As leaders in training, on campus students are expected to be diligent in their attendance at all timetabled classes, practical training sessions, and College activities. Attendance at these is a requirement of the College, and students are expected to attend all sessions for which they are enrolled. For International Students attendance in all classes is required as part of their Student Visa.
Students are not permitted to attend classes for which they are not enrolled.
Absences are allowed for exceptional circumstances such as sickness or trauma.
Class attendance is tracked by the College via electronic scanners.
Attendance is recorded for accredited classes from enrolment day until the end of each semester. This includes Intensive week lectures and activities. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they scan in using their Student ID card.
Any student that is recorded absent from classes during a week of study will be followed up by their Trainer in their weekly tutorial. The student will be required to provide an explanation of their absence, and potentially agree to modify behaviour if necessary to meet the College’s attendance expectations. The Trainer will make the appropriate comments on the student’s record.
Late enrolments will be noted as non-attendance for classes missed.
Students who believe their attendance has been incorrectly recorded as absent can provide evidence of their attendance through the Missed Class Forms available for each class missed via their Student Portal. Any class that was not attended can be explained but it will not alter the student’s attendance records. Missed Class Forms need to be submitted within 3 weeks of the missed class. After this time has elapsed the forms will be locked and a fee will be charged to unlock them to submit the form.
Students enrolled in an HE subject are required to meet an 85% minimum attendance standard.
If a student’s attendance in an HE subject falls below 85% but is at least 70% of the projected attendance for the subject, the student may be approved (upon request) to continue in the subject with the low projected attendance. Subject Facilitator or Lecturer approval is based on evidence of extenuating circumstances. If a student’s attendance falls below 85% of the projected attendance for the subject during the semester or at the ‘end of semester’, without prior approval, they will be reported to College Registrar. College Registrar will inform the student, in writing, that s/he has failed the subject. For more information about this see, ‘Course Progression Policy’ at: https://www.ac.edu.au/ppm/course-progression-policy/
Online engagement data (rather than ‘attendance’) is monitored by online tutors. The College uses this data to ensure all online students have accessed all essential tutorial content and, course materials. Data assists tutors in monitoring students’ progress through the course accross the semester.
Missed Class Forms
When an on campus class has not been recorded in attendance a Missed Class Form will be generated for each class missed on the Student’s Portal. Each form will need to be submitted online ticking the relevant field of Incorrect Attendance Recorded or Explained Absence and the evidence attached.
Incorrect Attendance Recorded The student fills out the online form by ticking the Incorrect Attendance box and uploading the evidence that they were in class (evidence examples – notes from class).
Explained Absence The student fills out the online form by ticking the Explained Absence box and uploads the evidence or reason why they were not in class (examples – Medical Certificate for over 2 consecutive days sick, simple explanation for a day sick, or other reasons). An explained absence will not alter attendance data. This data could assist a student if later they need to reference this sickness for other needs.
Any student who consistently misses classes, and who fails to take the appropriate steps to bring their attendance into line with the College’s expectations, will be placed on an Intervention program, as per the College’s Student Behaviour Policy.
If the student does not comply with the requirements of this program, termination may result (ref: Termination Policy). For international students, this will include reporting to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) via PRISMS by the Administration Dept. Students will be notified in writing by the Registrar prior to this occurring.
Staff in the Administration office are made aware of the reporting requirement to DIBP as part of their induction.
Chapel Chapel is a vital time full of life and God’s presence where students come together each week, have praise and worship led by the students, prayer and praise reports, and a message from Hillsong staff, guest speakers, or students. In Chapel you will be encouraged, challenged, and given the opportunity to lead others into the presence of God. Chapel attendance is compulsory.
Class Breaks There will be small breaks between classes. Students are asked not to prolong the break or enter into any activity that may delay the recommencement of classes. NO food or drink is to be consumed during a class, apart from water.
Student ID Cards Students will be issued at the beginning of each year with a student card. ID cards must be carried with you at all times whilst on the premises and will need to be presented at the library in order to borrow books. If you lose your card, a replacement card can be obtained at College Reception for a small fee.
Practicum Attendance for VET Students
Weekly Practicum attendance is recorded and signed by your Specialist on a weekly basis. Students need to consider both normal class attendance and Practicum attendance as the contributing element to their overall attendance requirements.
In addition, as part of their enrolment into College courses and training for ministry, students are required to fulfill the expectations of leadership in their local church.
For someone in immediate danger or requiring immediate medical attention, contact Emergency Assistance:
On-Campus:
Open Hours (9am – 5pm): (02) 8853 5200
After Hours: (02) 1300 53 53 53
For immediate help on campus
Off-Campus: 000
For immediate help off-campus
For Support Services available to you, see ‘Appendix 1: Support Available’ and 1.7 of the Procedure.
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to provide protection against: discrimination; harassment (including sexual harassment) and bullying; vilification and victimisation; sexual misconduct (including sexual assault/violence and sexual exploitation); and other wrongful, unlawful or inappropriate conduct at Hillsong College.
2. Scope
This policy applies to Hillsong College Ltd (ABN 84 617 111 592) (“College”), and all other related entities in the capacity in which they operate on the College’s behalf (“Hillsong”). The policy applies to all those who are a part of Hillsong College, including but not limited to students, staff, volunteers, whilst participating in College and Hillsong activities and individuals seeking to enrol in a course of study.
3. Policy
Hillsong College is committed to providing safe and secure learning environments for all its workers and students, both enrolled and prospective. To better enable this, Hillsong College will:
• provide a work and study environment that is safe and pleasant for staff and students which is free from harassment, bullying, and unlawful discrimination;
• provide a work and study environment where staff and students are treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect;
• provide an effective procedure for complaints;
• treat all complaints in a sensitive, fair, timely and confidential manner;
• guarantee protection from any victimisation or reprisals;
• encourage the reporting of behaviour which breaches this policy; and
• promote appropriate standards of conduct at all times.
