Parents, partners and friends of new students

Having your child, parent or partner start university can lead to as many questions for you as it does for them. To help you, help them, Deakin has produced a booklet: Supporting a Deakin Student - A Guide for Parents and Partners (279 KB).

In addition to this guide, below are a list of of frequently asked questions, which might be helpful for the parents, partners and friends of new Deakin students.

Finances

What fees apply? How does HECs work? What support is available?
It's important to get reliable and accurate information about fees and finances at university. The following websites provide useful and up-to-date information:

  • Fees - Fees, HECs and the implications for domestic and international students.
  • Financial support - General advice and information regarding financial assistance available at Deakin, including grants, loans, vouchers, scholarships and more.


How much are text books going to cost?
Text books can be expensive and it's important not to rush out and buy text books before the start of classes, as students will find out more about which books are necessary in the first weeks of classes.

  • DUSA Bookshops stock text, reference and general books, as well as course materials, and are located at all four campuses, online and via a phone order centre. Booklists are posted in DUSA Bookshops at least one week before each trimester commences and can also be viewed online.
  • DUSA also have a second-hand book facility on each campus.
  • Students can also check the Library for text books, although maximum loan periods apply.
  • eBay is another option for checking for second hand texts.

What support is there for students to find part-time work?
Most students at university find that they either have to, or prefer to, work part-time while they're studying. Deakin encourages full-time students to not work more than 12 hours per week, so as not to interfere with their studies. There are also strict rules regarding how many hours of part-time work international students can do during trimester.

  • Deakin has a comprehensive Careers and Employment service, where students can get information, advice and activities to help them make choices and decisions about study, employment and career options.
  • Students also have access to a Resume Builder, which is an interactive tool that helps students build their own resume, as well as access to a resume checking service with Careers staff.
  • Deakin students also have access to Jobshop, which is an online database that lists all types of part-time, casual, overseas and interstate jobs. We advise students to bookmark Jobshop and check regularly for local employment opportunities.

Support

Deakin prides itself on being supportive and responsive to student needs.Faculty Student Centres, the Division of Student Life and the Deakin University Student Association DUSA each focus on delivering services to support student success.

What help is available for study success?

  • Language and Learning Advisers provide services and resources to help students get the most out of their studies, including:

    • A comprehensive range of online resources to help students develop good study habits, write in an appropriate academic style and prepare for exams.

    • A range of informal, friendly and interactive workshops, that provide students with an opportunity to enhance their academic skills.

    • Drop-in facilities and individual support

  • Library staff are available to help students locate resources from books to electronic journals. Students can ask at the help desk on campus or access assistance online.

  • DUSA offers an advocacy service, which is of great value to students who fail units and are involved in 'show cause' or disciplinary procedures.

What if the student gets ill, distressed or homesick?
It's extremely important that students stay happy and healthy while they're studying and there are a range of services available to students to help them do just that.

  • There is a Medical Centre on each Campus where students can access professional, confidential and non-judgemental advice and services. Bulk billing (Medicare) and direct billing (Overseas Student Health Cover, OSHC) is available for all Deakin students.

  • The Counselling and Personal Development service offers free psychological support to all Deakin students, across all campuses. Students can either make an appointment to see a counsellor or attend a group workshop.

  • There are competitively priced Deakin Fitness Clubs on the Melbourne Campus at Burwood, Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool Campuses. Students can have a personal program designed for them, go at their own pace or join a class.

  • Students living on residences have the benefits of peer mentoring, academic support and each unit has an allocated residential assistant, who is the first point of contact for student queries and concerns.

  • Chaplains on Campus provide great support for students who want some spiritual guidance or a listening ear. It is not necessary to belong to any religious faith or to attend worship anywhere in order to use the chaplaincy services.

What assistance is available for students with disabilities?

The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is here to assist students achieve their academic goals. Whilst some students have a disability which is enduring, others can be temporarily disabled by accidents or illnesses and need support to continue studying successfully. The services available through the DRC include:

  • Electronically delivered study material.

  • Academic support workers such as note takers and sign interpreters.

  • Alternative assessment arrangements, for example extra time, rest breaks, or computer use.

  • Extended library services such as additional loan time and use of off-campus services.

  • Assistance with technology training and access to adaptive technology laboratories.

  • Referral to other University staff and services.

Safety issues

How safe is campus?
Security Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are based at all Campuses. These officers are easily identified by their uniforms, which have a Deakin Security badge on them. Deakin Security Officers are trained on Deakin security policies, procedures and emergency arrangements as well as to Level 2 First Aid.

IT needs

What sort of computer and internet connection will they need?
Deakin requires its students to have access to a computer and the internet, but this does not necessarily mean that students must own a computer. Deakin provides on-campus computer facilities and computer laboratories. Access minimum computer standards through our IT services website.

What about software?
Deakin University students access their units through Deakin Studies Online. Some units also need special software requirements.

Software Essentials is a resource for students providing access to software downloads which can be installed on home computers. Some of the software is for general use, while some is intended to be used by specific groups of students.

A free copy of the Software Essentials DVD can be obtained from DUSA , Division of Student Administration , the Library or the Disability Resource Centre . All software downloads available on the Software Essentials DVD can also be found on the Deakin University website.

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15th March 2011