Support services


General information

This is a brief reference list only. More detailed information is provided with post-enrolment mailouts. In mid January students are sent the distance education folder which contains an information guide and weekend school information. It includes important information for distance education students, and relevant information regarding attendance at weekend schools.

Computers

Students with personal computers and modems can access the library catalogues. Once a computer account is arranged, students will be able to use the software on the on-campus mainframe computers, send email or use discussion groups with staff and other students. Access to a personal computer is highly desirable to enable students to wordprocess their assignments. Some subjects use specific PC software for which easy access to a PC is essential. Purchase of the software, like textbooks, is the responsibility of the student. The individual course entries should be consulted for an indication of PC requirements applying to that course.

Counselling

Student counsellors assist with concerns related to returning to study and provide a careers counselling service.

People with disabilities

Confidential assistance and support is available for people with disabilities. Assistance includes alternative assessment arrangements, enlarged photocopying etc. You are encouraged to contact the disability liaison officer early in your studies.

Distance education liaison

A number of liaison officers are available to help with any queries or problems regarding a student's distance education studies. A toll-free number is available for student use.

Library

Monash University Library, through its Flexible Library Services Unit, provides a wide range of services to distance education students. Books and photocopies of book chapters or photocopy articles will be posted directly from the campus libraries holding these materials. The Flexible Library Services staff in our campus libraries will also photocopy and post past examination papers, and can also assist students to find information for assignments or answer reference or other queries.
Students use the library's computer catalogue, CD-ROM databases and other library electronic resources through the Flexible Library Services web-site. This site contains an electronic book and photocopy request form and past examination papers. The site also has links to Monash campus libraries and provides information on university libraries throughout Australia which can provide borrowing privileges.
Requests for books, journal articles and information can be made via email, fax or telephone to the Flexible Library Services request centre. More information on library services can be found in the library guide for distance education students and other library pamphlets. This information is also detailed in the Flexible Library Services web-site.
Students can also borrow books, do their own photocopying and use CD-ROM and other electronic services when they visit our campus libraries. However, off-campus library services are only available at the Flexible Library Services request centre or its web-site. Flexible Library Services are available through

Monash University centres

A student support centre is located at Leongatha in Victoria. In Queensland, an agreement between Monash and the Queensland Open Learning Network enables students to use the network's centres. In Western Australia a similar agreement enables students to use the WA Telecentre Network's centres, and in New South Wales students can access the ET Australia Centre located in Gosford.

Orientation

A short video called 'Getting Started' is available for newly enrolled students to borrow. This video outlines how students receive study materials, submit assignments, access the bookshop, library and other services.

Student financial adviser

An adviser is available to assist with Austudy applications, eligibility queries and appeals, student loans and general financial issues.

Student union

The student union on each campus provides cultural, social and recreational programs for students, and representation for members within the university. Membership of the student union is voluntary. At the first weekend school at the Gippsland campus, the student union conducts orientation and return-to-study activities.