Current Headstart students FAQs
Orientation
Do I have to attend Orientation?
It is compulsory for new Headstart students to attend the Headstart Orientation Session. Semester 2, 2010 Headstart Orientation is on Monday 12 July 2010 from 8.45am–1.30pm, Lecture Theatre 8, Ground Floor, K Building, USC campus.
You will need to bring:
- a printout of your timetable so you can locate your lecture and tutorial rooms on the campus tour
- photo ID, OR a letter from your school principal or Headstart Coordinator on school letter head confirming you are a student at that school.
If you are a continuing Headstart student, do not attend the Headstart Orientation Session.
All Headstart students are welcome to attend other Orientation sessions and activities.
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Key dates
What dates are important for my university studies?
The 2010 academic calendar lists important dates that affect your university studies. These include orientation, census, teaching weeks, breaks, exams and public holidays. Download the 2010 academic calendar and note these dates in your student diary.
If you decide not to complete your course, please read the information about withdrawing from the Headstart program.
Course outline
What is a course outline?
The course outline is a document containing key information about your course. It contains important information such as course description, course schedule, learning outcomes, learning/assessment tasks, due dates for assessments, assessment criteria, assessment submission procedures, prescribed texts and recommended readings, grades of assessment and your responsibilities as a student.
How do I get a copy of the course outline for my course?
During your first lecture, you may receive a hard copy of the course outline. Otherwise, you can download a copy of the course outline from the USC Portal or G: Drive.
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Textbooks
What textbooks do I need?
You can find out which textbooks you need by accessing the Co-op Bookshop website and clicking on the relevant university, semester and subject (course) code. The textbook list will also be displayed at the Co-op Bookshop.
Do I need to purchase my textbooks?
Your textbooks are the core resource for your course. Generally, you will be required to read your textbook each week and answer revision questions.
Copies of the textbooks required for your course are provided in the Reserve Collection in the Library. Items located in the Reserve Collection are available for use within the Reserve Collection area or a two-hour loan for use within the library building. While textbooks are available in the Reserve Collection in the Library, they may be in regular use by other students. Not having access to the textbook is not accepted as a reason to request an assignment extension. It is recommended that you purchase your textbooks so that you have them at hand for your readings, homework and assignments.
Where can I purchase my textbooks?
Your textbooks can be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop.
Can I get second-hand textbooks?
You can access information about second-hand textbooks on the USC Portal by clicking on Community, General Forums, Buy - Sell.
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USC student ID card
How do I get my student ID card?
New Headstart students will receive their student ID card during the Headstart Orientation Session. Please bring photo identification such as your high school student ID card, OR a letter from your school principal or Headstart Coordinator on school letter head confirming that you are a student at that school. In the event you omit to bring either of these to orientation, you can get your student ID card from Student Administration during business hours throughout the semester.
Why do I need my student ID card?
You must carry your student ID card with you at all times on campus, as security officers may request you provide this as evidence that you are a current student. This helps to ensure the safety of all students and staff on campus. Your student ID card is also needed to:
- access computer labs
- borrow items from the Library
- use USC copying and printing services
- sit your exams. All students are required to provide photo ID to staff at the exam venue
Do I have to renew my student ID card?
If you commence a second course within the Headstart program, you will need to renew your student ID card by visiting Student Administration. Please bring your Headstart acceptance letter with you. Renew your student ID card as soon as possible to continue your access to University facilities and services.
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USC email account
How do I access my USC email account?
Your USC email account has already been set-up. You can access your USC email account via USCCentral or the USC Portal using your personal username and password that was provided in your offer letter.
If you have access problems, please contact Headstart Support.
How often do I need to check my USC email account?
Because the University communicates important messages to you via your USC email account, you should check your account on a weekly basis as a minimum. Throughout the semester, Headstart Support may email you about your enrolment, fees and continuing your Headstart studies.
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USCCentral
What is USCCentral?
USCCentral gives you access to a range of administrative functions including:
- account details (under my Financial Status)
- class timetable
- exam timetable
- results
- updating your personal details
How do I access USCCentral?
To access USCCentral, use your personal username and password that was provided in your offer letter. If you need assistance with USCCentral, please contact Student Administration.
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University Portal
What is the portal/Blackboard?
The USC Portal provides a central location where you can access study materials and other information relevant to your studies.
How do I access the USC Portal?
To access the USC Portal, use your personal username and password that was provided in your offer letter.
Fees
How do I get my fees invoice?
You can access and print your online invoice via USCCentral by clicking on For Students, My Financial Status, View Financial Status, View Online Invoice. Your invoice has the course fee and your payment options. Your fees invoice will not be mailed to you.
When do I have to pay my fees?
The due date for payment is Friday 12 March 2010 (the end of the third week of classes). Your enrolment will be cancelled if payment is not received by census date (Friday 26 March 2010).
