1. Accessibility
This Code of Practices is drawn to the attention of all prospective students. Copies of WEA Hunter’s Policy and Procedures Manual are available for inspection.
2. Registration
WEA Hunter will comply with the conditions of our registration as a Registered Training Organisation under the terms of the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
3. Governance
WEA Hunter is a democratic, not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee and governed by a Board of Directors, membership of which is open to all students and members.
4. Anti-discrimination
WEA Hunter does not discriminate against the admission of any person who seeks to enrol in our courses, providing they meet any required eligibility criteria
5. Access and Equity
Recognising that access and equity in adult education involves the removal of obstacles to learning and the active encouragement of those who may wish to benefit more from education, WEA Hunter undertakes the following:
5.1 Assistance will be provided on request for people with disabilities through the provision of access for wheelchairs and otherwise within our capacity to assist.
5.2 Enrolments are made on a first come, first served basis determined by the payment of the appropriate advertised fee.
5.3 Enrolment staff will assist prospective students in selecting appropriate courses on request, where possible, at the time of enrolment.
5.4 Some course fees are graded to take account of people entitled to concessions and seniors’ cardholders.
5.5 Courses are scheduled as far as possible, at times that take into account the needs of students in meeting their work, family and other commitments.
5.6 Course and program information is made available to the community by means of the widest possible distribution of brochures through libraries, newspaper and online.
6. Standards of Service
6.1 WEA Hunter maintains high professional standards in the delivery of education and training which safeguards the interests and welfare of our students.
6.2 WEA Hunter strives to provide a learning environment and facilities that are conducive to the safety, comfort and needs of our students and tutors.
6.3 Courses are presented by appropriately qualified and experienced tutors.
6.4 Student feedback is welcomed, to help in maintaining and improving our standards of service. In addition to course evaluation, students are invited to talk to or write to Course Coordinators or the Training Manager about their feelings – good or bad.
7. Ethical marketing
7.1 WEA Hunter follows ethical marketing procedures and seeks to avoid ambiguity, inaccuracy and inconsistency in advertising its courses.
7.2 Only ASQA accredited courses carry the NRT logo.
8. Assessments and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
8.1 Assessments – All accredited courses will be assessed by competency-based assessment. Students will be assessed as competent or not yet competent in their ability to perform all of the operations/skills as set out in the learning outcomes of the course. On successful completion of an accredited course a Statement of Attainment will be issued.
8.2 Appeals against assessments – If a student is not happy with an assessment outcome, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal should be directed to the Training Manager no later than seven (7) working days after the assessment has been made. A reassessment fee comprising the tutor’s fee, plus $50 administration fee, may be charged.
8.3 Recognition of Prior Learning – RPL can be obtained for all modules in accredited courses if students can provide evidence of skills, activities and aptitudes acquired through past experience that match the competencies to be achieved through the course. A fee applies for assessing prior learning.
8.4 Accredited qualifications - issued by other Registered Training Organisations will be recognized, subject to a validity check.
9. Students Records and Privacy principles
9.1 In line with National Privacy Principles, confidentiality is maintained in respect of all student information and records where required.
9.2 Accredited courses and students records are maintained for thirty years. Non-accredited student records are maintained for 12 months.
10. Certificates
10.1 Accredited certificates are issued to students who are assessed as competent and are deemed to be debt free to the organistion. Certificate numbers recorded on the appropriate register.
10.2 Certificates of Attendance for non-accredited courses are issued to those who have attended at least 80% of the course. Requests for replacement certificates will only be considered up to 12 months after the course completion date and only if the attendance requirement is met.
11. Grievances
Any grievance brought to the attention of the Course tutor, Training Manager or General Manager or will be investigated and determined in consultation with the aggrieved person within fourteen (14) days or a suitable timeframe agreed upon by both parties.
12. Fees, Refunds and Cancellations
12.1 Student fees are set down in WEA Hunter’s Course Guides. Concession fees are available to students in receipt of appropriate concession cards for courses marked as eligible.
12.2 Once an enrolment has been processed refunds are not made except where WEA Hunter cancels a course. WEA Hunter cannot accept responsibility for changes in personal circumstances or work commitments, or for books or materials purchased for the course.
12.3 WEA Hunter reserves the right to alter any of the published arrangement, either before or during a course, to engage a substitute tutor, or to cancel or terminate a course.
13. Quality Assurance
WEA Hunter maintains a Quality System comprising a Policy and Procedure Manual and standard forms. WEA has adopted a process for periodic self-assessment & is committed to continual improvement of our educational and administr