Glossary of Terms

Term	Alternative Terms	Description
Abandoned Studies	Inactive Enrolment, Abandonment	Where a student who is not on approved Leave of Absence fails to enrol for one or more sessions. Enrolments will be discontinued (cancelled).
Academic Credit	Advanced Standing	Recognition of previous tertiary study or work experience for credit to a degree.
Academic Course Advisor	ACA, Course Advisor	An academic staff member who performs specific tasks that contribute towards the delivery and development of a program. An Academic Course Advisor will provide advice and information to students as required, on matters including course progression, student leave and timetabling.
Academic Misconduct	Academic Dishonestly	Academic misconduct is any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage for oneself or an unfair academic advantage or disadvantage for any other member or members of the academic community.
Accommodation		There is a range of on campus accommodation choices for students. These range from residential halls to townhouses, cottages, and units/apartments.
Accreditation	Accredited	Accreditation is the act of granting credit or recognition, especially to an educational institution that maintains suitable standards. Accreditation is necessary to any person or institution in education that needs to prove that they meet a general standard of quality.
Advanced Standing	RPL, Credit Transfer	Recognition of your prior learning, which can lead to credit transfer.
Advanced Transcript	Grades	Documentation of a student's permanent academic. record, which usually means all courses taken, all grades received, all honours received, and degrees conferred to a student.
Admission		Admission is the process of applying to study at Western Sydney University. The process includes applying and accepting an offer to study.
Agent		An International Officer that supports an International Student in locating and securing an Offer of Study and its procedures involved.
AHEGS		Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement.
Allocate+	Tutorial Registration	The system used by students to register their preferred learning activities, lectures, tutorials etc. Allocate+ sorts all preferences together and places students into their activities.
Alumni		Once students have graduated, they may want to stay in touch with classmates. The Alumni association provides networking opportunities and a range of benefits for graduates.
Anaphylaxis Certificate	ASCIA	ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training courses for schools and early childhood education/care (ECEC) staff were first developed in 2010. These courses are used throughout Australia and New Zealand, to provide a consistent approach to prevention, recognition, and emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. They are world leading courses that are available open access and free of charge.
AIP	Support Plan	Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan
Appeal		Dispute a decision.
AQF		Australia’s national quality assured framework of qualifications in the school, vocational education and training and higher education sectors. The AQF provides the standards for Australian qualifications.
ASQUA		The Australian Skills Quality Authority.
Assessment	Assignment	Any process designed to test a student's learning, including assignments and essays, in class tests and exams.
Associate Dean		A senior academic staff member in a School who has overall responsibility for coordination of the courses and units run by that School.
ATAR		Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. Replaced the USI in 2009. The ATAR is the ranking that indicates a student's performance in their year 12 certificate (all states except Queensland). It is used to assess a student's eligibility for study at universities and other tertiary institutions.
ATO		Australian Tax Office.
At Risk		An outcome for a student who shows an early indication of unsatisfactory academic performance.
ATSI	Indigenous Australian	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Attainment		Recognition of completing a unit(s).
Auditing a unit		Attendance in a unit informally (on a non-credit basis). A student should always obtain the permission of the academic staff member responsible for the unit beforehand.
Award	Degree, Course	The qualification granted to a student after completion of all course requirements.
Bookshop		University Store.
Campuses		The Western Sydney University is a multi-campus university. That means that different courses and classes take place in different locations. We have six teaching campuses.
Campus Connection		Keep in touch with what is happening across Western with our services and facilities. Some services require your Western Account login details.
Candidate		A person (student) admitted to a course and enrolled at the University until such time as that person has completed, is withdrawn from, been excluded from, or is determined to have abandoned the course in which they are enrolled.
CAPSTONE		A core course taken toward the end of a program which is designed to draw together the various education strands. It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have achieved the specified learning goals.
Capture Me		The site which allows new students to submit a photo of themselves for a Student ID Card.
Careers		Careers offers programs and services that connect students and recent graduates with employers. These services include workshops, careers markets and more.
Certified Documents		Copies of documents that have been certified as true by authorised officers of WSU or other institutions or a Justice of the Peace which are acceptable for WSU purposes.
Census Date	HECS census date	Students may withdraw without penalty from units or courses until 5.00pm on the HECS/PELS census date. For standard sessions: 31st March and 31st August.
Centrelink		A Services Australia master program of the Australian Government. It delivers a range of government payments and services for retirees, the unemployed, families, carers, parents, people with disabilities, Indigenous Australians, students, apprentices and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and provides services at times of major change.
Chancellor	C	A Chancellor is a leader of a college or university, usually either the executive or ceremonial head of the university or of a university campus within a university system.
Chaplaincy	Meditation Rooms, Prayer Rooms	There is a multifaith chaplaincy at the University, which offers support to all students and staff. They also encourage work for social justice and connecting with the university community and community at large. There are also multifaith prayer and meditation rooms available for use.
CHESSN		A CHESSN is a unique, personal identification number that was allocated to you as part of your first application/enrolment process. Your CHESSN helps you, your provider, and the Australian Government, to keep up to date with the amount of Commonwealth assistance, like a HELP loan or a VSL loan, you have used for your studies.
Childcare		The University has childcare centres that have places for the children of staff and students. University childcare centres are located on the following campuses, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Nirimba Precinct (Blacktown), Parramatta and Penrith (Kingswood).