Hillsong College recognises that harassment (including sexual harassment), bullying, unlawful discrimination, and sexual misconduct may involve comments and behaviours that offend some people and not others. Hillsong College accepts that individuals may react differently to comments and behaviour. That is why a minimum standard of behaviour is required of students, staff, and volunteers.
Engaging in harassment, bullying, unlawful discrimination or sexual misconduct constitutes a breach of this policy and may result in disciplinary action up to and including exclusion from the student’s course of study or dismissal. In some instances, this may also amount to a criminal offence or a breach of relevant legislation. If an international student engages in misconduct including but not limited to sexual misconduct, their CoE (confirmation of enrolment) may be cancelled which may lead to their student visa being revoked.
4. Understanding Harassment, Bullying and Unlawful Discrimination
Harassment, bullying, unlawful discrimination and/or sexual misconduct will not be tolerated in any form or under any circumstance at Hillsong College. This includes during ministry placements, whilst on campus, work-related functions, study excursions, and outside of learning hours and campus facilities. Such unlawful actions include but are not limited to the use of carriage services such as phone calls and electronic communications, or behaviours that could be considered stalking such as following someone home from work. What constitutes bullying at work is defined by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). Harassment and/or discrimination occurs when a person is harassed or discriminated against in the workplace and in certain areas of public life:
• because of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin, as defined under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth);
• because of their sex, marital status, pregnancy as defined under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth);
• because of a disability as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth); or
• because of age as defined under the Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth).
Hillsong College has a responsibility under Workplace Health and Safety and anti-discrimination laws to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others in the workplace. Individual employees may be liable to prosecution for failure to provide a safe workplace. Harassment, bullying and/or unlawful discrimination may result in injury to staff, which may be compensable under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1998 (Cth).
5. Understanding Sexual Discrimination
In line with relevant national and international legislation, Hillsong College holds that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault/sexual violence, and sexual exploitation. Sexual discrimination that deprives a person of the ability to participate in or benefit from Hillsong College’s education program or activities is prohibited.
6. Understanding Sexual Misconduct
6.1 Forms of Sexual Misconduct
Sexual harassment is any unwanted, unwelcome, or uninvited behaviour of a sexual nature that makes a person feel humiliated, intimidated, or offended. Sexual harassment is against the law and will not be tolerated at Hillsong College. Sexual harassment may take place inside or outside the workplace. Specific examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to:
• staring or leering;
• unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against a person or unwelcome touching;
• suggestive comments or jokes;
• insults or taunts of a sexual nature;
• intrusive questions or statements about a person’s private life;
• displaying posters, magazines, or screen savers of a sexual nature;
• sending sexually explicit emails or text messages;
• inappropriate advances on social networking sites;
• gestures;
• accessing sexually explicit internet sites;
• requests for sex or repeated unwanted requests to go out on dates; and
• behaviour that may also be considered to be an offence under criminal law, such as physical assault, indecent exposure, sexual assault, stalking, or obscene communications.
Sexual Exploitation refers to a situation in which a person takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another, and situations in which the conduct does not fall within the definitions of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, or Sexual Violence. Specific examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to:
• invasion of sexual privacy;
• prostituting another student;
• non-consensual recording, broadcasting sexual activity, including redistribution of pictures, video, or audio;
• going beyond the boundaries of consent (such as letting your friends hide in the closet to watch you having consensual sex);
• engaging in voyeurism;
• knowingly exposing another to an STD or HIV;
• exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances or inducing another to expose their genitals; and
• sexually-based stalking and/or bullying, including cyber-stalking and/or cyber-bullying, may also be forms of sexual exploitation.
Sexual Assault or Sexual Violence is a particular type of sexual harassment that includes non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, rape, or other physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. Non-consensual sexual intercourse is any sexual penetration or intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, with any object, by a person upon another person, that is without consent and/or by force. Specific examples of sexual assault or sexual violence include, but is not limited to physical assaults of a sexual nature, such as:
• rape;
• sexual assault;
• sexual battery;
• domestic violence;
• dating violence;
• stalking; or
• attempts to commit these acts.
Force refers to the use of physical violence and/or imposing on someone physically to gain sexual access. Specific examples of force include, but is not limited to:
• threats,
• intimidation (implied threats); and
• coercion that overcomes resistance or produces consent.
Hazing is any act likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any person within the Hillsong College community, when related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining, or any other group-affiliation activity.
Incapacitation is a state where someone cannot make rational, reasonable decisions because they lack the capacity to give knowing consent. This policy also covers a person whose incapacity results from a mental or developmental disability, involuntary physical restraint, and/or from the taking of incapacitating drugs.
Indecent Exposure refers to the exposure of the private or intimate parts of the body in a lewd manner in public or in private premises when the accused may be readily observed.
6.2 Consent
Consent is knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by word or action, to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. Since individuals may experience the same interaction in different ways, it is the responsibility of each party to make certain that the other has consented before engaging in the activity. For consent to be valid there must be a clear expression in words or actions that the other individual agreed to that specific sexual conduct. A person cannot consent if they are unable to understand what is happening or is disoriented, helpless, asleep, or unconscious for any reason, including due to alcohol or other drugs. A person may be incapable of giving consent, where the other party has power over that person, and therefore, a significant power imbalance exists. A person can withdraw consent at any time during sexual activity. A minor below the age of consent according to state law cannot consent to sexual activity.
7. Retaliation
Hillsong College strictly prohibits retaliation against a member of the Hillsong College community who opposes the inappropriate practices that are prohibited by this policy, who brings forth a complaint, against whom a complaint is brought, or who otherwise is a participant in a complaint resolution process. Such prohibited retaliatory conduct includes:
• limiting of opportunity;
• marginalisation within the Hillsong College community;
• reducing a student’s grade;
• an accused person approaching the person making a report with the intent of intimidating, interrogating or threatening them in any way;
• decreasing an employee’s pay; or
• downgrading a person’s performance evaluation.
