School Policies

Students at USC are bound by the SACE Board's policy on the supervision and verification of students’ work, especially in relation to summative assessment i.e. where marks count towards the final College assessment.

Referencing

The correct use of references is required in academic writing. Failure to acknowledge the work of others is plagiarism.In any of your work, references must be provided when you:

• quote, using the exact words of another author
• use diagrams and figures and tables taken from the work of another
• paraphrase, expressing the idea of another in your own words
• summarise the ideas of another

The SACE Board website contains general research advice for students, which includes some useful guidelines on referencing (www.sace.sa.edu.au/the-sace/students-families/stage-2).

Regular attendance at all mentoring sessions, classes, tutorials and lectures is fundamental to student success, achievement and positive wellbeing.

Regular attendance supports students to develop positive relationships with their peers and with USC staff.

Regular attendance assists in student academic achievement.

At University Senior College full attendance is expected, in both mentoring and academic programs (classes, tutorials and lectures), unless there are significant extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances may include the following:

• Occasional illness verified by a parent
• Occasional illness verified by a medical practitioner when an assessment item falls at the same time as the absence.
• Ongoing illness verified by a medical practitioner.
• Ongoing mental wellbeing concerns verified by an appropriate medical practitioner.
• Family occasion, which is approved by the Principal and is less than 1 month.
• Family occasion, which is approved by the CE of AISSA and is more than 1 month.

If a student has ongoing absences, the student and parent will be required to meet with the Dean of Student Experience, and/or another member of the leadership team to discuss the absence and determine steps forward to support the student to return to full attendance.

Student Responsibility

• A student is required to attend all timetabled lessons punctually. Should the student be delayed, we request that the College be advised on +61 8 8313 4988 as soon as possible.

Parent/Caregiver Responsibility

• If, due to illness or other legitimate reason, a student is unable to attend College, a parent/caregiver is requested to contact the USC reception before 9:30am on +61 8 8313 4988. In case of illness, we recommend that a medical certificate is presented.
• International students/Homestay should contact the relevant Dean of Student Experience
  on +61 8 8313 4988.

Statement of Intent

USC holds the care, safety and wellbeing of young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our College. This policy describes University Senior College’s Child Protection practices. University Senior College acknowledges that every child has the right to be safe from harm at all times. Staff at USC are expected to work within the USC Values of mutual respect, integrity and diversity at all times and when interacting with other staff, students and members of the community.

Legal Obligations

University Senior College is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and participation of children and young people. This includes:

a commitment to:

• Supporting mandatory notifiers to report and respond to children and young people at risk of harm as outlined in the mandatory notification section;
• Ensuring safe environments for children and young people are maintained; and
• lodging a Child Safe Environments Compliance Statement with the SA Department of Human Services.

Responsibilities

All staff of University Senior College are responsible in ensuring the College is a safe environment and for the following:

• reporting any suspected abuse to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) and make a police report

• advising the Principal when a report is being/has been made (unless the report involves the Principal in which case it should be reported to the Chair of the School Council);
• when concerning behaviour has been observed, the staff member who witnessed it must alert an

Various staff members of University Senior College will have different responsibilities regarding Child Protection, including requirements relating to mandatory reporting.

The Principal is responsible for the overall running of the College and in relation to Child Protection. Other key staff include:

• Counsellors
• Deans of Student Experience
• Director Academic Programs
• Director School Operations

USC is committed to the delivery of a high quality learning pathway and having structures in place to ensure every member of the school community feels safe and supported. It is recognised that, from time to time, grievances may arise and the following procedures are designed to assist in reaching a satisfactory resolution for students, parents/caregivers and staff. USC staff will work alongside members of the community to reach agreement on a suitable action plan for resolving issues or concerns.

If you wish to arrange a time to speak with someone about a grievance, it is a good idea to inform them of the issue in advance so that they are better able to provide information when the meeting takes place. If at any stage of these procedures you would like to have a support person present as an observer, it is important to negotiate such an arrangement prior to a meeting.

There are some grievances of a very serious nature, where a member of the school community may need to approach the Principal or relevant member of leadership directly and immediately, but most grievances in a school can be resolved before taking such a step. A student or parent/caregiver can raise a concern or complaint if they think that the school or a member of the school community has:

• Acted unfairly or impolitely.
• Acted improperly.
• Failed to do something that was assured or anticipated.

Under such circumstances your concern or complaint may be about:

• Issues related to teaching and learning.
• The behaviour, comments and decisions of staff often related to student conduct.
• A policy, procedure or practice.
• Bullying and harassment.
• Work, health and safety.

