Access and Equity Policy and Procedure

POLICY PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that ATMC provides fair and equitable access and opportunity to its student and staff. This policy also includes:

• Opportunities for reasonable adjustments are made to students.
• Students are given equitable access to facilities and services on and off campus.
• Staff members deal with all students fairly by considering the relevant circumstances of the individual. This does not necessary mean that all students will be rates the same. Fairness is considered in the context of relevant circumstances.
• Decisions regarding student’s entry to, progression through and completion of the courses are made on case – by – case basis.
• All relevant policies, procedures and forms are accessible to all staff and students working with in the ATMC and that these policies and procedures are implemented in a fair way.
• The student admissions process is based on entry requirements of each course. These entry requirements are published on our website and our marketing materials.
• Individuals raising concerns, complaints or grievances are treated with respect and are not discriminated.
• Students can access relevant policies, procedures and form through ATMC website and a hard copy can be requested from the ATMC via email or at reception.
• Students are also provided with all relevant policies, procedures and forms during enrolment process in the form of ‘Student Handbook’.
• Staff can access relevant policies, procedures and form through ATMC website or by requesting any staff.
• Staffs are inducted in relation to all relevant policies and procedures during their induction process.
• Staffs are updated with any new changes and updates in relevant policies and procedures by staff meeting, emails and memos.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all enrolled students and prospective students in all modes of delivery.

LEGISLATION

Australian federal and state legislation makes it unlawful for organisations to discriminate against people because of their age, gender, race, marital status, sexuality, or physical or intellectual disability.

The following legislation underpins all matters related to access and equity at ATMC:

• Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
• Disability Act 2006
• Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• Working with Children Act 2005

POLICY

1. Supporting students to succeed

ATMC acknowledges the diverse background of its students and commits to make its practices as inclusive as possible and not unreasonably prevent its students from accessing learning.

ATMC undertakes to be responsive to the individual needs of students, whether they relate to age, gender, cultural or ethnic background, health, sexuality, employment, location or other personal circumstance, and not unreasonably present barriers to their learning.

2. Recruitment, admissions and enrolment

Recruitment and admissions processes and policies are free from discrimination and are based on the requirement that students meet pre-requisites for a course. Access and equity issues are considered when setting course entry requirements and prerequisites. Course design and assessment can be flexible to make reasonable adjustments. Teaching and learning documents are non-discriminatory, using inclusive language and examples.

3. Student services

Students have equal access to learning and assessment materials and support services.

4. Academic and learning support

Reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate students needing supplementary academic and learning support. Reasonable adjustments may include:

• Additional academic and learning support, including literacy and numeracy support.
• Alternative methods of assessment where reasonable. Extra time to complete assessments.

Assessments are designed to be fair, reliable, and consistent. Students are given details on required assessments for each subject at the beginning of each study period. Assessments for subjects delivered online are adapted to flexible delivery.

Students may appeal assessment decisions through the Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure.

Special consideration may apply for extenuating circumstances.

Support is provided to those with special needs. Reasonable adjustment is provided to those with a disability or special needs according to individual circumstances. This means providing the appropriate services and/or facilities for student learning and assessment.

Reasonable adjustment may include but is not restricted to:

• educational support
• alternative assessment methods
• learning and assessment aids such as papers in large print or the use of scribes or interpreters
• extra time to complete a course or assessment

Learning support is facilitated for those with basic literacy, numeracy or English language difficulties or other identified areas of learning difficulty.

Special consideration may be granted if through misadventure (e.g. illness, bereavement or personal trauma) a student is prevented from completing an assessment or sitting an examination; or believes that their performance in an assessment event has been affected by the incident.

ATMC’s premises provide appropriate access to those with a physical disability. Where ATMC provides training and assessment at its campus, ATMC will ensure to the best of its ability that venues are accessible to people with a disability.

Complaints and appeals are addressed in a fair and equitable manner. Individuals who believe they have been treated unfairly are encouraged to use ATMC’s student complaints and appeals procedures. ATMC will promptly and thoroughly investigate all complaints and appeals in accordance with stated procedures.

Students also have the right to appeal against any decisions as set out in the complaints and appeals procedure.

PROCEDURE