Important Information for RTO Students

• 
  Student Learning Support
  
• 
  Student Code of Conduct
  
• 
  Fees and Payments
  
• 
  Student Wellbeing
  
• 
  Destination Australia Program Scholarship
  
• 
  Deferment, Suspension and Withdrawal of Student Enrolment
  
• 
  Complaints and Appeals
  
• 
  RTO Refund Policy
  
• 
  International Student Attendance Policy
  

Student Learning Support

1. Policy Overview and Purpose

Rural Medical Education Australia (RuralMedEd) is committed to ensuring all Students get the support they need to be successful in their studies. RuralMedEd recognises that all people learn differently and acknowledge that some Students may require additional support. RuralMedEd can offer advice and support intervention options to assist Students achieve their academic goals.

RuralMedEd recognises that the Learner Support provided will not always result in obtainment of competency for every Student. RuralMedEd also recognises that some Student Support needs will be unable to be met by RuralMedEd. Where these are identified, at the application to enrol, the applicant will receive guidance reflecting this.

This policy must be provided to Students in the pre-enrolment information and again during orientation.

2. Scope

The policy applies to all potential and current Students of RuralMedEd, irrespective of teaching location or the program or course being delivered.

3. At Student Enrolment Application

• Students identifying Learning Support needs during the application to enrol process will be advised by RuralMedEd staff of the support measures available through RuralMedEd and through referral to external support agencies. (Please refer to the support agency list below).**Please note that some of the services provided by an external agency may attract a fee which is payable by the Student
• RuralMedEd may request that a potential Student with learner support needs undertake a course-specific Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test. Results from this assessment will be used by RuralMedEd to determine the suitability of your selected qualification.
• RuralMedEd will:
  • Review each assessment.
  • Make a determination
  • Insert sub-term and condition about the suitability of the course to the Student (if concerns are raised, RuralMedEd will discuss with the Student possible measures to address these concerns prior to continued enrolment).
  • If approved, to undertake the training, will have a discussion with the Student about their specific learning needs, and
  • Develop a plan with the Student to support these learning needs over the course of the qualification including regular reviews on the Student’s progress.
• Students identified as having significant Learning Support needs may be referred to external support agencies or maybe enrolled at RuralMedEd with an adapted study load.

4. Post-Enrolment

• Following enrolment with RuralMedEd, Students will have access to training staff by appointment to provide Learning Support to enrolled Students.
• RuralMedEd Trainers/Assessors may use the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) to identify and describe an individual’s performance in any of the core skills at any point of time. This framework makes it possible to identify a Students area of strength and need with some precision, so that training can be targeted to areas of need and a Students progress monitored over time.

5. Prior to Assessment

• Course coordinators and trainers must review any specific support requirements of all Students with Learning Support Needs prior to each assessment.
• Where reasonable adjustment is determined necessary for a Student with Learning Support Needs advice must be given to the course coordinator, detailing the reasonable adjustment being planned prior to the assessment.
• The RTO Lead must approve each assessment that contains planning of reasonable adjustment.
• Any reasonable adjustment applied to any assessment must be recorded and maintained in a Students enrolment records

6. Learning Support Review

• The RuralMedEd RTO Lead will monitor all ongoing Learner Support measures within its Continuous Improvement Systems and within each Internal Audit conducted. This monitoring will include post course survey from all Students receiving Learning Support from RuralMedEd.

7. Internal Learning Support

• Access to Qualified Trainers/Assessors

All RuralMedEd Trainer Assessors meet the requirements of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 which means they hold qualifications, possess extensive industry experience and have current skills and knowledge in both the subject matter being delivered and in training and assessment practices. RuralMedEd training staff are available upon request for Students to discuss their learning and assessment tasks.

8. Referral to External Learning Support

• Specialist LLN Programs

For Students requiring additional support with their studies, RuralMedEd provides referrals to community organisations who may be able to assist you. (Please note that some of the services may attract a fee which is payable by the Student). Students who require a referral to an external organisation should contact RTO Lead rtosupport@ruralmeded.org.au in the first instance to discuss the options.

