying for their courses, including the option to pay course fees by instalments. Our admission team is available to discuss the payment options with prospective students.

Refund Policy

As a general practice, we do not collect fees in advance from domestic students. However, if a refund is applicable for any specific reason, our refund policy will be adhered to.

Please Note: Refunds granted are related to tuition feespaid to the RTO in advance and not related to fees paid such as education agent’s fees and Health Insurance.

If the student withdraws from the course after the course starts, the current terms’ fees will be forfeited. Notification of Withdrawal from Studies form must be received 2 weeks prior to term commencement by Student Administration

AAIC is dedicated to offering all students a fair and impartial complaints and grievance process, providing them with the opportunity to present their case without any cost. In the event that a student wishes to raise a complaint regarding any aspect of our services, it is preferable to initiate the action within 14 days of the incident in question.

Initially, the student should approach the person responsible for delivering the service to seek resolution. If the matter remains unresolved, the student can proceed by completing a Complaint Form.

Upon receipt of the complaint, AAIC will initiate the process within 10 working days. All complaints and grievances will be documented in writing, and the outcomes will be communicated in writing to the student within 21 working days, along with the reasons for the decision.

During the complaints and grievance process, students have the right to be accompanied and supported by a representative in accordance with the National Code's standards. The process also does not impede the student from exercising their legal rights to other remedies.

If the student remains dissatisfied with the complaint's outcome, they may appeal the decision to an independent mediator.

To address any grievances during your time at AAIC, please follow these steps:

A. Informal Resolution:

Step 1: Discuss the issue with your trainer or staff member informally.

Step 2: If needed, schedule a meeting with the Student Support Officer to discuss the matter further. In case of uncertainty, contact the campus reception for guidance on the appropriate Student Support Officer.

Step 3: If the matter remains unresolved, arrange a meeting with the Campus Manager or CEO, who will make efforts to resolve the problem.

B. Formal Complaint Lodgment:

Internal Appeal:

If Steps 1-3 do not lead to a satisfactory resolution, you may proceed with the formal internal appeals process.

To access this process:

• Submit your complaint in writing, clearly stating your desired outcomes. You may use the General Request form available at Reception or attach a complaint on a plain sheet of paper to the form.
• Include your date of birth and contact details. AAIC will commence the internal appeals process within 10 working days of receiving your written complaint.

Preparation for the appeals meeting:

• You may have a support person attend relevant appeal meetings, except for migration agents or lawyers.
• Make sure to gather all supporting evidence, including relevant documents related to your case, such as correspondence with AAIC, discussions with staff, medical certificates, or any other pertinent information.

Notification of Appeal Meeting outcome:

• You will receive a written statement detailing the appeal's outcome, including the reasons for the decision.

If your appeal is successful, AAIC will implement the outcome immediately. Once the appeal's statement is finalized, you will be notified to collect it from AAIC, or it will be posted to your Australian residence if unable to reach you by phone.

C. External Appeal:

If you are still dissatisfied with the Internal Appeal's outcome, you have the option to pursue an external appeal through an independent body. AAIC will respect the decision made by the external arbitrator.

During the external appeal process, AAIC will maintain your enrolment unless there are safety concerns for yourself or others, in which case enrolment may be canceled.

For external advice, domestic students may contact the South Australian Skills Commission at the provided contact details.

Additionally, if you have complaints about VET Student Loans, you may approach the Commonwealth Ombudsman using the contact information given.

If you choose to appeal externally, notify AAIC within 10 working days from the date on the Internal Appeal's Statement of Outcome. Failure to notify AAIC within this period will result in the complaint being considered closed.

For more information on your rights and the laws concerning your stay in Australia, you can contact the Department of Education, Skills, and Employment through the provided contact details.

Please be aware that "This agreement, and the availability of complaints and appeals processes, does not remove the right of the student to take action under Australia’s consumer protection laws."

At AAIC, we are pleased to offer students the option of being exempted from enrolling in certain parts of a course due to their previous study or work/life experience. This is commonly known as Course Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Course Credit

Course Credit involves granting exemption from enrolling in specific parts of the course based on a student's previous study, experience, or recognition of their current competencies. This may include academic credit and recognition of prior learning. In short, it refers to exempting a student from enrolment based on their current competency.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgment of skills and knowledge acquired through training, work, or life experiences, which can be formally recognized as competencies. The assessment of RPL is based on the evidence provided, aligned with the units of competency described in the relevant endorsed Training Package. In short, RPL involves assessing a student's competency based on skills and knowledge gained from their training, work, or life experiences.

Procedure

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

1. Obtain a RPL Application Kit from reception or the website.
2. Fill in the application form and provide original supporting documents, along with copies.
3. The academic department/Assessor reviews the application and supporting documents.
4. Engage in a conversation with the Assessor to demonstrate competency.
5. Document the outcome and finalize the enrolment process.
6. If any gaps are identified, arrange for further training.
7. Issue the qualification and/or Statement of Attainment.