Class		A teaching activity associated with a course available in a particular teaching period. Examples of classes include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratories. Students enrol in a course by selecting associated classes from the timetable.
COE		Confirmation of Enrolment.
Combined Degree Program		An approved program of study made up of two normally separate courses. Students enrolled in combined degree programs receive one award on completion of their course requirements. As students are specifically enrolled in the combined degree, it is not possible to graduate from either part separately.
Commonwealth Grants Scheme	CGS	The Australian government provides a contribution towards the costs of University places each year via the Commonwealth Grants Scheme. These places are known as Commonwealth supported places, with students paying the remaining fee amount, known as their Student Contribution. Please refer to the Department of Education and Training website (opens in new window) for more information.
Commonwealth Supported Place	CSP	The Australian Government provides The University with Commonwealth Supported places. For each of these places, the Australian Government provides The University with a financial contribution towards the costs of study. Each student holding a Commonwealth Supported place must then pay the remainder of their study costs via their Student Contribution.
Commonwealth Supported Students		As a Commonwealth Supported Student the Australian Government contributes to the cost of your fees and you are required to pay the remainder, which is called your Student Contribution. Your Student Contribution depends on the discipline area of each of your units. Discipline areas are divided into different Student Contribution Bands.
Composite Classes		A form of study which takes place off campus but periodically.
Compulsory Unit		A unit of study that must be completed to meet the requirements of a course. This may be separate from your core units.
Computer Labs		A number of general-purpose computer labs are available to all students on every campus.
Concurrent Study		Study under Multiple Providers. It is possible for: Students to undertake two award courses at WSU simultaneously; or WSU students to undertake units at another institution as part of their WSU award; or WSU students to undertake a course at another institution whilst studying at WSU.
Conditional Enrolment		Enrolment restricted to a reduced number of units for a specified period due to poor academic performance.
Conditional Offer		Students must meet a condition of an offer in order to study the course.
Core Unit	Core Subject	Units for which a passing grade is compulsorily required for the particular course of study.
Co-requisite		A unit that must be taken in conjunction with or completed prior to another unit.
Counselling Service		Personal counselling is available to students. Students can talk about areas of difficulty, conflict, or crisis in their lives. The service is free and confidential. The Counselling Service also offers free study and life skills workshops to students.
Course		A program of study undertaken at the University leading to the award of a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Course Completion		Course completion is the status applied to your student record when you have met all the requirements of your course and are eligible to graduate.
Course Completion Letter		A course completion letter is a letter that may be required by an external organisation to confirm a student has graduated or completed the necessary requirements to finish their degree and is eligible to graduate pending final approval from the School Academic Committee.
Credit Point		A numerical value attributed to each unit of study. A specified total of credit points is attributed to each course.
Credit Transfer		Advanced standing given for previous studies at a recognised university (including approved study undertaken through a study abroad or exchange program), TAFE or other approved tertiary institution such as a formally approved Registered Training Organisation.
CRICOS		Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. This is the official Australian Government website that lists all Australian education providers that offer courses to people studying in Australia on student visas and the courses offered. Western Sydney University's CRICOS provider number is 00917K.
Criminal Record Check	CRC, National Police Check	Students performing any kind of work, research, or placement in a NSW Department of Health facility are required to have a Criminal Record Check Clearance prior to placement.
Cross Institutional Study		It is possible for students of other institutions to undertake units at WSU for credit towards their award course at their home institution.
Contact Services Centre	CSC, Course Information Team, Client Services Team	Supports Prospective Students.
Current Student		Student successfully enrolled in a course and units for the teaching session in question.
Date of Delivery		The date on which a notice is: handed to the person who is the subject of the notice, delivered to the contact address (as indicated on MyStudentRecords [MySR]) of the person who is the subject of the notice, formally acknowledged or receipted evidencing delivery or receipt, two days after the date of posting a notice by mail to the contact address (as indicated on MySR) of the person who is the subject of the notice, transmitted by email or facsimile where the student concerned has indicated in writing that they wish to receive material in facsimile form and has specified a transmission address.
Dean	School Manager	The head of a university school or department.
Dean’s Scholar Program		Dean's Scholar Students have the opportunity to attempt subjects not normally available to first-year students.
Dean’s Scholarship		Dean's Scholarships provide opportunities for exceptional students who have achieved outstanding results in their HSC (or equivalent), and/or for students who are currently enrolled in an appropriate undergraduate Advanced or Dean's Scholars degree.
Department of Home Affairs	Home Affairs, Immigration	Home Affairs bring together Australia’s federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe.
Deferred Exam		In certain circumstances students who were unable to attend the formal scheduled exam may be eligible to apply for a deferred exam.
Deferment		Delaying enrolment in an accepted offer of admission for one year.
DET	DEC	Department of Education and Training. Previously known as the Department of Education and Communities.
DFAT		The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Director of Academic Program	DAP, Course Coordinator	Head Manager and Director of a Program (Course).
Disability		A condition due to sickness, sensory impairment or injury that curtails a person's ability to carry on normal pursuits. A disability may be partial or total, and temporary or permanent as verified by a doctor.
Disability Service		The Disability Service assesses the needs of students with a disability or chronic health condition and prepare an Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan to provide necessary adjustments to address the effects of the disability or health condition.
Disenrolment	Discontinuance Discontinue	Unit: the enrolment in the unit has been cancelled Course: the students place in the course is cancelled due to not meeting academic requirements, non-payment of compulsory fees or for disciplinary reasons.
