Support Services and Information
Whether you have chosen to live on or off campus, or you are studying face-to-face or by distance education, it is important that you are able to find the support and information you need.
CSU staff understand that new students are often unsure about who to ask, or even what to ask questions about. Therefore, this section attempts to guide your enquiries and, at the same time, inform you of all that CSU offers in terms of student support.
Topic List
Adjusting to university and study
Residential schools
Student Services
Student Services Support Central
Library
Student Representation
The CSU Handbook
Safety first
Health promotions
The Student University Charter
Doubting your course decision
Policy on Harassment
Complaints
Adjusting To University And Study
Whether commencing study as an internal or distance education student you may experience understandable changes and adjustments in your life as you adapt to your new role as a university student. The changes you experience are likely to affect you in some common and some unique ways. At times your experiences may feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
Be reassured though, these feelings are quite normal and predictable reactions which we can often experience during a busy process of change in our lives.
Additional information can be located on the Student Services website, to
assist international students adjust to their new environment.
Residential Schools
A residential school is a set period when distance education students attend classes on campus. Not all subjects/courses have residential schools and those that do may have optional or compulsory attendance requirements.
There are two main residential school periods: during the Easter break (usually March/April) for the Session 1 and in August/September mid session break for the Session 2. Some Term subjects also have residential schools held at appropriate times during the Term (please check the Principal Dates for Domestic Operations for the correct date of the mid session breaks).
If there is a residential school arranged for your subject/course, you will be sent a reminder about six weeks prior to the start of the residential school period. If you require on campus accommodation, you will need to complete the online booking form before the start of the residential school.
When attending residential schools, you must sign the Attendance Register at your first class for each subject.
Application for exemption of attendance at residential school
Applications for exemption from residential schools must be received in writing and sent to the Division of Student Services, Charles Sturt University on the relevant campus prior to the date of the residential school, utilising the exemption form provided.
Financial assistance to attend a residential school or to meet educational expenses may be available through Student Services. If you have any queries, please call the Student Services Support Central.
Student Services
Student Services aim to enhance your university experience through the delivery of quality learning, personal development, health and support services so that you may achieve academic and personal success at CSU.
Discover Student Services
Discover all that Student Services offers by selecting the Student Services Home Page link within the my.csu search results.
student services
Select from the keywords below to provide you a better understanding of the services available through Student Services.
financial
assistance
disability
careers
accommodation
international
help
community
equity
counselling
online learning
health
english
learning skills
maths
study link
student calendar
Don't confuse Student Services with Student Administration. Student Services don't hold any information regarding your enrolment, grades or fees.
Check Out The Student Services Forum
Locate the Student Services forum via the forum tool in my.csu.
While in the Student Services forum, scroll through the messages to see if any provide you with helpful information. The chances are, fellow students will have asked similar questions to your own about CSU and study.
Use the search function in forums to quickly find messages related to your topic. For example, typing the word assignment into the Student Services forum search box, and clicking on GO (right hand side, near the top of the forum page), will identify any message with the word assignment in its subject heading.
STUDYLINK
The time between enrolment and starting your formal subjects is the perfect time to complete a STUDY LINK subject. STUDY LINK subjects are designed to link you into your new life as a student at CSU and will really kick start your studies.
Do any of the following statements sound like you?
- I'd like some pointers on how to write a good essay...
- I'm not sure what will be expected of me at uni...
- it's been a while since I was at school and would like to brush up on my academic skills...
- I have to do maths, chemistry and physics in my course but need a quick refresher before I start...
- I've never studied in an online environment before...
- My grammar could use some work...
If so, the STUDY LINK program may be just what you need:
The STUDY LINK subjects are short (13 -40 hours) self paced, delivered by distance education and are free of charge for many students.
Student Services Support Central
The Student Services Support Central is a central point of contact for all enrolled CSU students. In addition to being able to direct you to Student Services staff and support, Support Central can assist with queries related to:
- Study packages - what date they were sent to you, or missing items
- If you have difficulties contacting academic staff
- Assignment receipt and return
- Residential schools - timetable queries
- Weekend and one-day schools - location and times
- DE textbooks
- General enquiries
- Compliments, complaints and feedback
Contact Details
Phone: (02) 6338 4678
Within Australia at the cost of a local call: 1300 734 654
Online Inquiry Form: http://www.csu.edu.au/division/studserv/helpform.htm
Online: www.csu.edu.au/help
Library
Request a book or copy? Find a journal article? Are just a few of the questions answered under the heading " I need help", This section has frequently asked questions on display permanently within the Library Home Page and will help to answer many of your queries about the services provided by CSU Library.