• Please refer to the following list of available external support agencies.

East Creek Community Centre – P. 07 4639 2755

Jayme Salmon – P. 0421 659 512

The Reading Writing Hotline – Phone: 1300 655 506

https://readingwritinghotline.edu.au/

This is a free national telephone literacy referral service for adults. This service operates 24 hours/7days a week. Students can call this number for information on adult literacy courses in your local area

Skills for Education and Employment (SEE)

https://www.employment.gov.au/skills-education-and-employment

The SEE program provides up to 800 hours of free accredited LLN training for eligible job seekers whose LLN skill are below the level considered necessary to secure sustainable employment or to pursue further education and training.

Student Code of Conduct

Policy

At Rural Medical Education Australia (RuralMedEd) we agree on a set of values which guide how we work, study and engage with each other. The Student Code of Conduct represents our commitment to develop these values and provides a simple and clear set of guidelines for our Students.

This policy must be provided to students in the pre-enrolment information and again during orientation.

RuralMedEd acknowledges, through this policy, that appropriate standards of conduct are fundamental to maintaining a safe, positive and effective teaching and learning environment.

RuralMedEd is committed to:

• promoting the principles of mutual respect by informing students of behaviour that RuralMedEd considers appropriate;
• the implementation of fair and just procedures for managing the consequences of inappropriate student conduct; and
• providing a supportive environment to assist students to reach their full academic potential and successfully complete their training.

The Student Code of Conduct Procedure and Code provides guidelines for academic and behavioural conduct which applies to all students. The safety of the student and of those around them is paramount, and where there are clear indications that the student is in imminent and serious danger of harming themselves or other people; a RuralMedEd staff member and/or emergency services (as appropriate) should be contacted immediately

1. Student Responsibilities Under the Code of Conduct

• It is expected that a Student of RuralMedEd will:
  • Treat others with fairness, respect and courtesy and act in a manner that is not threatening, harassing, or intimidating or likely to jeopardise the safety of others.
  • Familiarise themselves with RuralMedEd policies and procedures pertaining to their rights and responsibilities as a Student.
  • Engage in their studies and actively participate in learning activities including all online learning activities, face-to-face training, and industry placement.
  • Know the requirements of their course and progression rules and seek timely advice and assistance from RuralMedEd Trainer/Assessors, as required to maximise successful progress.
  • Act honestly and ethically in the production of all academic work and assessment tasks. Give recognition to any direct quotes used from other authors or to those authors whose work has made an intellectual contribution to the contents of your submission.
  • Interact fairly and in good faith with others, respect differing personal viewpoints, including cultural or religious perspectives.
  • Communicate with and about RuralMedEd Students and Staff with consideration and courtesy, through any mode of communication including in person and online (email and social media).
  • Use RuralMedEd resources and facilities responsibly and sustainably, in accordance with relevant policies, and always considering the health, safety and wellbeing of others.
  • Provide accurate personal and contact details to RuralMedEd; and respond, where necessary, to any RuralMedEd correspondence in a timely manner.
  • Conduct themselves in a professional manner while undertaking industry placements and respect the confidentiality of any information made available to them as part of their placement.
  • Observe and comply with Commonwealth, State and Territory Laws.
  • Observe and comply with all industry placement requirements.

2. Unacceptable Behaviour

• This Code of Conduct establishes that the following standard of behaviour is deemed unacceptable by RuralMedEd. RuralMedEd Students MUST NOT act in a manner that:
  • Is discriminatory, harassing, sexually harassing, bullying, or engage in any form of interpersonal, psychological, sexual, or physical violence, including any material that is shared online or via social media.
  • Is fraudulent or corrupt and that would unfairly advantage or disadvantage themselves or others.
  • Unreasonably disrupts, interferes with, or undermines RuralMedEd activities, events, functions, or teaching.
  • Could adversely affect the safety and wellbeing of others or themselves including but not limited to:
    • attending training under the influence, or in possession of alcohol or drugs or any prohibited substance.
    • attending training with weapons or items likely to cause harm or intimidation to others.

