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Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University (SCU) is committed to equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to launch and further their careers. Now in its second decade, the University has established a reputation for progressive, world class degrees in business, environmental and health sciences, education, law, Indigenous studies, social science and a broad range of the arts. Courses are designed in consultation with industry to produce work-ready graduates in traditional and emerging professions. SCU is also a leader in distance education and many of its courses are available via that mode. For the full range of courses, visit www.scu.edu.au/courses.

The University is located on the east coast of Australia and is attracting a diverse student population from throughout Australia and overseas. It has campuses at Lismore, Tweed Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour, and a current enrolment of more than 14 000 students.

Student surveys indicate that one of the University's most consistent attractions is the greater personal contact that students enjoy with lecturers and tutors, facilitating a high quality learning experience. Lifestyle is another major attraction, with each campus set in a beautiful natural environment but close to dynamic business, cultural and coastal environments from Coffs Harbour in NSW to Queensland's Gold Coast.

Contact details

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Campus visits

Southern Cross University runs personalised campus tours at Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Gold Coast throughout the year to meet the individual needs of prospective students. If you would like a personal tour of any campus and an appointment to discuss courses, call Lismore on (02) 6620 3975. School visits can also be arranged.

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Important dates for 2008

Orientation Week commences 18 February 2008
First semester commences 25 February 2008

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Admission requirements

An applicant who has one or more of the qualifications set out below is eligible for admission to the University. However, an applicant who is eligible for admission may not necessarily gain a place in a particular course when competing with other candidates. Some courses require interviews, auditions, portfolios and/or tests for admission – read course descriptions for additional selection criteria.

Guaranteed offer
In many courses SCU will guarantee you a place if you achieve a UAI or equivalent of 70.00 or higher (inclusive of bonus entitlements). Refer to the table below for a list of relevant courses.

If you apply or change your preference after 28 September 2007 the offer guarantee may not apply. For more details visit www.scu.edu.au/offerguarantee.

Course title	Course code/s
AssocDeg Information Technology	332350
AssocDeg Law (Paralegal Studies)	336300, 336370
B Applied Science (Forestry)	334102
B Arts	333100, 333151, 333171
B Business	332100, 332150, 332170
B Business Administration (HR)	332171
B Business Administration	332155, 332107, 332178
B Bus in Convention & Event Tourism Mgt	334170
B Business in Tourism Mgt	334101
B Business in Hotel & Resort Mgt	334150
B Business/B Arts	332105
B Clinical Sciences	335115
B Environmental Science	334100
B Environmental Tourism Management	334400
B Exercise Science & Nutrition	335104
B Information Technology	332153
B Legal & Justice Studies	336110, 336170
B Marine Science & Management	334104
B Media	333103
B Naturopathy	335102
B Social Science	331101, 331151
B Sport & Exercise Science	335100
B Sport Tourism Management	335103
B Technology Education	331152
Dip Sport Mgt (Surfing Studies) (DFEE only)	355071

Australian Secondary studies

2007 Australian Year 12 students
If you are a 2007 Australian Year 12 student, you will be selected for admission on the basis of your UAI or equivalent. If you have also undertaken Year 12 previously, you will be considered on the basis of your UAI or equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in individual subjects that are relevant to the course you want to study.

Offers made to applicants who have a UAI below the published cut-off
Southern Cross University has a number of alternative pathways for admission, which may allow 2007 NSW and ACT Year 12 applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have a UAI below the published cut-off.

They include:

• Educational Access Scheme – Special Admission Scheme
• Testing and Assessment Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
• STAR Entry Scheme
• Regional Year 12 School Bonus Scheme
• special consideration for elite athletes or performers
• consideration of other specified criteria for some courses; for example, strong performance in Year 12 subjects relevant to the course of study, and/or personal interview and/or submission of supporting documentation.

Previous Year 12 students
If your only qualification is an Australian Year 12 before 2007, you will be selected for admission on the basis of your UAI or equivalent. If you have subsequent qualifications, such as TAFE or university, read 'Australian tertiary studies' below.

Australian tertiary studies

If you have attempted any tertiary studies you will be considered for admission on the basis of your grade point average in these studies.