8. Rights and Responsibilities
8.1 General Hillsong College is responsible to ensure that the wishes of the victim/survivor are respected in relation to reporting harassment, bullying, unlawful discrimination, sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct. The victim/survivor always has the right to contact the police directly. Hillsong College is also responsible for responding promptly and effectively to all reports by taking immediate action to eliminate the harassment, bullying, unlawful discrimination, sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct, prevent its recurrence and address its effects. A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence does not relieve Hillsong College of its duty to resolve complaints promptly and equitably.
Hillsong College has an obligation to provide procedural fairness to all individuals involved in an investigatory process.
The victim/survivor also has the right to anonymous or third-party reporting. Where the report is related to Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment, Hillsong College will retain an anonymous report on the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Incident Register. However, the College may not be able to take further action arising out of anonymous reports, including but not limited to, where limited or no information is available to identify the parties involved or the subject of the report.
Victims/survivors of sexual misconduct should be aware that Hillsong College administrators must report to the police any serious incidents relating to people under the age of 18 and/or that are confirmed to pose a substantial threat of bodily harm or danger to members of the campus community. Hillsong College will make every effort to ensure that a victim’s name and other identifying information are not disclosed, while still providing enough information for relevant stakeholders (internal and external) to make safety decisions in light of the danger. The reports for timely warning purposes include: The local College Workplace Health and Safety team, local police, and any other official with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.
8.2 Confidentiality and Privacy
If a person makes a complaint, it will be taken very seriously and will be dealt with sympathetically and in a confidential manner. Staff and student confidential and personal information will only be released with the consent of the person involved, next of kin, or where Hillsong College has a legal obligation to do so.
In accordance with these procedures, an internal investigation will be triggered when there is an allegation of assault, unwanted sexual touching, or conduct where a reasonable person would consider there to be doubt around consent and will involve reports to the relevant authorities which may include the Children’s Guardian or the Police.
8.3 College Health and Safety Officer
The College Health and Safety Officer – appointed by the General Manager of College whose name will be available to students on the student portal – is responsible for monitoring Hillsong College’s compliance with relevant legislation by helping to ensure that the College responds appropriately, effectively, and equitably to sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct.
The College Health and Safety Officer will:
• provide education and training about discrimination, harassment, sexual discrimination, and sexual misconduct to the Hillsong College community;
• identify and address any patterns or systematic problems that arise during the review of such complaints;
• ensure Hillsong College fulfills all legal and statistical reporting obligations; and
• annually assess the overall efforts of Hillsong College’s compliance with this policy.
8.4 First Responders
A Hillsong College First Responder is defined as a Hillsong College staff member on the Hillsong College Register of First Responders who has been trained to be the first person who responds to a report of sexual misconduct. A list of staff who are trained as First Responders can be found in ‘Appendix 2: First Responders’.
8.5 Managers and Supervisors Role
Managers and supervisors must ensure they and their staff understand and adhere to this policy. If a person approaches them with a complaint, they should take appropriate steps to resolve it. If this is not possible or is inappropriate, then the Human Resources Officer, Student Wellbeing Officer, or College Health and Safety Officer should be informed.
The reporting person may bring a support person with them to any meetings.
8.6 Employees Role
Each employee must adhere to this policy and should be aware that they can be held legally responsible for their unlawful acts. Employees who aid, abet, or encourage other persons to harass, bully or unlawfully discriminate can also be held legally liable.
9. Document & Version Information
Document Title: Hillsong Harassment, Unlawful Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy Version: 1.0
Version Approved: Executive Vice President, Hillsong College
Document Authorised by: Executive Vice President, Hillsong College
Document Maintained by: General Manager, Hillsong College
HARASSMENT, BULLYING, AND UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION PROCEDURES
1. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT PROCEDURES
1.1 General
If a staff member, student, or volunteer is the victim/survivor of sexual assault or sexual harassment, the first priority is the safety and wellbeing of the individual. As such, the individual is encouraged to seek support from a trusted source such as a family member, counsellor, campus pastor, College Pastoral Care, First Responder, or external provider before taking any formal action. The reporting person is advised to limit the number of people they inform about the incident/s so as not to jeopardise the impartiality of any future investigation.
The below procedure applies to any incident involving a College student. Hillsong College also recognises that victims/survivors all respond in different ways and may not approach this procedure in a linear or sequential way. First Responders will exercise maximum flexibility and care while guiding a victim/survivor through this procedure.
If the victim/survivor or anyone involved with Hillsong (collectively “participant”) wishes to receive support or chooses to take formal action, the following procedures are in place:
1.2 Report
There are three ways that a participant can make a report of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
A participant can make a report by completing the online Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Incident Form. The report will be added to the confidential Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Incident Register which only the Student Wellbeing Officer has access to. When completing an online Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Incident Form, participants have the option of making an anonymous, or a third-party report. If the participant provides their personal details, the Student Wellbeing Officer will contact the participant to discuss options and create action plan (step 2). Participants are entitled to have a support person present if they wish. If a report is submitted anonymously, it will be retained on the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Incident Register, however, Hillsong College may not be able to take further action arising out of anonymous reports. This includes but is not limited to when little or no information is available to identify the parties involved, or the subject of the report.
If a participant prefers, they can directly approach a Hillsong College First Responder to inform them of the incident. All training/teaching staff, and College Pastoral Care staff are designated as First Responders. A list of First Responders can be found on the student portal. If the participant desires, the First Responder can assist them in providing a formal statement to be submitted to the Student Wellbeing Officer, or assist them in completing the online Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Incident Form. If a participant does not wish to complete an incident form or provide a formal statement, but is rather seeking information about resources or support, Hillsong College staff are still obliged to confidentially document any given details about the incident on a students’ record. As long as it does not present with a conflict of interest, the Student Wellbeing Officer will be informed to ensure the College fulfills its duty of care to all Hillsong participants. Details can be provided anonymously except for when there is a legal obligation to report.
