As leaders in training, 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 and attendance begins for all accredited classes from enrolment day until the end of each semester. 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.
Missed Class Forms
When a 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.
Practicum – Absent Students at Conferences
Additional information on attendance for all areas of Practicum is available under Practicum Program in this manual.