Domestic Student		Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident and Humanitarian VISA Holder. Opposite of an International Student.
Double Degree Program		An award where two courses are studied at the same time, and in which units from one may be recognised as electives towards the other, but in which the student is allowed to graduate with one award before the other is completed. Those Law degrees that permit more than one graduation (not all do) fall within this category.
ECAN	Study Invoice, Statement	Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Notice.
ECAF		Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form.
EDAP		An eDAP is the Director of Academic Program assigned to a Western Sydney University Online course.
E-Forms		Electronic Forms – Electronic Application Forms Site.
E-Learning		E-Learning is the online learning environment known as 'vUWS' (pronounced 'views'). Your course and some of your units may have a vUWS site, which may include your unit or course outline, information about your assessment tasks, study resources and announcements related to your unit or course.
EFTSU	Equivalent Full time Student Unit	Student load for a unit for a teaching period expressed as a proportion of a workload for a standard full-time program (80 credit points = 1 EFTSU).
Elective		A unit chosen by the student not prescribed by the course structure.
Emergencies		In case of an emergency, all campuses have a 24 hour onsite security office. Security officers can help you with safety concerns and are trained in first aid. More information.
Employer Reserved Places		Employer reserved places are used by employers and industry bodies to financially support study undertaken by employees for training purposes.
English language Proficiency		All applicants who have not completed formal studies at secondary or tertiary level in the English language must also demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving a prescribed level in an approved English examination. The approved English Language tests include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (ToEFL).
Encumbrance	Hold, Block	A restriction placed on a student’s record. For example, conditional enrolment restricting the number of units undertaken. Non-payment of fees may result in an encumbrance restricting the student’s access to exam results, academic records, and access to WSU facilities.
Enrolment		The process by which students select one or more units they wish to study each teaching session. Once enrolled, students are required to pay appropriate fees and sign a declaration to abide by the By-Law, regulations, and rules of the University.
Equity and Diversity		Services that target staff and students from groups who have been traditionally under-represented in tertiary education and employment. These groups are Indigenous Australians, people from non- English speaking backgrounds, people with disabilities and women, particularly women in non- traditional areas.
Equivalent Unit		A unit deemed to be equivalent to another particular unit. If you have successfully completed one of the equivalent units listed, you will need to choose a different unit and you may be eligible for Advanced Standing for that equivalent unit.
Examination		A formal supervised assessment process conducted under controlled conditions and designed to test a candidate's learning.
Exchange Program		An international exchange program based on an official agreement between two partner universities. Students are required to pay full fees to their home university while studying at a host university and vice versa.
Exchange Student		Students can pursue a one or two session(s) full time study program in any field of study. Students may choose any units on offer at the University as long as they meet the entry requirements (prerequisite) for the unit. Students do not pay fees to Western Sydney University; they pay fees to their home university.
Exclusion	Excluded, Suspension	Cancellation of enrolment and preclusion from a re- enrolment due to failure to meet academic standards or for disciplinary reasons.
Exemptions with Advanced Standing		A student may receive an exemption for a specific unit is they have already completed a similar unit or attained equivalent knowledge through prior learning or experience. These exemptions may be granted along with Advanced Standing.
Exemptions without Advanced Standing		Exemption may be granted without Advanced Standing if the student has already achieved the maximum amount of Advanced Standing but is able to demonstrate that they fulfil the requirements of a particular unit of study.
Exit Award		An official award defined as an exit point from a coursework program. For example, if you were studying a Graduate Diploma and ended your study before completing the diploma, you could be awarded a Graduate Certificate if you had completed the requirements of that award.
Expulsion		The removal of a student from the University on a permanent basis for disciplinary reasons.
Extended Leave of Absence	Extra Leave	Approved temporary leave or withdrawal from a course past the normal 12-month entitlement.
External		A study mode that takes place off campus. Study is conducted by mail, email and the internet with course materials supplied by these methods. Periodical attendance on campus may be required.
Fees		All students are liable for a number of fees throughout their studies. These fees may include student contribution and tuition fees and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
FEE-HELP		The Fee Higher Education Loan Programme (FEE- HELP) provides financial assistance for the payment of tuition fees by eligible full fee-paying students. Please refer to the Study Assist (opens in new window) website for more information.
Final Grades		Final grades are awarded at the completion of a unit. A table explaining the different grades is available on the results webpage.
First Year Experience Coordinator	FYEC, College Course Advisor	This is the First Year Course Advisor for College Students.
Food Outlets		There are a number of food outlets on each campus.
Foundation Course		A core course, usually taken in Stage 1 that must be satisfactorily completed in order to complete the requirements of the program. It lays the foundations for higher level courses.
Full Offer		A Full Offer letter is sent when an International applicant has applied for a formal course of study at Western Sydney University.
Full Fee-Paying Student		Full fee-paying students must pay their tuition fees up front. Eligible fee paying students can choose to defer payment of tuition fees through FEE-HELP. Fee paying students do not receive a Commonwealth Supported place.
Full Time Student		A student who is enrolled in units that add up to 30- 40 credit points (EFTSL 0.375 - 0.5) in any teaching session.
Golden Key Honour Society	Golden Key	Golden Key International Honour Society is the world's largest collegiate honour society for graduate and undergraduate students.
Go Global		A program allowing Western students to study offshore.
GPA	Grade Point Average	An indication of your academic progression in a course. This is typically calculated by adding all the numbered grades you've received and dividing them by the number of credits you've taken.