If a participant identifies a potential conflict of interest by talking to a member of Hillsong College staff, a report can be made by contacting the Safe Church Office. Safe Church is a department existing within Hillsong Church, and therefore separate to Hillsong College. Contact can be made via email on safechurch@hillsong.com or on +61 2 8853 5352. For a comprehensive overview of Hillsong’s commitment to safety and the function of the Safe Church Office, see https://hillsong.com/australia/safechurch/
1.3 Discuss options and create an action plan
Once a report is received, the supporting staff member will discuss with the participant further reporting and ongoing support options whilst keeping the wellbeing of the participant as the first priority.
Reporting options can include submitting a formal complaint as part of the ‘Hillsong College Complaints Policy’ (which depending on the report, will be received by the Hillsong legal function, Safe Church team, or the Hillsong College General Manager and initiates an internal investigation) and/or making a report to the police or other authority. Any internal investigations and/or corrective action taken is not a substitute for a criminal process. If a criminal investigation occurs following reporting to the police, Hillsong College will exercise its discretion as to whether to proceed with an internal investigation or suspend such processes, seeking advice from police as appropriate. Where an internal investigation is suspended, appropriate support and guidance will continue to be provided to the participant.
Ongoing support options can include arranging academic special consideration and connecting to pastoral care and/or professional care. A participant does not need to make any formal reports in order to access such support.
Any further details of the incident that are collected during such meetings are recorded confidentially. Whilst the participant may be asked to put further details in writing, Hillsong College is aware of the impact that re-telling an experience can have on an individual and therefore will endeavour to minimise this as much as possible. Throughout this process, it is important to remember the ‘rights and responsibilities’ that Hillsong College participants have in terms of confidentiality and any disciplinary action that looks to serve the wellbeing of the College community.
1.4 Interim Protective Measures
As part of creating an action plan, the staff member will also work with the participant in deciding how they would like to proceed to ensure safety and reduce any potential ongoing risks where possible. In the case of sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct, the College reserves the right, at the direction of the General Manager of College, or approved delegate, to suspend or place on immediate administrative leave any member of the campus community accused of violating this policy, or to take any other interim measures the College deems appropriate, pending the outcome of an investigation and/or disciplinary proceedings. Such interim measures can include but are not limited to, placing an employee on paid or unpaid administrative leave, removing a student from current classes, modifying course schedules, arranging a change of College Accommodation or serving areas in Hillsong Church, and issuing a “no contact” order, among many other remedies.
To do so, this will likely involve the Student Wellbeing Officer, who will then liaise with relevant Hillsong College staff and departments but will always be done with the participant’s consent, and in a way that protects the wellbeing of the victim.
1.5 Reporting Criminal Offences
In accordance with section 316 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), the College may have an obligation to report information about a ‘serious indictable offense’ to the police. The College will use its best efforts to protect the confidentiality of information relating to the participant’s disclosure or complaint while meeting its legal obligations.
If a matter is reported to the police and it will interfere with the police investigation/action to continue to deal with the matter under Hillsong College procedures, the College will suspend action. If there is no risk of interference with a police investigation the matter may be dealt with under the College’s grievance procedures.
In some limited circumstances, the College may need to report an incident of sexual assault to the police against a participant’s wishes, to ensure the safety of students, staff members, or other members of the College community, or to meet its legal obligations. The College will inform the participant before reporting an incident of sexual assault to the police.
1.6 Incidents Outside Hillsong College
Where participants disclose incidents, either current or historic, where the alleged perpetrator is not part of Hillsong, which occurred outside the domain of Hillsong College, such as in their home or an external workplace, the support options remain the same as listed above, with the exemption of the College’s ability to implement protective measures. Victims/survivors still have the option to report to the police.
1.7 Support for the accused
Persons accused of sexual misconduct are able to access a range of support services included in the related documents. Where persons accused of sexual misconduct have been directed to stay away from a Hillsong College campus or a Hillsong Church campus, they may draw upon the services of external providers. A list of support available on campus and off-campus is listed in ‘Appendix 1: Support Available.’
The principles of natural justice and procedural fairness require the assessment and investigation of misconduct to be undertaken in a fair, impartial, and equitable way.
An individual accused of breaching this policy has the right to know the details of a report about them, the opportunity to make representations to the College investigator, and be treated without bias. Information will be provided without breaching a participant’s confidentiality request.
Further information including, referrals to support services, and navigating the investigation process will be provided including regular and timely communication regarding the investigative process and resolution.
1.8 Review and close
Once appropriate actions have been taken, the participant will be informed of any relevant outcomes and invited to review the report. Once the matter is considered closed, the report will be reviewed in summary form by select members of the College Executive team (College Principal, Executive Vice President, and General Manager) to determine the effectiveness of procedures for continuous improvement. Personal information will not be disclosed without permission. Throughout any course of action, the participant may contact the supporting staff member regarding the report at any time, including up to or after the matter is considered closed.
2. HARASSMENT, BULLYING, UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION, AND SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION PROCEDURES
2.1 General
The first priority is the well-being of the individual. As such, the reporting person will not be victimised or treated unfairly for reporting an incident. If the reporting person is not satisfied with the way in which the College has dealt with a complaint, the reporting person can seek further advice from an outside agency such as the Human Rights Commission or the Equal Opportunity Commission, or other relevant government agencies.
2.2 Notifying and Reporting Breaches
If a staff member, student or volunteer believes that they are being harassed, bullied, unlawfully discriminated, or sexually discriminated against, there are a number of important steps they should take:
the individual is encouraged to seek support from a trusted source such as a family member, counsellor, campus pastor, student support or external provider before taking any formal action. The reporting person is advised to limit the number of people they inform about the incident/s so as not to jeopardise the impartiality of any future investigation;
report the behaviour or incident to campus leadership, to their manager, or the People & Development representative; the individual can lodge a grievance under the College’s Complaints and Appeals Policy (if a student) or under the staff personal grievance policy (if staff);
if the alleged perpetrator is a manager then the report about the manager should be directed to a senior manager, and if this is not available, to the General Manager of Hillsong College; and
when made aware of such a matter under these procedures, an authorised officer for grievances may assist the person to make a report to police. A criminal investigation into allegations does not relieve Hillsong College of its duty to resolve complaints promptly and equitably. If a matter is reported to police and it will interfere with the police investigation/action to continue to deal with the matter under Hillsong College procedures, the College will suspend action. If there is no risk of interference with a police investigation the matter may be dealt with under grievance procedures.
