Get ready: Before you start

Please check the contact details you provided us are still correct. It is important you update them in eCentral anytime they change.

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Once enrolled, you will receive a Gordon Email address in the format of studentnumber@gordontafe.edu.au.  We will send you information to this email and your personal email.   

Your Gordon email address is also your user name.  You will login to the Gordon network, as well as Gordon systems (including Gordon Online, where your online studies area) using your Gordon user name and password.

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Domestic students

Before you start studying, you should check eCentral to see if you have already been enrolled into the correct units (subjects) based on the unit list that was sent to you. If not, you will need to enrol manually by selecting your correct units online. The video below will take you through what you need to do as well as how to pay online.

If you need help with anything to do with enrolment or fees, contact the Enrolment team on 5225 0601 or email enrolments@gordontafe.edu.au

Watch this clip to learn how to enrol and pay online

International students

If you are an international student you will be enrolled by the International Office. If you have any queries about your enrolment, please contact the International Office, international@gordontafe.edu.au

It is important to pay fees on time. You can find your fee due dates in eCentral once you enrol. 

If you hold a concession card but didn’t let us know you in your initial application, please contact the enrolments team on 5225 0601 or enrolments@gordontafe.edu.au. You may be eligible for a concession on your fees depending on what course you are studying.

If you experience financial difficulty, explore Scholarships and Financial Assistance where you can

• find out if you are eligible for a VET Student Loan and apply (Diploma or Advance Diploma students only)

• find out if you are eligible for a payment plan and apply at least two weeks prior to the fee due date.  Note: Students eligible for VET Student Loan wont be able to access a Payment Plan.

• Find out if you could be eligible for a Scholarship. 

You can order your Student ID card online once have enrolled.  You will need this card as identification on campus, to use the printers and photocopiers, and to borrow books from The Gordon library. Please keep it safe! Replacement cards cost $10.

It is important to think about what tools you will need to help you study. Your course will let you know what clothing, equipment and books that you will need. Before you start you should also:  

• set up a good study space at home or explore other locations, such as the Gordon Library
• make sure you have access to a computer and any required software
• get to know your online learning space (Gordon Online)
• find out where to purchase any books, clothing and uniforms

Computers and free software

If you are using your own computer or considering buying one, please check the recommended specifications.  If you won’t have your own, you can find or borrow a computer  when you are on campus. 

As a Gordon student, you will be able to access Microsoft Office for free.  IT essentials provides information about how to this and other software.

Gordon Online – your online learning space

Gordon Online is our online learning space and is required for most courses. You can access it from the Student Portal and use it to

• find course materials and assessment details
• submit or upload your assessments.  

If you aren’t already logged into the Gordon network, you will need to use your user name (your Gordon email address) and password to login.  

Clothing and uniforms

You will receive information about what you need either in an email as part of your commencement information or in your first class. The Gordon branded clothing, accessories and uniforms can be purchased through Hip Pocket in person at 170 Torquay Rd, Grovedale or online.

It is important that your clothing meets any safety standards required for your course (eg. Protective clothing). Bare feet, thongs or strapless shoes are not permitted. Shorts and singlets are not permitted in engineering, building, construction and cookery trade areas.

If you are unsure of clothing requirements for your course, please ask your teacher for clarification.

Your timetable and study planners

It is good to stay on top of  when your classes and assessment are. Planning ahead is important so that you can manage your time and balance study with your other commitments- - work, family and social. 

Details about your first classes will be emailed to you.  You can also see your timetable in Library and Learning Support in the Student Portal.  

When classes start, you will also receive information about assessments and due dates.  As soon as you know these dates, write them down in a Planner. Term Planners are available in the Library.

Attendances and absences  

You are expected to attend all classes and to participate in all training and assessment. If you are unable to attend due to illness or other circumstances, you should contact your teacher as soon as possible. In most cases medical certificates will be needed for extensions to assessment dates.   Students who don’t attend classes may be withdrawn and may still be liable to pay remaining fees if the withdrawal is outside the period that allows fees to be refunded or credited.

Getting to campus

Do you know how you will get to campus for classes?   Will you ride?   Will you take public transport and if so, are you eligible to get cheaper fares? Are you planning to drive and if so, do you know where you will park?   

You can find information to help at Get to Campus.

Student tip #1: Parking is really hard to find at the Geelong City campus, catch public transport instead!

Student tip #2: Find out where the free, all day parking is near the Werribee Watton Street campus. It means you won't need to move your car every two hours!

Finding your way around campus

Before your classes start, you are welcome to explore the campus, facilities and inclusive spaces available to you. Check Campus Facilities in the Student Portal for maps and information about what is available at each campus.

No smoking or vaping on campus  

To create a healthy and safe environment for our community, smoking and the use of tobacco products is prohibited on all Gordon campuses, property, land and vehicles .

Once you are a Gordon student, you will have access to a range of support services including counselling, learning and careers support. These services can help you achieve your goals and to ensure your experience exceeds your expectations.   

There are additional support services for Apprentices, First Peoples students, International students and students with a disability.

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The Gordon is an inclusive, friendly, safe and respectful environment. 

As a student, it is important you are aware of your rights (what you can expect from The Gordon), and your responsibilities (what is expected from you as a student), to make your experience as the Gordon as positive and successful as possible.  

Orientation activities are a great way to help you settle in and get to know others.

It is never too early to ask for help. If you are not sure who to ask, contact Customer Service.