A standard of proof established by a preponderance of evidence that suggests that something was more likely to have occurred than not occurred.

A quality process used to evaluate performance by comparing institutional practices to identified good practices across the sector. Benchmarking can be undertaken collaboratively with another department or institution, as a desktop exercise using publicly available information about another organisation or against external standards.

Document (or object) that from the outset has been created in a digital form.

Refers to repeated and unreasonable behaviour, whether intentional or unintentional, directed towards an individual or a group that creates a risk to health and safety. Bullying can occur in various forms, including physical, verbal, social, or online (cyberbullying). It is not limited to abuse of power by supervisors; staff or students can bully peers or supervisors, and bullying can occur between members of an ostensibly equal group.

Examples of bullying behaviours include (but are not limited to):

• abusive, insulting, or offensive language or comments;
• unjustified criticism or complaints;
• deliberately excluding someone from work or study-related activities;
• withholding information vital for effective performance;
• setting unreasonable timelines or constantly changing deadlines;
• assigning tasks that are unreasonably below or beyond a person’s skill level;
• denying access to information, supervision, consultation, or resources;
• spreading misinformation or malicious rumours;
• changing work or study arrangements to deliberately inconvenience a person.

Bullying does not include reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable manner.

Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, and excluding any notified University closure, such as the closure typically announced between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

Means a person who sees and recognises unacceptable behaviour or a potentially harmful situation

Indicates that we refer to our smaller sites as ‘study nodes’ - see “Study Node” definition below which also needs updating.  The “Campus” definition also says, “See also third-party managed campus”.

The effective enrolment date and charges liability date for the course. A student cannot enrol or withdraw from units after census dates without significant academic and/or financial penalties.

An examination that is timetabled within a centrally scheduled examination period or Supplementary/Deferred Examination Periods.

Includes Staff, Student or Affiliates who, based on their relationship with the University, need access granted to University ICT resources.

Student places which are available to non-international students, that is, Australian citizens and permanent residents, New Zealand citizens and Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders and which are funded partly on the basis of funding from the Commonwealth Government to the University and partly through the fee the student is charged, which is called the Student Contribution.

Student who is an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or a holder of an Australian Permanent Resident visa who has been offered a Commonwealth supported place and who has sufficient student learning entitlement.

For the purposes of this policy and its related policies, freely and voluntarily consenting to a sexual act. A person cannot give their consent when they are:
•    under the age of 16 years;
•    asleep or unconscious;
•    intoxicated or affected by drugs;
•    intimidated, coerced or threatened;
•    unclear about the identity of the person performing the act; and
•    deceived or mistaken about the nature of the activity.

Refers to a legally binding agreement that imposes enforceable obligations, typically involving an exchange of goods, services, or intellectual property.

A type of student academic misconduct when a student engages another party, whether paid or unpaid, to produce an assessment piece on their behalf. It could involve a student purchasing an assessment item online or using unauthorised or undeclared use of artificial intelligence technologies, engaging an online company to write a custom assessment piece, or asking a friend or family member to produce their assessment piece.

Contractor means any person, either independent or working for a business who undertake work or deliver services to UniSC under contract, or any person working as a subcontractor for either an individual or business in contractual agreement with UniSC.

A term used in the General Data Protection Regulation, which means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.

A course that enables students to gain skills and knowledge for successful tertiary study and lifelong learning, and provides a foundation for the graduate attributes.

A course that must be studied before, or at the same time as, another specified course.

Is defined as per section 15 of the Crime and Corruption Act 2001(Qld).

The most senior officer or member of staff responsible for the management of a faculty or a management or support service or administrative area or sub-section of which that is specifically identified for allocation of funding within the University's budget framework.

The Council of the University of the Sunshine Coast constituted under the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 (Qld).

A discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single teaching session, in which the student enrols, and on completion of which the student is awarded a grade.

The academic staff member who is responsible for the course.

The document that represents the statement of course requirements that are authoritative for both the University and the students undertaking the course. It is prepared in accordance with the requirements specified in the Program Accreditation and Course Approval Procedures and includes: graduate attributes, learning outcomes, details of assessment tasks, details of the minimum essential requirements necessary to pass the course, and any required attendance and/or participation.