Course Credit

1. Obtain a Course Credit Application form from reception or the website.
2. Fill in the application form and provide original supporting documents, along with copies.
3. The academic department analyzes the application and supporting documents.
4. Provide written or verbal confirmation to the student regarding the outcome.
5. Record the outcome in the student's file.
6. Make adjustments to the student's study program and inform the student accordingly.
7. Report to PRISMS if the study program is shortened due to course credit or RPL.
8. Issue the qualification and/or Statement of Attainment upon completion.

Rules or Guidelines

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• RPL will not be granted against lower-level units of competency without sufficient work experience.
• AAIC may refuse to assess RPL applications for any unit not listed in AAIC's training and assessment strategy, as assessment processes may vary, and assessors may lack competency for the unit.
• RPL can be granted based on prior training or work experience, or both, while adhering to the principles of assessment.
• Charges will apply for RPL and may vary based on circumstances and units.
• The term "RPL" will not be mentioned on the Statement of Attainment, but the candidate's record will indicate that the outcome was reached through the RPL process.

Course Credit:

• Course credit will be granted if the unit is directly listed under the current packaging rules of the qualification, regardless of AAIC's training and assessment strategy.
• No Statement of Attainment will be issued for units considered as course credit, as they have already been issued by another Registered Training Organization (RTO).
• Course credit will not be granted for qualifications if the unit is not directly listed under the current packaging rules of that particular qualification.
• Course credit will not be granted for units from lower-level qualifications.
• Course credit will not be granted if the unit code and/or title do not match the unit list in the current packaging rules of that particular qualification. However, credit will be granted if the unit is considered equivalent by the training package.
• Candidates must present the original Statement of Attainment during the course credit process to make a copy for filing.
• No charges will apply for course credit.

Assessment

Assessment is a vital process that involves gathering evidence and making judgments on a student's competency to determine whether they can perform to the required workplace standards, as outlined in a training package or VET accredited course. At AAIC, we have established a comprehensive assessment system comprising documented policies, procedures, assessment materials, and tools to ensure consistency and adherence to the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence.

Principles of Assessment

1. Fairness: We consider the individual learner's needs during the assessment process and make reasonable adjustments where necessary. Students are informed about the assessment process and have the opportunity to challenge and request reassessment if required.
2. Flexibility: Our assessments are designed to be flexible, reflecting the learner's needs, acknowledging competencies acquired through various means, and utilizing appropriate assessment methods suited to the context and unit of competency.
3. Validity: All assessment decisions are based on justifiable evidence of the learner's performance. This involves assessing essential skills and knowledge related to the unit of competency, integrating practical application, and ensuring alignment with competency standards.
4. Reliability: We maintain consistent interpretation of evidence presented for assessment, ensuring that assessment results are comparable across assessors.

Rules of Evidence:

1. Validity: Assessors must ensure that learners possess the skills, knowledge, and attributes described in the module or unit of competency and its associated assessment requirements.
2. Sufficiency: The quality, quantity, and relevance of assessment evidence must enable an informed judgment of the learner's competency.
3. Authenticity: We verify that the evidence presented for assessment belongs to the learner and is their own work.
4. Currency: Assessment evidence must demonstrate current competency, being from the present or the very recent past.

Assessment Process:

We employ a mix of formative and summative assessment methods to evaluate students' knowledge and skills. Students will be informed about the specific assessment requirements to achieve competency in each unit of competency or cluster.

Assessment Outcomes:

Assessment outcomes are recorded as either "Competent" (C) or "Not Yet Competent" (NYC). "Competent" is awarded when a student meets all the learning outcomes to the required standard. "Not Yet Competent" is recorded when a student does not meet all the learning outcomes.

Feedback and Support:

We provide constructive and timely feedback on assessments submitted by students, which may be given electronically or verbally. If a student struggles to demonstrate competency, additional support services will be offered.

Resubmission and Extensions:

Students have the right to attend at least one resubmission or reassessment attempt per assessment activity/event within the due date if they do not meet the pass criteria. Further resubmissions or reassessments may be permitted based on special circumstances. An extension may be granted for assessment activities on compassionate grounds, sickness, or literacy and numeracy requirements, provided evidence is provided.

Plagiarism and Cheating:

Cheating, including plagiarism, is not tolerated at AAIC. We define and enforce strict penalties for students found engaging in dishonest practices. Penalties may include receiving an NYC result, alternative assessments, or failure of the unit/module.

We believe in fostering a culture of integrity and academic honesty, encouraging students to seek support when needed and providing a fair and robust assessment process to ensure their success.