Welcome to the Whitehouse Student Portal
Resources, Forms & Information for Current Students:
This section contains resources (forms; guides; handbooks) that support Whitehouse Policies and Procedures and that students can use when needed. The material is organised and grouped into three areas: (i) generic forms that apply to all students and courses; (ii) forms specific to Higher Education students / courses, and (iii) forms specific to Vocational Education and Training students / courses.
Generic - All Students/Courses
Application for Academic Credit/RPL
Application for Assessment Extension
Notice to Re-submit Assessment
Application for Special Consideration - Assessment
Request to Appeal Assessment Result
Application for Student Fee Refund
Consent to Disclose Information/Student File Access Authorisation
Critical Incident Reporting Form
Request for Academic Transcript or Re-issue Testamur Qualification Testamur
Higher Education
Student Handbook - Bachelor of Design
Application for Direct Entry - Bachelor of Design
Application for Refund or Re-Credit FEE-HELP
Application for Class Absence - planned event
Application for Class Absence - unexpected event
Request to Release Course Withdrawal/Transfer of International Student
Notification to Cancel Enrolment or Defer Subjects - Higher Education
Vocational Education & Training (VET)
Student Handbook – VET for Schools
Application - Absenteeism from Class(es)
Notification to Cancel Enrolment - VET for Schools Program
The Whitehouse Institute of Design has two specialist design libraries. The John Henry library in Sydney and the Melbourne Campus library. Together, both libraries feature a growing physical and digital collection of items to support the scholarly and research needs of our students and staff.
The Library website provides full information about the library and allows users to:
- Search books and other resources on the library catalogue
- Access their library accounts to check for current loans, make renewals, loans history and overdue fines
- Browse a wide range of online resources including the EBSCO Art & Architecture Research Database.
Bachelor of Design - Domestic Students
Academic Dates and Fee Schedule 2019-2020
The Tuition Fee schedules apply for 2018/2019 only and are subject to annual review and alteration. All fees are in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST where GST is applicable. The Fee documents attached are for tuition only and do not include course material costs. For further information on course material cost estimates please call us on 1300 551 433 and ask to speak with the Admissions Team.
Tuition Fee Payment Options
You can choose to pay your tuition fees in the following ways:
- FEE-HELP Assistance
- Pay Fees Upfront
- Upfront Payment for Single Unit/s + FEE-HELP
Tuition fees for each study period are to be paid in advance before the commencement of each study period. You can either elect to pay upfront, in full or a portion upfront, with the balance deferred to FEE-HELP.
If you elect to pay your tuition fees up front, this does not prevent you from accessing FEE-HELP at any time, provided an electronic Commonwealth Assistance form (eCAF) to defer tuition to FEE-HELP assistance lodged before the relevant Census Date for the study period.
FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that helps eligible Australian fee-paying students (full-time or part-time) pay their tuition fees.
FEE-HELP can cover all or part of your tuition fees. The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan direct to Whitehouse. You’ll make repayments on your loan through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whenever your income is above the threshold, or you can make voluntary repayment to ATO at any time.
No interest is charged on your FEE-HELP loan, however, the Commonwealth Government applies a one off loan fee and it is indexed each year with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in line with the cost of living.
The Government’s Study Assist website provides more information about FEE-HELP, eligibility and your rights & obligations.
Eligibility
To be eligible for FEE-HELP you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa whilst remaining a resident in Australia, or a permanent visa holder who is undertaking study for overseas-trained professional and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of studies.
When is a FEE-HELP debt incurred?
You incur a FEE-HELP debt immediately after the census date for the study period for which you received FEE-HELP assistance. If you have requested a FEE-HELP loan, but change your mind about studying, you must cancel or defer your enrolment in writing from the subject(s) on or before the census date or you will incur a debt to the Commonwealth Government.
*This information is current as of 18 October 2017. Any changes to government legislation will be updated when available. For more information about FEE-HELP, your rights & obligations, please visit the Commonwealth Government website: http://studyassist.gov.au/FEE-HELP
Cancellation and Refund Policy
By accepting a place in any one of the Whitehouse Institute’s courses, the student enters into an agreement to study a course for the expected published duration of the enrolled program of study – their enrolment then is bound by the terms and conditions of the Cancellation and Refund Policy. Download a copy of the Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Financial Support
Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia is registered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and as such Youth Allowance or Austudy or other financial support options are available for eligible Australian citizens attending Whitehouse. Further information www.centrelink.gov.au.