• • Discriminates against anyone on the grounds of gender identity, sexual orientation, marital, parental or carer status, pregnancy, breastfeeding, age, physical features, impairment, race, ethnicity, political or religious belief or activity, or industrial activity.

3. Breaches of the Student Code of Conduct

• Breaches of RuralMedEd policies, procedures and guidelines including this Code of Conduct will involve disciplinary procedures and the possible suspension or withdrawal of the Student from RuralMedEd (refer to Deferment, Suspension and Withdrawal of Student Enrolment policy).
• In most cases, breaches of Student responsibilities under the Student Code of Conduct are determined by the RTO Manager
• Students who breach the responsibilities under the Student Code of Conduct are expected to acknowledge responsibility and participate in good faith, in restorative activities when required

4. Reporting

• All Students must take responsibility for their own actions and ensure they always act in a respectful manner which supports the dignity, safety and wellbeing of others.
• RuralMedEd encourages Students to report misconduct and supports the safety of those who report.
• Students can report misconduct using the form found on RuralMedEd’s website. This report will be received directly by RuralMedEd management.
• RuralMedEd safeguards privacy according to RuralMedEd policies and relevant legislation and ensures all reports are treated confidentiality, except where there are mandatory reporting requirements.
• RuralMedEd ensures all parties are treated with dignity and respect and are afforded procedural fairness once a report has been made. RuralMedEd will communicate directly with affected parties.

5. Support

• RuralMedEd maintains its responsibility and commitment to support the safety and wellbeing of all Students.
• RuralMedEd will respond promptly to reports of misconduct or incidents and will take timely action within its authority to ensure Student safety and wellbeing.

Related Documents

• RTO Policy | Deferment, Suspension and Withdrawal of Student Enrolment
• RTO Policy | Student Wellbeing
• RTO Policy | Student Disciplinary Procedure
• RTO Form | Misconduct and Incident Report
• RuralMedEd Workplace Health and Safety Policy

Fees and Payments

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the tuition fees and payment arrangements for Rural Medical Education Australia (RuralMedEd) RTO Students.

Definitions

“Commencement of training” is the date noted in the Student’s enrolment as the start date of their training.

“GST” Is the goods and services tax levied under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (GST Act).

“Qualification” refers to nationally accredited training delivered by RuralMedEd under their scope. The qualifications delivered by RuralMedEd can be found on the RuralMedEd website.

“Recognised Prior Learning” (RPL) is a process for Student’s seeking training recognition for recent competency, industry experience, and direct credit transfer from units of competency previously completed.

“Tuition fees” or “Fees” means the cost of the qualification the Student is seeking to obtain. The tuition fee for each qualification delivered by RuralMedEd is stated on the RuralMedEd website.

1. Fees

1.1. Tuition fees are payable for all qualifications delivered by RuralMedEd.

• No deposit is required at the time of enrolment.
  Payment of tuition fees is arranged via a third-party provider of payment plans. Tuition fees are paid in equal instalments across the period of training; the frequency of which is determined by the student. Further information on the third-party provider can be accessed on the RuralMedEd website.
• If the total tuition fee amount is less than $1,500.00, the Student has the option to pay via
• Single payment via electronic funds transfer
  Payment plan via the nominated third-party provider

1.2. The tuition fees vary according to:

• The Student’s selected qualification, which is available on the RuralMedEd’s website,
• Any discounts offered by RuralMedEd, and
• Any credit transfers or recognition of prior learning (subject to approval via the RPL process)

2. Payments

• Payment of the balance of the tuition fees will be managed through the nominated third-party provider of payment plans.
• Student financial information is not accessed or stored by RuralMedEd
• Students who have received confirmation of their RPL being approved will have their regular instalments (via the nominated third-party provider) adjusted to reflect the approved RPL units, resulting in reduced regular instalments.
• Upon application for enrolment and following both administrative and academic approval, the Student will be directed to the nominated third-party provider to arrange the payment plan
• If a Student’s tuition fees are to be paid by their employer or organisation, an invoice will be sent to that organisation for payment.