A method of teaching and learning that leads to the acquisition of skills and knowledge that does not include a major research component. (AQF definition 2013) 

The value assigned for the recognition of equivalence in content and learning outcomes between different types of learning and/or qualifications. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to achieve a qualification and may be through credit transfer, articulation, recognition of prior learning or advanced standing. (AQF definition 2013) 

A process that provides students with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for components of a qualification based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications. (AQF definition 2013) 

The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS ) is the register prescribed under section 10 of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000. (TEQSA definition 2012)

An enrolment in a course(s) in another institution, which, on successful completion, may be credited to a program at the University.

Refers to the relevant staff within the Centre for Learning and Teaching  (CLT) who are responsible for supporting and facilitating the program accreditation and course approval process.

Data refers to raw, unprocessed facts and figures that have not been organised or analysed to reveal any specific meaning. It encompasses a broad array of formats and types, including numerical figures, textual characters, symbols, images, graphics, audio etc which can be generated or captured from a multitude of activities and processes.

While it can exist in a raw or unstructured format, data serves as the foundational element from which information and records are derived. It is the most granular level of detail in the data hierarchy, capable of being transformed into meaningful insights or preserved as part of an organisational record, therefore the term data can also be used to describe information and records.

An individual unit of data that holds value that may include files, databases, documents, websites, physical records, learning materials, web pages, videos, audio recordings, and assessment materials.

An individual or role responsible for managing and safeguarding specific data assets within a data domain or subdomain.

Is the same meaning as given in section 23(2) of Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).

A high-level category that organises related data by common purpose, function, or concept, such as student data, research data, or financial data.

A focused category within a data domain that organises related data assets with shared characteristics or purposes.

A knowledgeable individual with specialised expertise in a particular area of data.

Is the same meaning as given in section 23(3) of Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).

 An individual or entity that accesses or consumes data for various purposes.

A person’s permission or agreement to collect, use, share and/or transfer their personal data. The person has the capacity to consent and this is:
• voluntary
• informed
• specific; and
• current.
Express consent is when consent is given openly and obviously, either verbally or in writing. For example, when you sign your name (by hand, or by an electronic or voice signature).

Is the responsible management of an organisation's data through defined policies, roles and standards. It aims to guarantee data quality, literacy, accountability, visibility, accessibility, protection, organisational and legislative compliance, and ethical responsibility.

Stages that data and information transitions from its initial capture through to its archive or disposal.

The process of relocating data between systems, formats, servers, databases and repositories.

A term used in the General Data Protection Regulation, which means the identified or identifiable living individual to whom personal data relates.

The central location of data, which is integrate across organisational systems, databases and repositories.

Refers to a formal legal instrument that is enforceable without requiring consideration (i.e. something of value exchanged), provided it is properly executed, typically under seal.

Means a member of staff, a member of University Council or a Member of a Committee of Council to whom a Delegation has been made and who has been granted authority to represent, or act for, the University. (Note: Delegates are to understand their responsibilities and scope of authority before exercising delegations, and exercise their delegations in accordance with relevant legislation and University policy documents, including this policy.)

Is a grant that confers the legal capacity for a person to exercise a statutory based power of function. Delegations must be exercised in accordance with the requirements set out in s27A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 (Qld).

Has the authority to assign an authority, power or function of their position to another individual.

A course that is coded at 200 and is normally associated with the second or third full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

A defined branch of study or learning. Refer to also field of study, work and/or learning. (AQF definition 2013)

Is when a student seeks advice and/or support from a member of the University’s community about their experience of sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, harassment or assault.

Discrimination means discrimination that is unlawful under any anti-discrimination law in force where the conduct occurs. Under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), discrimination occurs when a person with a protected attribute is treated less favourably than another person, or when unreasonable terms or conditions disadvantage people with a particular attribute. Discrimination may be direct or indirect.

Protected attributes include those listed in the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), such as sex, relationship status, pregnancy, parental status, breastfeeding, age, race, impairment, religious or political belief or activity, trade union activity, sex work activity, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, family responsibilities, association with a person identified on the basis of these attributes, and other attributes recognised under law.

