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Record Keeping

Record Keeping

  1. The College keeps accurate and up-to-date records of student information. This includes but is not limited to, personal details, academic progress, reports of interviews, college financial records and welfare reports in either hard copy or electronic format. Staff are informed of record keeping processes during staff induction. Our record keeping is stored electronically within CollegeWorx database & hard-copy in students files in the Registrar’s office.
  2. Student files include any forms, records of interviews or results while at College. This covers hard copies or computerised documentation. Examples include, but are not limited to; Application form, Pastoral reference, Salvation testimony, Academic transcripts, records of interviews, any counselling notes.
  3. Access to these files remain confidential and are accessible by defined personnel according to College procedures and privacy legislation. The only people who have access, on a need to know basis, to student files are college staff. Access to files is limited to staff access areas as required.
  4. The student may give written consent for someone other than the people listed above to have access to their files.
  5. Students are required to put a request in writing using the Application to Access Student file form (which can be found on the Student Portal) in order to be given access to their student file.
  6. Student results are retained for a period of 30 years.
  7. Records of completed student assessments are retained for a period of 6 months from which the competence for the student assessment was made.

Student Access to Records

  1. Students may access their college personal records at any time using the Application to Access Student Records form.
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Staff Employment and Practice

  1. As a statutorily-defined religious institution, the College recruits faculty and support staff on the basis of their ministry gifting and calling, qualifications, proven ministry experience and character in accordance with the Australian Christian Churches fellowship with which the College is associated.
  2. All staff are expected to perform their duties with competency, integrity and compassion in compliance with the standards outlined in the Staff Code of Conduct and consistent with the College mission and purpose. Any breaches of the requirements will result in disciplinary sanctions. All staff are required to remain conversant with College expectations of their conduct.
  3. The College ensures the ongoing professional development of its faculty and staff (including professional skills and teaching qualifications).
  4. The College complies with the Work Health and Safety standards and other statutory and industrial award agreements as per current legislation, in order to provide a safe working environment for its staff. A review committee has been established to assess risk and safety matters. The Committee consists of College staff, church production staff, church events staff and other church staff.
  5. The College provides an appeals mechanism for staff to ensure equity, due process, natural justice and fair practice.
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International Students

  1. The College supplies accurate and current information to enable a person unfamiliar with the Australian education and training system and living conditions to make an informed decision about the appropriateness of the provider and its courses to the student’s needs.
  2. The College has obtained National registration for international students for its courses.
  3. The College will ensure that staff involved with international students are not only suitably qualified but also sensitive to the culture(s) of the students being taught and will provide for training of such staff as appropriate.
  4. The College informs prospective students of the migration regulations governing international student entry to and stay in Australia. The College informs prospective and enrolled students of any changes to student entry visa conditions, as advised by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) or its equivalent. This information includes advice on visa conditions, work rights, course requirements (including enrolment in a full-time course of study, attendance and academic progress matters), and to maintain adequate arrangements for the education of dependants, and to seek the prior approval of DIBP or its equivalent for certain course changes or before commencing or changing courses.
  5. The College supplies support services particularly pertaining to the special needs of international students (practical, social and academic) throughout the enrolment, arrival and integration phases.
  6. The College notifies the relevant Government authority if a student is no longer participating in a course at an institution for which they were enrolled.
  7. Providers will ensure that the recruitment and placement of international students comply with equal opportunity legislation and are consistent with immigration requirements.

Tax File Number (TFN)

To work in Australia you need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). If you do not have an Australian TFN already, simply fill out the form “Tax file number application or enquiry” available at enrolment or from the Australian Taxation Office [ph: 13 2861]. You will need to show proof of identity (this is listed on the form).

To apply, you will need your completed tax file number application and proof of identity (ie. passports, birth certificates etc). You may lodge your application as follows;

In-Person:

Parramatta: Commonwealth Offices, 2/12 Macquarie St

(To get to Parramatta, catch the bus to Seven Hills or Blacktown train station and catch the train to Parramatta. It is then a short walk from the station.)

Online:

ato.gov.au

Overseas Student Health Cover

International students* are required to pay for health cover (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC) as a part of visa requirements.  This is paid as a part of the initial fee payment to confirm your place in the course, as outlined in your Offer of Place Letter.

Hillsong College partners with NIB to provide students with OSHC.  The College will set up a policy in your name before you arrive, and your NIB Membership Card will be available for your collection within the first two weeks of the semester

For information on coverage provided, please visit www.nib.com.au/oshc.  Please note that all payments need to be made through the College for visa purposes.

* Norwegian, Swedish, and Belgian students may be exempt from OSHC due to a reciprocal arrangement between governments (please ensure that you have written evidence from your own health cover provider to this effect).

Bank Accounts

There are many banks to choose from, and various branches are available within reasonable distances from both the Hills and City campuses. The charges on a bank account can be costly and vary between banks, so find out about these charges before opening an account. It will cost you more if you use an ATM that is not run by your bank (up to $2.00 per transaction). Many banks charge you for taking money out, even from their own machines and tellers. Therefore, try and open a charge-free student account.

To open a bank account, you will need:

  • Passport
  • Commencement letter from college or a valid Student ID card

You must open an account within six weeks of arriving in Australia or else banks will require Australian ID.