At University Senior College:

• We support students to flourish.
• Our values of mutual respect, integrity and diversity underpin all we do.
• We value the involvement of our community and see parents and guardians as integral to our success. 
• We promote and support an adult learning environment where relationships are based on mutual respect.
• We encourage the resolution of complaints when they arise at the school level, wherever possible.
• We support the rights of students, parents, guardians and staff to have their complaints listened to, taken seriously, in good faith and to be addressed and resolved expeditiously, fairly and reasonably. The outcome will be communicated to all parties involved once a resolution has been reached.
• We comply with all relevant statutory and legal requirements. These include but are not limited to antidiscrimination and vilification laws, child protection laws and family court orders.

Guiding Principles

Parents, guardians and students are entitled to lodge a bona fide complaint with the College. This means that complaints should be lodged in good faith.

Some points to take into account if you wish to lodge a concern or complaint:

• Raise the concern or complaint as soon as possible and maintain confidentiality.
• Clearly identify the issue and communicate what outcome you seek.
• Provide in writing the key points of your concern or complaint.
• Focus on the facts or details of what has taken place and avoid personal or inflammatory comments.
• Act in good faith to achieve an outcome acceptable to all parties.
• In the first instance only discuss your concern or complaint with the people directly involved.
• Have realistic and reasonable expectations about what course of action is required to resolve the concern or complaint satisfactorily.

Please note:

Neither the Minister for Education nor the Department for Education have any power to directly intervene in any complaints relating to the operations of a non-government school.

Grievance Procedure:

Principles and rationale

The principles of natural justice and procedural fairness will apply in the management of suspected drug-related incidents.

Overarching policy statement

Our school is committed to maintaining a safe, secure and supportive environment for its community. This policy is part of our Wellbeing strategies that includes a range of curriculum; policies and procedures; and positive school environment initiatives. Our school takes action to prevent drug use by students and to intervene if it occurs by taking a whole of school approach. The use, possession and/or distribution of illicit drugs and the unsanctioned use and distribution of drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs, are not accepted.

Intervention related to drugs and alcohol

Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs present a risk to the health and safety of children and young people. They are incompatible with a learning environment and inappropriate in a school setting. Our school applies a harm minimisation approach when dealing with suspected drug-related incidents. The school offers counselling support to young people and their families and can also assist with referrals to other agencies.

The consumption of alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs on The University of Adelaide campus or in the vicinity of the College is prohibited.  It is also prohibited at school functions.  Breaches of this policy will result in a meeting with the appropriate Leadership staff where consequences and support will be outlined.  The Principal will determine, in consultation with parents/guardian, the nature of consequences, which may include termination of enrolment.

Authority

This policy is consistent with The National Alcohol Strategy 2019-2028: A national framework to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harms among individuals, families and communities. To ensure continuous improvement, school procedures will be reviewed after every drug-related incident, whilst the policy will be reviewed at least every two years.

Student Agreement

During enrolment interviews, all students sign the following agreement:

I understand that during school hours whilst on or near the school campus, or when involved with any official school activity, I am not permitted to:

• Smoke and/or possess tobacco products, including using a Vape
• Consume and/or possess alcohol
• Possess and/or use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes
• Possess and/or use illegal drugs, possess and/or use drug-related equipment, such as bongs, pipes or syringes (except for medical purposes)

The limit of the campus is defined as any space bounded by and including Grenfell Street, King William Street, River Torrens and Frome Road.

Whilst enrolled at USC, access and use of the Uni Bar for any reason is not permitted.  

Students understand that if they engage in any of the above activities, they will be jeopardizing enrolment at University Senior College.

If suspected drug-related incidents occur and drug issues arise, they will be managed and responded to in ways that:

• minimise the harm to all members of the school community;
• ensure the wellbeing, educational careers and ongoing support for the students involved;
• are both firm and fair.

Guidelines for ICT use at USC can be found on our ICT page. 

As a school, we keep information about students and their families that is necessary to carry out our roles as educators and to exercise appropriate care for our students. We are very mindful of the need for parents and students to know that their privacy is respected.

The following policies provide further information on how we manage personal information provided to us or collected by us.

Should you have any questions or complaints about the way in which the College manages the information it holds, please contact the College's Privacy Officer, Anita Zocchi on 08 8313 4988 or at usc@adelaide.edu.au .

• Privacy and Confidentiality Policy and Procedure 2021 
• USC Standard Collection Notice 2021
• USC Employment Collection Notice 2021
• USC Alumni Standard Collection Notice 2021

At University Senior College we are committed to preparing students for successful transition between secondary and tertiary study. We aim to provide a cooperative environment that promotes the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, self reliance and a sense of self worth, and enables students to maximize their personal potential. We recognize that this involves not only the development of the students’ academic skills but also the students' capacity to accept responsibility for their choices and their actions.