For the avoidance of doubt, discrimination includes antisemitism, UniSC adopts the definition of antisemitism defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which is: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

• anything on which there is writing, or

• anything on which there are marks, figures, symbols or perforations having a meaning for the person qualified to interpret them, or

• anything from which sounds, images or writings can be reproduced with or without the aid of anything else, or

• a map, plan, drawing or photograph.

Student places which are available to non-international students, that is, Australian citizens and permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, in which the student pays a tuition fee.

According to the eSafety Commissioner this means the intentional online exposure of an individual’s identity, private information or personal details without their consent. Sharing the information publicly undermines the target’s privacy, security, safety and/or reputation. Often those responsible for doxing urge others to use the information to harass the person targeted. Unlike defamation, doxing does not have to reveal something untrue or damaging about an individual — the information is usually accurate, whether or not it has been sourced lawfully.

Means the process of investigation whereby the University assesses the suitability of a Third Party prior to entering into a program delivery agreement.

•    includes the duty that no member of staff and no student suffers unfair disadvantage or discrimination on any basis recognised at law including race, sex, gender, sexuality, religion and political belief;

•    includes the duty that no member of staff and no student is subject to threatening or intimidating behaviour by another person or persons on account of anything they have said or proposed to say in exercising their freedom of speech;

•    supports reasonable and proportionate measures to prevent any person from using lawful speech which a reasonable person would regard, in the circumstances, as likely to humiliate or intimidate other persons and which is intended to have either or both of those effects;

•    does not extend to a duty to protect any person from feeling offended or shocked or insulted by the lawful speech of another.

Task that provides students with feedback on their progress early in the teaching session. It is usually linked to later assessment tasks and has no or low (equal to or less than 30 percent) weighting in terms of the summative assessment.

UniSC’s Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system is T1ECM or TechnologyOne ECM. It is a content management system endorsed for the storage of staff, student, legal, contractual, and administrative records at UniSC.

One Equivalent Full-Time Student Load is a measure of the study load, for a year, of the student undertaking a course of study on a full time basis. (TEQSA definition 2012)

Involves electronically designed use of any digital technology or resources to deliver and support specific teaching and learning aims and outcomes. Also referred to as ‘online learning’. (TEQSA definition 2012)

An automated software application designed to facilitate the creation, management, use, storage and disposal of a range of both physical and digital documents and records. Essentially it manages unstructured records and information. An EDRMS may also automate business processes such as workflows and approvals and be integrated with other business systems.

Interference, misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure of personal information in control or the possession of the University, of which the access or disclosure is likely to result in serious harm to individual/s of that personal information.

Enduring value

The ongoing usefulness or significance of records, based on the evidential, administrative, financial, legal, informational and historical values that justify the permanent retention of records as State archives.

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

The booklet provided by the University in which the student records answers to the examination question paper.

The paper prepared by the Course Coordinator or examiner consisting of a set of questions or exercises to be completed in a supervised environment to evaluate knowledge or skill in a particular course.

In the case of a central examination this is the Chief Invigilator and for a Faculty examination the Course Coordinator.

Exclusion from the University, usually for unsatisfactory academic progress, is a cancellation of enrolment for a specified period, after which the student must reapply for admission if they are seeking re-enrolment.

Means cancellation of enrolment and prohibition from enrolling in any courses or programs at the University, and may involve the removal of access to the University’s premises and facilities for a period of time or on a permanent basis. An application for re-enrolment following expulsion may only be approved by the University’s Council.

An examiner for higher research degrees who is not connected to the university or student’s research. (AQF definition 2013)

Means a third‑party provider engaged by the University to offer and/or administer salary packaging services for eligible staff.

Is any person who is not an invited visiting speaker and for whom permission is sought to speak on the University’s land or facilities, including virtual spaces using the University’s ICT resources.

The total of the results for all summative assessment items, normally expressed as a percent.

The learning that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification. Refer to also Informal and Non-formal learning. (AQF definition 2013)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an international privacy law that came into effect from 2018 and requires organisations to safeguard personal data and uphold the privacy rights of persons in the European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom (UK). The regulation includes principles of data protection to be upheld and privacy rights that must be facilitated.

Refers to any act of violence, abuse, or harm, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, cultural, spiritual, or technology-facilitated abuse, that is underpinned by gender-based power inequalities, social norms, or discrimination and that causes, or is likely to cause, harm, fear, coercion, control, or loss of liberty.