Students previously or currently enrolled at SCU
If you have previously been enrolled in an on-campus award course at SCU, have been absent from studies for more than 12 months (without approval) and are seeking re-admission to the same course, you must apply through UAC. If you are enrolled in an undergraduate course at SCU in second semester 2007 and wish to apply to transfer to a new course, you do not need to apply through UAC. Contact SCU to obtain a direct application for admission. Students applying for B Laws (Graduate Entry) are not eligible for a course transfer and must apply through UAC.

Exclusion: Applicants who are currently under exclusion that extends into 2008 are not normally eligible for admission.

Overseas qualifications

Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications must call the University on 1800 626 481 to discuss eligibility for admission before submitting an application with UAC. Refer to table 7 - Commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications.

If you hold overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Alternative entry

Applicants 18 years of age and over
Applicants aged 18 and over on 1 March 2008 who do not meet the admission requirements outlined above may be considered for admission on the basis of a satisfactory level of performance in one or more of the following:
• one-year foundation course, including the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate
• study equivalent to at least six months full-time at a university, TAFE or accredited private institution at Certificate IV or higher
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
• work or field experience equivalent to at least one year full-time
• post-secondary qualifications, including health care qualifications, commissioned officer qualifications, apprenticeships and traineeships, and qualifying examinations of professional associations
• interview and/or audition.

Regional entry
The University's STAR Entry Scheme is available to Year 12 students at a high school or TAFE institute within the University's feeder region, bordered in the south by the NSW Central Coast, west to the NSW/SA border, north to the Darling Downs, Queensland and east to include the Greater Gold Coast.

If you have been recommended by your principal and have satisfied specific University entry criteria you will be considered by the University under this scheme. Applications are sent to the schools and TAFE institutes involved and must be completed in addition to the UAC application.

Contact the University for details on 1800 626 481.

As further evidence of its commitment to this region, SCU will add five bonus points to the admission rank of Year 12 students within the feeder region. Eligible applicants do not have to apply for this bonus.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
SCU strongly advises applicants with no formal qualifications or who have performed poorly in other studies to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Personal Competencies Statement
If you do not have formal qualifications or your formal qualifications are not sufficient for entry, you may wish to provide a Personal Competencies Statement by addressing the following selection criteria:
1. What practical steps have you taken to prepare for tertiary study?
2. Why have you chosen your preferred course?
3. What have you done that demonstrates you have the capacity for independent study/learning?
4. What communication and interpersonal skills have you developed and how will these contribute to your ability to study at tertiary level?
5. What are your major life achievements and experiences, and how many of these relate to your future success in tertiary study?
6. What skills, knowledge and abilities do you bring to tertiary study that you believe will help you succeed in your proposed studies?

Your statement should be no more than five pages, including two referees' statements supporting your submission. Personal Competencies Statements must be sent directly to SCU. It is strongly recommended that applicants submitting a statement also sit STAT (read above).

University preparation schemes
Preparing for Success is a foundation program offered by SCU to provide people who do not have the usual university entry requirements with alternative entry to undergraduate study at SCU as well as the academic skills necessary to succeed. The program is free to students and is studied on-campus or by distance education prior to the start of the undergraduate program. The foundation program can be completed over 12 weeks during second semester 2007, or over eight weeks in the December - February summer break, to prepare you for entry in 2008.

For more information on SCU's preparation courses call (02) 6620 3386 (Lismore) or (02) 6659 3323 (Coffs Harbour) or email learningassistance@scu.edu.au.

Limited UAI
Southern Cross University accepts the Limited UAI for applicants sitting the NSW HSC. Read information on the Universities Admission Index on this website for details on the Limited UAI.

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Educational Access Scheme

If you believe you have been educationally or financially disadvantaged you may apply under the Educational Access Scheme. For more information about this scheme read the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) booklet produced by UAC, which includes an EAS application form.

EAS booklets are available from UAC or Student Centres at participating institutions. If you are a 2007 Australian Year 12 student you can obtain a copy of the booklet from your school/TAFE college. The booklet and application form can also be downloaded from this website.

The main closing date for EAS applications is Friday 28 September 2007. You must submit your EAS application by 28 September to guarantee that it will be considered in time for the Main Round of offers. The late closing date for EAS applications is Friday 30 November 2007.

