LIFE ON CAMPUS
Attendance
As leaders in training, students are expected to be diligent in their attendance at all timetabled classes, practical training sessions, Conferences and College activities. Attendance at these is a requirement of the College, and students are expected to attend all sessions for which they are enrolled. For International Students attendance in all classes are required as part of their Student Visa.
Students are not permitted to attend classes for which they are not enrolled.
Absences are allowed for exceptional circumstances such as sickness or trauma.
Class attendance is tracked by the College via electronic scanners and attendance begins for all accredited classes from enrolment day until the end of each semester. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they scan in using their Student ID card. Weekend service attendance is tracked via the portal survey which is monitored on a weekly basis through your core tutorials.
Any student that is recorded absent from classes during a week of study will be followed up by their core tutorial leader in their weekly tutorial. The student will be required to provide an explanation of their absence, and agree to modify behaviour as necessary to meet the College’s attendance expectations. The tutorial leader will make the appropriate comments on the student’s CollegeWorx record.
Students who believe their attendance has been incorrectly recorded as absent can provide evidence of their attendance through the Missed Class Forms available for each class missed via their Student Portal. Any class that was not attended can be explained but it will not alter the student’s attendance records. Missed Class Forms need to be submitted within 3 weeks of the missed class. After this time has elapsed the forms will be locked and a fee will be charged to unlock them to submit the form.
Missed Class Forms
When a class has not been recorded in attendance a Missed Class Form will be generated for each class missed on the Student’s Portal. Each form will need to be submitted online ticking the relevant field of Incorrect Attendance Recorded or Explained Absence and the evidence attached.
Incorrect Attendance Recorded
The student fills out the online form by ticking the Incorrect Attendance box and uploading the evidence that they were in class (evidence examples – notes from class).
Explained Absence
The student fills out the online form by ticking the Explained Absence box and uploads the evidence or reason why they were not in class (examples – Medical Certificate for over 2 consecutive days sick, simple explanation for a day sick or other reasons). An explained absence will not alter attendance data.
Chapel
Chapel is a vital time full of life and God’s presence where students come together each week, have praise and worship led by the students, prayer and praise reports, and a message from Hillsong staff, guest speakers or students. In Chapel you will be encouraged, challenged, and given the opportunity to lead others into the presence of God. Chapel attendance is compulsory.
Class Breaks
There will be small breaks between classes. Students are asked not to prolong the break or enter into any activity that may delay recommencement of classes. NO food or drink is to be consumed during a class, apart from water.
Sisterhood and Hillsong Men
Every Thursday morning at both the Hills and City Campuses, students attend and serve at Sisterhood and Hillsong Men. Sisterhood flows directly from Pastor Bobbie Houston’s heart and ministers value and belonging to hundreds of women every week. Hillsong Men is a vibrant and growing ministry that meets men right where they are at, teaching the Word and having fun along the way.
Student ID Cards
Students will be issued at the beginning of each year with a student card. ID cards must be carried with you at all times whilst on the premises, and will need to be presented at the library in order to borrow books. If you lose your card, a replacement card can be obtained at College Reception for a small fee. Replacement cards will be ready for pick up the next day.
Complaints & Suggestions
The College welcomes any practical suggestions or ideas from students that will assist the improvement of the college. This is your college and we desire to create an environment in which students flourish and learn to the best of their potential. If you do have any constructive feedback, please speak with the Head Students, email college@hillsong.com (Hills), cityadmin.hilc@hillsong.com (City), CollegeUSA@hillsong.com (Phoenix), or make an appointment with a staff member. Appointments can be arranged via email or through the College Office.
Complaints and Appeals
For appeals relating to specific assessment results, see the ‘Assessment Appeals’ section of this Handbook. For all other matters including discipline, finances, and interpersonal issues, the following steps apply:
The availability of complaints and appeals processes, does not remove the right of the student to take action under Australia’s consumer protection laws.
Contact Points
All appointments with college staff are usually made via email. Staff members are available to assist students in a variety of areas. Individual email addresses are available in the staff directory at the beginning of this document. Make an appointment with the following:
The Head Students are also available for your assistance.
Counselling & Pastoral Care
The College places emphasis on building believers who are mature and effective in every sphere of life. To this end, there are a number of ways that we can help students work through personal issues they may be facing.
