Swinburne Language
A
Academics
Academics or academic staff are the people who teach and undertake research at the University. Examples of titles of academic staff are professor, associate professor, reader, doctor, lecturer, tutor or demonstrator.
Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar shows you all of the official and important dates for the academic year, including semester dates, exam periods, census dates.
Academic Transcript
An Academic Transcript is an official document which states your course, subjects and results, completion date, graduation date and is signed by the university Registrar.
Allocate +
Allocate + is the web based class allocation system used by Higher Education students to obtain a timetable.
Academic Dress
Academic Dress-The official robes worn by graduates.
Award
A degree, associate degree, diploma or certificate.
Atrium
The Atrium is located on the Hawthorn Campus and is the covered area between the BA building and the Library. The Atrium is a great meeting spot for students and is equipped with wireless facilities.
Academic Success Program
Workshops designed to assist students to be proactive and effectively manage their academic progress.
Alumni
Alumni are graduates of the University.
Academic Advisors
Professional, experienced full time staff members employed to provide free and confidential help, information and advocacy across a range of academic, administrative and personal issues. Academic Advisors assist students with academic appeals, progress review meetings, grievances, special consideration applications, academic misconduct hearings (for example an allegation of plagiarism), discrimination and harassment matters. Academic Advisors will listen to your issues and provide unbiased advice on the best way forward, the aim being to facilitate a constructive resolution as quickly as is practicable.
Ask George
Ask George is a 24/7 frequently asked question (FAQ) website for current students to search for answers to their enquiries or submit enquiries of their own.
Assesment
The process of examining the work produced by a student through an examination, test, assignment, essay or for the purpose of awarding marks that contribute to the final grade of a subject.
At Risk
This notice is designed to draw attention to the fact that your results have been poor and that if your results continue to be poor next semester you are at risk of possible exclusion from your program of study. As soon as you receive an at risk letter we recommend you make an appointment with an academic advisor, who will help you manage your situation and help improve your results.
ATAR
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rankis the percentile ranking based on an applicant's VCE study scores which reflects their performance relative to all other VCE students.
B
Bachelor Degree
A bachelor degree is also called an undergraduate degree. A bachelor degree qualification is awarded after completion of an undergraduate course, eg Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business.
Blackboard
Blackboard is a Learning Management System (LMS) that allows academics to engage students and facilitate class activities through a series of specially-designed web pages.
Blackboard features:
- discussion forums
- lodging of student assignments
- online gradebook
- document sharing
- e-mail messaging
Bookshop
There is a Swinburne Bookshop on each campus and online. You can purchase your textbooks, general books, stationery and office supplies, academic software, Swinburne merchandise and giftware at the bookshop.
C
Campus
The campus is the grounds on which the University is situated. Swinburne has five campuses across Melbourne, Hawthorn, Prahran, Lilydale, Wantirna, Corydon and one in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Census Date
The date when your enrolment must be finalised, i.e you must enrol in a unit by the census date, and withdrawal after the census date may involve a financial and/or academic penalty.
Careers and Employment
Careers and Employment offer a range of free career services to students of Swinburne University of Technology and Higher Education graduates of 2 years and TAFE graduates of 6 months standing. They are committed to assisting Swinburne students throughout their studies, with a continued focus on their employability.
Chaplain
A Chaplain provides spiritual support and pastoral care to students and staff on the Swinburne campus, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack of it. There are Chaplains available at all campuses.
Clubs and Societies
Clubs affiliated with the Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA) range from the Choral Society to a Chocolate Appreciation Society. Joining clubs and societies is a great way to get involved in university life and meet new people who share your interests. There are also sports clubs and societies based in the Swinburne University Sports and Recreation.
Concession Card
The Victorian Public Transport (VPT) Student Concession Card entitles some domestic students and some overseas students to concession fares on board all train, tram and bus services, as specified on the VPT Student Concession Card. You can see if you are eligible for a concession card on the 'Authorisation of Public Transport Concession Cards' web page.
Counselling
The Counselling Service can provide support for a range of issues including adjusting to university life, family or relationship issues, depression, anxiety, lack of motivation and effective study and academic progress problems. The Counselling Service is free to all Swinburne students. Careers and Employment also offers careers counselling, and the Swinburne Student Amenities Association also provide support and advocacy for students.
