Off-Campus Student

2021

Information Guide

Ready today for tomorrow jcu.edu.au

 Welcome to
James Cook University
For most of us, the thought of studying while JCU’s Off-Campus Student Information Guide
managing competing demands of a work, family and provides you with the resources to help you on your
social life can appear impossible. way. I also encourage you to look at GetReady4Uni,
our online orientation program, to assist you in your
This is why, regardless of where you live and
transition to University.
what you do, we focus on providing you with an
educational experience that is both flexible and All the very best for your studies. Remember, our
convenient. staff are here to assist you to reach your personal
academic goals during your time at JCU, and your
As an off-campus student you will enjoy the same
professional goals once you graduate.
access to support, resources and guidance as those
studying on campus. Your study will involve access
to web-based learning and teaching resources and
interaction with your lecturer via LearnJCU.

Professor Sandra Harding AO

Vice-Chancellor and President

Why JCU?

TOP
250
UNIVERSITIES FIVE STARS FOR
FIVE STARS FOR
FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT¹
1
IN THE WORLD2 STUDENT SUPPORT³

1
2021 Good Universities Guide. 2Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking 2021. 32021 Good Universities Guide.

James Cook University is committed to fostering a community that

features, at its core, respect, inclusion and safety for all.

JCU is proud to be part of the Respect.Now.Always. campaign - a

national initiative led by Universities Australia to prevent and address
sexual harassment and sexual assault. Further information about JCU’s
commitment to the elimination of sexual harassment and sexual assault,
and services and support for students can be found at jcu.edu.au/sew

All students and staff at JCU are required to complete the JCU Respect
online module. You will find it in LearnJCU with your other subjects.

We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands
and waters where we operate our business. We honour the unique cultural and spiritual relationship to the land,
waters and seas of First Australian peoples and their continuing and rich contribution to JCU and Australian society.
We also pay respect to ancestors and Elders past, present and future.
Off-Campus Student Essentials
At JCU, ‘off-campus’ doesn’t just refer to students studying online or externally, but also includes
students at our study centres (Mackay and Mount Isa) who will be accessing support services
remotely. This guide will provide handy information and contacts to help you access the various
resources available to you as a JCU student.

Off-campus students GetReady4Uni - Orientation Online

If you are enrolled in an external mode of study, the majority of your This online orientation website is designed to be user-friendly for new
course will be conducted online through LearnJCU. Lecture materials, students with tips on how to succeed. It contains helpful modules
readings and collaboration tools are all online and available wherever about the transition into university, student wellbeing and life balance,
and whenever you wish to connect. It is important that you have a academic skill development, support services and O Week.
reliable internet connection and the software required to access these
jcu.edu.au/getready4uni
materials – see the IT Help section for more information.
If you are studying at one of JCU’s study centres, the majority of your
lectures and tutorials will be held at our specialised facilities and Costs of going to university
conducted either with on-site teaching staff, or via videoconference to
our Townsville and Cairns campuses. All study centres have computer A must watch for all domestic students. This online presentation will
labs with printers for students to use on-site. help you understand the cost of your studies, payment options, how to
pay, key dates and financial  assistance available to you.  Log onto
Visit the ‘Off-Campus Students’ website for more information about jcu.edu.au/fees and click on ‘More help’ to view presentation.
services available to students studying outside of Townsville and Cairns.
jcu.edu.au/off-campus-students

Student ID cards
A student identification (ID) card is a must for all students. It is proof
that you are a JCU student and it will be required for anyone using the
main campus facilities for exams or study. It will also provide you with
access to student discounts and concessions. Some courses will also
require you have a student ID card to arrange a professional placement.
Go to jcu.edu.au/student-id-card to order your card.

Top Tips for Off-Campus Students

Plan Ahead Talk About Your Study

Go to ‘The Learning Centre’ online to create Explaining what you are studying to someone else can
individualised semester and weekly study planners to help you consolidate your learnings, so find a willing
manage short-, mid- and long-term tasks. ear and talk to them about your subjects and course.