3. Failure to Pay & Student Sanctions

• If a regular payment instalment fails, additional fees will apply as per the nominated third-party providers terms and conditions. For full details, refer to the RuralMedEd website for the nominated third-party’s services and fees schedule.
• If a Student fails to pay their tuition fees the nominated third-party provider will notify the Student to resolve the issue and make alternative arrangements if required. If the Student fails to resolve the failed payments, RuralMedEd will issue the Student with a sanction notice. If the issue remains unresolved, RuralMedEd may cancel the Student’s enrolment subject to RuralMedEd’s policy on Student withdrawal (see related documents below).
• Student sanctions may include, but not be limited to:
  • Suspending the Student’s enrolment
  • Withholding training transcript and testamur
  • Removing access to learning content
  • Discontinuing further Student support

4. Financial Hardship

• If a Student is experiencing financial hardship, they are encouraged to share their concerns with RuralMedEd (see related documents below).

5. Completion of Training

• Upon a Student’s completion of training, and prior to the issuance of any certification, testamurs, training transcripts or statements of attainment, RuralMedEd will confirm that the Student has no outstanding tuition fees. For further details, refer to RuralMedEd’s Completion of Training Policy.
• For the replacement of any certification, testamurs, training transcripts or statements of attainment, a replacement fee will apply.

6. Student Withdrawal and Deferment

• If a Student withdraws or is withdrawn from their course by RuralMedEd, the Student may forfeit any payment instalments made in the current period, and no refund will be issued.
• If a Student’s application to defer enrolment is granted by RuralMedEd (see related documents below), the Student’s tuition fee payment will be suspended during the deferment period. Prior to re-enrolling, the Student will be required to agree to a new payment plan.
• If a Student’s enrolment has been prepaid for by their employer or organisation, RuralMedEd will refund the balance of the Student’s enrolment to that organisation (see related documents below)

7. Related Documents

• RTO Policy | Deferment, Suspension and Withdrawal of Student Enrolment
• RTO Policy | Student Wellbeing
• RTO Policy | Completion of Training

Student Wellbeing

Policy

RuralMedEd acknowledges that a Student’s health and wellbeing can impact their ability to learn and complete assessments. RuralMedEd is committed to supporting every Student to get the most out of their learning experience.

Overview and Purpose

RuralMedEd is committed to supporting a positive health and safety culture and ensuring, as far as practicable, a safe and healthy environment for all Students, in which to study. This Policy will provide Students with up to date information on a range of welfare and support services that are available to them. This is available in a variety of modes.

This policy must be provided to Students in the pre-enrolment information and again during orientation.

Scope

The policy applies to all RuralMedEd staff and current Students of RuralMedEd, irrespective of teaching location or the program or course being delivered

14. Student Wellbeing

• RuralMedEd can assist a Student with issues relating to personal welfare during their study, training and industry placement, by helping them to source an appropriate professional service. ** Please note, RuralMedEd staff are not trained to offer counselling or medical advice. Any issues related to Student training should be referred to rtosupport@ruralmeded.org.au  RuralMedEd will adhere to the following process when a Student presents with issues relating to personal welfare:

• • For urgent matters where the Student is at imminent risk of harm, or for Students in life-threatening situations, RuralMedEd will call 000 to receive immediate help or escort the Student to the nearest Emergency Department.
  • If a Student feels unsafe and needs assistance for a mental health issue, RuralMedEd will recommend that they seek professional (e.g. GP, Psychologist) and social (e.g. family, friends) assistance.

