Advanced standing
Attendance
Change of address
Conduct of students
Leave of absence
Variations in study program
Notice to students with disabilities
Prohibited person declaration and criminal record check
Occupational screening and vaccination against infectious diseases

There are a range of student administration matters that affect the progress of students through their studies. These are formally handled by the Student Administration Unit of the University, however the Faculty Student Office can be used as a first point of contact or inquiry. A range of forms for various student administration matters can be obtained from the Faculty Student Office.

The following are the key student administration matters that students are likely to encounter during their study.

Advanced standing (Rule 2.28)

Students who have previously undertaken study at a university or other recognised tertiary education institution (i.e. TAFE) may be eligible for exemption if subjects previously studied are deemed to be equivalent to those undertaken as part of their current study.

Students applying for exemptions should contact the Faculty Student Office for the relevant form, which includes details on applying and the necessary supporting documentation.

Attendance (Rule 2.5)

Regular attendance at classes is a requirement of both the Faculty and the University. This includes lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and nursing practice. Students are issued with a subject outline for each of their subjects which includes further details of specific attendance requirements.

Change of address (Rule 2.8)

Students who change their address must notify the University or Faculty promptly. All official mail (e.g. Semester Assessment Notices, Student Statements) is only sent to the student's current registered address. The University does not take responsibility for lost mail if students have failed to notify their change of address.

Conduct of students (Rule 2.4)

While on the premises of the University or engaged in any activity related to their study at the University, students shall comply with any reasonable directive given to them by an officer of the University, and shall maintain an acceptable standard of conduct.

Leave of absence (Rule 2.11)

Students may take Leave of Absence from the University when their personal circumstances make it difficult to continue studying. Alternatively, students may wish to take a break from their study.

Variations in study program (Rule 2.10)

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that their enrolment is correct. If a student stops attending a subject this does not constitute formal withdrawal, or if a student starts to attend a subject this does not constitute formal enrolment. Note that if a lecturer adds a student's name to a class list this does not mean they have been formally enrolled.

Students are permitted to vary their program up until the HECS census date in any given semester (31 March or 31 August) without academic or financial penalty. Students may withdraw from a subject up until the end of Week 6 in each semester without incurring academic penalty. However, after the HECS census date, financial penalty does apply.

Notice to students with disabilities

Students must undertake fieldwork (and/or workplace learning) as a prerequisite to satisfactory completion of this course.

UTS is committed to making education accessible to people with disabilities, and will accommodate the needs of students with disabilities to the greatest extent possible in arrangements for fieldwork and workplace learning.

If a student has a disability that may affect his or her ability to complete the fieldwork (and/or workplace learning) components of the course, this should be discussed prior to enrolment with the Special Needs Coordinator, who will make a referral to the relevant Academic Liaison Officer or other suitable person in the Faculty.

Prohibited person declaration and criminal record check

The New South Wales Department of Health has implemented policies and procedures whereby all health care workers who may be engaged in positions within Departmental organisations must make a declaration under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 and undergo a Criminal Record Check.

All Nursing students must complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration, undergo a Criminal Record Check and receive a NSW Health Department Clearance prior to undertaking a nursing practice placement. The check is conducted by the NSW Police Service and coordinated by the NSW Health Department. A consent form authorising this check must be completed, signed and lodged with the Faculty. Any refusal by a student to undergo this check may result in the student being unable to complete the course requirements.

Clearances can be delayed for a number of reasons, particularly the incorrect completion of forms. Students should, therefore, ensure that forms are correctly completed. Students who have not received a clearance letter from the NSW Health Department within six weeks of lodgment of forms or at least one week prior to the commencement of nursing practice should advise the Faculty Student Office. Students must present the clearance letter whenever attending a clinical placement.

Occupational screening and vaccination against infectious diseases

NSW Health is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all patients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff. This commitment includes adopting an occupational screening and vaccination policy that minimises the risk to health care consumers and providers of acquiring an infection.

All students who will enter a health facility must cooperate with the Occupational Screening and Vaccination Against Infectious Diseases policy and obtain at their own cost a documented screening and vaccination history in accordance with the policy.

A vaccination screening record card will be given to all students who then must supply documentary evidence of vaccination or immunity for the following diseases:

• Adult Diphtheria and Tetanus
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Tuberculosis.

Students must carry their record card with them at all times while on nursing practice.