Tuition Assurance
Whitehouse meets the tuition assurance requirements under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) by:
(i) supporting students to enrol in a replacement course with another provider, if they choose this option and a suitable course / provider is available, OR
(ii) will re-credit the balance of their tuition fees via a financial Deed of Guarantee.
Click here to read the Tuition Assurance Statement in full.
Bachelor of Design - International Students
Academic Dates and Fee Schedule 2019-2020
The Tuition Fee schedules apply for 2018/2019 only and are subject to annual review and alteration. All fees are in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST where GST is applicable. The Fee documents attached are for tuition only and do not include course material costs. For further information on course material cost estimates please call us on 1300 551 433 and ask to speak with the Admissions Team.
For International Students, payment of the Bachelor of Design tuition fees are to be paid in advance by study period.
- An invoice for the first study period tuition fees + OSHC for the duration of expected visa grant will be issued on the submission of enrolment documentation. This will need to be paid before issue of the CoE and OSHC Certificate
- The subsequent tuition fees for the duration of enrolment will be invoiced at the end of the study period and are due before the commencement of next study period in which you are enrolled.
- Additional tuition fees cannot be accepted to paid in advance other than the current study period.
Tuition Fee Payment Options
Payment of the Bachelor of Design tuition fees are to be paid in advance by study period.
- An invoice for the first study period tuition fees + OSHC for the duration of expected visa grant will be issued on the submission of enrolment documentation. This will need to be paid before issue of the CoE and OSHC Certificate
- The subsequent tuition fees for the duration of enrolment will be invoiced at the end of the study period and are due before the commencement of next study period in which you are enrolled.
- Additional tuition fees cannot be accepted to paid in advance other than the current study period.
International students are not eligible to access Commonwealth support for payment of tuition fees. All tuition fees are payable upfront each study period of enrolment.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
By accepting a place in any one of the Whitehouse Institute’s courses, the student enters into an agreement to study a course for the expected published duration of the enrolled program of study – their enrolment then is bound by the terms and conditions of the Cancellation and Refund Policy. Download a copy of the Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Tuition Assurance
Whitehouse meets the tuition assurance requirements under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) and the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). The TPS is a placement and refund service for international students. Whitehouse will:
(i) support students to enrol in a replacement course with another provider, if they choose this option and a suitable course / provider is available, OR
(ii) re-credit the balance of their tuition fees via a financial Deed of Guarantee.
Click here to read the Tuition Assurance Statement in full.
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) was introduced on 16 September 2019.
What is the SSAF?
The SSAF is for student services and amenities of a non-academic nature, such as recreational activities, student socials, special events, counselling services etc.
Do Course Fees include the SSAF?
Please note the SSAF is independent to normal course fees.
As explained, the SSAF is to pay for non-academic activities and is to support student wellbeing while you are studying.
Who pays the SSAF?
Any person who is enrolled or seeking to enrol with a higher education provider can be charged a student services and amenities fee.
When is the SSAF due?
The SSAF was introduced 16 September 2019 and is payable by the census date.
The SSAF annual fee will take effect from 1 January 2020 and is payable by the census date each study period.
How much is SSAF?
The amount you pay depends on your fee type and study load.
Each year Whitehouse will charge an annual SSAF calculated in accordance with government regulations.
- As at 16 September 2019, the maximum amount charged will be $101.00 for full time students.
- Students who are not full time will pay a pro-rata amount according to their study load.
Who decides what the SSAF is spent on?
The Student Representative Council (SRC) in consultation with the student body and Whitehouse Management, will have an important say in how the fees are allocated and spent, ranging from services such as, student wellbeing, learning support and career advice, or recreational activities outside normal class time.
The SSAF can’t be used for the provision of academic service, to support political parties or the election of a person to a Commonwealth, state, territory parliament or local government body.
What are my payment options?