• • Industry placements and placement supervisors are to notify RuralMedEd of any concerns with a Student on placement including issues related to the Student’s wellbeing.

• • Other services that may be available to support Students with mental health needs include:

• • • Access to RuralMedEd’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
    • The Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, 24 hours per day 7 days a week across Australia
    • Lifeline offers 24-hour telephone counselling service, which provides crisis support and can be contacted on 13 11 14
    • DV Connect provides a 24-hour helpline 1800 811 811 if a Student is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence.

15. Accessibility

• If a Student has a disability, impairment, or long-term condition, the Student is encouraged to advise RuralMedEd about this as part of their initial enrolment.
• RuralMedEd will consult with the Student to discuss their circumstances, this may include review of medical documentation, to assess what types of support may be required to assist with the Students study and to determine our capacity to meet these needs.
• Where this assessment has identified support needs, RuralMedEd will work with the Student to develop an Accessibility Plan, which will outline how the Student will be supported. Example adjustments include but are not limited to the following reasonable adjustments:
  • Adjustment to the classroom or practical setting
  • Coordination of access to support agencies
  • Alternate units of study
  • Other additional services

• Student Accessibility Plans will be reviewed and updated as required

16. Inclusion and Diversity

• RuralMedEd are committed to providing equality and fairness to all Students. All Students will be treated with fairness regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, or sex and sexual orientation. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
• RuralMedEd are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment in which individual differences and contributions are recognised and valued.
• RuralMedEd are committed to creating a learning environment that promotes dignity and respect for every Student.
• RuralMedEd will not tolerate any form of discrimination, intimidation, bullying or harassment (including sexual), and will discipline those who breach this. Disciplinary action may include suspension or withdrawal from the course
• RuralMedEd encourages any Student that feels that they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns with the RTO Lead rtosupport@ruralmeded.org.au All complaints will be investigated and will be addressed within 14 days of receipt of the complaint.
• It is an expectation that RuralMedEd staff treat all Students with dignity and respect

17. Financial Hardship

• RuralMedEd are committed to providing equality and fairness to all Students. All Students will be treated with fairness regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, or sex and sexual orientation. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
• RuralMedEd are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment in which individual differences and contributions are recognised and valued.
• RuralMedEd are committed to creating a learning environment that promotes dignity and respect for every Student.
• RuralMedEd will not tolerate any form of discrimination, intimidation, bullying or harassment (including sexual), and will discipline those who breach this. Disciplinary action may include suspension or withdrawal from the course
• RuralMedEd encourages any Student that feels that they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns with the RTO Lead rtosupport@ruralmeded.org.au All complaints will be investigated and will be addressed within 14 days of receipt of the complaint.
• It is an expectation that RuralMedEd staff treat all Students with dignity and respect.

Destination Australia Program Scholarship

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the terms and conditions for the eligibility, application, offer and acceptance of the Rural Medical Education Australia – Destination Australia Program Scholarship.

Definitions

“Applicant” means person who applies for a Destination Australia Program Scholarship with Rural Medical Education Australia by completing and submitting a RuralMedEd application form in accordance with the Application Process.

“Application Assessment” means that staff members of Rural Medical Education Australia will assess Applicants on their application form.

“Application Process” means the process set out in clause 2.0 of these Terms and Conditions as amended or varied by Rural Medical Education Australia from time to time in its sole direction.

“Approval” means an Applicant has been successful in meeting:

• the course entry requirements to become a full-time Student of RuralMedEd; and
• eligibility criteria of the RuralMedEd Destination Australia Program Scholarship and will subsequently be granted a Destination Australia Program Scholarship.