If you find that you need pastoral care assistance, counselling or prayer, please follow these avenues:
City: Lesley Morrow
Hills: Lyndelle MacDowall
Phoenix: Please contact your tutorial leader for direction
Waterloo City Care Centre
Unit 20, 198 -222 Young Street
Waterloo NSW 2017 Ph: 9775 3737
Hillsong Health Centre
Unit 10a, 40-44 Brookhollow Avenue Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Ph: 8846 4663
Students receiving counselling will be required to sign a Consent Form, and all information provided by the student will remain strictly confidential and will not be released to any person outside the College Executive without the student’s written permission (which is NOT given by the signing of the Consent Form).
Expectation of Students
Dating and Relationships
While attending College, the primary purpose of students should be to successfully prepare for ministry and leadership. This will only be achieved by focusing on this goal. Hence our general preference is that students do not date while studying at College.
While it is possible that some students may find their life partner while at College, dating is not permitted between full-time college students until after the first semester of study. After this time, dating between full-time college students is permissible only with the consent of the Principal or Tutorial Leader. If a relationship between students ends, there is to be a 3-month period before entering a new one.
Any commencement of a relationship between a full-time student and a non-college person, within the year of study, should be prayerfully considered and it is required that students speak to their Tutorial Leader first.
Kitchen Facilities
Living Arrangements
Students’ behaviour in their home environment is to reflect the Christian character and philosophy of the College. Any students found to be acting contrary to this will be spoken to per the disciplinary procedures outlined in this handbook.
Marital Status
Any student wishing to change their marital status (engagement, marriage, divorce, separation, etc.) for any reason while enrolled at College, are required to speak to the Principal immediately.
Furthermore, experience has shown us that students who get engaged while at College find it difficult to complete their course. Therefore we require that students wanting to get engaged while enrolled in College must discuss their plans first with the Principal.
Nation Builders
At College, we are fully committed to the Great Commission and working towards its fulfilment. Hillsong Church has a very strong outreach commitment through Hillsong City Care, Teen Challenge, Hillsong TV and church plants in over 50 countries. The College plays an integral part in Nation Builders giving, and we take a weekly offering towards these programs. As College students, be prepared to sow not only into the outreach endeavours of Hillsong Church but into the very heartbeat of God – “that none should perish.”
Personal Prayer and Devotions
As a student committed to training for ministry, you should establish a daily time of prayer and Bible reading. This is a vital part of your spiritual development and preparation for ministry and should be a time you set apart from the rest of your day, for just you and God. Do not confuse it with times set apart for meetings, study or other church-related activities as these things will not provide the same foundation for your life as your relationship with God.
Pets
No pets are allowed on the College property or in student houses.
Phones
No student is permitted to use an office phone for personal calls. All mobile phones are to be turned off during all classes.
Practice Facilities
Keyboards, pianos and drum kits are available for student practice. Rooms can be booked via our College reception at both the Hills and City Campus.
Recording Classes
In general, recording (audio or video) of classes is not permitted. However, under special circumstances, by prior approval from the Principal/lecturer or Tutorial Leader, recording may be permitted, but then only for personal use, and not for distribution to other persons.
Smoking
Smoking and or the consumption of any illegal substances is not permitted.
Solicitations
Taking up of donations, personal or work-related fund-raising, or selling of merchandise is not permitted in the environment of Hillsong College/Church.
Study and Homework
Every student is expected to study or complete homework regularly. Each subject will have its own recommended reading list that we strongly encourage you to explore and take advantage of. Students are expected to add to their class work with their extended reading program. Let College be an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and understanding in new and exciting areas. The library staff and trainers are there to assist each student to fulfil this vision and to direct their reading. Internet access is also available for further research.
Visitors
Students wanting friends and relatives to attend a class MUST FIRST obtain permission from the relevant Campus Manager before inviting them to attend a lecture. Once permission is obtained, students are to introduce their guests to lecturers.
General Information
Change of Contact Details
If you change your address or contact details during the year, you must notify the College office within 7 days by changing your contact details on the Student Portal. This assists us with official correspondence, mail-outs and helps us to keep in touch with you.
International students studying in Australia must note that notifying the College within 7 days of change of contact details is a requirement set by DIBP. If you fail to notify the College of the change in your contact details, you will be in breach of your visa conditions.
College Housing
For those students who are living in College housing, it is necessary to keep up to date with rental payments. If students do not pay their rent on time, they will be asked to leave college housing or be suspended from college until their rent is paid.
For all college housing issues and payments, students may contact the accommodations office collegehousinghills@hillsong.com [Hills], collegehousingcity@hillsong.com [City] or collegehousingphoenix@hillsong.com [Phoenix].