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Equity Scholarships

SCU offers the following Equity Scholarship schemes:
• Commonwealth Scholarships (CS), comprising Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships (CECS) (valued at $2 120 in 2007 for up to four years) and Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS) (valued at $4 240 in 2007 for up to four years)
• Institution Equity Scholarships (IES), comprising the SCU Equity Scholarships and the Equity Book Bursaries.

All CS and IES applications for SCU are processed centrally through UAC. This includes applicants who are applying directly to the University, or through UAC, or the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). It also includes students who are currently enrolled at the University.

You only have to submit one application to UAC to be considered for CS and IES.

For more information about CS and IES at SCU read the Equity Scholarships booklet produced by UAC. An application form is included in the booklet. The booklet and application form can be downloaded from this website. Booklets are also available from UAC or SCU Student Services.

If you are a 2007 Australian Year 12 student you can obtain a copy of the booklet from your school/TAFE college.

The main closing date for Equity Scholarship applications is Friday 28 September 2007. The late closing date for Equity Scholarship applications is Friday 30 November 2007.

For general information about Equity Scholarships and other types of financial assistance available to students, read course costs.

SCU also offers a number of other scholarships – read 'Financial assistance' below.

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Special consideration

If you are an elite athlete or performer, whose training and competitive commitments have affected your preparation for the HSC, you may be eligible for special consideration even though you are not eligible for the University's Educational Access Scheme. Students in this category must submit a letter requesting special consideration directly to Admissions at SCU. Include your UAC application number, details and documentation of the circumstances for consideration. This must be received by 30 November 2007.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

The University has a policy of increasing access for Indigenous Australians. Indigenous Australian applicants will be invited to attend a Testing and Assessment Program at Lismore campus in late 2007/early 2008.

A Bachelor of Indigenous Studies and a Bachelor of Trauma and Healing* are available by direct application to SCU.
* Course name change subject to approval.

A six-month foundation program is also available to Indigenous Australian applicants to assist them with the skills necessary for tertiary study, to become acquainted with university life, and to develop successful study habits. For further information call (02) 6620 3955 or 1800 816 676.

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International fee-paying applicants

Some international fee-paying applicants apply through UAC; others apply direct to SCU. Visit the UAC International website for more information.

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Fee-paying courses for Australian students

SCU offers fee-paying courses to Australian (also known as domestic) students through UAC. All SCU domestic fee-paying (DFEE) courses have a course code beginning with 35.

For a list of courses, including 2007 UAI cut-offs and costs, refer to the course descriptions in the course search. Note that UAI cut-offs for DFEE courses may vary from the UAI cut-offs for Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) courses.

For more information on DFEE courses read Course costs and financial assistance or call SCU on 1800 626 481.

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Courses available by direct application

Application forms for postgraduate and distance education undergraduate courses are available from SCU Student Services or at www.scu.edu.au/howtoapply.

We strongly recommend you apply by the end of November, or contact the Hotline on 1800 555 405 to confirm if places are still available.

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Distance education

Most courses available at SCU can also be studied by distance education. Refer to distance education. Applications for distance education courses should be made direct to the University. Download a direct application form from www.scu.edu.au/howtoapply.

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Enrolment

Acceptance of offer

Information about acceptance and enrolment procedures will be posted to you with your offer of admission.

Advanced standing/academic credit

If you are seeking credit for previous study, you must submit an application for advanced standing available at www.scu.edu.au/howtoapply. The advanced standing application must be accompanied by an original transcript or verified copy of results and course/unit outlines for each unit for which advanced standing is sought. Wherever possible, you will be advised of any advanced standing recommendations at the time of your enrolment.

If you have a TAFE qualification at diploma or associate diploma level in a relevant area, you will usually receive some credit for such studies. For details visit www.scu.edu.au/tafepathways.

Deferment

(A) Applicants who receive an offer based on their performance in a 2007 Australian Year 12	(B) Applicants other than those described in (A)	Comments
Yes, but see comments	Yes, but see comments	· six months or one year only · non-refundable $100 application fee applies

Fees and charges

All students must pay either student contributions for a Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) or tuition fees for a domestic fee-paying place (DFEE) – read Course costs.

