Questions              

VET (Vocational)

ELICOS (English)

1. Why can’t I study face-to-face and what is VLE?

The health and safety of all members of the APC Education Group community are of vital importance. As the COVID-19 situation is constantly changing, we are trying to do our part and protect our students and staff from the risk of being exposed to the virus. We have implemented the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to maintain student academic outcomes in a safe way.

Check out our Student explainer videos on our Youtube Channel to learn more.

 2. Will the virtual learning arrangement affect my visa requirements?

No. So long as you are attending your online classes and maintaining satisfactory course progress, you are complying with your visa requirements.

3. What equipment do I need?

Computer, microphone and a stable internet connection.

4. How can I get help from the Student Care Team?

Your Student Care Team is available via phone, email and Live Chat. Mon - Fri, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

5. When are my scheduled classes?

For the remainder of Term 1, 2020 there will be no further on-campus classes. Course material and assessment information are in Google Classroom (Omnium if you are a Design student). You will still be required to submit your assessments through Google Classroom or Omnium (for design students).

You will be advised of the times of your scheduled classes.

6. How can I meet with Study Progress Officers?

Meetings will be held online via ZOOM video conferencing. 

7. How do I log into VLE?

Your VLE course material will be located in Google Classroom (or Omnium if you are a Design student). From Term 2, 2020 scheduled lectures and tutorials will take place via ZOOM.Recordings of your ZOOM lectures will be saved in Google Classroom (or Omnium).

Your VLE course information will be located in Google Classroom. Classes will be carried out via ZOOM video conferencing. Online resources and class materials will be available in Google Classroom. 

8. I’m having trouble accessing Zoom, who should I contact? 

Please check this ZOOM tutorial. If you still have problems accessing your ZOOM class, please contact Student Care.

9. Will my attendance be monitored?

Yes. You will still be expected to attend all scheduled ZOOM lectures and your attendance at these will be recorded.

10. How do I check my course progress?

You can check your course progress in the Student Portal.

Your teacher will continue to give you feedback on your progress through Google Classroom

11. How do I submit assessments?

Assessments are to be submitted via Google Classroom (or Omnium if you are a Design student).

Your teacher will advise you of any tasks or assessments and how they will be assessed.

12. Can I come to campus in person?

No. All courses will be taught using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for the remainder of T1 2020 and T2 2020. During this period there will be no need to attend the campus in person. We will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and keep you up to date on whether courses will be taught in a VLE after T2 2020. 

No. All courses will be taught using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) until further notice. During this period there will be no need to attend the campus in person. We will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and keep you up to date of any changes to the mode of delivery.

13. Will there be any activities available for students?

Yes. We are working on ensuring that the social aspect of your overseas study experience is met. The events will be held in a VLE. You can find our event calendar here.

14. Can I return home and study offshore, since the classes are delivered in a Virtual Learning Environment?

Yes. You can study from any location when the classes are delivered in a VLE. However, please note that travel during this time may not be safe. Please also keep in mind that, if you are holding a student visa, you need to comply with the requirements of your student visa by maintaining attendance (in our VLE) and having satisfactory course progress.

15. How will I get my timetable?

You can collect your timetable from the Student Portal as usual.
Timetable Collection Guide

You will be informed of the times of your scheduled classes and optional class times.

16. Will Study Progress rules change?

No. To maintain satisfactory course progress, you need to pass at least 50% of your subjects. You will be required to submit your assessments online and they will be marked by the trainer. If you are NYC (not yet competent) but have shown genuine effort, you will be able to resubmit your assessment for free until Week 9. If you have not submitted an assessment or haven't shown a genuine effort, you will have a chance to submit (or re-submit) your assessment during the Holiday Intervention Program.

No. You will still be required to actively participate in your scheduled classes.

17. What if my assessment requires a presentation or an in-class exam?

Special arrangements will be made for those subjects, which require any other activity than submitting your assessments on Google Classroom or Omnium. Your trainer will notify you how the assessment will be conducted in the VLE.

If an in-class presentation is required, your teacher will give you support and guidance on how to prepare this in the VLE.

18. How can I attend the Holiday Intervention Program (HIP)? 

The Holiday Intervention Program will be held in our VLE (online). You will be sent an invitation with instructions if you need to attend HIP. 

HIP does not apply to ELICOS students.

19. I have a problem with my class. Who do I talk to?

Assistant Academic Managers (AAM) look after the quality of teaching/training both on-campus and in the VLE. If you have any concerns or feedback, contact Student Care to book an appointment with an AAM.

20. Do I still need to present a medical certificate if I’m absent from class?

No. During this time you are not required to provide a medical certificate if you are sick. However, please notify the College by email or phone.  

21. Will PLUS and BOOST option classes still be available?

Yes. Our optional classes will still be available to both APC and EU students. You can find our calendar here.

22. Will I continue to study with my classmates?

Yes. You will most likely study with your classmates and may be joined by students from other campuses as well.

23. Will I have a graduation?

No. You will receive a soft copy of your certificate. If you wish to receive a hard copy, please contact Student Care and it will be ready for collection or posted to you as soon as we return to on-site delivery.

No. There will be no physical graduation ceremony. There will be one in your Virtual Learning Environment on your last day. You will receive a soft copy of your certificate. If you wish to receive a hard copy, please contact Student Care and it will be ready for collection or posted to you as soon as we return to on-site delivery.

Question

Answer

1. Are there any confirmed cases of coronavirus at APC or English Unlimited?

There are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any APC or English Unlimited campuses. However, we remind all students, staff and visitors to our campuses to exercise good hygiene habits and follow healthcare advice to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

2. My arrival may be delayed due to travel restrictions. Will my enrolment be affected?

You can commence your studies remotely using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

3. What do I do if I develop symptoms while in Australia?

If you are exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus you should seek medical attention immediately. Do not attend the College and avoid public spaces. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Call your doctor/General Practitioner (GP) to make an appointment and discuss your symptoms over the phone. For more urgent medical attention visit your nearest public hospital emergency department. In an emergency, dial 000.

4. What can I do to protect myself?

The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus is via the normal personal hygiene measures such as regular hand washing, use of hand sanitisers, immediate disposal of used tissues, covering any coughs or sneezes and safe food practices, practicing social distance measures and stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people.

For more information about preventing the spread of the coronavirus, visit the NSW Health coronavirus web page.

5. Will APC or English Unlimited offer any subjects or course content remotely (online)?

Yes. APC and English Unlimited will be delivering courses through a Virtual Learning Environment.  Please see Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - Frequently Asked Questions in the table above.

6. Will I need a new CoE(s) to be issued to suspend/defer my study?

Yes. If you are on a student visa or waiting for your student visa to be granted you will require a new CoE(s) to be issued to suspend/defer your study.

7. Will there be a cost for the new CoE(s) and will my visa be extended on my new CoE end date?

No. The College will not charge a fee for the new CoE(s) for the variations that have occurred due to the COVID-19 travel restriction.

9. Who should I call in an emergency?

If you are in a life threatening emergency, call 'Triple Zero' or 000 for immediate assistance.
To inform the college of emergencies, please see our Emergency Contact List.

To speak to the college about non-emergency matter, please contact student care via LiveChat.

9. Will there be alternative options for me to carry on my study other than suspending/ deferring my studies?

Yes. We are proud to offer our Virtual Learning Environment to all APC and English Unlimited students. We will work with you to find the best alternative options for your study plan.