1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

Student Advisory and Academic Support
Centre
The Student Advisory and Academic Support Centre
(SAASC) provides a broad range of educational support
services and programs. The reception desk aims to be a onestop
shop for a whole range of information regarding support
services available on campus and in the wider community. A
database is kept up-tedate with information on all University
services and departments, as well as community services
which students may access. This enables staff to deal with any .
student emergenciarising, whether personal or academic,
assuring appropriate referral in order to resolve the problem.
Professional staff employed within SAASC are expert at
dealing with academic problems, assisting students
experiencing such problems to understand the correct avenues
for resolution and helping them to find the best solution. Staff
at SAASC also assist with the development of a student
perspective on University policy areas, to ensure that the
needs of students are not overlooked and hence help
develop a University system which is effective.
A number of community projects are coordinated by
SAASC to provide individual students with greater
opportunities and to foster the community spirit. In 1997 a
mentor scheme will be operational across many academic
areas, which will link new students with returning
students, in order to help new students to settle into
University life and ensure they can access help if problems
arise. SAASC provides support to the constituencies,
which are groups of students who meet regularly to discuss
their courses, concerns and the subsequent steps to take to
ensure a satisfactory resolution. The Youth Initiative
provides scholarships for students who undertake work for
disadvantaged youth in the wider community.
Student-oriented research is conducted by SAASC,
providing quality statistical information to be fed into the
policy process and to improve service delivery on campus.
SAASC is located on the corner of Burwood Road and
John Street.
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 9.00am-7.00pm,
Friday 9.00am-4.00pm.
Telephone: 9214 5455.
Communications and Information
Publications
The Student Union publishes a weekly newspaper called
The Swine, which primarily carries news and information
pertaining to students and Swinburne. It provides a forum
for students and staff to present and discuss their views on
relevant matters. During holidays and non-teaching
periods, a smaller publication called Piglet keeps the flow
of information going.
The Student Union also produces a free diary, Orientation
Handbook and year planner which are available from
Union Services Desk on each campus and at re-enrolment.
Student Publications
Students publish a magazine called Tabula Rasa at least
once per semester. Tabula Rasa provides a medium for
students to develop their publication skills and all students
are welcome to contribute graphics, articles and creative
writing. If you would like to participate, contact the Rasa
Writers Club or come to the Media Office.
Telephone: 9214 5448
Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
Activities
In coniunction with the Activities Management
0
Committee, the VPA develops, organises and presents the
social programs for the year. A wide variety of events are
planned, to suit the different types of students, including
theatre, part-timers' evenings and the E Lounge. Students
help to organise activities through the Activities
Management Committee and welcome feedback regarding
the types of functions students would like to experience on
campus. VPA works closely with clubs and societies in
order to promote activities jointly between clubs and the
Student Union. The VPA office is located on Level 4 of
the Union Building, Hawthorn campus.
Telephone: 9214 5459
Clubs and societies
Clubs and societies promote the involvement of students in
the Swinburne community through participation in groups
with a common interest. Affiliated clubs receive funding from
the Student Union and assistance with organising events
which suit their members. There are more than f i clubs and
societies for students at Hawthorn to choose from and the
ability to start more. High quality meeting and storage
facilities are provided in the SAASC Centre. A mini bus is
available for clubs and societies to book via the Tool Library,
with no charge except for a deposit, refundable upon the
return of an undamaged bus. The Clubs and Societies office,
located at SAASC, will assist with queries regarding the
starting of clubs, affiliation and support with resources.
Telephone: 9214 5455
Orientation
All new students are invited to attend the orientation
program, which attempts to fast-track the learning process
about what is available on campus and what sort of things
happen in a University environment. All the service
departments of the University are involved in presenting
information and theatre performances and workshops are
held to target specific groups of students with special
needs. Orientation days are offered for full-time students,
before classes start and there are evening functions for
part-time students. After the commencement of classes
there is a week of orientation activities, which are
entertainment-based, to help new students get to know
each other better.
Tool Library
The Tool Library is located in the Contact Building and
hires a wide range of tools and equipment to students and
staff. Hire prices are extremely low and the service aims to
enable access to equipment, without making a profit, while
offering a quality service with information and assistance.
Catalogues are widely available and equipment for hire
rinburne Univeniiy of Technology 1997 Handbook 33