In addition, students can choose to pay student association fees.

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Financial assistance

Youth and student allowances

Read about Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY in Course costs and financial assistance on this website.

Loans

The University provides small loans to students for purposes directly associated with their tertiary studies. For further details call the Student Loans Officer on (02) 6620 3220.

Scholarships

Vice-Chancellor's and Industry-sponsored Scholarships
The scholarships are available to undergraduate students from throughout Australia and are valued from $2 000 to $5 000 per year for up to three years. For further details call (02) 6626 9607, email scholarships@scu.edu.au or visit www.scu.edu.au/scholarships.

For further information call (02) 6620 3220 or email accomm@scu.edu.au. Read 'Equity Scholarships' above for information on other scholarships.

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Student services and facilities

Accommodation and charges

You are strongly advised to enquire about your accommodation options early. On-campus accommodation for students at SCU is provided in self-catering, co-educational residential colleges at Lismore and Coffs Harbour. Charges are set each year and vary according to college facilities and bedroom density in each apartment. The 2007 charges for the academic year, payable in four instalments, were: Lismore $4 040-$4 760; Coffs Harbour $4 760. An annual refundable security deposit is required.

On-campus accommodation applications are accepted up to mid-January in the year of intended enrolment. Due to high demand, a selection criteria is based on students' academic merit and educational record. Special consideration for selection is given to members of equity groups.

The University also maintains comprehensive listings of private rental accommodation. For further information write to the Accommodation Office, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore NSW 2480, call (02) 6620 3935, email accomm@scu.edu.au or visit www.scu.edu.au/services/accommodation.

Careers and employment

The University Careers Adviser assists prospective and enrolled students with course and career decision-making. For more details call (02) 6622 3220.

Childcare

In Lismore, long-day childcare is available on campus at the University Children's Centre – call (02) 6622 2616.

At Coffs Harbour there are several childcare centres close to the campus. The Students' Association can help with contact numbers – call (02) 6659 3267.

Exchange programs

Opportunities for overseas study are available through the University's exchange programs to Europe, Asia, the UK and the USA. For more details call (02) 6626 9150.

Health and welfare services

First-aid officers are well equipped to handle emergencies, with local and on-campus doctors offering bulk-billing for students. A dental service is available to Lismore's on-campus students.

Chaplains are available to assist with personal goal-setting, confidential counselling and support for both the crisis and ordinary times of life. A free and confidential counselling service is available if you are experiencing difficulties in any aspect of your life, including academic or personal issues.

Learning assistance

The Learning Assistance unit can help you develop your writing and study skills. To find out more call (02) 6620 3386.

Library/computing services

The library provides a full range of library services: books, journals, databases and full-text electronic journals, interlibrary loans and document supply, and professional staff to assist students to become independent learners.

Computing services include internet access, email, MySCU (personalised online learning and support), and computer labs underpinned by the IT call centre, lab support/helpdesks and the computing website.

Student organisations

There are three undergraduate student organisations operating at the University: Students Lismore is a non-profit organisation providing the official, recognised voice for students of the Lismore campus. It provides many services, including representation and advocacy, fee dental service, cheap photocopying and printing. Visit www.lismoresrc.org.au.

Coffs Harbour Student Association caters for the social, cultural, sporting and welfare needs of students on the Coffs Harbour campus, as well as providing practical services and facilities. Visit www.sach.scu.edu.au.

TweedgoldcoastR's is the student association for the Tweed Gold Coast campus. For further information email coastrs@scu.edu.au.

Students with disabilities

SCU encourages enrolment from people with disabilities and provides facilities for students with special needs. If you would like to discuss your special requirements in confidence, write to or call the Equity and Disabilities Officer on (02) 6620 3943.

Transport

Private bus companies provide regular links from the city centres of both Lismore and Coffs Harbour to the campuses. Regular services are also provided between the Tweed Gold Coast campus and nearby commercial and residential areas.

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Further information

The University Handbook contains information on courses, staffing and award rules. It can be accessed online at www.scu.edu.au/handbook.

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 © 2007 Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT) Pty Ltd A.C.N. 070 055 935 ABN 19 070 055 935

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