“Destination Australia Program Scholarship” means a Scholarship per Student, over a term of a maximum 2 years, awarded by RuralMedEd in accordance with these Terms and Conditions

“Destination Australia Program Scholarship Application” means an application for a RuralMedEd Destination Australia Program Scholarship made by an applicant in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

“Destination Australia Program Scholarship Application Form” means the application form which must be completed by an applicant and which is available at www.ruralmeded.org.au

“Destination Australia Program Scholarship Offer and Acceptance Form” means the form which is issued by RuralMedEd and must be completed by the Eligible Applicant”.

“Eligible Applicant” mans an Applicant who meets the eligibility criteria for the award of a Scholarship as set out in clause 3.0 of the Terms and Conditions.

“in-Principle Approval” means an Eligible Applicant has met the requirements for a RuralMedEd Destination Australia Program Scholarship and is in the process of meeting any course entry and/or enrolment requirements to enrol as a Student of RuralMedEd.

“Scholarship Recipient” means the Student who accepts the Destination Australia Program Scholarship by completing and returning the Destination Australia Program Scholarship Offer and Acceptance Form in accordance with the process set out in clause 5.0 of these Terms and Conditions.

“Student” means an Eligible Applicant who has successfully enrolled with RuralMedEd

18. Establishment and Purpose

• All Destination Australia Program Scholarship forms must be completed in English.
• An Applicant must complete a Destination Australia Scholarship Program application form and submit it via email to rtosupport@ruralmeded.org.au
• Scholarships will be awarded on a merit basis by the Application Assessment Committee. Applications close at midnight on the date indicated on the RuralMedEd website. Late applications will not be accepted.
• The Applicant must acknowledge and accept the Destination Australia Program Scholarship Terms and Conditions by signing and dating their Destination Australia Program Scholarship application form prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be assessed by RuralMedEd.
• Applications will be assessed by the Application Assessment Committee within 5 working days of the date the application close.
• Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their RuralMedEd Destination Australia Program Scholarship Application at the end of the 10-working day assessment period.
• Each Eligible Applicant will be granted an in-principle approval (In-Principle Approval) to allow the relevant Eligible Applicant to meet any RuralMedEd course entry requirements and enrol as a RuralMedEd Student.
• If an Eligible Applicant:
  • Cannot meet the course entry requirements and is unable to enrol as a Student of RuralMedEd the In-Principle Approval will lapse immediately, and the application process will be deemed unsuccessful for that Applicant.
  • Meets the course entry requirements and can be enrolled as a Student, that Eligible Applicant will be issued with a Destination Australia Program Scholarship Offer and Acceptance Form.
• All Eligible Applicants, whether successful or not, will be advised of the final outcome of their RuralMedEd Destination Australia Scholarship Application in writing.
• All Eligible Applicants who are issued with a Destination Australia Program Scholarship Offer and Acceptance Form must be signed and return the completed form within 5 working days of receiving the form from RuralMedEd.
• To avoid doubt, an Eligible Applicant will only become a Scholarship Recipient when RuralMedEd receives a Destination Australia Program Scholarship Offer and Acceptance Form signed by the Eligible Applicant.