Be Prepared Develop Your Skills

Do your allocated weekly readings before watching Check out the online resources at The Learning Centre to help
lecture recordings to help you understand the content. you develop your academic writing, maths and study skills.

Stick to Your Plan Ask For Help

Once you have designed your planners, aim to stick to Your lecturers want you to succeed and can be contacted
them. This routine will keep you on track, reduce stress via email or phone, plus there are heaps of free support
levels, and make study enjoyable. services for students too.
Look After Yourself Connect for Success
Allow yourself regular breaks for other activities like Stay connected with peers using virtual communication
relaxing, exercising and catching up with friends and and collaboration tools available to you free through
family. your JCU account.

Avoid Online Distractions Don’t Forget Your End Goal

Only keep the JCU website open on your browser when If you have a clear sense of purpose about why you are
studying to avoid online distractions. at university, you will be more focused on the journey.

| 1
 Academic Success
Acquiring the skills you need to successfully complete your studies will take commitment and
planning. This may take a little time to achieve, but help and support is never far away.

JCU Library The Learning Centre

JCU Library is an essential academic and student service with print The Learning Centre is able to assist you to unlock your potential and
and digital collections that students can borrow or access online 24/7. maximise your academic success by providing advice and assistance with
Off-campus library services are available if you reside in Australia and all aspects of studying at university. The Learning Centre also provides
live further than 50 kilometres from either the JCU Townsville or Cairns a range of self-help online workbooks that you can download and work
campuses. Use One Search to find and access books, eBooks, eJournal through, such as Academic Writing, Maths Refresher, Basic Statistics and
articles, as well as streaming media and more. You can borrow library Active Learning - jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/downloads.
books using the online request form which includes a free, post-paid
Download the Weekly and Semester Study Planners under the
bag to return materials. You can also request scanned copies of journal
‘Getting Started’ tab on The Learning Centre website to help you
articles and book chapters.
manage your time and commitments while you study. There is
The library service also offers a live Chat with a Librarian during library also a link here to the JCU Academic Calendars so you can keep
opening hours (including nights and weekends). You will find a ‘Chat’ track of important dates such as study dates, census dates,
button on many library webpages. Staff can help with locating scholarly payment due dates, last date to withdraw without academic
information for assignments and referencing. penalty and exam dates.
Online Library Guides provide key resources for your subjects and You can contact The Learning Centre for advice and remote assistance
contact details for your Liaison Librarian who will help you improve your via the Online Contact Form under the ‘Contact Us’ section. Make sure
research skills. Your Library Guide, including the Writing Guide and the you select your study centre location or ‘external student’, and provide
Referencing Guide are designed to help you succeed as a student. Search as much detail in your enquiry as possible so that staff can tailor their
or browse our guides from the library website. response to your specific needs.
The InfoSkills Toolkit is an interactive learning tool developed by JCU students also have access to Studiosity - a free, after hours, online
the JCU Library team specifically for you. It introduces researching, learning advice service. Studiosity can be accessed through LearnJCU.
referencing and assignment writing skills to help you on your JCU
journey: libguides.jcu.edu.au/infoskills
Make sure you explore the Library Channel where you can watch Learning Online
informative videos and play interactive games on topics such as Top
Library Tips, Off-Campus Library Services, Evaluating Information The Learning Centre have designed a dedicated website to bring a range
Sources, Searching the Literature, and more. Check it out at of information, tools and resources together to help you succeed in the
libguides.jcu.edu.au/library-channel. online learning environment. Find out how to prepare for online exams,
stay motivated, manage your time, wellbeing, and stay connected when
studying.
jcu.edu.au/learning-online

First Year Experience Coordinators

Every course at JCU has a designated First Year Experience Coordinator
who is an academic staff member that teaches commencing students
and understand the challenges that new students often face when
transitioning into university. These coordinators can help provide advice
about your course, support service referrals, and strategies for success in
your studies.
Search First Year Experience Coordinators on the JCU website.

