Hillsong College Harassment, Unlawful Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy

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

Issue Date: 1 October 2021

Review Date: September 2023

Related documents

Hillsong College Complaints & Appeals Policy

Hillsong Whistle Blower Policy

Staff Grievance Policy

Hillsong Harassment, Unlawful Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Procedures

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 CarePlease 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

Support Off Campus for Students

Sydney
HeadspaceFree counselling services: https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/
NSW Rape CrisisFree 24/7
Telephone and online crisis counselling service for anyone who is at risk of or who has experienced sexual assault.

T: 1800 424 017  

Online Counselling: https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au/about/ourcounselling-services
https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au/
1800 RESPECTRape & 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
InterpretersFree interpreters can be provided over the phone or in person. Interpreters must keep confidential information which they interpret.

T: 131 450  

https://www.tisnational.gov.au/
MensLine AustraliaFree telephone and online counselling services available to men 24/7  

T: 1300 78 99 78  

https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
National Relay ServiceFree 24/7 telephone service relaying information for people who are deaf or have speech impairments.

TTY/ Voice Calls: 133 677
Speak & Listen: 1300 555 727
SMS Relay: 0423 677 767  

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-technologycommunications/phone/services-people-withdisability/accesshub/national-relay-service

Appendix 2: First Responders

Adam Dodsonadam.dodson@hillsong.comPastoral / Theological TrainerSydney – Hills
Alistair McNallyalistair.mcnally@hillsong.comPastoral / Theological Trainer Online
Amanda Fergussonamanda.fergusson@hillsong.comLecturer Sydney – Hills
Angela Bachtle angela.bachtle@hillsong.comStudent Dean Sydney – Hills
Christopher Parkeschris.parkes@hillsong.comExecutive Dean AustraliaSydney – Hills
Duncan Corbyduncan.corby@hillsong.com General ManagerSydney – Hills
Haydn Nelsonhaydn.nelson@hillsong.comSenior LecturerSydney – Hills
Julia Cuthbertsonjulia.cuthbertson@hillsong.comAcademic DeanSydney – Hills
Katie Dodsonkatie.dodson@hillsong.comCampus Dean (Hills)Sydney – Hills
Keren Fullerkeren.fuller@hillsong.comCampus Dean (City) Sydney – City
Lee Burnslee.burns@hillsong.comExecutive Vice PresidentSydney – Hills
Lina Rodrigueslina.rodrigues@hillsong.comPastoral / Theological TrainerSydney – Hills
Michelle Leaneymichelle.leaney@hillsong.comPastoral / Theological TrainerSydney – Hills
Qianwen Renee Dengrenee.deng@hillsong.comExecutive Dean OnlineOnline
Remo Castagnoremo.castagno@hillsong.comPastoral / Theological TrainerSydney – Hills
Robin Boschrobin.bosch@hillsong.comPracticum CoordinatorSydney – Hills
Stephen Taylorstephen.taylor@hillsong.comHead of Student ServicesSydney – Hills
Tracy Barrelltracy.barrell@hillsong.comPastoral / Theological TrainerSydney – City

Children in Classrooms

Children are not permitted in classrooms as Hillsong College is set up as an adult learning environment and not suitable for children. One off occurrence requests will be considered for school-aged children upon submission to the campus Campus Dean. These type of requests will only be considered under special one off circumstances

International Admissions

International Students

 As an international training institution, the College is well equipped to provide for and international students.

The College has procedures in place that ensures compliance with the ESOS Act 2000.

Admissions Process
The admission of the international students is the responsibility of the Admissions Co-ordinator who also fulfils the responsibilities of the International Student Contact Officer.