2.3 Support for the accused
Persons accused of bullying, discrimination, sexual discrimination are able to access a range of support services included in the related documents. Where persons accused of sexual misconduct have been directed to stay away from a Hillsong College campus or a Hillsong Church campus, they may draw upon the services of external providers. A list of support available on campus and off-campus is listed in ‘Appendix 1: Support Available.’
The principles of natural justice and procedural fairness require the assessment and investigation of misconduct to be undertaken in a fair, impartial, and equitable way.
An individual accused of breaching this policy has the right to know the details of a report about them, the opportunity to make representations to the College investigator, and be treated without bias. Information will be provided without breaching a participant’s confidentiality request.
Further information including, referrals to support services, and navigating the investigation process will be provided including regular and timely communication regarding the investigative process and resolution.
Appendix 1 : Student Available
Australia
Support On Campus for Students
Sydney
Pastoral Care
Please contact your core trainer or discipleship group leader.
Urgent Matters: Phone or ask at Reception to be connected with a pastor. T: (02) 8853 5200 E: college@hillsong.com
Hours Monday -Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
After hours (7 days a week)
T: 1300 53 53 53
Orange County
Pastoral Care
Please contact your core trainer or discipleship group leader.
Urgent Matters: Phone or ask at Reception to be connected with a pastor. T: 1-949-889-1880 E: Collegeusa@hillsong.com
Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia Counselling is available 24/7, whether you’re seeking help for yourself, a friend or relative, a colleague or client.
T: 1800 737 732
Interpreters
Free interpreters can be provided over the phone or in person. Interpreters must keep confidential information which they interpret.
The College employs a variety of teaching approaches with a heavy emphasis on learning through practical experience. The College Practicum program is an integral feature of the academic program. Students are able to learn both theory and practice side by side in and through the ministry departments of Hillsong Church. The program includes practical involvement in the daily ministry activities of Hillsong Church and incorporates mentoring, coaching and work placement as part of its scope.
Specialist training
To ensure quality and consistency in practicum training, all specialists must be provided with induction training prior to being assigned a student.
The Practicum induction program ensures that specialists are familiar with:
The purpose and focus of work placement
How to complete the Practicum Passport
How and when to complete the Specialist Feedback Form
How to induct students
What support is available to them from the Practicum Training Team.
Weekly Practicum attendance is tracked and signed by your Specialist on a weekly basis.
Changing Churches, Campuses or Ministries
If the need arises for a student to change church campuses or ministries, it is first to be discussed with their Trainer in conjunction with the Practicum Coordinator to obtain approval. Students are asked not to change churches, campuses, or ministries until approval has been given. Please note that if a student changes campuses, consent from the Registrar is also required.
Any student that is recorded absent from classes during a week of study will be followed up by their trainer. The student will be required to provide an explanation of their absence, and agree to modify behaviour as necessary to meet the College’s attendance expectations. The Trainer leader will make the appropriate comments on the student’s record.
Any student who consistently misses classes, and who fails to take the appropriate steps to bring their attendance into line with the College’s expectations, will be placed on a Behavioural Intervention program, as per the College’s Student Behaviour Policy.
If the student does not comply with the requirements of this program, termination may result (ref: Termination of Enrolment Policy). For international students studying in Australia, this will include reporting to Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) via PRISMS by the Registrar. Students will be notified in writing by the Registrar prior to this occurring.
Weekend Service Ministry Training
As students are in training for church ministry and leadership, and since weekend services are a focal point of church life, attendance and ministry in weekend church services are encouraged as part of your college experience. we also recommend that you volunteer in one service and attend one service if this applicable to your location.
If you are new to Sydney or USA, you are expected to make Hillsong Church your home church.
Whilst fulfilling the first criteria, you also need to serve in two individual services over the weekend. Serving in a leadership role with Youth on a Friday or Wednesday night is acceptable. Weekend services are found on the church website.
If you already attend a local church in the Sydney Metropolitan area or USA we would encourage you to remain and become actively involved in that church.
At Hillsong College we put value on giving honour where honour is due. This is why we acknowledge the need to reference when someone else’s work is used to support our own.
How to reference?
While other institutions may use official and more formal referencing styles, Hillsong College uses a simplified version of referencing that is more reflective of ministry practice. Please follow the guidelines provided below in order to fulfil our referencing expectations.
Failure to do so could result in a Not Yet Competent grade as well as plagiarism (refer to Assessment and Academic misconduct under the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the Student Handbook).
Assessment expectations: Referencing and Language Level
Students are expected to clearly communicate their answers using proper basic referencing, grammar, and spelling skills:
Basic referencing must include footnoting at the bottom of the page where sources have been used and a bibliography at the end of the assessment.
As a minimum, students must provide author, title, date (of publication or accessed) and page number (for footnotes only) or web address.
Example for a published book or article:
Bill Hybels, Simplify: ten practices to unclutter your soul. 2014, p.1.
Pharrell Williams, Happy. GIRL album. Accessed 08/01/2016.
Basic grammar and spelling: your sentences must show at least basic skills in written English grammar and spelling.
Please refer to resources provided by our Student Support.
Recommendation for further studies
If you are planning on pursuing higher education in our Degree program we strongly recommend that you start using the full Turabian referencing style in your assessments.
More information on the Turabian style can be found by referring to:
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 7th Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.
Bournes, Micah. “Micah Bournes – Who Broke Africa? (Live at The Justice Conference 2012).” YouTube. Accessed February 11, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP2RNfb3kDw.