We understand that students are managing study with life and work demands and that during this time they may be experiencing financial difficulties. For this reason, there are options to pay the SSAF through different methods, as listed below.
- Defer the payment to FEE-HELP:
- There is an option for eligible domestic students to defer the fee to their accumulated HELP debt (or Fee-HELP), also called SA-HELP.
- Through this option, students may defer all of the fee to SA-HELP
- There is no loan or application fee for SA-Help (p.10 SSAF Booklet, refer to the link below)
- The SA-HELP debt will become part of the single amount on the students annual HELP information statement
- International students are not eligible for SA-Help and must pay the fee up-front.
- Should you choose SA-HELP:
- If you are currently utilising FEE-HELP to defer your tuition fees, an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form to defer SSAF will be issued (SA-HELP eCAF).
- Soon you will receive an email from ecafsystem@education.gov.auin your Whitehouse student email Inbox, which will provide your login details.
- Once logged in you will need to add your Tax File Number and submit the form.
- For 2019, the digital form must be submitted by 1 October 2019 and no later than 4pm on 4 October otherwise the eCAF option will be closed and you will be required to pay the SSAF up front.
- Pay the SSAF upfront:
- Students who choose to pay upfront (or do not submit their eCAF on time) will be issued with an invoice to pay the fee before 1 October 2019 and no later than 4pm on 4 October.
- Penalties apply for non-paymeny:
- Any student who is subject to the fee and has not deferred or paid their SSA Fee liability in full by the due date: (i) will be identified as a student debtor; (ii) may be ‘at risk’ of course progression, and / or (iii) may not graduate and receive their Testamur until that fee is paid in full.
For further information refer:
Australian Government, Department of Education and Training
The SSAF 2019 Booklet: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/files/ed18-0137_sa-help_booklet_acc-awf_0.pdf?v=1550537272
Also refer to Study Assist: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/sa-help
The Whitehouse Student Services and Amenities Policy and Procedure is available on the Whitehouse website at:
https://whitehouse-design.edu.au/policies-procedures/
INCIDENTAL FEES
Incidental fees: are governed by the Higher Education Support Act. Students must be able to complete the requirements of their course of study without the imposition of fees that are additional to tuition fees except in the following circumstances:
- for a service that is not essential to the course of study; or
- for alternative forms of access to a service that is an essential component of the course of study, but is otherwise made readily available at no additional charge by Whitehouse; or
- the fee is a fine or penalty, provided it is imposed principally as a disincentive.
Incidental Fees and Charges Schedule |
|
Cancellation Fee O/S – approved notice of withdrawal or deferral received before course commencement = 10% of the study period tuition fee (international students only - penalty) | (max) $1,356.00 |
Refusal of student visa by DIBP – 5% of pre-paid tuition fees or $500.00
(international students only - penalty) |
5% or $500.00 |
Electronic transactions surcharge - Visa and MasterCard (service charge) | 0.87% |
Electronic transactions surcharge EFTPOS (service charge) | $0.45 each |
Late Payment fee (penalty) | $20.00 per day |
Dishonoured payment (penalty) | $50.00 |
Reissue of Testamur/Qualification* (service charge) | $50.00 |
Reissue of Academic Transcript* (service charge) | $30.00 |
Locker Hire – Annual (service charge) | $45.00 |
Locker Key/Lock reissue (penalty) | $25.00 |
Reissue Whitehouse Student ID card (penalty) | $30.00 |
Overdue Library Book fee: $1 per day up to first 7 days, $10 per day thereafter (fine) | $1.00/$10.00 |
Lost Book Fee: minimum $150 or cost of replacement (fine) | $150.00 minimum |
Printing fees - library (service charge) | $0.10 to $2.00 per sheet |
Binding - library (service charge) | $1.45 - $4.50 per set |
Graduation ceremony (service charge) ** | $155.00 - $170.00 |
Private Tuition (BDes only – service charge) *** | $85.00 per hour |
- * Reissue of academic transcripts and or Transcript/Qualification must be made in writing (see Request Issue of Transcript form) with payment/credit card authority and include current mailing and contact details, and in advance.
- **Graduation ceremony – students are not required to attend the ceremony and can be conferred award in absentia without charge.