College Student Support Officers

College Student Support Officer (SSO) provides confidential,
personalised advice, advocacy and support referrals to first year
students. They work with students to help them achieve their
educational goals and to succeed at university, by offering timely
information and support when it’s needed. Contact details for your
College can be found under the Student Support Officers link on the
Student Support page.
jcu.edu.au/support

2 | www.jcu.edu.au
Exams & Assessment
Your assessments may include online discussion board posts, assignments and online exams, but
sometimes physical exams are conducted in a location close to the student. Your assessment will
vary for each subject and will be listed in your Subject Outline on LearnJCU.

Exams Academic Integrity

If exams form part of your assessment, you may have assessments Academic integrity is the commitment to act ethically, with honesty,
under exam conditions or final exams, which may be online or at an respect, and fairness in creating and communicating information in
allocated venue near you. The Subject Outline of your chosen course an academic environment. It is a fundamental principle in Australian
will provide all the detail you need. universities, and new students must learn to show respect and act
ethically towards fellow learners and scholars. This is done through
Personal timetables that detail dates, times and venues will be available
acknowledging the work of others, creating authentic individual
in your Student App/Students Online when the final timetable is
assessment, and applying the correct academic referencing style for
released. Refer to back cover for main exam period dates.
each subject or discipline.
NB exams for some subjects may fall outside the main exam period.
The opposite of this is academic misconduct. This includes plagiarism,
collusion, and cheating, which attract serious penalties. Academic staff
use assessment design and technological tools to detect academic
Double check your exam timetable and venue at misconduct. The Learning Centre and the Library offer online modules
least one week before the exam. and workshops about academic integrity, in particular, referencing and
academic writing.
jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/academic-integrity
Flexible Delivery Exams Officer

 07 4781 6212
Submitting Assignments
 exams@jcu.edu.au Assignment submission procedures are set on a subject-by-subject
basis, so you will need to check the instructions in your Subject Outline
 jcu.edu.au/students/exams-and-results for each subject. Most written assignments require a standard cover
sheet and to be submitted via SafeAssign in LearnJCU. Other subjects
Exam Preparation may also require a submission via email to your lecturer.

Visit The Learning Centre’s website under the ‘Exams’ link to find tips on
how to prepare for online exams, different exam questions, and how to Make sure your assignment is in an acceptable file
minimise exam stress and more. type such as Word and saved in A4 format. Include
your name, student ID and subject code and any
jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/exams
attachments required. Keep a copy of all work you
submit in case the file is misplaced or corrupted.

Marks and Results

You can view your marks for assignments online using LearnJCU. Final
results for each subject are available approximately three weeks after
the end of the teaching period in eStudent. Final results for a subject are
explained in the table below.
(Note – percentages shown are recommended only).

RESULT GUIDE TO FINAL MARKS

FOR A SUBJECT

HD = Pass with High Distinction 85% – 100%

D = Pass with Distinction 75% – 84%

C = Pass with Credit 65% – 74%

P = Pass 50% – 64%

N = Fail < 50%

X = Fail Did not sit for exam or did

not complete at least 80% of
assessment

| 3
 Bianca Rogers
Bachelor of Education -
External
“What inspired me to study Early Childhood Education was my dance career. Working with young children, teaching them how to dance and instructing
them really captured my love of teaching. At JCU I was able study externally, which fit perfectly into my lifestyle, as I needed to work full-time and I had
a young son at the time. Being able to study online in the comfort of my own home outside of work hours was a great, flexible way to study.
The advice that I would offer to future students or people wanting to study at JCU would be to go for it! My mantra that I kept on my wall which helped
me to keep going was ‘Stay strong. Stay positive. Stay focused’. Whilst studying, I appreciated the support that I got from other students and lecturers.
Sometimes it may feel like you are alone, but the help is there if you need it and that’s what I loved about my course and JCU.”