Is any action or behaviour which is contrary to expected student conduct outlined in Section 5.1 of the Student Conduct – Governing Policy.

The processes by which the University is directed, controlled and held to account. It encompasses authority, accountability, stewardship, leadership, direction and control exercised in the organisation. (Standards Australia AS80002-2003)

A representation of the overall level of attainment achieved by the student in a course as recorded on the student’s official statement of academic record.

Grade Point Average: refer to Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Academic Policy

A course that is coded at 300 or 400 and is normally associated with the third or fourth full-time year of an undergraduate program.

Harassment refers to any unwelcome, unsolicited, or unreciprocated behaviour that is likely to offend, humiliate, or intimidate. It is usually (but not always) repeated and can be based on any attribute listed under the definition of discrimination. Harassment may include sexual, disability, racial, sexuality, or gender-based harassment.

Examples include (but are not limited to):
•    telling insulting jokes about particular racial groups;
•    sending explicit or sexually suggestive emails or text messages;
•    displaying racially offensive or pornographic posters or screen savers;
•    making derogatory comments or taunts about someone’s race;
•    asking intrusive questions about someone’s personal life, including their sex life.

Are those rights defined in the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) and recognised in international covenants, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

Examples of rights relevant to the University context include, but are not limited to:
•    freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief;
•    freedom of expression;
•    peaceful assembly and freedom of association;
•    cultural rights, including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
•    the right to a fair hearing;
•    the right to protection of privacy and reputation; and
•    the right to recognition and equality before the law, which entitles every person to be effectively protected against discrimination.

Includes a range of information and communication technology hardware, software and services that may be owned, contracted, licensed, managed or otherwise facilitated by the University for use by the University and its authorised clients.

Is use of social media in a way that may associate the user with  the University and/or may have an impact on the University or on members of the University community.

Refers to restrictions or burdens or conditions on a freedom include restrictions or burdens or conditions imposed by statute law, the common law (including the law of defamation), duties of confidentiality, restrictions deriving from intellectual property law and restrictions imposed by contract.

A record not required to meet immediate business needs, but which must be kept (in accordance with retention and disposal authorisation) to support business activities, legal or regulatory requirements.

Learning gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experiences. Unlike formal or non-formal learning, informal learning is not organised or externally structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support. Refer to also formal and non-formal learning. (AQF definition 2013)

Is data that has been organised, or structured, or processed, in a way that it now has meaningful context and can be understood and interpreted by people or systems. It represents data that has been given significance through relational connection, analysis, or interpretation, turning it into a valuable resource.

those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the learning outcomes of a program without compromising the academic integrity of that program.

Is usually removal of access to the University’s premises and facilities during an investigation of a report of general misconduct for the management and good governance of the University. Further information about interim suspensions is outlined in Section 4.5 Student Misconduct - Procedures.

A student who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and does not have Australian Permanent Residency status and who has entered into a current written agreement with the University to undertake a course or program of studies with the University.

Recognises that individuals may experience overlapping and compounding forms of discrimination, disadvantage, or privilege (e.g., based on gender, Indigeneity, race, disability, sexuality, socio-economic status). In practice, this means considering the whole person and understanding that people may be affected by GBV in different ways depending on their identity and circumstances. This ensures responses are culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive to diverse realities.

A course that is coded at 100 and is normally associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

An Examination Supervisor who is physically or virtually present and responsible for overseeing the conduct of the examination.

Invited visiting speaker

Is any person who has been invited by the University to speak on the university’s land or facilities, including virtual spaces using the University ICT resources.

A higher education degree (as described in the Australian Qualifications Framework awarded through an agreement between two or more higher education providers. (TEQSA definition 2012)

A program delivered concurrently by two or more institutions and upon completion of the program the student receives either a single award testamur conferred jointly badged by those institutions or receive award testamurs from each of the participating institutions on which the contribution of the other institution(s) is acknowledged on the testamur by way or inclusion of a logo.

Is the same meaning as given in Schedule 5 Dictionary of Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).

The expression of the set of knowledge, skills and the application of the knowledge and skills a person has acquired and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning. (AQF definition 2013) 

Is widely defined to mean illegal, arbitrary, oppressive or improper administrative action.