Song
Basic Referencing;
Pharrell Williams, Happy. GIRL album. Accessed 08/01/2016.
Good presentation is important and helps the reader understand the message of your assessments. Students must present assessments according to the following format:
Font: ALL written fulfil must be typed. Assessments not typed will not be marked. The font should be Times New Roman, size 12.
Page Layout: Paper should be A4, unlined and typed on one side only. All margins to be 2.5cm each. Student assessments should be uploaded directly on the college portal. In the case of a hard copy assessment submission, then the official Assessment Cover Sheet (located on the Student Portal) should be stapled to the front of the assessment and details entered should be typed not handwritten. Do NOT put hard copy assessments into a folder. Each Assessment Cover Sheet contains a barcode that registers when the assessment is submitted. These should be scanned and handed in at the College Library.
Spacing: Double spacing should be used. Include a line break between paragraphs and do not indent new paragraphs. A line break should be left before and after each heading.
Abbreviations: If you use abbreviations in the text of your paper give the full title the first time with the abbreviation in brackets. After that, you can use the abbreviation without qualification. For example: “The Assemblies of God (AOG) in Australia has existed for nearly one hundred years. The AOG now constitutes one of the largest Christian denominations in Australia.”
Capitalisation:
‘God’ is in upper case. If you are writing about other gods, use lower case.
‘Bible’ is the only upper case when it is called “the Bible” (or if it begins a sentence as here) i.e. it has to be a proper noun for it to receive the upper case. If you just write: “Wesley received his first bible on his fifth birthday”, then it is lower case.
‘Scripture’ is lower case unless speaking of “the Scripture” (or if it begins a sentence). If you simply write “as scripture says . . .” then use lower case.
Number in the text: When referring to numbers write the number as a word if it is ten or less, but use the numerical form if it is 11 or greater (except when it is the first word of a sentence).
Illustrations and Diagrams: As your assessment is viewed as an academic work, pictures, drawings and charts are not appropriate unless they are to assist the assessment in revealing objective facts (eg an illustration of temple furniture would aid an area of Old Testament study) and not reflecting subjective opinions (eg. a illustration of Paul preaching).
Language: HILC requires all writers to use gender-inclusive language in their submissions. Examples of common phrases include:
Clarify the question and answer it. Assessments, which do not address the question, cannot be marked Competent. If you are having difficulties, seek clarification from either a peer, lecturer, trainer or access the Student Support team.
Research your topic carefully taking notes and recording the references you used.
Plan and draft your paper.
Keep to the word count. 10% above or below the stated word count is permissible. (Eg. 100 words range above or below a 1000 word assessment).
Proofread your work carefully for correct grammar and spelling before submitting. Students should ensure their work is thoroughly checked for correct English, especially if English is not his or her primary language.
Format assessments as outlined in this guide.
Submit your assessment by the due date.
Always keep a copy of your assessment.
Essays
Short essays are a regular feature of assessment in College courses, and it is important that students work to produce essays that are clear and well-structured. Essays should consist of the following:
Introduction: This section introduces the assessment, how you plan to approach it, clearly stating the main point of your essay and creating a lead into the body of your assessment. It should be approximately 100-150 words (one paragraph).
Body: This section represents the most important part of your assessment and is the largest section. It should be divided up evenly by paragraphs with one main point per paragraph.
Paragraphs should have more than one sentence. A well-constructed paragraph will generally include a topic sentence, which will be followed by the sentences developing and clarifying the topic, followed by a concluding sentence.
In an academic paper, using “bullet points” or using lists with numbers is inappropriate. Rather, use several sentences starting with ‘First’, ‘Second’, and so on.
A paragraph should deal with only one topic or one aspect of one topic, and should not be too long. (As a rule of thumb if it is going on for over half a page, reread it to see if it can be broken down into two or more paragraphs).
Headings and divisions need only to be used for longer essays. To introduce a major division of your assessment, use a centred heading, written in capitals, not underlined or numbered. If you use bold print in a larger size, you may place flush left. To introduce a subdivision, use a free-standing flush left side heading, on a line by itself. This is underlined and may also be in bold print, with or without numbering or lettering. For further subdivisions, also use a freestanding flush left heading, not underlined. Numbering divisions aid your presentation, especially if you require a contents page.
Conclusion: Draw all your thoughts together in summary form, and create a sense of completion (approx. 100 -150 words).
Bibliography: This is a list of all books consulted for the assessment. It must be on a separate page and be formatted correctly. Refer to the “Referencing” section.
Students are required to complete assessment tasks in order to fulfil the requirements of the course. The assessment task(s) for each subject are outlined in the syllabus for each subject and available on the Student Portal on the College website.
Assessment tasks are more than earning a grade. They are designed to provide the student with a learning experience that extends and enhances work in class. They are given specifically to:
Extend studies to cover material beyond that which can be covered in class.
Broaden understanding of the material covered in class.
Develop research skills necessary in preparation for ministry.
Assist in understanding and fulfilling the subject outcomes and aims.
Ensure that learning outcomes and competencies are met.
Allow the development of practical applications of theoretical work done in class.
Assessment tasks may be in the form of:
Assessments: Generally a well-structured short written composition or essay that deals with a single topic and expresses an aspect of research from written material & field casework. The application is then directed towards a suggested problem/question.
Book Reports: Requiring a book to be read or a section thereof, that is immediately associated with your subject. Opinions are not valid during the report, only a summary of what you consider to be the main or related points. You may express an opinion in your opening and concluding remarks only.
Debates: There may be two (or more) teams organized from within the class to research a set topic and debate opposing sides of that topic.
Examinations: Usually set at the end of the semester, they will cover information indicated by the trainer, to enable you to recall/ revise the content of a subject.
Performances: Students participating in Worship Music performance subjects will be required to either perform in the Performance Major Day event or provide evidence of contribution to creative arts ministry in a specified semester.