Phoebe Ryder
Bachelor of Nursing Science -
JCU Mount Isa
“My decision to study Nursing Science at the JCU Mt Isa Study Centre was easy as it
allowed me to stay in my hometown surrounded by a strong support network of family
and friends. I had also seen first-hand the positive impact of the JCU Centre for Rural
and Remote Health on outback communities in my region, and was keen to be a part of
this work through further education.
Studying at the Mount Isa Study Centre has been amazing. The smaller cohort sizes
allows for more one-on-one teaching and greater exposure to practical learning. It also
means we are a close-knit group who support each other to overcome any challenges
we face along the way.
My advice to new students would be to use all the free resources and services that
are made available to you. Sometimes things can get overwhelming, but JCU has the
support programs in place to help you succeed.”

4 | www.jcu.edu.au
Student Support at JCU
Sometimes achieving success is knowing when and how to access support. JCU offers a wide range
of free services to support you in the transition to university and throughout your studies, and it’s
important to remember that these services are available wherever you are.

AccessAbility Services Careers and Employability Counselling & Wellbeing

Whether you have a permanent disability Our friendly staff can help you with career JCU’s counselling service provides free,
or a temporary injury or condition which is decision making and action plans, graduate professional, confidential and responsive
affecting your study, AccessAbility Services information, job search strategies, job services to help you manage personal issues
aims to take a holistic approach to your life, application checking and LinkedIn profile that could impact on your studies at JCU.
taking into consideration the impact of health development. Our website has lots of helpful Bookings are essential and appointments are
on your studies. resources and programs you can access to help available by phone or online.
improve your graduate employment prospects.
 07 4781 4711 Phone appointments available.  07 4781 4711
 studentwellbeing@jcu.edu.au  studentwellbeing@jcu.edu.au
 07 4781 4711
 jcu.edu.au/sew  jcu.edu.au/sew
 careers@jcu.edu.au
 jcu.edu.au/careers

Indigenous Education and JCU Student Association Library

Research Centre The JCU Student Association (JCUSA) is run by JCU Library is here to teach students skills in
elected students for students. JCUSA’s focus is assignment research, including referencing.
The Centre’s staff are here to support you
on bringing quality support and services for all We also provide access to print and online
through your journey at university and into
sorts of issues varying from academic through information resources. Get in touch on our
a professional career. Indigenous Student
to welfare. The Student Advocacy Officers Chat service or contact us at:
Support Staff will help you to develop time
offer free, independent and confidential advice
management strategies, gain access to free
that is available to all JCU students.  07 4781 6870
tutoring and help with assignments and exam
preparation.  library@jcu-au.libanswers.com
 1800 330 021
 jcu.edu.au/library
 07 4781 4676  studentassociation@jcu.edu.au
 IERC@jcu.edu.au  jcusa.edu.au
 jcu.edu.au/ierc

Student Centre Student Mentor Program The Learning Centre

The Student Centre is your one-stop shop for Our award-winning Student Mentor Program Your one-stop-shop for academic assistance.
general enquiries including enrolment, fees, links new students with experienced, trained See our website for advice about any aspect
student loans, scholarships, course and subject students in the same course of study as you. of university study - from getting organised
information, timetable issues and much more. They volunteer their time to support new to assignment help. Students can also use
students through their first study period and our ‘Contact Us’ form on the website to ask a
 1800 246 446 settle into university life. question.
 enquiries@jcu.edu.au
 offcampus-studentmentors@jcu.edu.au  learning@jcu.edu.au
 enrolmenthelp@jcu.edu.au
 jcu.edu.au/mentors  jcu.edu.au/learning-centre
 jcu.edu.au/contacts

Ask Us provides answers to commonly

asked questions at any time of the day or
night. These answers are designed especially
to help future and current students.

 jcu.custhelp.com

| 5
 Stay and Succeed
Commencing university is an exciting time and students commonly times, particularly around assessment periods. As shown in the graphic
feel happy and enthusiastic about their decision to study a chosen field. below, students can feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster in
Your first study period at university will be a stimulating experience, their first study period at university, which is 100% normal. The good
but it is also an especially busy time as you learn about the university news is that there are a lot of free support services and online resources
environment, academic expectations, learning technologies, where to help you smoothly navigate your transition into university and help
to go for help, as well as your course content. These new and exciting you succeed. Remember to always ask questions and seek help early if
challenges can cause students to feel anxious and unsure at various you need it – that is the true key to success at university.