A stipulated set of courses that has a total unit value of 96 units (usually eight 12-unit courses) that in scope and sequence provide coherence, depth and breadth of study within a specific discipline, field or professional area within an undergraduate program.

A person responsible to the Course Coordinator for marking and providing a result for assessment tasks.

The process of assigning a numerical score to a task that has been graded to represent a standard of achievement.

The engagement with journalists and media outlets. This engagement can be proactive and reactive in nature. It spans any contact with reporters on topics that relate to UniSC, including media interviews, as well as any news publication via print, online or TV that relates to UniSC.

refers to the relationship between a person’s qualities (knowledge, skills, abilities and experience) and those qualities required for the performance in a particular position.

Distinct attributes that help describe and categorise other data within a database.

A stipulated set of four courses that in scope and sequence provide breadth of study within a specific discipline, field or professional area within an undergraduate program.

Offer

The formal notification from the University or the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre on behalf of the University, offering an applicant a place in a nominated program.

Official Statement of Academic Record

The document that provides an accurate statement of the information about the student's academic and academic related activities at the University. This document satisfies the University's responsibilities to the student and other third parties (including other universities) for adequate and appropriate representation of relevant information about the student's academic and academic related activities.

Official University social media

Organisational unit

A faculty or a management or support service or administrative area or sub-section that is specifically identified for allocation of funding within the University’s budget framework.

Outside work

Is defined in the Enterprise Agreement and refers to a professionally based activity undertaken by staff outside the normal scope of their role at the University but the relevant experience and skills required directly relate to the staff member's position at the University. There needs to be an exchange of service for remuneration or other consideration paid to a staff member for the outside work. Activities can include:
- Private Practice
- Directorships and Partnerships
- Work for another employer
- Consulting engagements with external parties or the University (excluding University Consultancy which is - governed by the University Consultancy Work Policy and University Consultancy Work - Procedures).

Overall Position (OP)

A tertiary entrance score (1 – 25) awarded by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority to eligible students who have completed Year 12 in Queensland.

One of the following grades: Pass (PS), Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU), Credit (CR), Distinction (DN) and High Distinction (HD).

Has the meaning given by the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld).

A term used in the General Data Protection Regulation, which means any information relating to a person (a ‘data subject’) who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that person.

A way to inform persons of the University’s practices in handling their personal information, including the type of personal data collected, the purpose of the collection, how the data is used and whether it is shared across international borders or with any third parties.

A statement of principles or position that is intended to direct decision-making and operations.

Includes any document that is part of the Policy Framework and includes policies, procedures, and guidelines.

A course that is coded at 500, 600 or 700 with the first digit of the coding, generally indicating a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master level course, respectively.

Are the letters placed after a person’s name to indicate education qualifications, title of office, decoration or honour

The specified minimum requirements an applicant must satisfy in order to be considered eligible for admission to a particular program. (TEQSA definition 2012)

A course that encompasses specific knowledge the student needs to possess in order to progress to a subsequent nominated course. As such, it must be completed prior undertaking the subsequent course. If a minimum grade other than a Pass is set for a prerequisite course this requirement must be approved by Academic Board.

A tool to identify, assess and address privacy risks to personal information in relation to a business process, technology or infrastructure following privacy by design principles.

see Natural Justice

A term used in the General Data Protection Regulation, which means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

The management of multiple related projects that are mapped to UniSC’s strategic objectives to achieve its vision. This includes prioritising strategic initiatives and ensuring resource and funding capacity and availability.

 A temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. A project can create: a product or enhancement; a service or a capability to perform a service; an improvement in existing product of service lines; or a result such as an outcome or document.

A common, rigorous approach to assessing projects at critical stages in their lifecycle, from the initial assessment of the proposal, through to delivery. At each stage of a project, the project’s progress and quality is assessed to ensure that the project (and associated investment) meets strategic objectives and achieves value for money.

A comprehensive, consistent method of controlling the project and ensuring its success by defining and documenting and communicating reliable, repeatable project practices. It includes a framework for making project decisions, and related roles and responsibilities.

A series of phases that a project passes through from its initiation ideation to its closure, and provides the basic framework for managing the project.

The application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements (focus is on doing projects right).