Presentations: The student(s) researches a subject and prepares a talk, demonstration, discussion or sermon to present to the class. The aim of such assessments is to give the student an opportunity to further research a topic and provide an avenue for them to outwork their findings for the benefit of the entire class.
Report: A statement or record of an investigation or assigned task that may or may not require research.
The course intervention strategy operates on a series of monitoring reporting points throughout a students’ course, with certain actions to be taken at those points depending on the students’ performance and their duration within Interventions. These Points and their corresponding actions are described in the Course Student Support and Monitoring Table.
If a student required academic intervention, an email will be sent to the student notifying that: –
They are not meeting course progress requirements.
Failing to meet course requirements can jeopardize their enrolment &/or visa.
They have been enrolled in a Student Support tutorial, which they must attend on a weekly basis to ensure their continued enrolment &/or visa.
Course Intervention Meeting:-
The student will meet with a tutorial leader assigned to them for the duration of the intervention. This tutorial leader will be known as a Student Support leader. The student and tutorial leader will discuss circumstances surrounding students’ difficulty to comply with course progress requirements. They will both agree on a successful strategy. This must include the student attending a Student Support Tutorial during the semester. This tutorial is aimed at assisting the student to build their academic skills in order to successfully complete the course.
Documenting Discussions at Meeting:
Discussions and decisions made at the meeting are documented and placed on the student’s file. The form is completed by the Student Support Tutorial Leader and is signed by the student. Students will also receive a copy of this form for their own records.
Students will be advised that unsatisfactory course progress, as per the table above, could lead to the student being withdrawn from College, with international students being reported to DIBP and their visa being cancelled, depending on the outcome of any appeals process.
Note: if a student is identified as being at risk of making unsatisfactory course progress before any of the above points, the Intervention Strategy may be implemented early
Course Interventions:
The strategy will include one or more of the following interventions: – [based on the specific needs of the student]:-
Advising on the appropriateness of the course
Internal or external assistance with language, literacy & numeracy
Attendance at counselling sessions with a member of the Student Support Office or appropriate church department (e.g. Pastoral Care)
Attendance at additional tutorials or study groups
Opportunity for reassessment and/or RPL
Mentoring or coaching by their Tutorial Leader
Changing tutorials or other classes
Referral to an external support agency
A combination of the above.
Note: The responsibility for maintaining contact and following through with the intervention strategies remains with the student.
Difficulty to Make Progress and Withdrawal from College
When a student is still unable to meet the minimum course progress requirements after the implementation of the strategy [as per the Course Progress and Student Support Table], a process to withdraw them from the course will be implemented.
The student will be issued a Notice of Pending Breach advised in writing by the Registrar that they are in the process of being withdrawn from the course. A copy of this Notice is to be kept in the student file. The student will have 20 working days to appeal the decision using the College’s Complaints and Appeals process.
Student Appeals
A student may only appeal the Notice of Pending Breach in the following circumstances:
Compassionate or compelling circumstances
Failure to record or calculate a students marks accurately
Failure to implement the Intervention Strategy or other related policies that have been made available to the student.
Where the student’s appeal is successful, the outcomes may vary according to the findings from the appeals process.
If the appeal shows that there was an error in calculation, and the student actually made satisfactory course progress (successfully completed more than 50% of the course assessments for that study period), the student will not be withdrawn from college, and there will be no requirement for intervention.
If the appeals process shows that the student has not made satisfactory progress, but there are compassionate or compelling reasons for the lack of progress, ongoing support will be provided to the student through the intervention strategy, and the student will not be withdrawn from college.
The student’s enrolment will be terminated immediately in cases where the student:
has chosen not to access the Complaints and Appeals processes within the 20 working day period,
withdraws from the process, or
the process is completed and results in a decision that the student’s appeal was unsuccessful
For international students, this will include reporting to DIBP via PRISMS by the Admissions Coordinator as soon as possible. This will mean that the international student’s visa will be cancelled.
Student Access to Records
Students may access their personal records at any time using the Student Portal or the Application to Access Student Records form.
Academic Advice
Any guidance a student may require that relates to their program of study, subject enrolment, and graduation requirements can be provided by the tutorial leader. Appointments can be made through College Reception
This policy applies only to VET students. Details for HE students is available via the Alphacrucis College website.
Those students who require a reprint of their certificates and/or transcripts after graduation will be charged a $20 fee for each award that is reprinted. (eg a graduated Diploma student who requires new copies of their Cert IV & Diploma will be charged $40). All certificates, transcripts and Statement’s of Attainment can be obtained by contacting the Registrar’s office.
Advanced Standing: Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Policy
Hillsong International Leadership College is committed to the recognition of students’ prior learning in courses for skills and knowledge already held by students whether gained by previous study, work experience or life experience.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are alternate pathways to a qualification. Credit Transfer is achieved through formal learning pathways that are the same or equivalent to the current pathway being undertaken and RPL defines the recognition of learning that has taken place outside the formal education system.
Applicants who consider that they already possess the knowledge and skills intended to be developed through the learning outcomes in any course are able to apply for either Credit Transfer or RPL. In order to receive credit in HC courses, students must supply sufficient evidence. Credit is based on one of or a combination of the following pieces of evidence:
Credit Transfer
There are two different types of evidence students can provide for a Credit Transfer Application:
Type 1: in order to qualify for a whole award, students must provide a Qualification or Statement of Attainment from another Australian college (Registered Training Organisation – RTO) in the same qualification – this is known as mutual recognition and has no charge attached.
Type 2: in order to get Credit Transfer for one or more subject(s), students must provide official transcripts of their previous studies accompanied by detailed subject outlines including a description of assessment methods.
RPL Kit application
Upon application for RPL, an RPL Kit will be provided to students. It is a portfolio of appropriate evidence detailing life and work experience mapped to the subject that students will need to complete in detail and submit. Students are to apply for the appropriate RPL Kit specific to the subject(s) they seek to RPL.