Emotional highs and lows for a new student in their first teaching period - an example
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Enrol O Week Lectures Pre-Census First Lecture More Exams Results Mid year
Study period begin date blues assignment recess assignments published break
event back back

Phoebe Brennan
Bachelor of Nursing Science -
JCU Mackay
“James Cook University has provided me with the unique opportunity to be able to
study my area of interest in my hometown. This meant that I didn’t have to do a costly
relocation in order to receive the same amazing experience as students who attend the
main JCU campuses.
JCU Mackay Study Centre is a special campus that helps students in many ways – it
has smaller class groups, easy access to resources, and never ending support from
passionate academic staff. JCU has provided me with an exceptional education and
specialised support throughout my degree, but especially in my first year when I was
new to study. I have also appreciated on-campus events such as RUOK? Day, which
has strengthened relationships between students and staff and increased my sense of
belonging to this learning community.
I am so glad that I chose the JCU Mackay campus to complete my degree as I have made
so many new special friendships along the way - this has made my university experience
even more fulfilling.”

6 | www.jcu.edu.au
Student Portals and Computers
Information Communications Technology (ICT) is essential for teaching, learning and research at
JCU. As a student at JCU, you have an online account that provides access to facilities, systems,
resources, and support to keep you connected while you study at JCU.

JCU App Student Email

The JCU App provides students with easy, personalised access to the When you accept your offer from JCU, you will receive a user name
digital services you need for study and support. It offers single sign on and password. Once your acceptance has been processed, you will be
access to all your JCU systems and applications. officially admitted to your course and an email address will be created.
You will then have to change your password. Keep a note of your user
LearnJCU name, password and email address, as you need these for key online
services including LearnJCU, Library lending, StudentsOnline, eStudent
LearnJCU is the online teaching and learning space for almost and email communication.
everything to do with your subject/s, including subject outlines,
assessment information, staff contact details, subject readings, lecture Your JCU email account is your primary source of communication.
materials and collaboration tools. Check it regularly for official communication regarding your enrolment,
fees or academic progression. When communicating with JCU, use your
Your subject lecturer will make the subject outline and information JCU email address as this provides proof of your identity. Log in with
available online in LearnJCU before the study period starts. Learning your email address and JCU password.
materials and reading requirements are available via your subject site
unless specified.. The Subject Outline (available on LearnJCU) is the
essential reference guide about your subject. Your email address format is:
firstname.lastname@my.jcu.edu.au
eStudent
Numerals may be added after your name
eStudent is where you manage your enrolment, submit forms (HECS-
HELP), view and pay your fees, view your results, update your personal
details and more. Staff at the Student Centre can help you with any
questions about using eStudent. Use your JCU username and password IT Help Desk
to log on.
The IT Help Desk provides students with the first point of contact for all
ICT services offered at JCU, including general IT enquiries, account access
StudentsOnline issues and fault reporting. Certain software is available free for students,
StudentsOnline is where you access your lecture and exam timetables. including Microsoft Office. Download via portal.office.com. Visit their
You can also make credit card payments for your CopyPrint account, website for more information and click on the Student IT Essentials:
if you’re using printers on the main campuses. Log in with your JCU jcu.edu.au/ict.
username and password.
Computer labs on campus
JCU Library There are computer labs in the libraries and around the main
JCU Library is your first point of contact for assistance with library and campuses, some are open 24 hours and with printing facilities. You need
basic IT questions. Staff can help connect your laptop and mobile devic- your JCU ID card for swipe-entry access and your JCU username and
es to wireless and printing (when you are on campus). Connect with us password to log on the computers. To print, add credit to your account
via our ‘Chat with a Librarian’ service, via phone or by using our ‘Got a via CopyPrint at StudentsOnline or by accessing the pay stations located
Question’ form. Follow the links from the Library website. in the Library.

jamescookuniversity

jamescookuniversity

@jcu

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James Cook University

James Cook University

| 7
 New Student Checklist
The first month of university can be a particularly challenging period to navigate, so we have created
the New Students Checklist to help guide you through.

