The purpose of this pre-enrolment information is to provide students with useful information to aid them in selecting a qualification program or course of study. The information focuses on processes to support students in attaining their objectives and goals. Australian Skills Development Institute (ASDI) offers students a comprehensive service delivery, open communication channels, and the requisite support to ensure that progression through their learning journey is both challenging and satisfying.

ASDI offers nationally recognised qualifications utilising material which adheres to the various Australian Quality Training Framework Training Packages. These Training Packages allow for customisation of nationally recognised qualifications to meet a diverse range of markets, locations and businesses, thus meeting the needs of a diverse range of students and clients.

Programs are designed for individuals who seek to develop, consolidate or broaden their current management and/or technical skills. ASDI's training programs are hands-on and practical, with a focus on competencies required in the business environment.

Successful completion of a course provides the student with a nationally recognised workplace competency that may be used as a pathway to:

•	enhance their employment opportunities; and/or
•	complete a full qualification; and/or
•	pursue a qualification at a higher level (e.g. Diploma), and/or
•	as an articulation pathway to a University qualification

Where there are no mandatory requirements for entry to a qualification, students should still consider their current level of skills, attributes, experiences and potential, before determining the appropriate Certificate or Diploma level of qualification they wish to enrol in.

Selection and enrolment at ASDI are carried out in an ethical and responsible manner. We encourage students to apply for enrolment through submission of a completed application form which provides full details of all relevant information so we may support any specific study requirements you have. You are encouraged to identify on the enrolment form if you have a disability that may require learning support so that a Disability Access Plan can be developed for you.

When you complete an enrolment form you will be acknowledging that you have been provided with the information contained in the Pre-enrolment brochure, or have read and understood the pre-enrolment information on the website.

You are deemed enrolled in a course once you have been selected, completed the enrolment form, paid the course fees, and received your Confirmation of Enrolment documentation. All students undergo an induction session performed by the trainer/facilitator at the start of the first workshop of the course. The delegated trainer will verify this by completing an Induction Checklist.

As part of the enrolment process ASDI actively encourages students to apply for Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or existing skills. Applicants are required to complete an RPL Application form and will be assisted by admissions staff to clarify what type and the amount of evidence is to be gathered to support the application.

RPL is the acknowledgment of current skills and knowledge which have been gained from a range of experiences including work, volunteering, study and general life experiences. It is achieved through the assessment of evidence you provide against a set of criteria in a qualification. Fees apply. For further information, refer to the 'Recognition of Prior Skills' page on the ASDI website, or request a copy of the Recognition Procedure from Student Services.

Credit transfer is the formal recognition that parts of some courses are equivalent in content and level to parts of others. If you are eligible, credit transfer results in:

•	automatic status or credit in part(s) of a course/qualification and
•	exemption from that part of the course.

Status granted through credit transfer is recorded on your Student Academic Record. There are no fees when applying for recognition through credit transfer. For further information contact Student Services.

National recognition is the recognition and acceptance by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) of Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Qualification Parchments and Statements of Attainment issued by another RTO in Australia.

ASDI accepts AQF Qualification Parchments and Statements of Attainment issued by other RTOs. There are no fees for national recognition.

Certain ASDI courses may provide credit towards relevant University studies.

Industry has identified the significance of generic, employability skills in meeting the demands of current workplaces; skills which are crucial to gain and retain employment as many employers consider these as essential technical and management workplace skills.

Employability Skills are defined as "skills required not only to gain employment, but also to progress within an enterprise so as to achieve one's potential and contribute successfully to enterprise strategic directions". There are eight employability skills: communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, learning, and technology. The Employability Skills Summary lists the elements of each skill that have been identified for a qualification. From 1 July 2008, RTOs are required to inform all students issued with Training Package qualifications that Employability Skills Summaries for Training Package qualifications can be downloaded from http://employabilityskills.training.com.au .

ASDI is required to collect and store personal information in order to administer your application and enrolment, to monitor your academic progress and to provide other services. ASDI will ensure that information collected from you is not excessive and is only used for the purpose for which it was collected.

Fees vary between courses, depending on the nature of the course and the materials required. Additional fees may be payable for materials, textbooks, or specialised services. Details of all fees are available prior to enrolment. Go to Course Information on the website for individual course fees, or contact Student Services for further information. Student Services will also provide access on request to our Fees and Refund Policy.

Course fees are paid via the website using the secure PayPal method. Students will not have access to their course of study until payment has been received and cleared. On clearance of the fee payment, students will be provided with a Confirmation of Enrolment advice and other pertinent documentation. Online students will receive an email with their username (login details) and password to allow them to commence studies.

Certain services that ASDI undertakes will attract additional costs. For example, while the RPL process and the relevant Parchment or Statement of Attainment is included in the cost of your course, if you require a replacement Certificate or Statement of Attainment, students will be charged a small fee for this service.

If you are thinking of withdrawing from study you should inform Student Services as soon as possible. Student Services staff are available to help resolve difficulties that might influence your decision to withdraw. You must complete a withdrawal/refund/adjustment of fees application form. This form is available through Student Services.

There are specific criteria under which a refund may be granted. Student enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled in limited circumstances by the student or by ASDI. When deferral, suspension or cancellation of enrolment is initiated by ASDI, students have the right to appeal the decision.