Head Students
The Principal of the College appoints Head Students who will hold their position for up to one year. Head students are there to assist and care for other students and should consider themselves a line of communication between staff and the students. They are also to assist with student participation in the special activities of the College. Please feel free to speak with them at any time and they will endeavour to direct you to the appropriate person or department.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Hillsong Church and College recognises its moral and legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone attending or working within our buildings and will endeavour to ensure they do nothing to place themselves or the local community at risk of injury or illness. There is still the need for the staff and students to be aware of their surroundings and generally take care when on the premises. The Occupational Health & Safety Policy is available on myhillsong.com.
Some moving of furniture will be required as a part of the day-to-day operation of the College. Chair trolleys are provided to assist with the removal of chairs. Students should be aware that closed toed shoes are required when performing any practical ministry activities such as movement of chairs, tables, equipment and any platform related ministry.
OH&S Incident/Injury
If an accident occurs on the College or Church premises, the appropriate medical attention must be sought immediately. If needed, the number for the State Emergency Services (police, fire dept. or ambulance) is 000. Once the situation has been dealt with, an “Incident Report” must be completed online at (myhillsong.com)
Graduation
At the end of each year, the College celebrates graduation at the Graduation Dinner and Ceremony. Attendance at the Graduation Dinner, Ceremony and scheduled rehearsals is compulsory for all students (graduating and continuing). Furthermore, students are not to leave for holidays until after Graduation week has concluded (Refer to the College Calendar).
To be eligible to graduate, a student must:
The dress code for Graduation Ceremony is semi-formal. Students will not be able to participate in the Ceremony if dressed inappropriately. There is a formal dress code for the Graduation Dinner.
Library
Library services are available at both City and Hills Campus.
The library lending service is free and available to all students undertaking subjects for credit. The library is there for your benefit so please take care of the books you borrow and return promptly so other students may also benefit from our resources. Library facilities include computers with internet access on the Windows platform equipped with Office products (Word, Excel, etc.). There are also scanners, copiers and printers available for student use (see conditions below).
Please do not ask Library or Reception staff or any other area of the church for your personal stationary needs (pens, highlighters, scissors, notebooks, etc.).
We suggest you purchase a small pencil case from the local supermarket or news agency, at the beginning of the semester and fill it with any stationery you may need such as a stapler, pens, pencils, highlighters, scissors, notebooks, etc.
Food and drinks are not permitted in the Library. Please respect other students’ desire to study in a peaceful and clean environment.
The library is closed during Chapel, Hillsong Men and Sisterhood, church and all-campus activities. Library hours will be posted at the commencement of each semester. Library hours are 8.30-5pm, however as we build a volunteer team (which you could be involved in) the hours will expand to include evenings.
Summer hours vary depending on need and volunteers available for the Hills Campus. There are no summer hours for the City Campus or Phoenix Campus.
The number of books permitted for borrowing is dependent on the course the student is enrolled: this is displayed in the library borrowing area. Students will receive emails when their books are due. The general length of borrowing for students enrolled in the Vocational Education Courses is two weeks. For degree Students, it is four weeks. Books can be renewed up to 2 times, and renewals must be done before the books are due. Otherwise, students will need to come into the library.
City Campus: Students are required to scan their books back into the library system when they return and then place the books on the return trolley.
Hills Campus: Books must be returned to returns box inside the library during library opening hours. Please do not leave returns on the desk or place on “Re-shelving trolley” this is for books used while in the library only.
Phoenix Campus: Students are required to scan their books back into the library system when they return and then place the books on the return trolley.
Fines apply for overdue books. Fines accrue at the rate of $1.00 per day per item. Borrowing will be suspended until overdue items are returned, and fines exceeding $25.00 are paid. All library fines and books must be returned before Graduation.
If loans are not returned by the designated date at the end of each term, the item is considered lost, and the student will be billed for the replacement of the book as well as for fines and processing fee. All lost book costs must be paid before Graduation.
Every student undertaking studies for credit can gain access to computer facilities/internet in the library. This is completely free of charge.
The College reserves the right to withhold computer use from students who have been deemed to be using the facility in an unhealthy and inappropriate manner.
Keys for the Mac Lab at our Hills Campus (TV students only), or for the water for lecturer’s cupboard. Recording Studio (recording studio class students only) and drum cage are considered an equipment loan and must be returned promptly the same day they are checked out as soon as the scheduled time is complete so that other students can also utilize these facilities.
All printing and photocopying are free for Hillsong College students undertaking studies for credit.
Scanning documents to send to your email address on the main library Printer is free for all Hillsong College students undertaking studies for credit.