Staff and students at University Senior College aim to:

• treat each individual with respect
• create a safe, secure and supportive learning environment
• follow a code of behaviour based on mutual respect
• encourage effective communication
• provide an environment that values success

Everyone at University Senior College has the right to:

• be provided with every opportunity for intellectual and emotional growth
• be treated with respect and take responsibility for treating others with respect
• privacy and confidentiality, consistent with safety and legal responsibility
• feel equal and be treated with equity according to need
• feel safe and cared for, and be free from verbal, physical, racial, sexual or emotional abuse
• seek and receive help, support or advice when needed

Everyone at University Senior College has the responsibility to:

• adhere to College policies and the College Charter
• treat their own and others’ property with care and respect
• show courtesy and consideration
• respect other people and tolerate different viewpoints and perspectives
• consider consequences and accept responsibility for choices
• monitor their own behaviour
• respect their physical environment

Student Agency at USC

Student Agency is an important aspect to the adult learning environment at USC. Students are supported to develop the USC Graduate Attributes, capabilities and processes which support them to be actively involved in their learning and to develop citizenship.

Student agency at USC includes:

• The development of the Student Charter on an annual basis by students with key staff, outlining student commitments learning and wellbeing while at USC and their expectations of staff support
• Working proactively with staff to engage in their learning and assessment
• Working with staff to raise awareness of key social issues they wish to support, and to fundraise for those causes
• Being actively involved in planning and delivering key activities and functions on the USC Calendar
• Nominating to assist in the organisation of various co-curricular activities
• Speaking with key staff about any issues they are aware of in relation to Child Protection.

ACADEMIC ISSUES

This process is to be used in conjunction with the Extension and Special Provision processes and the College’s privacy policy. The ultimate outcome of dealing with student academic concerns is to resolve the matter with the student, the parent if necessary and the subject teacher so that the student is able to regain their confidence in that subject and achieve their personal best.

From time to time, a student will discuss an academic concern.  Students may approach any staff member they feel comfortable with to discuss academic concerns they may have. In general, this staff member may be:

• The relevant subject teacher
• A past subject teacher
• The current or past Mentor
• The learning area Coordinator
• The Dean of Student Experience of that year level
• Any member of the Leadership Team

Once the student has approached a staff member, that staff member (regardless of their role in the College) will refer the matter to the Dean of Student Experience in the first instance. This Dean will then refer the academic matter to the subject teacher, usually in the first instance, and if appropriate to another member of the Leadership. At all times, sensitivity to the issue at hand is to be considered and the student has a right to request confidentiality.

Subject teachers may raise any academic concern with any member of the Leadership team who will refer the matter onto the relevant person.

PERSONAL ISSUES

It is to be expected that some students will grapple with a range of personal issues that impact their ability to learn and continue positively with their learning program. The ultimate outcome is to assist the student to continue to engage positively with their learning program while they deal with the issues with which they are grappling. Students may approach any staff member they feel comfortable with to discuss their concerns. In general, this staff member may be:

• A subject teacher
• A past subject teacher
• The current or past Mentor
• Any member of the Leadership Team

Depending on confidentiality and privacy, that staff member will share the information to relevant staff. It is important to recognise that the student has the right to decide if they wish for their information to be shared with their teachers. If a student wishes for their teachers to know they are dealing with a personal issue that is impacting on their learning, a member of the Leadership team will convey this information. No action that could adversely affect that student at the time will be undertaken and at times this means that the College’s privacy policy will be enacted.

OTHER ISSUES

At times students will share with key staff issues related to Child Protection. Staff are required to follow all legal requirements in relation to Child Protection and to support the student, by informing them of their rights and the responsibilities staff have as legal mandators.

Key staff include:

• Principal
• Director of School Operations
• Director of Academic Programs
• Deans of Student Experience
• Counsellors

Responsible behaviour includes:

• respecting the right of students to learn and teachers to teach
• interacting positively with others
• caring for the College and University facilities and resources
• acknowledging that our actions bring about consequences

Academic effort is expected from every student. Every assistance will be given to students encountering problems with their studies. Serious and protracted lack of effort is not acceptable and could lead to a performance contract being required or, eventually, to termination of enrolment.

In classrooms, laboratories and lecture theatres, students are expected to:

• be seated and ready to begin a few minutes before official starting time
• set all mobiles to silent; turn off iPods (or similar players)
• bring no food or drink to class – (water is acceptable)

In lectures, students are expected to:

• correctly indicate attendance by swiping their ID Cards – otherwise a text message is sent home to indicate non-attendance
• fill up seats from the front to maximize concentration and engagement
• participate as an active listener and ask questions as appropriate
• ask permission from the lecturer if you wish to record a lecture

These behaviours reflect our commitment to an adult-style learning environment, characterised by respect and consideration for others.

First Aid is available from USC Jordan Campus and USC Gawler Place Campus.