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ONLINE RESOURCES
GRADUATIONS
GRAD
POLICY
PROGRAMS
ASSIGNMENTS
UNIT 302
MANAGING YOUR STUDY
STUDY GUIDE VERSIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ONLINE RESOURCES

What is my log in a password for e-communities and other APESMA online resources?

Your login is your student ID number and your password is your surname.

GRADUATIONS

When are graduations held?

Graduation ceremonies are held once a year in October. Generally ceremonies are only held in capital cities and only if there are sufficient numbers to hold an event. Regardless of when students finish their programs all are welcome to register for a ceremony.

What if I can't attend a ceremony or do not wish to wait until October to receive my certificate?

Students can obtain their certificates 'in absentia' which means that we will post your certificate to you. This occurs in May and October each year when all awards are conferred. Students who complete their requirements for a program in Study Period 1 can obtain their certificates in October and students who complete their programs in Study Period 2 or 3 can obtain their certificates in May.

Do I need to apply to graduate?

Yes, all students must apply to graduate if they believe they have met the requirements of an award. The application form is available to download from the Graduations section of this website.

GRAD

What is GRAD and where is it located?

GRAD is a monthly student newsletter published four times in both Study Periods 1 and 2 and once in Study Period 3. Each edition has articles from different unit chairs that may assist you in your studies. The current edition is located on the Student Community home page of this website or within the document archive section of e-communities which also houses past editions of GRAD.

POLICY

What is the maximum time period I have to complete a program?
Can I apply for an extension?

The maximum time for completion of awards from the date of first enrolment is:

• Graduate Certificate - 3 years
• Graduate Diploma - 6 years
• MBA - 10 years
• Master of Technology in Project Mgt - 7 years

Students are able to apply for an extension of time. All applications must be made in writing explaining why you believe you should receive an extension and when you plan to finish to program. Applications should be addressed to the General Manager, Chifley Business School.

What is the maximum number of units permitted per study period?

In Study Periods 1 and 2 the maximum number of units a student can enrol in is four units; this is considered a full-time study load. For Study Period 3 the maximum number of units is two.

What is the maximum number of attempts permitted for one unit?

As outlined in the Academic Regulations, the maximum number of attempts allowed for any one unit is two. If a student fails a unit twice, they will be asked to show proof of extenuating circumstances in order to continue study in the program.

Are Academic Regulations available to students?

All students in the Chifley Business School suite of programs are bound by the program's Academic Regulations. Students are able to access the Academic Regulations from the downloadable forms section of this website. These regulations outline how the programs are operated and the rules and policies governing students enrolled in the program.

Are students governed by a code of conduct?

The conduct of students in all matters concerned with the programs shall be in accordance with the following codes of conduct:

• All work submitted by a student for assessment shall be the sole work of the student unless specific approval is given for the submission of work by a group of students.
• Students will fully acknowledge all sources of information used, and assistance received, in the preparation of submissions.
• Students shall at all times provide correct information to the Association, including any application for credit.
• Students shall comply with the procedures for the conduct of examinations as prescribed from time-to-time.
• Students shall behave in a manner normally expected of responsible professional people and shall not engage in unconscionable conduct.
• Students shall only use media provided by the program, including email and other Internet services, for the purposes of the program. Students shall not use the media to promulgate incorrect information. Students shall take particular care not to make defamatory statements about any persons or organisations that could result in legal action being taken against them or against the Association and La Trobe. Students shall adhere to the current protocols issued to students by the Association in relation to email and Internet usage.

Any student committing a breach of the requirements of the Conduct of Students may be excluded from the Program. A candidate may request a review of the decision to exclude by directing documentation to the Executive Director, Chifley Business School.

On receipt of a written result of the review, the student shall have the right to appeal to the Appeals Committee within 15 working days from the date of the letter of review.

What is the required number of study hours per week?

Each unit requires an average of eight hours self-study per week. Study Periods 1 and 2 run for a period of twenty weeks and Study Period 3 for ten weeks. For the purpose of determining how much time off work to allow for people undertaking the program, our educational consultants advise that the eight hours of self study can be considered equivalent to four hours of lectures plus four hours of self study.

What if I wish to discontinue study in the program?

If you do not wish to continue your studies with APESMA, you must complete the Withdrawal Application Form and forward it to the Client Care Centre. Click here to download the Withdrawal Application Form.

PROGRAMS

How do I know which program I am enrolled in and which units are required to complete the program?

Information on which program you are enrolled in is available when you re-enrol online or outlined on your receipt. Chifley Business School offers an MBA (Technology Management) and a standard MBA, in addition to the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma awards. While many of the units available to receive each award are similar there are some differences to the required (core) units and the elective units. To view which units are available for your award click on the Program Structure link above and follow the links to your award.

ASSIGNMENTS

Can I apply for an assignment extension?

Students can contact Chifley Business School not more than two weeks prior to the due date, to request an assignment extension. Students will be advised of the outcome within 24 (business) hours of their request. If supporting documentation is not submitted with the assignment final approval will not be granted – see below.
Assignments submitted after the due date but prior to the three-week cut-off period (2 weeks for Study Period 3), must have a written reason, with supporting documentation, as to why the assignment was submitted late. It is also important that the number of days cited in the supporting evidence corresponds to the number of days that the assignment is late. If your application to submit a late assignment is not approved, your assignment marks will be held until after the final examination and will only be taken into consideration where a candidate's final exam mark is a marginal fail. Extenuating circumstances such as illness or personal crisis will be considered; being busy at work is not, by itself, sufficient reason to be late in submitting your assignment. Please do not request an assignment extension from the Unit Chair as they have no authority to grant these and will refer you to a Client Care staff.

UNIT 302

What is Unit 302 (Employer Based Unit) and how can I pass this Unit?

Unit 302, Employer Based Unit enables participants to take advantage of formal management programs offered by their own organisation or by outside providers. The unit may consist of a single program or a combination of programs requiring a total commitment of about 160 hours. Residential programs and programs which develop interpersonal skills are preferred. Participants must seek approval from APESMA of a program of study prior to enrolling in this unit to obtain a pass. Please note the only grade available for this unit is PX, Complimentary Pass and is also considered a unit of credit towards your program.

MANAGING YOUR STUDY

Can I get access to study tips?

A document entitled "Managing Your Study" provides study tips and techniques, particularly for those who are returning to study after a period of time. This document is available on the Student Community section of this website.

STUDY GUIDE VERSIONS

How do I know if my Study Guide is the most up to date version if I have deferred?

Chifley Business School and La Trobe University make every effort to ensure that the study guide has as long a life as possible, however it is most important to maintain accuracy, relevance and currency of study material. If a study guide is revised we will forward a new one to you if you are re-enrolling in a unit you have previously deferred, failed or did not sit the examination, after you have re-enrolled. If a unit has not been revised you will only be sent a new assignment, sample examination and other important information that will allow you to complete your study. You will be able to use your previous study guide to complete the unit if a new one is not forwarded.