Grades	Marks, Results	Grades are the mark given for an assessment or formal examination for a unit of study. A table explaining the different grades is available on the results webpage.
Gradaund	Graduant	A student who has completed the requirements of a course and is eligible to graduate but has not yet had the award conferred.
Graduate	Grad	A student who has had their award conferred (given to them).
Graduate in Absentia	Graduate in Absence	To graduate in absentia means a student does not attend their specified graduation ceremony. However, their testamur and AHEGS will be posted to them upon payment of the graduating in absentia fee.
Graduation		Graduation is the ceremony during which a student's award is presented to them and they officially become a graduate.
Grandfathering	Grandparenting	Grandfathering is a term used to describe the transitional arrangements put in place from time to time by the Australian government when it changes rules or conditions for students. For example, when certain disciplines have moved between Student Contribution Bands, existing students have had their conditions "grandfathered", or maintained, for a set length of time. It has also been applied to various student loan schemes. For more information, please visit the Dept of Education website (opens in new window).
Gyms		Situated across five campuses, the gyms offer fully equipped exercise and change room facilities. Full time students are eligible for a discounted membership rate.
Handbook		You can search for any course offered at Western Sydney University through the online handbook.
HDR		Higher Degree Research.
Head of Program (HOP)	Course Co- Ordinator; Course Advisor	Member of Academic staff able to assist students with academic advice in respect of their course of study.
Head of Unit		Any person who holds any one of the following positions: the Vice-Chancellor; a Deputy Vice-Chancellor or nominee; a Campus Provost; the University Secretary; a Dean or nominee; a Head of School or nominee; a Director or nominee; the Security Manager; any other position designated by the Vice- Chancellor as a Head of Unit; or a President of a student association.
HECS	Higher Education Contribution Scheme	A loan scheme for students to cover their contribution to the cost of their tertiary study.
HECS HELP Loan		A HECS-HELP Loan is a scheme that assists eligible Commonwealth supported students to pay their student contribution amount with a loan. HECS-HELP loans are available at all public universities and at a handful of private higher education providers.
HEFA		Higher Education Funding Act 1988.
HEIMS		HEIMS is a web-based Information System that DEEWR introduced to accommodate changes brought about by Higher Education reform. Students can use this system to access information relating to Higher Education Providers, courses and unit information, and personal details. Students can access HEIMS with their CHESSN and a web- based private portal.
HESA		Higher Education Support Act 2003. The Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) provides the guidelines for the Higher Education reforms introduced from 2005.
HEEP		Higher Education Equity Programme. HEEP assists disadvantaged groups to access Higher Education. The equity groups supported via HEEP are reviewed regularly to ensure HEEP remains focused on those experiencing significant educational disadvantage. HEEP assists a range of people including Indigenous Australians, people from non- English speaking backgrounds, people with disabilities, people from rural and isolated areas, women in non-traditional areas of study, and people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
HELP		Higher Educational Loans Program. The term Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) refers to a range of loans introduced by the Commonwealth government in 2005. HELP loans include HECS- HELP, FEE-HELP and OS-HELP. For more information, please visit the Dept of Education website (opens in new window).
Help Desk		The IT service desk offers free assistance to students with technical and computer problems.
HEP		Higher Education Provider. A HEP is a University or other Higher (Tertiary) Education institution, such as TAFE or private colleges.
Higher Education		Higher education is tertiary education leading to award of an academic degree. Higher education, also called post-secondary education, third-level or tertiary education, is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after completion of secondary education.
Home Campus		A student’s campus location where they will be the most.
Honours	Separate Year Honours Program, Additional Year	An Award with Honours program is an additional, distinct year of study that follows the completion of an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, whether at Western Sydney or elsewhere. All components of the Honours program contribute to the Honours level qualification. These Honours programs require completion of 80 credit points of study typically undertaken over one calendar year (or part-time equivalent).
IELTS	International English Language Testing System	An internationally accredited test for students who need to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Incompatible Unit		A unit which cannot be studied with another unit in the same course. If you have successfully completed an incompatible unit, you will need to choose another unit. An incompatible unit will not count towards your required credit points.
Indigenous Education		Indigenous students can look forward to learning in a friendly and supportive environment. The Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education provides a range of services for staff, students and community members in accessing higher education. The centre has offices located on each campus.
Indigenous Support Fund		The ISF provides HEPs with funding to increase the participation level of Indigenous Australians in higher education, as they are currently underrepresented. For more information see the Department of Education page on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education (opens in new window).
Internal		A study mode that takes place on campus. Students attend classes weekly throughout the teaching session. This is the most common and traditional mode of study.
International Students		You are an International student if you not an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or holder of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa.
International Liaison Officer	SILO, SEIS	A member of the University who processes International Student Documents for records purposes.
Invigilated Exams	Invigilation, Proctoring	Supervised Exams.
IT		Information Technology.
Justice of the Peace	JP	Justices of the Peace (JPs) are volunteers appointed by the Governor of New South Wales. The primary role of a JP is to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents.
Key Program of Study	KPS	A set of subjects that establishes a main defining area of specialisation or concentration within a degree. It will normally comprise between 120 and 160 credit points. The KPS forms part of the title of the course award and is shown on the testamur.