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Scholarships
How do I apply for a headstart scholarship?
A scholarship application form is included in your Headstart application pack. You will need to complete the scholarship application form, attach a personal statement outlining your grounds for consideration and supply the appropriate documentation as outlined in the application.
I have received a scholarship, what happens next?
The University has a large number of scholarships funded by private organisations and individuals wanting to support students in their tertiary studies.
All Headstart Scholarships take the form of a student fee waiver. In each case it is the scholarship donor who pays the course fee. This means that you are not required to pay the A$375 Headstart course fee that appears on your acount. Student Administration will remove this from your account in due course.
It is important to remember that if you re-apply to do a second semester of Headstart you will need to make a fresh scholarship application, as scholarships are granted on a per semester basis.
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Classes
Can I change my class times?
You may be able to change your lecture and tutorial times if they no longer suit your high school timetable or your circumstances change and there is availability in your chosen class. If you wish to change your class times, please contact Headstart Support.
How do I know which classes I am in?
A list of your classes and their location is available on your class timetable that can be accessed via USCCentral. If you need assistance with USCCentral, please contact Student Administration.
How do I locate rooms on campus?
The University has a numbering system for tutorial rooms, lecture theatres and computer laboratories on campus. The numbering system identifies a) the building, b) the level, and c) the room number. For example, I.G -11 is I for Building I, G for Ground level and 11 for Room 11. Lecture Theatres are identified by the letters LT and a number. For example, Lecture Theatre 3 is LT3. All buildings and Lecture Theatres are shown on the campus map.
What is the difference between a lecture and a tutorial?
A lecture involves a member of the academic staff presenting themes and concepts to students, relating to a particular course. Generally students attend one lecture per course per week.
A tutorial is normally a forum for discussion and consolidation of the themes and concepts introduced in a lecture. It is like a classroom at school. In many cases, tutorials give you a chance to practically apply course content and ask questions.
Is it compulsory to attend classes?
Attendance at lectures, tutorials, labs and workshops is expected. Some courses offer marks for participation and your course outline will specify whether this is so. You are strongly urged to attend both lectures and tutorials if you wish to succeed in your course.
What if I miss (or am going to miss) a class?
If you have missed a lecture/tutorial/lab/workshop due to illness, it is recommended that you contact your course coordinator or tutor as soon as possible. If you have missed an assessment or wish to request an extension on an assessment due to prolonged illness, a medical certificate may be required. You may also be required to complete forms (for example, Variation to Assessment) which are available from your faculty office.
If you expect to miss a lecture/tutorial/lab/workshop due to another commitment (for example, the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) exam), you should speak with your course coordinator or tutor in advance.
How do I contact my course coordinator, lecturer or tutor?
Your lecturer’s contact details are provided in your first lecture and in your course outline. Your tutor’s contact details are usually provided in your first tutorial. Alternatively, you can conduct a staff search on the University website.
What if I don’t understand the course content/assessment?
If you do not understand the course content or the requirements of your assessment, you need to speak to your tutor and/or lecturer. You are encouraged to make early contact with your tutor and/or lecturer for the assistance and support.
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Assessment
Can I get an extension on my assignment?
If you have a legitimate reason (for example, illness) and wish to request an extension on your assignment, you should approach your course coordinator prior to the assignment due date. Note that you may also be required to provide a medical certificate and/or complete forms (for example, Variation to Assessment) which are available at your faculty office. If your reason for requesting an extension is of a sensitive medical or personal nature, a counsellor or the Disability Services Officer can assist you with the matter.
Do I have to collect my marked assignments?
It is expected that you collect your marked assignments. In some courses, marked assignments are returned to students during the tutorial. In other courses, you are expected to collect your marked assignments from the Faculty office. The feedback will help you succeed in your course. You can discuss the feedback with your tutor.
How do I find out when my final exams will be held?
For Semester 1, 2010, the exam timetable will be released on 3 May and exams will be held 14–25 June. For Semester 2, 2010, the exam timetable will be released on 4 October and exams will be held 15–26 November.
Once the exam timetable is released, you can access your exam timetable via USCCentral by clicking on For Students, My Enrolment, My Exam Timetable. If you need assistance with USCCentral, please contact Student Administration.
Can I sit my exam at a different time?
In general, Headstart students are required to sit their final exam as shown on their exam timetable. If your school exams clash with your University exam, speak to your school about changing the time of your school exam. If you have a legitimate reason for not sitting your University exam as scheduled, contact Headstart Support.
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Support services
What are academic skills services?
Academic skills services can help you to develop your academic writing and study skills. These skills are very different to the standard required at high school. Advisers offer individual and group consultations, online self-help information and workshops throughout the year. Workshop topics include essay writing, report writing, critical thinking and avoiding plagiarism.
How can I access academic skills services?
A semester timetable and information on academic skills workshops can be accessed on the student intranet or by contacting Student Services.