Course
A sequence of subjects which make up a degree or diploma.
Chancellor
The current Chancellor is Bill Scales. The Chancellor is the highest figure head at Swinburne. The Chancellor chairs University Council and some other committees.
Credit Transfer
The granting of recognition by universities for previous study and/or experience, in the form of exemption from certain course/program requirements.
D
Dean
The academic head of each faculty.
Deferment
You can apply to defer (delay) the starting date of your course prior to census date. Your place will be held for you, usually for a period of one year.
Degree
A set course of undergraduate or postgraduate study.
Department
Most university faculties are divided into several departments, each of which deals with an individual area of study.
Disability support service
The University provides a range of services and assistance for students with a disability or ongoing medical condition.
Distance education
Off-campus study completed via correspondence.
E
Elective
A non-compulsory subject which does not form part of the core area of a course.
Every student is allocated a University email address and it is the University's main form of communication with you. It is therfore very important that you always check your student email - all University communication is sent to this account.
Enrolment
At the beginning of each academic year there is an enrolment period during which students must finalise subject choices.
Education Abroad
Swinburne has exchange agreements with approximately 50 institutions in 20 countries. Students may apply to study for either one or two semesters at an overseas institution while gaining credit towards their degree at Swinburne.
Examination
The formal testing, during a period specified by Academic Board, for the purpose of students enrolled in a unit of study. Such an examination is subject to the control of the Registrar through a designated officer.
F
Faculty
The University is divided into a number of faculties, each of which deals with a general area of study. Most faculties are also sub-divided into smaller departments.
Fees
Students pay a range of course fees depending on whether they are an Australian or international student, undergraduate or graduate, or in a fee-paying or Commonwealth Supported Place. An explanation of all of these is available on the ‘Fees’ web page.
Flexible degree structure
Swinburne's new Flexible Degree Structure adds flexibility to most of our undergraduate degrees. We've broken down the traditional academic barriers, allowing you to tailor your degree and add either depth or breadth to your education through your choice of professional majors, co-majors and minors.
Full time
A student enrolled in three or more Higher Education units per semester (3.75 credit points or more) or TAFE students attending greater than 20 class hours per week.
G
Graduate diploma
A graduate diploma is a specialised postgraduate qualification which can be completed following a related undergraduate degree. Graduate diplomas are usually one to two years in length.
Graduation
Following completion of their course, students attend a graduation ceremony during which their degree or diploma will be awarded.
Guaranteed entry scheme
The Guaranteed Entry Scheme (GES) gives Swinburne TAFE diploma and advanced diploma students guaranteed entry into an undergraduate degree course at Swinburne. Your guaranteed entry to a Commonwealth Supported Place at university is subject only to satisfactory completion of your TAFE course. You'll receive credit for your diploma or advanced diploma studies, fast-tracking you into later stages of an undergraduate degree.
H
Honours
The honours year is a final year of specialised study in the area in which a student has completed a major, usually consisting of a combination of coursework and a major thesis.
Host Program
At the beginning of each year, current students volunteer to act as hosts to a group of first year students. The host groups meet during Orientation to help new students familiarise themselves with the campus.
Harvard referencing system
The Harvard referencing system is the official referencing style accepted at Swinburne to document the sources of information use in assignments.
Housing at Swinburne
Swinburne Housing can assist you to find accommodation on or off campus. They can also assist you with tenancy advice and provide advice on all accommodation related queries.
Higher Education
Bachelor degrees and above ie. Bachelor, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters, PhD.
Health Services
The Health Services at Swinburne University offer a friendly and accessible service across all campuses. Nursing service are available at all campuses, including emergency response, clinical treatment and referral, health promotion and counselling. There is a Medical Centre at the Hawthorn campus, which is available to all students. Medical consultations with a doctor are available by appointment and can be bulk billed with medicare.
I
ID Card
Your Swinburne ID card identifies you as a Swinburne student when you are accessing services and facilities on Swinburne campuses. It is also your library card.
ID number
The five or six digit number printed on your student card. You keep the same ID number throughout your course.
