Studying at The Gordon

Orientation including enrolment takes place on the first day of your course. During Orientation all necessary administration matters will be completed and there will be campus tours so you become more confident about finding your way around. It is also a way to meet both new students and senior students and to make new friends. You will be advised of important procedures to be followed from the commencement of the course and will be issued with your Student ID Card and Student Diary.

It is important that you read and understand the conditions of your Student Visa. Student Visas are given to people subject to a number of conditions. These conditions are shown on your visa label as a four-digit code that often has a small description next to the code.  It is your responsibility to obey these conditions. The Gordon Institute is obligated by the Government to report all breaches (non compliance) of student visa conditions to DIAC. The process in which the Gordon and DIAC deal with students, who do not comply with their visa conditions, has been streamlined.  In order to comply with your visa conditions you must:

• Notify the International Office of any change of address and/or contact details

• Attend at least 80% of the contact hours for that course (if you are studying English course)

• Pass at least 50% of your course (if you are studying a Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma course)

• Study with the institute that you originally enrolled for the first 6 months of the principal course

• Have current Health Insurance

• Notify Leave of Absence if you intend to either defer your studies or leave Australia (even for a holiday)

• Notify the International Office of change of course/study plan.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your Student Visa is current. If you need assistance to extend your visa, contact the International Office at least one month before your visa expires as it takes some time to supply the paperwork necessary to support your application. Further information about your student visa is available from DIAC website www.immi.gov.au.

Study support

The Gordon's experienced Study Support staff provide a confidential mentoring service and assist students to develop a range of study skills, bridge gaps in knowledge and build confidence for ongoing learning. Study Support staff assist with:

• Assignment writing

• Note taking

• Essay and report writing

• Referencing

• Oral presentations

• Numeracy skills development

• Basic computing

• Literacy skills development

• English as a Second Language assistance

• Referral to other support services

  For further information see http://www.thegordon.edu.au/Student%20Support/Pages/Home.aspx

Student Assistance Line

The year is broken into 2 semesters or 4 terms. Each course will have its own term dates. Your teacher will give you the term dates when you receive your timetable. Your course timetable will also show any public holidays. You can also visit http://www.atn.com.au/info/holidays.html  to find out the Australian Public Holidays and School Term dates.  For students who plan to return to their home country during the summer break it is very important that you:

• Make sure you leave enough time after your course finish date to finish any assignments or re-sit any examinations before you leave for your home country

• Check when you must be back in Geelong to start your course

• Inform the International Office that you will be out of the country (this is condition of your student visa).

Within Australian society, all religions may be practiced. Located in F Building at the City campus the prayer room provides a quiet area for students to pray.