  1. Enquiries
    Send out an enquiry pack about Hillsong in response to enquiries by phone or email. This includes the College Prospectus and Hillsong Church information.
    Forward academic enquiries of students to faculty members.
  2. Offer of Place
    Processing of applications.
    Send Offer of Place to successful applicants.
    Arrivals and Accommodation Guide
  3. Arrival
    The arrival of students to the College is facilitated by the Accommodation Team.
    Hills : A shuttle bus is organised to the Hills campus from the airport and new students are met by the Student Housing Co-ordinator and their student team. Students are taken from the College campus to their accommodation and are given practical assistance in the early stages of settling in (e.g. Visit to the supermarket for groceries) from the new student welcome team.
    City: Students catch a taxi from the airport or are encouraged to find suitable transportation from the airport to the College City campus.

Continue reading “International Admissions”

Changing Campuses

Changing Campuses

Students apply using the ‘Change of Enrolment’ form to the College Registrar Department. The College Registrar Department will inform the Campus Managers and stream heads of both campuses. If there is no issue flagged, they will proceed with the change of campus implementation on the CollegeWorx system.

If the student is in college accommodation, then the Accommodation Co-ordinator will be informed, as it needs their release as well.

Head Students

Head Students

Head Students are appointed at both campuses and are selected on the basis of their leadership ability and character. Potential head students are nominated by the Vice Principals, Campus Manager’s and current head students and are appointed by the Principals in consultation with the Executive Vice President as vacancies arise.

The number of head students varies according to the size of the student population on each campus.  Head students are given specific portfolios and are accountable to a College staff member (depending on portfolio) and ultimately to the Principal. Once appointed, Head students remain in their role for the duration of their studies.

The role of head students is to fulfil a leadership role in the College for general operations and to be the first point of contact for students to address pastoral issues (including issues such as finances, time management, relationships with other College students). Portfolios include: small group co-ordination, Chapel, children ministry rosters, events, Men and Women ministries, international students, trainer/lecturer hospitality, library, pastoral care, married couples, venue co-ordination and College yearbook. The Head Students receive training from staff members for their respective roles.

Students’ issues are discussed in the weekly Head Students Meeting before reference to the College authorities.

Financial

Financial Planning

The College is committed to equipping students to develop sound financial management as part of their leadership development. This is taught in the Certificate IV in Ministry course. Further financial planning support is provided via the pastoral care network and Hillsong College Finance Department can also provide additional advice on request.

In regards to College fees, the College provides students with the option of using payment plans that are tailored to meet the students’ specific circumstances and which allow regular instalments. These are created by the College Finance Department and are introduced in the enrolment process. During the period of enrolment, those who are experiencing difficulty in their financial commitments to the College are identified by the College Finance Department and administration staff.

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. The College protects fee-paying students from financial distress and exploitation

WWCC

Working with Children (Child Protection)

The Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012 makes it an offence for a person convicted of a serious sex offence (a prohibited person) to apply for, undertake or remain in, child related employment whether paid or unpaid.

Therefore, it is a requirement by the College that all Staff, volunteers and students undergo this screening process. This will be done by filling the Working with Children Form – Prohibited Employment Declaration and Working with Children Form – Background Check Consent at Enrolment and at Staff induction or when a volunteer commences work at the College. In addition individuals will need to comply with the state requirements for a Working With Children Check (NSW, VIC, QLD) where a background check is conducted by the required authority. A Police Check application form will need to be submitted before providing the required formal identification to the Roads & Maritime Service.

Dissemination of Policies

Dissemination of Policies

Students are informed of relevant policies, procedures and programs that include policies and procedures for handling appeals and complaints through the Student Handbook. Students are kept aware of updates on these policies through the orientation programs and student information sheets. Daily Chapel times are also used to give announcements relating to College policy as the need arises.

Moving with the Buildings

Hills Campus

The Hub
Remember at all times there are many people working within the building, so your consideration of these people will be appreciated. To contain noise levels within the building please adhere to the following:

Offices – students are not permitted in office areas unless they have an appointment or are engaged in practical ministry.

Convention Centre
Students are permitted in the Basement, lecture rooms or in the Library. To access particular areas of the Convention Centre, please follow these directions;

The Basement – use the outside stairs on the right hand side of the Children’s area. Refer to Map, Level One, Area A.

Library & Lecture Rooms: Continue reading “Moving with the Buildings”