Industry-Based Learning
Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is a program offered at undergraduate level in which students are offered the opportunity to undertake a full time paid placement in industry for usually 6 to 12 months in an area relevant to their studies.
International Student
Students who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents. (Note: New Zealand citizens are not international students.)
L
Leave of Absence
Similar to deferment, leave of absence is the term used for suspending your course once you are part way through. You can apply through your faculty to take leave of absence, usually for a period of a semester or a year.
Lectopia
Some lectures are recorded and placed on the web after the event, on a system called Lectopia. You can access your lectures online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If your lectures have been recorded with Lectopia, you can view them on-line shortly after the lecture has been delivered. Access is through your units in BlackBoard or WebCT.
Not all lectures are recorded so make sure you ask your lecturer if this facility is available before you assume it is!
Lecture
Large, formal classes in which lecturers present course material to all students enrolled in a given subject.
Lecturers
Lecturers give lectures. They usually have the title of Doctor or Professor and they deliver the main content of each subject for everyone studying that subject.
Library
There is a Library at each of the university campuses. Students may use their student card to borrow from all the University libraries.
Language and Academic Support (LAS)
The Language and Academic Skills (LAS) team provides advice and instruction about academic language and learning to international students.
Learning Links (Study Support)
Study Support is available to most local Swinburne students free of charge. It includes support for students who want to increase their skills in essay and report writing, presentations, interpreting assignment questions, note-taking, referencing, exam preparation, time management, conversation & pronunciation and maths.
M
Major
An area of specialisation continued for the duration of your degree. Students undertake more units related to their majour(s) than for other areas of study.
My.Swinburne
My.Swinburne is the essential, online portal that houses all of the Swinburne student systems such as WebMail, blackboard/Web CT, Ask George, Allocate +, exam timetables, subject results and more.
Mitchells View
Swinburne's hospitality training restaurant 'Mitchells View' on the Lilydale campus. Open to the general public.
Mecanix Restaurant
Swinburne's hospitality training restaurant 'Mecanix' on the Prahran campus. Open to the general public.
N
NetStorage
Once enrolled, each student is allocated storage space of up to 1GB on Swinburne’s network.
Night bus
A Night bus service operates out of Swinburne’s campuses in Hawthorn, Prahran and Lilydale. The bus can drop you off safely wherever you request, within certain boundaries.
O
Off campus
Some subjects are completed either in whole or in part through off-campus study. Off-campus subjects include those completed via correspondence or distance education or off campus components of courses.
Open Day
Open Day is held on a Sunday in August each year and is a chance for prospective students to find out more about the campus, courses and services.
Orientation
Prior to the beginning of each academic year an orientation program is held. There are a variety of activities held ranging from tours to faculty information sessions. We urge all new students to attend Orientation, as it's a great chance to become familiar with the campus, learn more about your course, get involved with clubs and societies, and meet heaps of new people. There is also an Orientation held at the beginning of second semester, for students who commence studies mid-year.
O-Hosts
P
Part-time
A student enrolled in two or less Higher Education units per semester (2.50 credit points or less) or TAFE students attending less than 20 class hours per week. Many students choose to study part-time to allow time for external commitments such as work or family.
Postgraduate
A student who has completed a bachelor degree and who is undertaking a higher award course, eg a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters degree or Doctorate/PhD.
Practical session (Prac)
A class in which practical experiments or exercises are conducted under supervision.
Professor
A senior member of the academic teaching staff. They have completed many years of distinguished teaching (including lecturing and tutoring) and research. Professor is a title conferred by the University.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the action or practice of taking and submitting or presenting the thoughts, writings or other work of someone else as though it is your own work.
Pathways
Through Pathways Direct, Swinburne TAFE students who are interested in studying a university degree can apply directly to Higher Education faculties for admission into a degree program. The application is handled internally by Swinburne and does not require a VTAC application.
R
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) acknowledges skills and knowledge gained outside the university and TAFE system, through paid or volunteer work, informal or employer-based training and during certain degree programs that a student hasn’t graduated from.
Residence
On-campus Residential College style accommodation suited to first year or international exchange students that provides a safe and supportive environment on campus. Available at Hawthorn and Lilydale campuses.
