Swinburne University of Technology is committed to providing students with a high-quality teaching and learning experience, regardless of mode or location of study. We recognise that you may sometimes require support in completing your studies, so we offer accessible services that foster academic and professional success.

View our Support for Students Policy.

Student policies

To ensure everyone at Swinburne receives a positive teaching and learning experience, we have policies and regulations in place that highlight the rights and responsibilities of all students. 

Our Student Charter (Part 2 – People, Culture and Integrity Policy) outlines how we will support you throughout your academic journey, your rights as a student, and Swinburne’s expectations of you while you’re with us. 

Other policies and regulations for students include:  

How we support your success

Swinburne will assess your suitability to undertake units through approaches that include cohort monitoring, early intervention strategies and teacher referral.

If we are concerned about you not successfully completing a unit, we will reach out with advice on support services that can benefit you.

You can assess how you are progressing through each unit by:

  • completing assessment tasks and participating in other teaching and learning activities
  • receiving feedback from your teachers on your progress towards achieving the unit’s learning outcome, noting where improvements can be made to enhance your learning.

More information can be found in the Assessment and Results Policy

In order to support your success, Swinburne will monitor your course progress throughout your studies.

If we think you may be experiencing difficulties in completing your course, we will contact you with advice on the support services that are available.

If your progress hasn’t improved by the next review, you may be:  

  • permitted to continue with your study but with conditions on your enrolment
  • asked to demonstrate to Swinburne why you should continue in your course.
     

Learn more about academic progress and reviews. 

More information can be found in the Academic Progress Policy and Academic Courses Regulations.

Types of support available

We have a range of support services available depending on your needs and circumstances. You can view and access this support via our student support services webpage, the Swinburne app, and the Vygo app.

Swinburne educators are here to support your learning by providing: 

  • relevant and up-to-date course content, resources, education technologies and learning activities
  • opportunities for developing, applying and assessing knowledge and skills
  • timely and constructive feedback.
     

In some cases, your educator may let you know that they think you would benefit from a particular support service. If this happens, they will:

  • refer you to the appropriate support service
  • consider whether flexible assessment options or accommodations are required.
     

You can also reach out to your educator if you feel you require assistance. In Canvas, you will find staff contact information and consultation availability within each of your unit sites.

More information can be found in the Assessment and Results Policy and Student Charter.

You can access a range of both academic and personal support services while you’re a student at Swinburne, including:

Throughout your studies, you will be advised of academic and other support services available via Orientation activities, educators, ongoing student communications (email, app notifications), and other student information resources.

Swinburne will endeavour to provide timely support when you request access to our services prior to your teaching period’s Census Date. Please note that you can contact these services directly if you feel you need assistance.

You may also be referred to these services if Swinburne staff identify an issue.

Learn more about available student support services and initiatives to improve the student experience.

Safety at Swinburne is paramount, and we will always respond and provide support if you reach out about experiencing a crisis or critical harm. Should a situation like this occur, you will be eligible for flexible study arrangements and have access to advice and support services:

If you are affected by concerning, threatening or inappropriate behaviour – including cyber harassment, stalking, discrimination and vilification – Swinburne is here to support you.

You can report an incident online or contact our Safer Community team via email.

Learn more about Safer Community and Swinburne Security. If there is an emergency on campus, you can contact Swinburne Security at 9214 3333 or the Victorian police, fire, and ambulance services on 000.

More information can be found in the Student General Misconduct Regulations and People, Culture and Integrity Policy.

In addition, in order to deliver an equitable and welcoming university experience for all students, we have specialist teams who can provide inclusive and culturally appropriate assistance, including:  

  • Indigenous student services to assist Indigenous students via culturally appropriate academic skills support and other services. 
  • AccessAbility services to support students with a disability, a medical or mental health condition, or those with primary carer responsibilities via services like Education Access Plans. 
  • Support for international students who are adjusting to study at Swinburne and life in Australia, including referrals to other relevant personal and specialist services. 
  • Support for higher-degree students undertaking graduate research, including specialised training and other advice. 

Ongoing improvements to student support

To identify opportunities for continual improvement, Swinburne will monitor and review the use, effectiveness and demand for our student support services.

We are committed to proactively addressing any issues or concerns and will review our Support for Students Policy and its supporting guidelines annually.

Have any feedback?

If you have feedback or complaints relating to these policies, please contact us.

Contact us