Recognition will be granted provided that the student is able to provide sufficient documented evidence and the content and level of skill parallels that are offered by College courses. Successful applicants will receive full credit for the relevant subjects.
Credit Transfer Procedure
Students interested in applying for a Credit Transfer may start the process after acceptance into college.
Submissions for Credit Transfer will be accepted from enrolment week at the start of a semester through to the 30th of April (for subjects related to Semester 1) or 15th September (for subjects related to Semester 2) of an academic year.
Because of the time required to examine the evidence, there is an application fee attached. Students are encouraged to ensure that their evidence is as complete as possible in order to minimise time and assessment costs. The turnaround time for a Credit Transfer application from submission of form, evidence and payment is approximately 14 days.
It is important to note that you may apply for any number of subjects under the Credit Transfer application fee of $175 AUD. However, once an application is submitted, additional subjects cannot be considered under that application. You will need to submit a new application if you find there are other subjects you wish to have considered. We, therefore, recommend that you look at all the subjects we offer in a particular award before submitting a Credit Transfer application. You can find this at http://hillsong.com/college/courses.
In order to apply for Credit Transfer, students submit the completed Credit Transfer Application form (available over the student portal) with all evidence attached to the College office. Students are required to participate in all classes until they receive written confirmation that the Credit Transfer application has been approved. Once approved, the subject will be removed from the student’s timetable.
On reception of the application form with all evidence submitted with payment, the Registrar’s office will transfer the file to the appropriately qualified assessor according to the AQF requirements. The student may be required to present or further explain additional documentation and evidence. In this instance, the student is required to attend an interview with the assessor.
Final approval for Credit Transfer is given by the Registrar and relevant faculty on substantiation of satisfactory evidence. ‘CT’ grades are entered into a database and the documents are added to the student’s file. The relevant subject(s) are removed from the student’s timetable.
Application for review of credit granted – A student who is dissatisfied with the decision concerning credit may appeal the decision using the Assessment Appeals process.
NB. Students who are granted Credit Transfer for certain subjects may consider the following options:
Option 1: opt to replace with other subjects or reduce their study load. If students chose to replace the credited subjects, relevant fees will apply. Students can only choose a replacement subject within the same award they are enrolled into (e.g., Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma).
Option 2: opt to volunteer for deeper involvement in church life in their area of allocated practicum or an area to which they wish to contribute their skills and expertise. Students will need to get in touch with the Practicum Coordinator via email to collegepracticum@hillsong.com.
Information regarding overseas students for whom Credit Transfer shortens the length of their course:
if the course credit is granted before the students visa is granted, the Registrar will ensure that the actual net course duration (as reduced by course credit) is indicated in the confirmation of enrolment issued for that student for that course,
or
if the course credit is granted after the students’ visa is granted, the Registrar will ensure that the change of course duration is reported via PRISMS under section 19 of the ESOS Act.
RPL Procedure
Students interested in applying for an RPL may start the process after acceptance into college.
Submissions for RPL’s will be accepted from enrolment week at the start of a semester through to the 30th of April (for subjects related to Semester 1) or 15th September (for subjects related to Semester 2) of an academic year.
Because of the time required to assess a student’s learning, there is an application fee attached. Students are encouraged to ensure that their evidence is as complete as possible in order to minimise time and assessment costs. The turnaround time for an RPL from submission of evidence and payment is approximately 14 days.
It is important to note that you may apply for any number of subjects under the RPL application fee of $175 AUD. However, once an application is submitted, additional subjects cannot be considered under that application. You will need to submit a new application if you find there are other subjects you wish to have considered. We, therefore, recommend that you look at all the subjects we offer in a particular award before submitting an RPL application. You can find this at http://hillsong.com/college/courses.
In order to apply for an RPL, students submit the completed RPL Application form (available over the Student Portal) to the College office. Students are required to participate in all classes until they receive written confirmation that the RPL application has been approved. Once approved, the subject will be removed from the student’s timetable.
On reception of the application form submitted with payment, the Registrar’s office will send the student the relevant RPL Kits. These RPL Kits detail the subject elements for which the student will need to provide evidence to assess the RPL. It is up to the applicant to ensure that they have provided sufficient evidence mapped to the subject elements.
Once the completed RPL Kit is returned to the Registrar’s office, the evidence is transferred to and examined by the appropriately qualified assessor according to the AQF requirements. The student may be required to present or further explain additional documentation and evidence. In this instance, the student is required to attend an interview with the assessor.
Final approval for RPL is given by the Registrar and relevant faculty on substantiation of satisfactory evidence. ‘RPL’ grades are entered into a database and all evidence for achieving competencies is filed in the student’s file. The relevant subject(s) are removed from the student’s timetable.
If the student decides not to pursue the RPL process at any time, they must inform the College Registrar via email to collegeregistrar@hillsong.com. The College Registrar must ensure that section 5 of the relevant RPL Evidence form is completed by the student and returned to the student’s file.
Application for review of credit granted – A student who is dissatisfied with the decision concerning credit may appeal the decision using the Assessment Appeals process.
NB. Students who are granted RPL for certain subjects may consider the following options:
Option 1: opt to replace with other subjects or reduce their study load. If students chose to replace the RPL’d subjects, relevant fees will apply. Students can only choose a replacement subject within the same award they are enrolled in (e.g., Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma).
Option 2: opt to volunteer for deeper involvement in church life in their area of allocated practicum or an area to which they wish to contribute their skills and expertise. Students will need to get in touch with the Practicum Coordinator via email to collegepracticum@hillsong.com.
Information regarding overseas students for whom RPL shortens the length of their course:
if the course credit is granted before the student’s visa is granted, the Registrar will ensure that the actual net course duration (as reduced by course credit) is indicated in the confirmation of enrolment issued for that student for that course,
or
if the course credit is granted after the student’s visa is granted, the Registrar will ensure that the change of course duration is reported via PRISMS under section 19 of the ESOS Act
This policy applies only to VET students. Details for HE students is available via the Alphacrucis College website.