Result categories
The grading system used at Swinburne, eg high distinction, distinction, pass, not pass. Further information can be found on the 'Result categories' web page.
Results Certificate
A Swinburne Results certificate gives a complete listing of all grades awarded for a course of study, but does not include course completion date or graduation date.
Result release date
The official date that results are available to students.
S
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award. A range of government and privately funded scholarships available to current and prospective Swinburne students.
Security on campus
Security are here not only to keep University property secure, but to keep an eye out for your safety. Security officers can be seen walking around campus and are on call 24 hours a day. Their phone number is 9214 3333.
Semester (Teaching period)
A formal university or TAFE teaching period. You can find semester dates on the Academic Calendar website.
Swinburne University Health and Fitness Centre (Swinergy)
The Swinburne University Health and Fitness Centre is located on the Hawthorn Campus, corner of Wakefield a John Street Hawthorn. The Centre is staffed by TAFE students undertaking accredited training in Sport, Recreation and Fitness, under the coordination and supervision of senior teaching staff and full time centre employees. The centre houses, amongst other things, a Gym, Swinburne sports clubs, dance classes, massages, merchandise and is where you can get involved in the Australian University Games.
Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA)
SSAA provide a range of services to students of Swinburne University of Technology including Academic Advice & Advocacy, Activities & Events, Clubs & Societies, Night Bus, Orientation, Student Diary & Publications, Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Development Program, Student Representation and Legal services.
Student Email
Student email system
Student Information Centre
The Student Information Centres (SICs) provide a wide range of services to current students, past students, Swinburne staff and the general public. There is a SIC on each of Swinburne's six campuses and they should be your first point of contact for all information, advice and referrals.
Student Services
Student Services provides a range of support and services to help students gain as much as possible from their time at Swinburne. The services support you in achieving your learning objectives. The services provided by professional staff are personal and confidential and are available on all Swinburne campuses. There is no charge for these services, however, occasional costs may apply at the Health Service.
SwinEmploy
SwinEmploy is a web-based employment information and management portal. If you are looking for a job, register on SwinEmploy to access current job postings (part-time or full-time).
SwinLink
SwinLink is an online system that allows you to pay your course fees (TAFE & Higher Education courses only) online via credit card and also view and update your personal details such as semester & permanent (overseas) address, contact numbers, e-mail addresses, employer contact and emergency contact details.
Status Letter
A Status Letter is used to verify a student’s current or past enrolment at Swinburne University of Technology. It is used to apply for permanent residency, Centrelink checks, application to various professional organizations and proof of student status at banks etc.
Student News
A fortnightly bulletin sent to your student email address outlining all the important info that you need to be aware of- Read the Student News and never miss out on important information!
Subject
Each course is divided into individual subjects.
Student Union
Students of Swinburne University of Technology may choose to join the Swinburne Student Union (SSU). Membership of the SSU is voluntary. The Swinburne Student Union is a separate legal entity from the Swinburne University of Technology and is an independent incorporated association. The SSU is governed by a Council of elected student representatives.
Study support and academic skills
Study Support is available to most local Swinburne students free of charge. It includes support for students who want to increase their skills in essay and report writing, oral presentations, interpreting assignment questions, note-taking, referencing, exam preparation, time management, conversation & pronunciation and maths. Further information can be found on the 'LearningLinks' website
T
Theatre or Lecture Theatre
A large auditorium in which lectures are held.
Tute or tutorial
Usually less formal than a lecture, tutes are small classes in which material from lectures and readings can be discussed in more detail.
TAFE
Technical and Further Education or TAFE institutions provide a wide range of predominantly vocational tertiary education courses in Australia, mostly qualifying courses under the National Training System/Australian Qualifications Framework/Australian Quality Training Framework. Courses include Certificates, Diplomas, Associate Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas
Term Dates
Refer to semester
U
Undergraduate
Student completing a Bachelor degree
University Council
The governing body of the University. All University bodies report to the University Council.
V
Vice-Chancellor (VC)
The VC is the head of the University: the senior executive staff member, responsible for major planning and management decisions. The current Vice-Chancellor is Professor Linda Kristjanson.