Learning Guide		Supplements the unit outline and details the fundamental mutual obligations and responsibilities of the University and students, in relation to the unit. The guide makes explicit the links between each assessment activity and the unit learning outcomes; provides information about each assessment task, including due dates, instructions for submission, and details about the assessment criteria and standards; gives a clear description of what is expected in order for students to achieve particular grades in the unit and describes how content, assessment and learning activities are linked.
Leave of Absence	Intermission	Approved temporary withdrawal from a course.
Lecture		A lecture is normally held in a large room or lecture theatre with many students and one lecturer. Students are expected to take relevant notes during the lecture.
Lecturer		Teacher.
Library		Where you can get resources for your course. We have a library on each campus. Services include printing, copying, and binding, as well as an online catalogue.
Load		How many units you are studying.
Mail		Either registered; standard mail; express post mail; or student email account where specified by University policy and procedures.
MATES	MATES Program	MATES is a mentoring program for new students. MATES provides first year students with an opportunity to connect with other new students and mentors in later years of study. This helps new students meet other students, network with other students, and gain knowledge and skills to settle into life at university.
Major	Key Area	A defined sequence of units in an undergraduate degree which defines an area of focus within a course. A major comprises 80 credit points (approximately 8 units). No more than 30 credit points can be at Level 1. At least 30 credit points must be at level 3 or higher. A major may consist solely of Level 2 and Level 3 units.
MARCS	Baby Lab, Age Lab, MARCS institute	The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development is an interdisciplinary research institute of Western Sydney University.
Mature Age Student		Non-current school leaver.
Miscellaneous Enrolment	Non-Award Enrolment	This is a non-award course which is not commonwealth supported.
Memorandum		A letter of support usually from a Counsellor.
Midsemester Break		A week of for students to either have a break or catchup on their studies in the middle of a session.
Movement Records	International Movement Records	The international movement records are comprised in a database containing critical details of travellers going in and out of the country dating from 1981.
Multi-Modal		A combination of on and off campus study. It includes online and correspondence work and some campus attendance.
My Western		The University of Western Sydney’s Online Portal.
MySR	My Student Records.	MySR is the University's online student records system, where students manage their enrolment – enrolling, adding, changing or dropping units (until the census date), keeping their personal and contact details up to date, checking their fees and their results.
NAVITAS		Leading Global Education Provider and Partner of WSU in the Sydney City Campus.
Non-Award Unit	Miscellaneous Unit	Study in single units without undertaking an award or units offered by the University to award students outside of the standard sessions in an intensive format with full fees charged (not included under HECS). Students subsequently apply for a transfer of successfully completed units to their main award.
Non-Current School Leaver		A student who was not completing Year 12 (or equivalent) at the time of applying to study at university.
Non-standard Sessions		Any teaching session other than Autumn and Spring.
Non-Specified Credit	Elective Credit	An amount of credit which can be used in place of elective unit spaces.
Offer	Offering	A particular course that will be available for enrolment in a particular teaching period.
Offshore		Students studying with a partner institution towards a Western award or unit of study.
OH&S	WHS, Work Health and Safety	Work Health and Safety (WHS) is the policies, procedures and activities that protect the safety, health and welfare of all people in the workplace. All students and staff should be conscious of WHS issues. The relevant Office is referred to as the Work Health and Safety Unit.
Payments	Payment Portal	This is the Universities Payment Portal for all forms of payment processing.
Online Learning Facilitator		Online learning facilitators are assigned to a unit of study (for Online). They provide overall learning support to Online students.
Online Learning Support Officer		The Online Student Support Officer (OSSO) is the front-line contact for the day to day needs of Western Sydney University Online students and is responsible for delivering high quality student- centred customer service. They provide information and advice to Online students in relation to non- academic aspects of student support, retention, and progression, incorporating various media and system solutions.
OPAL		Opal is the smartcard ticketing system used to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter, and the Illawarra.
Orientation		Week 0 (Orientation) is held twice a year in the week before Autumn and Spring Sessions start. Orientation provides new students with the opportunity to meet other students in their course and staff teaching their course; find their way around the campus; learn about skills that will assist them with their studies; find out about services we offer and ask questions in a friendly environment.
OSHC	International Health Insurance	Overseas Health Cover.
OS-HELP		The Overseas Higher Education Loan Programme (OS-HELP) assists domestic students with travel and living expenses while studying overseas.
Other credentialled learning		Programs or courses undertaken within a workplace, professional organisations, or other training context other than recognised universities, TAFEs and other approved tertiary institutions.
O Week		Week 0 (Orientation) is held twice a year in the week before Autumn and Spring Sessions start.
Parchment	Document Ordering Site	This is the document ordering site where you can order such items as: Academic Transcripts, Testamur and Replacement documents.
Parking		Paid parking is available on all campuses. Parking can be paid for on a per day 'pay and display' basis, or by purchasing a yearly parking permit.
Part Time Student		A student who is enrolled in units that add up to less than 30 credit points (EFTSL 0.375) in any teaching session.
Pathway	Pathway Programs	A particular structure of units/courses which enable a Student into a particular course in the future.
PASS	PASS Class	Peer Assisted Study Session. PASS is a free and voluntary study program proven to improve understanding of unit content and results. It is a student centred, collaborative learning program, run by students for students. It is based on the premise that students learn better together.
PELS	Postgraduate Education Loan Scheme	Interest free loan facility for eligible students enrolled in fee-paying postgraduate, non-research courses.
Permanent resident		The holder of an Australian permanent residency visa. These students are classified as domestic students for the purposes of assessing eligibility for university entry and Commonwealth assistance.