Practicum
Practicum Attendance
Weekly Practicum attendance is tracked via your passport which is signed by your Specialist on a weekly basis.
Hills and City Students: Conference Intensive attendance is recorded via a timesheet which is available through the Subject Syllabus and uploaded to the Student Portal when completed. Conference attendance is outlined in the Subject Syllabus. Student’s need to consider both normal class attendance and Practicum attendance as the contributing element to their attendance requirements.
Changing Churches, Campuses or Ministries
If the need arises for a student to change church campuses or ministries, it is first to be discussed with their Core Tutorial Leader in conjunction with the Workplace Training Coordinator to obtain approval. Students are asked not to change churches, campuses or ministries until approval has been given. Please note that if a student changes campuses, consent from the Registrar is also required.
Any student that is recorded absent from classes during a week of study will be followed up by their tutorial leader in their weekly tutorial. The student will be required to provide an explanation of their absence, and agree to modify behaviour as necessary to meet the College’s attendance expectations. The tutorial leader will make the appropriate comments on the student’s CollegeWorx record.
Any student who consistently misses classes, and who fails to take the appropriate steps to bring their attendance into line with the College’s expectations, will be placed on a Behavioural Intervention program, as per the College’s Student Behaviour Policy.
If the student does not comply with the requirements of this program, termination may result (ref: Termination of Enrolment Policy). For international students studying in Australia, this will include reporting to Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) via PRISMS by the Registrar. Students will be notified in writing by the Registrar prior to this occurring.
In addition, as part of their enrolment into College courses and training for ministry, students are required to fulfil the expectations of leadership in their local church. For students who attend Hillsong as their local church, this includes attendance at Heart and Soul Evening, and Hillsong Men or Sisterhood.
As students are in training for church ministry and leadership, and since weekend services are a focal point of church life, attendance and ministry in weekend church services are a central part of the College curriculum. These form an integral part of the Leadership subjects at all levels.
If you are new to Sydney or Phoenix, you are expected to make Hillsong Church your home church. For those who attend Hillsong Church whilst a student at College, there are three criteria you need to fulfil to meet your course requirements in this area.
Criteria 1 – Be present in services from two Weekend Options each weekend.
At Hillsong Church our weekend services are grouped into three broad Weekend Service Options – Saturday Night, Sunday Morning and Sunday Night. There are multiple service options available, please check the website for service time updates.
To meet this criteria you must be present (serving or attending) for at least one service from at least two Weekend Service Options.
Criteria 2 – Serve in two individual Weekend Services each weekend.
Whilst fulfilling the first criteria, you also need to serve in two individual services over the weekend. Serving in a leadership role with Youth on a Friday or Wednesday night is acceptable. Weekend services are found on the church website.
Hills services times can be found at: https://hillsong.com/hills
City service times can be found at: https://hillsong.com/city
Phoenix services times can be found at: https://hillsong.com/phoenix
Criteria 3 – Be present during the worship and preaching in one Service each weekend.
In fulfilling the first two criteria, you need to attend one of the weekend services, engaging in worship and receiving the sermon.
If you already attend a local church in the Sydney or Phoenix Metropolitan area we would encourage you to remain and become actively involved in that church. The same guidelines outlined above will apply. You will need to show evidence of your weekend service involvement. However, in the event that your local church has only one weekend service, you will be required to participate in that service and show evidence that you have served an additional 1½ hours per week either with your own local church. Please note that there may be times throughout the College calendar that you will be required to be at Hillsong Church (for College related activities).
Student Behaviour
Student Behaviour
Students are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct, the College’s Attendance and Academic policies, and the guidelines contained in the Student Handbook, during the period of their enrolment at College.
In cases where a student consistently or seriously fails to abide by these behavioural standards, a Behavioural Intervention program will be implemented. This program and its duration will be developed by the student’s tutorial leader, in consultation with the Campus Manager, and a member of the Student Support Office. The program will include one or more of the following, and will be implemented with the student by their tutorial leader:
The Behavioural Intervention program will be documented. Copies will be signed by the student, the tutorial leader and campus manager. A copy will be given to the student and also placed in the student’s file. By signing the form, the student agrees to abide by the conditions. Failure to comply could lead to the student being withdrawn from College, and international students being reported to DIBP resulting in their visa being cancelled, depending on the outcome of any appeals process.
The program will be reviewed monthly by the tutorial leader, unless more frequent review is deemed necessary during the consultation process.