You must have lots of other questions to ask the library, for example, Where do I find Australian statistics? Can I use other libraries? How can I renew my books? Or simply . . . Help!! The ‘Ask a Question’ link on the Library homepage, allows you to submit a question to Library staff via an online form and receive an individual email response. You can also talk to other students and library staff on the Library Forum, where you will find all the latest news from the Library. A link to this forum can also be located within the My Forum tool on the My.csu website.
Also, check out the library blog – yourlibrary@csu. You will find a link to it on the library homepage. Here you can find highlights of new resources, information about interruptions to services, study tips and great websites.
If you are pressed for time you can download and listen in to our podcasts, which also have a link from the library homepage. A great way to discover borrowing tips, ways to contact us and also the library services available to you.
The Library has a large pool of Frequently Asked Questions which can be accessed on the Library homepage under the heading ‘I need Help’. Find answers to questions such as how many items can be borrowed, and how to find a journal article.
Other general information can be found on the Library blog and you can find a link to it on the Library homepage. Here you can find highlights of new resources, information about interruptions to services, study tips and great websites.
You can also download and listen to our podcasts, which can be accessed under ‘How to use your Library’ on the Library homepage. A great way to discover borrowing tips, ways to contact us and also the Library services available to you.
However if you have more specific questions there are several ways to contact us:
- Live chat is available between 10am-4pm Monday-Friday and can be accessed via the Library homepage;
- An online form can be used to ask questions from the Library homepage. You will receive an email response to your question within one working day;
- Phone the Library toll free on 1800 808 369;
- If you live on campus come into the Library to ask questions of staff;
- Ask questions on the Library Forum and you will also find the latest news from the Library;
- Check out the Library blog,
Student Representation
The Student Senate and the Student Representative Committees (SRC’s) provide a ‘voice’ for the student body. The Student Senate is the overarching body of the SRC’s and is the official voice of the student body at a University-wide level. The Student Senate is responsible for electing student representatives to sit on range of University Committees like the University Council, Academic Senate, Faculty and School Boards.
Each CSU campus has a Student Representative Committee. These SRC’s provide funding for student events, student clubs and student publications. The SRC’s are also the representatives for student issues on individual campuses.
If you want to find out more about your SRC or if you want to get involved then contact your campus SRC office.
Albury: (02) 6051 6764
Bathurst: (02) 633 843271
Wagga Wagga: (20) 693 32033
Dubbo: (02) 688 57360
Canberra: (02) 627 32867
Goulburn: (02) 693 32033
Orange: (02) 636 57653
Or visit the Student Support website for Student Representation:
CSU Handbook
For further information on the full range of services and facilities available at CSU refer to the student handbook. This provides links also to rules and regulation which the university is governed by, including misconduct.
Safety First
CSU aims to provide a safe and healthy working environment for its students and staff and one that is free from risks and hazards. The available student support and associated responsibilities of all students are documented within the Student Access Point on CSU's Environment, Health and Safety website.
Health Promotions Services
The overall goal of the Charles Sturt University Health Promotion Service is to encourage a preventative approach to the health care of our students focusing on good health initiatives promotion. As well as health promotions the Health Promotion Service will also provide students with contact details of local medical practitioners and allied health personnel; health information, immunisation advice and referrals to community ancillary health services. The immunisation advice is especially important to students studying health care or whose study involves animals, as students maybe required to receive vaccination prior to working within these fields of study.
The Student University Charter
The Student University Charter identifies the teaching and learning expectations that you as a member of the University community may have of CSU and your fellow students, and the expectations that CSU and other students may have of you.
Doubting Your Course Decision?
If you are having doubts about your course and want to be better informed before making any further decisions, there are people at CSU who can help and some very worthwhile options to consider. For example, you can; discuss course difficulties with your lecturer; access the services of a Career Development Officer and/or Student Counsellor; improve your study skills and/or subject knowledge; and research alternative courses of study at CSU, or elsewhere. you may wish to contact a Career Development Officer to get you started.
Policy On Harassment
Charles Sturt University aims to provide a learning and employment environment that is free of harassment and supports the dignity and self esteem of every student and staff member.
Complaints
Charles Sturt University is committed to providing and maintaining a harmonious and productive work and study environment, free from unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment, vilification, bullying and conflict.
The University Complaints Policy and Procedures outline support available should you believe you have been unfairly treated.