20. Eligibility for Destination Australia Program Scholarship

• Destination Australia Program Scholarships may be awarded to an Applicant who has competed and lodged an application form and who, as determined by RuralMedEd as eligible (in its sole discretion), satisfies and maintains compliance with all the following criteria:
  • Be a new, full-time Student commencing in 2021 to RuralMedEd into the identified locations and courses; and
  • Are enrolled at and studying full-time on one of the courses and locations identified under the RuralMedEd Destination Australia Program; and
  • Maintain ongoing residency in a regional area as defined by the 2016 Australian Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness Structure from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the duration of each study period. Where a course includes study outside a regional area (for example, for a clinical placement), residency away from the regional area is permitted for more than one study period (not exceeding 6 months) per qualification where the qualification is longer than 2 years, or 25% of the qualification length where the qualification is 2 years or shorter; and
  • Can demonstrate for the entirety of the course, a commitment to their studies; and
  • The Student must attend all mandatory face-to-face sessions. If the Student cannot attend, a medical certificate must be provided to RuralMedEd and the Student must agree to complete the unit when it is next offered (noting that this may fall outside of the scholarship period); and
  • The Student must complete all online learning in line with the course schedule. If a Student cannot complete the learning within the specified schedule, the Student must notify the trainer/assessor and arrange to complete the online learning on a preapproved schedule, or a medical certificate must be provided to RuralMedEd and a new schedule will be negotiated.
  • Late or incomplete Application Forms will not be considered by RuralMedEd.
• RuralMedEd is under no obligation to attempt to contact any Applicant who incorrectly completes and/or submits an application form. RuralMedEd may or may not, at their own discretion, contact an Applicant on not more than two (2) occasions to obtain information which is missing or has not been completed correctly. Should all required information not be provided, the Applicants form will be withdrawn by RuralMedEd and notice sent to the Applicant.
• Applicants that are already receiving or may receive in the future, another form of study rebate or scholarship, are still eligible to apply for and receive a RuralMedEd Destination Australia Program Scholarship.
• The Scholarship value to the applicant is determined by the start and end dates of the course enrolment as determined by RuralMedEd. If an applicant does not complete the course by the predetermined end date, no additional funds are payable.

21. Notification of Destination Australia Program Scholarship Outcome

• RuralMedEd will determine the Destination Australia Program Scholarship recipients at its sole discretion.
• An Eligible Applicant will be notified of their outcome via email.
• An Eligible Applicant who has successfully enrolled as a Student will receive via email a Destination Australia Program Scholarship Offer and Acceptance Form to complete.

22. Offer and Acceptance of Destination Australia Program Scholarship

• The Student must complete and return the Destination Australia Program Scholarship Offer and Acceptance Form as a pre-condition to payment of the Scholarship.
• For the avoidance of doubt, the Student acknowledges and agrees that in order to be a Scholarship Recipient the must:
  • Sign and return the Destination Australia Program Scholarship Offer and Acceptance Form to RuralMedEd; and
  • Meet all RuralMedEd course entry criteria and be successfully enrolled as a RuralMedEd Student.

23. Payment of the Destination Australia Program Scholarship

• Following the Scholarship Recipient meeting all the criteria under Clause 5, the Scholarship Recipient will receive a single lump sum of $1,000.00 at the commencement of their course, followed by 39 fortnightly payments of $128.21. Scholarship payments are subject to the recipient maintaining their scholarship eligibility as outlined in Clause 3.
• RuralMedEd is under no obligation to pay or make available any part of the Destination Australia Program Scholarship to a Scholarship Recipient until all of the criteria under Clause 5 have been met.
• If a Scholarship Recipient withdraws from study prior to the completion of their course, no further scholarship funds will be payable.

24. Conditions of the Destination Australia Program Scholarship

• The Scholarship Recipient acknowledges and agrees that the following conditions apply to the award of the Destination Australia Program Scholarship:
  • RuralMedEd will periodically confirm the Scholarship Recipient’s ongoing compliance with the criteria identified under Clause 3;
  • That failure to comply with any of the criteria identified under Clause 3 at any time throughout a course delivery period and/or withdrawal from the identified course, will result in the Scholarship Recipient forfeiting any further Scholarship payments.
  • That the decision made by RuralMedEd and the Department of Education regarding a Scholarship Recipient who is no longer compliant with the requirements of their course and or the Destination Australia Program is final and that no further correspondence will be entered into.
  • The Scholarship Recipient agrees to complete an Exit Survey at the end of their Scholarship.
  • The Scholarship Recipient agrees to promote a positive image of RuralMedEd; adhering to the values of RuralMedEd in accordance with the Student code of conduct.

25. Marketing of the Destination Australia Program Scholarship

• A Scholarship Recipient may be asked to:
  • Share their experiences about how the scholarship has assisted them with their study; and/ or
  • Participate in events and activities to promote the scholarship program, including public speaking, media interviews and photographs.