Students whose behaviour is considered to endanger the wellbeing of other students on the campus will be referred to the Principal and may be suspended from study and asked to leave College premises and/or College housing until the matter is resolved. In extreme cases e.g. criminal activity, the Principal may immediately terminate the students’ enrolment without the implementation of an intervention program.
If the student believes that the Behavioural Intervention program is inappropriate or a breach of access and equity, they may appeal the decision within 20 days using the Complaints and Appeals process.
Failure to Comply and Withdrawal from College
When a student fails to meet the requirements of their Behavioural Intervention program, a process to withdraw them from the course will be instituted. This will include, after consultation between their tutorial leader, the Campus Manager, Principal and the Registrar.
The student will be advised in writing by the Registrar that they are being withdrawn from the course using the standard Notification of Pending Breach letter (International or Domestic students). They will have 20 working days to appeal the decision using the College’s Complaints and Appeals process.
The student will be withdrawn from College immediately in cases where the student:
For international students studying in Australia, this will include reporting to DIBP via PRISMS by the Admissions Coordinator as soon as possible. This will mean that the international student’s visa will be revoked.
Student Portal
The Student Portal is our primary method of communication with you. In it you can find out all information regarding your involvement in College. These include but are not limited to following:
It is integral to familiarise yourself with the information contained in the Student Portal and also how to navigate through it.
How to use the Student Portal
In order to use the Portal for the first time, access it by using either of the addresses below:
Once there, simply type in your email address, and enter your Portal password. If you have forgotten your password, click the ‘Email Password’ button and a temporary password will be sent to the designated address.
Once logged into the Portal, all navigating options are listed in the tool bar on the left hand side. Highlight the Students option in the toolbar on the left of the screen, and your choices will appear (following are some of those choices available): Accommodation Plans, Assessment Upload, Calendar, Contact Details, Conference Intensives, Course Fee Payment, General Information, Graduation Status, Invoices, Library, Notice Board, Results, Time Table.
Assessment Upload
The majority of your assessments will be submitted through the Portal, so it is imperative that you know how the process works. Again, start from the Students option on the toolbar, and click on Assessment Upload. You will be given a list of current assessments, BE SURE TO SELECT THE RIGHT ASSESSMENT! Once selected, you can browse and attach the relevant file and click ‘Upload’.
Please be sure to remember that once an assessment is uploaded, uploading a new assessment will replace the previous assessment and there will be no longer be a record of it in the portal. It is your responsibility to maintain proper records of all assessments submitted. We recommend that you keep a copy on your computer and on a USB stick or other data storage device.
Contact Details
This option of the Student menu allows you to make changes to your personal contact information when necessary, (e.g. moving house, new mobile number, etc). Please be sure that your details on the Portal are accurate.
NB: It is a requirement for ALL students on a Student Visa to report any change in contact details to the College within 7 days.
General Information
Most forms that may be necessary throughout semester are located on the Portal for your convenience under ‘General Information’. Forms such as a request for Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or Complaints and Appeals forms are available for you here.
Timetable
After enrolment, your personal timetable will appear in the ‘Timetable’ option of the toolbar. You will be able to view your own subjects, along with the semester timetable of those subjects. You will also see a list containing the time and date of any classes missed. You will need to speak to your tutorial leader to rectify these absences.
Invoices
All rent and fee payments may be tracked through the ‘Invoices’ option. It shows the invoice number, date of payment and any outstanding fees or rent. Please be sure to monitor your own payment schedule.
Subjects
This option enables you to view class notes, power point slides from lecture, and your results from assessments. Select the appropriate Semester and Subject to view this information.
Once a subject is selected, you can view whether your assessments are Competent (C) or Not Yet Competent (NYC). To view the details and also any comments made by the person marking the assessment select the following:
Select the subject the assessment is under. Click on the Result Sheet for the assessment.
A pdf file will open which clarifies the assessment criteria with a C or an NYC next to each criteria, and then also provides space for comments from the person marking.
It is important to read through the entire Subject Assessment Detail to determine what portion of your assessment may need to be rectified. If you have any questions about your assessments, or any portions of your assessment, which are not yet competent, please see your tutorial leader.
Challenges with the Portal
If you have any queries or challenges logging onto the Portal, please email your full name, password, and a short description of the problem (and a screen shot where possible) to collegeregistrar@hillsong.com , and one of the team can assist you further.
Password Changes
Once you have logged in, you can change your password to something you will remember easily. To do this click on the ‘Security’ menu button, then select ‘Change Password’ and follow the prompts.
Calendars and Timetables
All calendars and timetables can be found on the Student Portal. Carefully check the appropriate calendar for your academic program.