BEFORE O WEEK

 Visit jcu.edu.au/new-students to finalise your enrolment at JCU - contact enrolmenthelp@jcu.edu.au if you require assistance.

 Verify your ‘Current Enrolment’ is correct in eStudent under ‘My Study Plans’ – jcu.edu.au/eStudent.

Check if you are eligible for a HELP-Loan and please complete the Commonwealth Assistance forms by Payment Due Date -
 jcu.edu.au/students/fees-and-financial-support/defer-your-fees.

Study Centre Students – Register for classes (tutorials and workshops) in eStudent under ‘My Timetable’ to create your personalised
 timetable – please note that some subjects have automatically allocated classes – jcu.edu.au/eStudent.

 Order your Student ID Card – jcu.edu.au/student-id-card.

Kickstart your studies with The Learning Centre website. Check out the information under the Getting Started button -
 jcu.edu.au/learning-centre.

 Log into your JCU student email account and read your emails and online Student Bulletins.

 Investigate scholarship options at JCU and check to see if you are eligible to apply – jcu.edu.au/scholarships.

DURING O WEEK

 Attend Orientation Week information sessions and activities, and work through the jcu.edu.au/getready4uni modules online.

Go to ‘My Finances’ in eStudent to review your fees, charges, due dates and deferral options. Check your fees are listed in Deferrable
 Transactions in eStudent if deferring payments to a HELP loan.

Log onto LearnJCU to find out information from your lecturers about your subjects, including text book lists, assessment topics, deadlines
 and grading information – jcu.edu.au/learn.

 Find out about Student IT Essentials at JCU. Learn about JCU free software (Office 365), email, wireless networks and more.

 Become part of our virtual communities through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and more!

 Register for AccessAbility Services if you have a disability, health condition or injury that might impact your studies - jcu.edu.au/accessability.

Familiarise yourself with the free student services at JCU – Student Centre, Library, Counselling, Student Wellbeing, AccessAbility Services,
 Careers and Employability, Learning Advisors and Student Mentors – jcu.edu.au/support.

Ask for help – if you have any queries access ‘Ask Us’ on the JCU website to find out answers to commonly asked questions, contact
 Infohelp for technology assistance, or contact the Student Centre for help - jcu.custhelp.com. Contact the IT Help Desk for technology
assistance, or contact the Student Centre for general enquiries.

AFTER O WEEK

Download the Week 1 to Week 4 checklist at the GetReady4Uni website to help you stay on track and succeed in your studies
 jcu.edu.au/getready4uni.