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Student Recruitment

  1. Recruitment of students is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner at all times.
  2. Offers of course placements are based on a student’s selection in their application form.
  3. The College ensures that the recruitment and placement of students complies with equal opportunity legislation and is consistent with immigration requirements.
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Provision of Information

  1. The College supplies accurate and current information to students and prospective students on all relevant matters. This includes, but is not limited to: detailed and realistic estimates of costs of tuition, accommodation and living expenses; course and entry requirements (including but not limited to attendance, academic and ministry matters and standards of conduct), language requirements, status and outcomes of academic programs including recognition given to qualification(s) offered; withdrawal arrangements; refund entitlements; details of facilities and equipment; living conditions and staffing, accommodation availability; internal and external appeals procedures and non academic student support services. International students are encouraged to seek information of their visa conditions directly from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
  2. The College reviews regularly all information provided to students to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
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Financial Standards

  1. There is proper documentation of the contractual and financial relationship between the students and the College. The College makes copies of this documentation available to the student.
  2. The College refund policy allows for return of monies for any agreed services not delivered including instances where the College defaults.
  3. In dealing with fee-paying students, the College will seek to avoid causing financial distress and exploitation.
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Marketing of Education & Training Services

  1. The College markets its courses with integrity and accuracy; avoiding vague, misleading and ambiguous clauses.
  2. In the provision of information, no false or misleading comparisons are drawn with any other educational institution or course.
  3. The College markets its courses in accordance with the principles and requirements of the accrediting or endorsing bodies relevant to each course.
  4. The College markets its courses to international students according to the education, cultural and regulatory systems of countries in which they seek to market, and will not detract from the reputation and interests of other Australian institutions.
  5. The College gains written permission from students before using any personal information in marketing materials.

Marketing and Advertising

All forms of advertising and marketing are designed in line with the spirit and vision of Hillsong Church and accurately present the College and its courses.

The Marketing Approval form is used as a checklist to ensure compliance with SNR standards, CRICOS requirements and consistency in design and communication of College goals and ethos.

All new marketing materials are to be co-signed by the Brand Manager and another member of the College Executive Team.

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Provision of Education & Training Services

  1. The College regularly reviews and updates its courses, and seeks approval with accrediting bodies prior to course changes or before commencing new courses.
  2. The College maintains a policy of access and equity in the delivery of all its services.
  3. The College maintains a learning environment that is conducive to the success of all students. The College has the capacity to deliver the nominated courses, provide adequate facilities and use methods and materials appropriate to the learning needs of students.
  4. All College courses and curriculum are developed according to its educational philosophy and express the mission and vision statement of Hillsong Church.
  5. The College has policies and management practices which maintain high professional standards in the delivery of education and training services, and which safeguard the educational interests and welfare of students. These standards comply with regulations set by Government bodies. Copies of standards are available on request.
  6. The College monitors and assesses the performance, course attendance and progress of students using assessments that are delivered in an approved manner.
  7. All courses delivered by the College are named appropriately and reflect the level and content students are taught.
  8. The College recognises prior learning and credit gained at other Registered Training Organisations. The College recognises awards with AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainments issued by other RTOs. Advanced standing is granted on the basis of documented evidence and compliance with predetermined criteria set according to course objectives and curriculum.
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Educational Philosophy

Hillsong College (HC) exists to train Christian leaders for ministry in every sphere of the church and community life. The College operates in a symbiotic relationship with Hillsong Church, which provides a wide and diverse number of resources and opportunities for the theoretical and practical aspects of the College’s educational processes.

The College recognises the divine call upon every Christian to servant-leadership, to serve God through Jesus Christ, and to serve one another. Each student is viewed as having inherent value and great potential to impact their sphere of influence. HC is committed to helping students identify their God-given calling and develop the personal talents and leadership skills that will enable them to fulfil their life purpose and ministry. In its broadest sense, ministry consists of service in every area of life including the local church, community, and workplace. However, the College recognises the specialist demands of ordained ministry and trains students for a broad scope of ministry expression, some of which include youth, children, missions, music, TV and media, as well as general church leadership.

Effective ministry flows out of the whole person. Therefore the College adopts a holistic approach to all its educational programs and is deeply committed to developing all areas of the individual. This extends beyond knowledge to skills, values, and attitudes. Training and education pervade all areas including the spiritual, cognitive, affective, relational, and practical domains. Spiritual development remains the highest priority and is an integral component of all courses. The College specifically seeks to instil in students a distinctive approach and philosophy to church life and ministry, reflected in Hillsong Church’s life and ministry, which includes values such as servant-hood, excellence, dedication, and integrity. These things underscore all of the College’s curriculum and culture.

As a Christian College, the Bible forms the core of the curriculum and is the standard for all teaching and praxis. Classes are conducted in a way that stimulates reflection, encourages personal growth, and allows for self-directed study. Students are equipped with a sound knowledge of the Bible, as well as an understanding of the analytical processes for its application to personal growth and ministry. Teaching is always aimed at transformation, with a strong emphasis on the application so that students’ lives display consistency in belief and practice.

The College recognises the different strengths and capacities of students and as such, seeks to provide a range of courses that cater to varying levels of academic ability. The acquisition of skills is an essential part of the College curriculum and subjects typically contain a high skills component. This ensures that students demonstrate competency in the workplace and include leadership, study skills, personal life skills, interpersonal and communication skills. The College employs a variety of teaching approaches with a heavy emphasis on learning through practical experience. Practicum and coaching are integral features of academic programs. Students are able to learn both theory and practice side by side in and through the ministry departments of Hillsong Church or the student’s local Church.

Because of the practical approach to education and emphasis on modelling, care is given to employing leaders and teachers that are proven in their areas of specialisation. The teaching approach of the College is highly relational and the staff are engaged in a significant degree of pastoral involvement with the student body. Students work alongside highly skilled and motivated leaders who impart not only knowledge and expertise, but also ethos and attitude.

The College provides training services to adherents of all church streams but maintains the distinctive emphasis of the Assembly of God denomination (also known as Australian Christian Churches within Australia). While being Protestant in belief, it is referred to as being ‘Pentecostal in application’. The premise for all religious teaching in the course is based on the AOG Articles of Faith. The College also welcomes students from all Christian Church affiliated denominations.