The University’s portfolio of projects and the process in which they are selected and managed. The project portfolio is strategically selected to advance the University’s organisational goals (focus is on doing the right projects at the right time).

A task that is specifically designed to meet a stated professional competency standard/s in an externally accredited program and which must be successfully completed (for example practicum, professional placement, professional portfolio, skills/practice competencies).

Staff appointed to a position which reflects the operational requirements and core areas of responsibility for administrative, professional, and technical occupational groups. Formerly referred to as Administrative, Professional and Technical (APT) Staff.

A set of coherently scoped, sequenced and structured studies or courses undertaken by the student in order to meet the requirements for award of a qualification, including a program of study with a major research component.

A coherent set of courses that develop a particular academic theme which is formally recognised on the Official Statement of Academic Record and University testamur.

Means a disclosure of information specified in the PID Act made to an appropriate entity and includes all information and help given by the discloser to an appropriate entity. This includes a Public Officer making a public interest disclosure about someone else’s conduct if the officer has information about the conduct and the conduct is corrupt conduct or maladministration or the conduct is negligent or improper management directly or indirectly resulting, or likely to result in a substantial waste of public funds; or anybody may disclose a danger to a person with a disability or to the environment from particular contraventions; or anybody may disclose a reprisal.

This includes a lawyer or notary public, a commissioner for declarations or a justice of the peace (JP), or for prisoners a Corrective Services Officer.

The management and organisational processes in place for checking that the standards and quality of higher education provision by the University meet higher education sector requirements and norms.

The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre is the organisation established in Queensland to coordinate the admission processes of participating institutions for specified programs.

A specific measure put in place to enable equitable access or participation in employment or education.

RecFind is a system endorsed for the storage of legal, contractual, and administrative records at UniSC.

Is information that has been designated for retention by legislative requirement, or because of its value or necessity to the organisation. A record is a document or piece of information that serves as evidence of an organisation's actions, decisions, or transactions, and is maintained to meet legal, regulatory, fiscal, operational, or historical requirements.

The process of eliminating or deleting records, beyond any possible reconstruction. The process includes destroying all copies of the record.

A range of processes associated with implementing records destruction or transfer decisions.

Refers to the persistent nature of the behaviour and can involve a range of behaviours over time.

Is when a student asks the University to use its policies and procedures to resolve a matter pertaining to their experience of sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, harassment or assault.

Means a person who makes a report of sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, harassment or assault using the University’s policies.

A course that is mandatory for all students to complete to be eligible for graduation from a program.

Systematic experimental and theoretical work, application and/or development that results in an increase in the dimensions of knowledge. (AQF definition 2013)

A Commonwealth Government scheme which provides block grants, on a calendar year basis, to higher education providers to support both domestic and overseas students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees, known as higher degrees by research (HDRs). Students can be offered RTP Scholarships for stipend or living allowance, tuition fees offset and allowances relating to the ancillary costs of research degrees. (Department of Education and Training 2016)

Means a person against whom a report of sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, harassment or assault is made under the University’s policies.

The numeric mark the student receives on an individual assessment task.

Means staff personal contributions to superannuation that are treated as employer contributions for taxation purposes.

Means an arrangement approved by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) where an employee agrees to receive part of their remuneration as non‑cash benefits.

A student is progressing through their study such that: they have maintained a Cumulative GPA above 3.0; they have not failed the same course three or more times; and they have not failed or received a withdrawn final notation for the same workplace integrated learning (WIL) placement course two or more times.

A designated academic unit, usually based on discipline groupings, including the Thompson Institute.

Refers to any examination or test administered by a School.

A score (0 – 99) allocated through an admission schedule to represent particular qualifications, education or other experience of an applicant and used to determine the applicant’s eligibility for an admission offer and to rank applicants for competitive selection.

Named teaching periods within Study Period 1 and 2, consisting of a variable number of weeks of teaching.

A subset of personal information with a higher-level risk of harm to individuals.

Authentic community-based learning experiences which can result in both meaningful community service and student achievement of course learning outcomes.

Sexual harassment

Is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to a person, in circumstances where a reasonable person would anticipate the possibility that the person would be offended, humiliated, or intimidated. It may involve a single incident or repeated behaviour and can range from subtle actions to explicit demands for sexual activity or assault.