8 | www.jcu.edu.au
Glossary
Common terms at JCU
Advanced standing Students with previous qualifications or relevant work experience may be able to apply for Advanced Standing
(credit) towards their JCU degree.
Bachelor degree A first-level degree, taking a minimum of three years. Abbreviated to, for example, BA (Bachelor of Arts); BSc
(Bachelor of Science).
Block mode subjects Subjects taught over an intensive short period, often during university holidays or over weekends.
Census date Enrolment is considered to be finalised on a subject’s census date. It is the last date to withdraw from subjects
to avoid fee liability. If payment, or arrangements to defer payment (if eligible), are not made by census your
enrolment may be cancelled.
Commonwealth Supported The Australian Government pays part of the course fees, and the student pays a student contribution, which they
Place can defer using HECS-HELP if they are eligible.
Course Enrolment Planner An online resource that helps students plan and select subjects for their course.
Diploma of Higher A one-year course (or two years, part-time) designed to help people who may not meet the academic
Education requirements for entry into a Bachelor degree course.
eStudent An online system where students manage their personal details, enrolment, class registration, payments and more.
HECS-HELP A loan program to help eligible Commonwealth supported students to pay their student contribution amounts.
Honours A Bachelor degree with Honours involves additional study and a research thesis. Graduates have advanced
knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and/or further learning.
International exchange Local students can study overseas as part of their JCU degree with one of JCU’s partner universities. Students
can participate in an exchange or short-term program, or in an inter-campus mobility program to the JCU
Singapore campus.
Joint degree A combined degree in two areas that can take 4-5 years to complete full-time. Graduates earn two degrees, for
example, Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Laws.
LearnJCU JCU’s online learning environment to access subject outlines, assessment results, announcements, discussion
boards, weekly study materials and more.
Lecture recess A week long period within a teaching period when there are no lectures. This time is often used to complete
assignments or study for exams.
Major A specialist strand within a course. For example, Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Online learning Some JCU subjects and courses are available entirely online, using electronic media.
OS-HELP An Australian government loan used to help undergraduate students undertake part of their course of study
overseas.
Payment due date The date that students ineligible for a HELP loan or who choose to pay subject fees and Student Services and
Amenities fees up front must make payment to avoid enrolment restrictions.
Placements Some courses (including Education, Social Work and Nursing) require students to undertake regular professional/
practical placements in the workplace. Students can have costs associated with placements.
Postgraduate A postgraduate student is studying for a higher-level degree which may be research-based or may lead to
professional qualifications after a general degree. Examples include a Masters, Doctorate (PhD) or Graduate
Diploma.
Student contribution The amount a Commonwealth supported student is required to pay for a subject. The amount will vary depending
on where it falls in the Australian Government’s student contribution amount bands.
Student Services and Payable by all students at JCU. Income from the SSA Fee is used to provide student support services and facilities.
Amenities (SSA) Fee Eligible students can defer the fee with a government SA-HELP loan.
Study load The number of subjects/credit points in a student’s annual enrolment. A full time load is 18-24 credit points per
year (most subjects are worth 3 credit points, which equates to six to eight subjects per year for a full-time load).
Study period A study period has a start and end date, payment due date, census date, last date to add or substitute subjects
without prior approval of the subject coordinator, date for withdrawal without academic penalty, and date for
release of subject results. There are many shorter block study periods throughout the year.
Teaching period The academic year is divided into two teaching periods: Teaching Period 1 is the first six months of the year and
Teaching Period 2 is the second six months of the year. A teaching period contains several study periods.
Undergraduate An undergraduate student is one who is studying at university at Bachelor degree or Diploma level.
Vice Chancellor The Chief Executive Officer of the University.

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 Find out more about how your
Student Services and Amenities
Fee contributions are improving
support services and facilities at
JCU - Search ‘SSA Fee’.

Important dates 2021

Teaching Period 1 Teaching Period 2
Orientation (O Week) 15 - 19 February Orientation (O Week) 19 - 23 July
Classes 22 February - 28 May Classes 26 July - 29 October
Census date 25 March Census date 26 August
Lecture recess 5 - 9 April Lecture recess 27 September - 1 October
Study vacation 31 May - 4 June Study vacation 1 - 5 November
Exam period 5 - 18 June Exam period 6 - 19 November
Results published 6 July Results published 7 December

Important Note
Certain courses have different important dates from those above - make sure you check your subject guides in LearnJCU.
Find more important dates, including other study periods, payment due dates, and public holidays, plus print out teaching period calendars at:
jcu.edu.au/students/important-dates

JCU Code of Conduct

JCU values its students and places them at the heart of the University. The JCU Student Code of Conduct promotes mutual respect and fairness
ensuring a safe and inclusive learning and research environment. The Code sets out the obligations expected from students of JCU in terms of
conduct and respecting the rights of others. There are also a range of student polices related to your rights and responsibilities, including exam and
fee policies, student forms as well as the Student Contract which details the terms and conditions you agreed to when you accepted your offer at
JCU.
jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services/student-code-of-conduct
Other policies outlining your rights and responsibilities include the JCU Student Contract and JCU Student Charter can be found in the Student
Support drop-down menus.
jcu.edu.au/students/support/student-support

© JCU Division of Student Life, November 2020

CRICOS Provider Code: 00117J
This publication is intended as a general guide. The information is correct at the time of printing.
Prospective students should contact the University to confirm admission requirement and course
availability. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any information without prior notice.

10 | www.jcu.edu.au