It is strongly recommended that all Headstart students use the academic skills service.
What is counselling services?
A confidential counselling service with qualified psychologists is available free to all students. Students may access counsellors for any study related or personal issues including:
- anxiety-related issues
- depression, feeling overwhelmed
- stress management
- grief, bereavement and loss-related issues
- crisis-related issues (for example, domestic violence, sexual assault)
- conflict or issues with staff or other students
- support for variations to enrolment and assessment on compassionate grounds
How can I access counselling services?
Appointments last approximately 50 minutes. Due to high demand, students may not be able to make a same-day appointment to see a counsellor. However, in an emergency, alternative arrangements can be made. For an appointment, contact Student Services.
What is disability support?
Students with a disability are strongly encouraged to make early contact with the Disability Services Officer who can provide practical advice and assistance with regard to the services and support available throughout the University. More information about disability support is available on the University website.
How can I access disability support?
To make an appointment with the Disability Services Officer, contact Student Services.
What is Indigenous Services?
The role of Indigenous Services is to encourage and support Indigenous students at USC. They offer:
- a friendly Indigenous presence on campus
- academic and culturally appropriate resources
- academic support
How do I access Indigenous Services?
For more information about Indigenous Services or to book an appointment, contact Indigenous Services.
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Withdrawal
What will happen if I decide not to complete my course?
If you withdraw prior to the census date (end of Week 5) you do not receive a result and tuition fees will be refunded. If you withdraw after the census date and before the end of Week 9, you will receive a WN (withdrawn without penalty) grade but will not be eligible for a refund of fees. If you withdraw after the end of Week 9 of semester you will receive a WF (withdrawn-fail) grade and will not be eligible for a refund of fees. Teaching weeks and census dates are shown on the 2010 academic calendar.
Students who withdraw from their first semester of Headstart study prior to census date may re-apply in future semesters through the full application process. Students who withdraw from their second semester of Headstart study prior to the census date may re-enrol in a future semester. Students who withdraw from the Headstart program after census date are not eligible to re-apply in future semesters. Withdrawing from Headstart will not affect your OP or your future application to university.
Please discuss your individual circumstances with Headstart Support and your school Headstart coordinator before making a decision.
How do I withdraw from Headstart?
Please discuss your individual circumstances with the Headstart Support and your school coordinator before making a decision. If you still choose to withdraw you must complete a Headstart Withdrawal Form (PDF 19KB) and submit it to Student Administration.
You can withdraw from your course before your semester census date without incurring financial or academic penalty. The Semester 1 census date is 26 March 2010. The Semester 2 census date is 27 August 2010.
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Semester results
When are course results available?
Semester course results are typically released 2 weeks after the final day of the scheduled exam period.
How do I get my results?
You can access your course results via USCCentral by clicking on For Students, My Results/Enrolment Record, Results and then choosing the term in which you studied. If you need assistance with USCCentral, please contact Student Administration.
Exam results are the responsibility of your Faculty and are usually posted to Blackboard at this time.
Your academic transcript will also be posted to you by mid-July for Semester 1 results and mid-December for Semester 2 results.
Continuation of Headstart studies
Can I study another course?
You may complete a maximum of two semesters of Headstart study across years 11 and 12. You can complete only one course each semester. You may enrol in a second semester of Headstart study only if you receive at least a passing grade in your first semester of Headstart study.
How do I apply?
Current Headstart students will receive an email late in the semester about continuing their Headstart studies. If you are eligible to study another course, you will need to complete the 2010 Headstart Continuing Enrolment Form (PDF 97KB) and return it to your school Headstart coordinator.
When do I have to submit my application for continuing enrolment?
Application close dates:
For study in Semester 2, 2010: 14 May 2010
For study in Semester 1, 2011: 29 October 2010
If you decide not to complete your course, please read the information about withdrawing from the Headstart program.
Applying for a degree
If you wish to continue your studies at university as a Year 12 school-leaver, you apply for your degree through QTAC.
Guaranteed entry to USC programs
If you are a successful Headstart graduate receiving a QCE and applying through QTAC via the accepted process you will be guaranteed entry to most USC degrees, regardless of whether you have completed OP subjects at school.
How does this work?
USC provides the names of students eligible for guaranteed entry to QTAC who then process this information with your application. You will receive your offer in accordance with the usual preference weighting and process through QTAC.
Gaining credit for your Headstart studies
Successfully completed Headstart courses earn credit towards your USC degree if they are related study areas. You will need to apply for credit for your courses after you accept your offer of a place in a degree program.
Credit may also be granted for related degrees at other universities, but this is subject to approval by the other university.
Headstart Support
If I have concerns about my university studies, what should I do?
If you have any concerns about your University studies, please contact:
Headstart Support
Tel: +61 7 5459 4457
Fax: +61 7 5430 2882
Email: headstartsupport@usc.edu.au
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