PHD	Doctorate	(Ph)Philosophy (D)doctorate. This is the highest level of study.
Postgraduate		A course requiring the student to have previously completed a program of study leading to an award.
Postgraduate Course		A program of study leading to an award, where entry into the program requires students to have completed an undergraduate course or equivalent studies or experience in that field of study.
Postgraduate Specialisation		A defined sequence of units in a postgraduate degree which defines an area of focus within the course.
Pre-requisite		A unit which must have been satisfactorily completed, or a requirement which must have been satisfied, before a student may enrol in a particular unit.
Proctoring	Proctored	To supervise students during an exam.
Program Convenor	DAP	The title Given to the Director of Academic Program at the Sydney City Campus.
Program Rules		The academic requirements a student must satisfy to be awarded the qualification. Program rules include: core, electives, and general education course rules; unit of credit requirements; specialisation requirements; and limit rules.
Progression	Progression Checks	A student’s movement through a course satisfying minimum requirements at each stage.
ProctorU		A site which hosts online exams. Software is also used to detect and precent cheating, authenticate identities and protect exam content.
Prohibited Employment Declaration	PED	Students undertaking study involving contact with persons under 18 years of age are required to complete & lodge a PED form in accordance with the Child Protection Act.
PWeb	Platform Web	The application used by Students to manage various aspects of their personal enrolment.
Quarter		A Quarter is a type of teaching session at Western Sydney University. We run four quarter teaching sessions each year. Quarters are primarily used for postgraduate courses in the School of Business.
Recognition of Prior Learning	RPL	General term used to describe the University's policy of acknowledging learning in other contexts that can be applied to the knowledge, skills and understanding outcomes of study in courses. For more information see Advanced Standing.
Reduced Study Load	RSL	Reducing the number of units/subjects a student is enrolled into at a particular study session.
Regalia	Gown	The formal attire worn at a graduation ceremony.
Registrar		The Registrar is responsible for the academic and student administration of the University.
Research Degree		Research Degrees include the Doctor of Philosophy, Professional Doctorates and Masters (Honours). Research students work independently on discipline-based topics, becoming an expert in their area of interest.
Research Training Program	RTS, RTP	The Research Training Program is a Commonwealth funded initiative that provides eligible higher degree research students with support for the duration of an accredited higher degree research course. It replaced the Research Training Scheme, Australian Postgraduate Awards, and International Postgraduate Research Scholarships in 2017. Please refer to the Dept of Education website.
RET	Regional Entry Test	An alternative to the UAI for admission to WSU for eligible students in the WSU catchment area.
Residency Status		A determination whether an individual is an Australian Resident for Tax Purposes.
Resignation	Withdrawal, Course Discontinuation	Complete withdrawal from a course.
Results		Students receive results for all assessments and assignments. At the end of each teaching session students receive their final results, which are the cumulative result for each unit of study.
Retired		Units may be retired when a new unit is approved to replace the current unit, or a School determines that it is unlikely to have a viable intake in the future.
Review of Grade		Where a student believes that their final grade in a unit does not correctly reflect their performance against the criteria, they may make formal application for a Review of Grade.
RTO		Registered Trade Organisation.
Rule Waiver		A Rule Waiver is a request to gain approval from your Director of Academic Program to enrol into a unit where you do not meet the unit rule/s.
Sanction		A threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule of the University.
Scholarship		A grant or payment made to support a student's education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement. Scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate study. They provide students with funding towards the cost of their course or research.
School	Department, Faculty	An academic unit within the University that undertakes teaching and research in particular areas and the administration of particular units of study.
Security		All campuses have a 24-hour security office.
Session	Semester, Term, Block, Period	Period during which a unit is delivered (taught) and assessed.
SIBT		Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT). SIBT is part of the global Navitas Group (an internationally recognised education provider). As a tertiary college working in collaboration with other partner universities, SIBT eases the transition from high school to university level studies.
Special Consideration		There may be times when students experience serious misadventure, accident or extenuating circumstances beyond their control which affects their academic performance. Applying for and receiving special consideration means that those circumstances will be taken into account when their grade is calculated.
Specialisation		Specialisation is the term to describe the specialisations that students can select to make up part of their formal course structure. The most common specialisations that students select are key programs, majors and sub-majors.
Special Requirements	Legal Requirements	Special Requirements may relate to enrolment in units where clinical, practical, or work placements are part of the unit’s structure. This includes units in education, nursing, and health related sciences.
SRC		Student Representative Council.
SSAF	Amenities Fee	Student Services and Amenities Fee.
STAT	Special Tertiary Admissions Test	An alternative method of admission for people without a UAI.
Statement of Account	SOA	A statement of account is a detailed report of the contents of an account of a student. This shows billings to and payments from the customer during a specific time period, resulting in an ending balance.
Statutory Declaration		A prescribed declaration, made under statutory authority, which may in certain cases be substituted for a statement on oath.
Student		A person enrolled at Western Sydney University.
Student Services Hub		Student Services Hub offices are the central point for all student questions and information. Go to any Student Services Hub for student and staff ID cards, forms, information brochures, and to get help. All campuses have a Student Services Hub. You can also contact Student Services Hub on the Student Services Hub Infoline 1300 668 370.