•	ASDI-initiated refunds Where a refund results from a situation caused by ASDI, e.g. cancellation of a class, a full refund of the fees will be given. No administration fee will apply.
•	Student-initiated refunds Refunds will not be granted automatically. Students are expected to be aware of work and personal commitments before enrolment. Students must demonstrate that the cause of withdrawal could not be reasonably anticipated before enrolment.

A full refund (less administration fee) will be given if you withdraw 28 days before the course starts.

A 50% refund (less administration fee) will be given if you withdraw for reasons of personal circumstances beyond your control, after the course has started, but within three weeks of the date the course started. Acceptable reasons may include:

•	sickness (verified by a medical certificate)
•	change of employment hours or location (verified by employer)
•	other valid reason at the discretion of the student, or
•	the result of a successful RPL application, received within three weeks of the date of the start of any units in which you have enrolled.

There are a number of policies relating to educational issues that may affect students' studies. These policies are referred to in the Student Handbook, and are available to view on request. These policies include:

•	Access & Equity Policy
•	Assessment Policy
•	Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedures
•	Alcohol & Other Drug Policy
•	Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare Policy
•	Recognition Policy and Procedures
•	Student Conduct Policy

ASDI is committed to the provision of a safe and inclusive teaching and learning environment, free from discrimination and harassment.

ASDI will endeavour to meet the diverse learning needs of students through implementation of appropriate learning and assessment strategies. A range of learning styles is adopted in a variety of learning environments to cater for differences in learning styles, learning needs, and variations in learning opportunities.

The language, literacy and numeracy needs of all students are important to ASDI. To support students in this area, we provide reasonable adjustments to the methods of delivery and assessment, where and when necessary or appropriate, to accommodate student requirements so that they will have a reasonable chance of success in their course. For further assistance and information contact Student Services.

ASDI is committed to handling occupational health, safety and welfare issues affecting students and staff. As students, you also have a legal duty to take care and protect your own health and safety and to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others. Other health and safety policies relate to smoking on campus, drugs and alcohol, abusive behaviour, etc.

Note: Smoking is prohibited inside all buildings and facilities utilised by ASDI. Smoking is also restricted in other areas such as near entrances to buildings and external areas where work is being undertaken by staff or students. Please observe all no smoking zones and signs.

If you require assistance because of a disability, ASDI will develop a personal Disability Access Plan to aid your progression through your study program.

ASDI staff will assist students with a wide range of issues, or direct you towards the appropriate external services. These may include:

•	access
•	advocacy and mediation
•	educational support for students with a disability
•	learning support
•	counselling and guidance

ASDI is committed to listening and responding to what you as a student have to say, so we can continuously improve our services to you. ASDI will listen respectfully to your feedback, treat all feedback confidentially, and undertake appropriate action where relevant. Your feedback is welcomed and assists ASDI to continually improve service delivery to students.
It is also a pleasure to hear about services that exceed your expectations too!

ASDI values:

•	difference and diversity
•	respect and cooperation
•	tolerance
•	academic debate
•	freedom of expression balanced with social responsibility

While engaged in any ASDI activity, all students, staff, contractors and visitors are expected to behave in a considerate and courteous manner when dealing with other staff, students and members of the public.

ASDI provides students with a healthy, nurturing and intellectually challenging study environment. Students must not act in a way that interferes directly or indirectly with the learning of others, or in a manner that hinders staff from carrying out their duties. Students enrolled in an ASDI course or who are considering enrolment are given access to classes and facilities which will be shared with staff and other students. It is therefore expected that students will behave in a manner that is acceptable to the wider community.

You, other students and the staff at ASDI have a right to work and study in an environment free from harassment, discrimination or threatening behaviours. The standards of behaviour that ASDI expects from its students are:

•	a sense of self-responsibility about your study program
•	that you treat staff and fellow students courteously at all times
•	that students take reasonable care of ASDI property and equipment.

Students can expect ASDI staff to:

•	treat people in a fair and equitable manner
•	be professional in performing the scope of their duties
•	provide a supportive and safe learning environment, free from discrimination and harassment.
•	Provide feedback to student's on their academic progress
•	allow access to student's own personal records on request
•	respect students' rights and privacy

•	selection, enrolment and induction/orientation procedures
•	course information, including content and vocational outcomes
•	fees and charges, including refund policy and exemptions (where applicable)
•	provision for language, literacy and numeracy assistance
•	student support, including any external support services available to students
•	flexible learning and assessment procedures
•	welfare and guidance services (if applicable)
•	complaints and appeal procedures
•	disciplinary procedures
•	staff responsible for access and equity
•	recognition of prior learning (RPL) arrangements and credit transfer

If you feel you have not been provided with all relevant information, please contact Student Services.

The pre-enrolment information provided here, and information compiled in the printed Pre-enrolment Information Booklet handout, is for the benefit of students studying through ASDI. The content has been sourced from a variety of publications providing information on the National Training System. Information was correct as at May 2010, and is reviewed for currency on an annual basis.

ASDI reserves the right to alter policies at any time without prior notice. Policies will only be partially reproduced in any condensed pre-enrolment information. Complete policies and procedures are available for viewing on request.

For all course information enquiries:

Web:	www.asdi.edu.au
Phone:	(02) 8860 9532
International :	+61 2 8860 9532
Email:	enquiries@asdi.edu.au