- ***Students may be required to undertake private tuition due change of design specialisation or missed content though unsupported absences to assist with progression. Private tuition is also available upon request.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
The Whitehouse Institute offers students the opportunity to experience a wide range of different studio practices, each of which will require specific materials and equipment. It is the student’s responsibility to determine what materials and equipment are required for each class prior to the class being held. - this will be listed in the course outline for each subject. Students are to attend each class with the correct equipment.
The cost of materials and supplies will vary depending on the specialisation. Costs will be incurred for specialist art papers, fabrics and accessories. Specialised Studio Workshops require additional materials and supplies and these costs are determined by the student’s choice of items.
The design staff have put together Art and Technical Kits together to ensure that student have the essential supplies to assist them in the execution of high quality work and consistency across specialisations. These supplies are required at the commencement of studies.
An indicative cost of these are:
Fashion + Creative Direction Art Kit: $690.00
Fashion Technical Kit: $550.00
Creative Direction Technical Kit: $415.00
Interiors Art & Technical Kit: $685.00
Download Materials Form
All students are to have an Art Kit as well as a Technical Kit specific to your specialisation at the commencement of studies. Students are under no obligation to purchase Art or Technical materials from Whitehouse. Students can assemble the kits as per the Art & Technical kit listings. Students who enrol in September will only require an Art Kit, the Technical Kit can be ordered prior to February classes.
SURVEYS +
Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
2020 Student Experience Survey (SES)
LAST CHANCE TO MAKE YOURSELF HEARD
The national student experience survey is now in its final days. A big thank you to our students who have completed the survey. If you have not done so already, there is still time.
The survey is waiting for you in your inbox or visit www.ses.edu.au and click “I don’t have login details” to access and complete your survey.
The Student Experience Survey (SES) provides current higher education students with the opportunity to talk about their experience of the institution they are enrolled in. Your involvement is voluntary, and all responses are confidential and no personal information will be linked to your response.
* Go to http://www.srcentre.com.au/qilt/sestcs for prize draw term and conditions
Whitehouse is a learning environment for transformative experiences for our design students, preparing them for life and work, and helping them shape the design industry through their research, creativity and innovation.
To help our students realise their true potential, Whitehouse is committed to promoting student wellbeing and providing a supportive, diverse and inclusive place to learn, research and work. Below are some definitions of mental health from Enhancing Student Wellbeing, 2019:
- ‘Mental health is an umbrella term encompassing a range of mental health states, from diagnosable mental illness and mental health difficulties at one end of the spectrum, to mental wellbeing and a state of flourishing at the other’.
- ‘A person’s state of mental health fluctuates over time in response to many factors including physical health, life events, and environmental conditions that increase protective or risk factors’.
- ‘Mental wellbeing refers to a positive state of psychological and emotional health; it indicates that a person is able to function cognitively and emotionally in a manner that is productive and fulfilling’.
For some students the learning experience may include high levels of psychological distress due to student life and juggling different work scenarios outside of Whitehouse, making it difficult to take advantage of study.
Not all Whitehouse students experience psychological distress or mental health difficulties. Some are positively thriving. This variance reflects differences in individuals’ circumstances, resources and environmental settings. The best possible personal habits will not secure mental wellbeing if a person’s home/work environment does not supply the right conditions for positive mental wellbeing.
Whitehouse encourages students to speak to their teachers in the first instance. We care about students’ wellbeing and will listen to individual concerns in order to help them network with the most relevant support services. To achieve this, Whitehouse has prioritised student mental wellbeing resources listed below:
Phone Help Lines
Lifeline (Crisis Support) - 13 11 14
Beyond Blue (Depression and Anxiety) - 1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service (Help with Suicidal thoughts) - 1300 659 467
Kids Help Line | Age 25 and Under (Any Reason, Any Time) - 1800 551 800
Mens Line (Support for Men) - 1300 789 978
Headspace Mental Health for Youth (Life issues in work and study) - 03 9027 0100
Face-to-Face Help
Blackdog (Clinical resources for Mental Health) - 02 9382 2991
Better Access Program (Access to Clinics for Mental Health)
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Services (Support for people experiencing sexual, domestic and family violence) - 1800 RESPECT