Student Contribution		A Student Contribution is the portion of study costs that Commonwealth Supported students must pay. The Australian government provides a contribution to the Higher Education Provider (HEP) for each student that holds a Commonwealth Supported place and the Student Contribution is the remaining amount owing. Students may be eligible for a HELP loan in order to access financial assistance for the payment of Student Contributions. For more information, please see the Fees webpage.
Student Declaration	SD	The first step when enrolling (or re-enrolling) with the University to its terms and conditions.
Student Email Account		A free email account that the University provides to all students. Students are required to check their student email account at least twice a week as part of their enrolment. All email communication with the University must be done using the student email account.
Student ID	Person ID (Callista), SID	The unique number attributed to a student’s record.
Student Insurances		Student Insurances cover students involved in approved activities for their course, including work experience, placements and internships.
Student Undertaking	SU	Agreement to disclose any criminal charges or convictions while completing a course.
Student Services Fee	SAF, SA	Formerly known as Student Association Fees (SAF) Compulsory payable every year assessed on the basis of a student’s study load.
Student Welfare Services	Welfare Service	The Student Welfare Service can help students fill out applications, offer support at misconduct or other hearings, give financial support and advice and refer them to other services.
Study Abroad		Study Abroad enables students from overseas to study at Western. For Western students seeking an overseas study experience, see Go Global.
Study Assist		Study Assist gives Information for students about government assistance for financing tertiary study and access to a summary of the Commonwealth assistance they have received, including HELP loans received and Commonwealth scholarship history.
Study Link	International Application Portal	International Student Application Portal.
Study Session	Teaching Session, Session of Study	A session of study relating to one specific durational category: Autumn, Spring, Summer, Quarter, Block, Trimester, Term etc.
STUVAC	Student Vacation Period	STUVAC is the period immediately before the official exam period. There are no lectures or tutorials during STUVAC so students have more time to prepare for exams.
Supplementary Exam		A supplementary exam is an additional exam (or other form of assessment) that may be approved for a student.
Suspension	Exclusion	The barring of a student from attendance at WSU for a specified period of time up to 12 months.
Sub-Major	Minor	A set of subjects that constitutes a defined area of specialisation or concentration within a degree. A sub-major comprises 40 credit points (4 units).
Suspension		The barring of a student from attendance at the University for a specified period of time for disciplinary reasons. A student may be suspended for a period of one to four teaching sessions, which will not exceed 12 months. At the conclusion of a period of suspension, the student has automatic right of resumption of study in their original course, or a course deemed to be equivalent by the University. During a period of suspension, a student's enrolment will be terminated and the student will not be entitled to have access to University premises or facilities, except with the written permission of the Vice-Chancellor. A student who is suspended from the University shall not be granted Advanced Standing for units completed at another University during the period of suspension.
Testamur	Degree Certificate	The certificate presented to a graduate at Graduation, indicating the award received.
TEQSA		The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.
Termination		The cancellation by the University of a student's enrolment in a course, usually due to failure to meet administrative requirements.
TFN		Tax File Number.
Tertiary Education		The educational level following the completion of a school providing a secondary education.
The Academy		The Academy gives academic high-achievers an added edge – in study and with employers. It’s free to join. Offers you the challenges and intellectual rigour you crave. Focuses on community engagement, and personal and professional development. Prepares you to be a leader of tomorrow.
Timetable		The timetable tells students where and when their classes are scheduled. Students must build their own timetable using the online system Allocate+.
TOEFL		Test of English as a Foreign Language.
Transcript	Academic Record	An academic transcript is the formal written record of results achieved in all enrolled units in a course.
Transport		Detailed information about the various ways to get to each campus is available on the getting to uni webpage.
Travel Concession		Travel concession passes allow students to use public transport at a discounted rate. There are strict eligibility criteria and penalties for misuse.
Tuition Fees		Course fees paid by full fee-paying students for each unit in which they are enrolled. Full tuition fee paying students do not receive an Australian Government contribution towards their course costs. The Australian Government sets a minimum limit on tuition fees. Tuition fees will not be less than the student contributions paid by Commonwealth supported students in the same course. Fees are charged according to the approved fees schedule, and vary across awards and units. The fee schedule is revised each calendar year, and therefore fees may increase annually.
Tutorial		A tutorial is a small class where set readings and lecture materials are discussed in detail each week. Students sometimes have to lead tutorial discussions or make presentations.
Tutorial Registration		Commonly referred to as 'tute reg'. Students have to register for their tutorials using the online registration system in Allocate+. Tutorial Registration happens after enrolment and before classes start. Students need to prepare by reading the information on the Tutorial Registration webpage.
UAC	Universities Admission Centre	The central office that receives and processes applications for admission to participating universities.
UAI	Universities Admission Index	A rank between 0-100 providing a measure of overall academic performance in the NSW Higher School Certificate.
Uncredentialled Learning and Skills Recognition		Learning that has been gained from work or life experience. Such prior learning may have been gained through work-based programs, self-tuition, non-accredited professional development programs, TAFE or university programs. he UAI was the old system of ranking students based on their performance in the HSC (pre-2009). It was used to determine eligibility for entry into universities and tertiary institutions.
Undergraduate		A course which does not require students to have already completed a degree.
Undergraduate Course	Undergraduate Program	A program of study leading to an award that does not require students to have already completed a degree course prior to admission.
Uni Clinic		UniClinic at Western Sydney University is open to the public six days a week, offering a range of therapeutic health practices at reduced rates.
Unit	Subject	A unit of study normally of one session. Normally equating to 10 credit points. A unit is the equivalent of a subject at school. Students will study a number of individual units to make up their whole course.