26. Variation

• RuralMedEd may vary these Terms and Conditions, or Application form or process referred to herein at any time and without notice. Any variation(s) will apply to all current and future Applicants from the date of variation.

Deferment, Suspension and Withdrawal of Student Enrolment

Policy

This Policy sets out the way deferment, suspension or withdrawal of enrolment will be managed by Rural Medical Education Australia, including those requested and those actioned due to other circumstances. It will make it clear to Students and staff the circumstances under which a Student’s enrolment may be deferred, suspended, or withdrawn. It will allow Students, where compassionate or compelling circumstances exist to defer their studies, take leave from training or temporarily suspend their studies during the program. RuralMedEd may also seek to withdraw or suspend the Student’s enrolment due to disciplinary reasons.

This policy must be provided to Students in the pre-enrolment information and again during orientation.

Students can apply in writing for deferral or withdrawal of their course enrolment in circumstances set out in this policy.

In addition, RuralMedEd can suspend or withdraw a Student’s enrolment under certain circumstances set out in this policy.

Definitions

27. Student Application to Defer Enrolment

• A Student may only apply to defer their enrolment in compassionate and compelling circumstances. Compassionate and compelling circumstances may include but not be limited to:
• Serious illness or injury – where a medical certificate states the Student is unable to attend class.
• Bereavement of close family members such as parents or grandparents
• A traumatic experience i.e. involvement or witnessing a serious crime or accident.
• Other reasons may be considered but must have documentary evidence to support the claim.
• The Student must submit an RuralMedEd application to defer or withdraw from study form which can be found on the RuralMedEd website. Students should note that when re-commencing their enrolment, a unit of competency may not be available until the following year.
• In their submission, the Student must provide supporting documentary evidence (where appropriate) which may include:
• A medical certificate, or
• Other supporting correspondence e.g. legal
• If an application to defer or withdraw enrolment is granted, RuralMedEd will inform the Student within 5 days of receiving the application.
• If a Student’s enrolment has been pre-paid by their employer or other organisation, that organisation will be notified of the Student’s enrolment status and a refund for the balance of the tuition fees will be returned to the organisation (see related documents below).

28. RuralMedEd-Initiated Suspension or Withdrawal of Student Enrolment

• RuralMedEd may defer the commencement of a course. Enrolled Students will be notified of the deferment of the course and given the option to either defer their enrolment or withdraw from the course.
• RuralMedEd will suspend and/or withdraw the enrolment of a Student on the grounds of a breach of RuralMedEd’s Student Code of Conduct including, but not limited to:
  • Proven misbehaviour including but not limited to bullying, harassment (including sexual) or otherwise threatening other Students or persons, drug possession, stealing and other criminal activities committed whilst participating in training.
  • Inappropriate academic conduct including but not limited to failure to engage appropriately in studies, cheating and plagiarism. This includes failure by the Student to engage in an agreed intervention strategy for the purposes of ensuring the Student meets satisfactory course progress requirements.
  • Non-payments of fees
  • Failure to attend scheduled classes or breach of course progress or failure to complete online learning assessment
• All incidents will be actioned as a priority until resolved.
• The Student will be issued with two written warnings prior to a formal letter of intention being forwarded in relation to any proposed action.
• If RuralMedEd observes no Student activity for four weeks, and cannot contact the Student, RuralMedEd will assume that the Student has voluntarily withdrawn their enrolment and will notify the Student of this change of status in writing.
• The Student will have the right to appeal the RuralMedEd’s decision by submitting an Appeal Application Form to the RTO Lead at rtosupport@ruralmeded.org.au
• While the matter is being investigated and/or the Student is exercising their right to appeal, the Student’s enrolment will be maintained.

29. Related Documents

• RTO Student Code of Conduct
• RTO Policy | Complaints and Appeals
• RTO Policy | Fees and Payments