Unit Completion		a student completes a unit if they: a) attend the lectures and other classes, workshops, as specified in course rules; b) satisfactorily complete the written and other work required; and c) satisfy the assessment requirements of the unit.
Unit Convenor	UC, Unit Coordinator	Title given to the Unit Coordinator at the Sydney City Campus.
Unit Coordinator		The academic staff member who is responsible for academic administration matters relating to the unit and the students enrolled in that unit.
Unit Information		Provides approved information in summary form to a prospective student about what the student would expect to learn from studying in the unit. The outline provides information about the formal status of the unit in the curriculum, including credit points, unit level, prerequisites for study, and mode of study. Unit outlines provide information about the approved assessment requirements for the unit.
Unit Level	Level	The level applied to a unit is an indication of the level of learning required and generally corresponds to the year of study. For example, units at Level 1 are equivalent to 1st year learning expectations and requirements. Each course has specific requirements about how many units must be taken at each level.
Unit Outline		A unit outline is a booklet given to students at the beginning of each session, for each unit they're enrolled in. The unit outline generally includes the week-to-week structure of the unit, scheduled readings and topics, assessment information, attendance requirements, required texts and information about referencing and plagiarism.
Unit Search		You can search for specific units of study using the online Handbook.
UniTrack	Non-Award - UniTrack	A program for applicants who missed out on gaining a university place allowing study in single introductory units. Successful completion provides applicants with an academic ranking that can be assessed as part of their UAC application.
University Admission Centre		For most undergraduate and postgraduate courses, application for admission to Western Sydney University must be submitted through UAC. If a course requires direct application to the University, this will be advertised on the University website.
UOC		Unit of Competency.
USI	ATAR	Unique Student Identifier. A10-digit, government issued student number, required for all students in nationally recognised VE/TAFE training from 1 January 2015.
UWS	WSU	University of Western Sydney. Now known as Western Sydney University.
VEVO		Visa Entitlement Verification Online.
Venue Hire		University venues are available for hire to students, staff, and the wider community.
Vice Chancellor	VC	Who is generally the (actual, not merely ceremonial) head of one campus of a large university which has several campuses. The Chief Executive Officer of Western Sydney University.
Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards		The Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Awards were initiated in 2002 to showcase the endeavours and accomplishments of University staff and to most importantly, publicly reward, recognise and encourage their excellent performance and achievements.
VISA		Visitors International Stay Admission.
Vocational Education	VE, VET, Vocational Education and Training	Vocational education is education that prepares people to work as a technician or in various jobs such as a tradesman or an artisan.
Volume of Learning	VOL	The notional duration of all activities required for the achievement of the learning outcomes specified for a program, expressed in units of credit.
VoS		Voice of Student. This is a Student Survey. This can be anonymously completed.
VET Student Loan	VSL	A VET Student Loan (VSL) helps students to cover tuition fees for vocational education and training (VET) courses. This is not used for Undergraduate or Post Graduate Course Levels.
Vuws	Online Learning System	Virtual Western Sydney University (WSU). The online learning environment (pronounced 'views').
WebCT	E-Learning, Online study	On-line resource that supplements face-to-face teaching in many units.
Weighted Average Mark		It is calculated by multiplying the mark obtained for each relevant result by the units of credit of the particular course, adding up the products and dividing by the total number of units of credit for the relevant courses. Only results that produce a mark are considered to be relevant, apart from DF prior to Session 1, 2002 and AF from Session 1, 2003, which are equivalent to a mark of zero. A 'Term WAM' is calculated for relevant results in a term or semester, and a separate cumulative WAM is calculated for relevant results over the student's entire program.
Western Account		A Western Account gives students access to University online services and systems such as student email and My Student Records (MySR).
Western Sydney University Online		Western Sydney University Online is a range of fully online degrees offered by the University.
Western Union		This is the Bank who we recommend to pay International fees through.
Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty	WWAP, Fee Remission	This is an application to remove the academic penalty and potentially the financial penalty applied to a unit which has been enrolled past the CENSUS Date.
Whitlam Institute		The Whitlam Institute operates with the University of Western Sydney. It is a dynamic public policy institute that commemorates the life and work of one of Australia's most respected Prime Ministers, The Hon. Gough Whitlam AC QC, and bridges the historical legacy of Mr Whitlam's years in public life and the contemporary relevance of the Institute's work to public discourse and policy.
Withdrawal		Formally withdrawing enrolment in a unit. There are different procedures and penalties for withdrawing before and after census date. For more information, see the adding, dropping and changing units webpage.
Work Health and Safety	WHS	Work Health and Safety (WHS) is the policies, procedures and activities that protect the safety, health and welfare of all people in the workplace. All students and staff should be conscious of WHS issues. The relevant Office is referred to as the Work Health and Safety Unit.
Work Integrated Learning		Embedded in a course and has an assigned unit of credit value; and/or A program requirement for those professions that require a minimum level of work experience to receive accreditation.
Working Day		Where University documents refer to timelines specified in 'working days', these are taken to mean weekdays - Monday to Friday within normal business hours and excludes public holidays.
WSU	UWS	Western Sydney University.
WSU Online		Western Sydney University Online – This is a third part company that run courses only online.
WWCC		Working with Children Check.
Zoom	Zoom Link, Zoom Session, Webinar	An online study facilitation site which hosts online classes.
Term	Alternative Terms	Description