Examples include (but are not limited to):
•    unwelcome physical touching;
•    sexual or suggestive comments, jokes, or innuendo;
•    unwelcome requests for sex;
•    intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body;
•    display of sexually explicit material (posters, pictures, screen savers);
•    unwanted invitations to dates;
staring or leering;
•    sex-based insults or taunts;
•    sexually offensive communications, including calls, letters, emails, or digital messages.

Sexual harassment is unlawful under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) and may constitute serious misconduct under University policy. It is also unlawful to create or permit a workplace environment that is hostile on the basis of sex under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).

A broad term that encompasses interactive online communication channels that enable users to create and share content, opinions, experiences, and knowledge. These can be written comments, video, photographs, or audio files. Social media channels can include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok and Snapchat.

SPAM

Is defined in the SPAM Act 2003 as unsolicited commercial electronic messages.

Extends to all forms of expressive conduct including oral speech and written, artistic, musical and performing works and activity and communication using social media; the word ‘speak’ has a corresponding meaning.

Means both academic and general members of staff of the University.

Means any building, boarding, framework, tent, shelter, sign, foundation, groundwork, or other construction.

A person enrolled in a formal program of learning in an educational institution and/or a workplace setting. (AQF definition 2013)

Students are expected to behave in accordance with the expectations outlined in Section 5.1 of the Student Conduct – Governing Policy.

A coherent set of courses that develop a particular academic theme which is formally recognised on the Official Statement of Academic Record. This includes Majors, Extended Majors, Minors, Specialisations and Dean’s Scholars.

The academic year is organised into two study periods, each spanning half a calendar year. Study Period 1 covers the period 1 January – 30 June; Study Period 2 covers the period 1 July – 31 December.

A University of the Sunshine Coast facility which is not referred to as a 'campus', e.g. Noosa, Caboolture, North Lakes, the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI), etc. See also Campus.

Means where the University Council delegates a statutory authority, function or power to the Vice-Chancellor and Present (VCP) and the VCP then confers the legal capacity to exercise that delegated authority, power or function to an appropriately qualified member of the University’s staff.

In the context of a research project (e.g. a thesis as part of a Higher Degree by Research or Bachelor Honours), a supervisor is the member of Academic staff with responsibility for providing advice, direction and oversight for a research student, i.e. supervision of the student.

Supervisor (Human Resources)

Suspension from the University, usually for misconduct, is a cancellation of enrolment for a specified period, after which the student may seek re-enrolment. Suspension may also involve removal of access to the University’s premises and facilities for a period of time.

The specified duration for the delivery of a course and these are categorised as semester, trimester and session.

The University defines a set of teaching sessions within a Study period. A teaching session is the period within which courses are delivered.

The week in the 13 week (semester) teaching session; an equivalent time should be equated for teaching sessions of different lengths.

Abuse includes behaviours such as using digital platforms, email, or other electronic means to harass, intimidate, monitor, threaten, or control another person.

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, the body established by section 132 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011. (TEQSA definition 2012)

An official certification document that confirms that a qualification has been awarded to an individual. (AQF definition 2011; TEQSA definition 2012)

Means a legally established entity separate from the University with which the University has a formal relationship for the purposes of delivering programs and associated support services to students.

Means a formal relationship whereby the University enters into a contractual agreement with a Third Party where there is an arrangement for the Third Party to deliver university programs and support services in whole or in part to students enrolled in the programs.

Is a person who makes a report of sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, harassment or assault in relation to another person.

These are completed documents that comprise information generated in the course of doing business and does not have value to the organisation beyond the immediate business need or have longer term retention requirements specified by the applicable Archive Regulator. These records do not possess archival and enduring value.

Refers to responses that recognise the impact of trauma, prioritise safety and agency, use clear communication, avoid re-traumatisation, and promote empowerment and choice.

UniSC Central

The website provided for students to undertake a range of self service options including enrolment.

UniSC brand

The tangible and intangible elements of the university’s identity. This includes our visual elements such as logos, fonts, colours, illustrative style, photography and videography style, and our non-visual elements such as our tone of voice. These brand elements are captured in the university’s brand guidelines document.

UniSC corporate websites

The University’s official website, which sits on the usc.edu.au domain, subdomains connected to the official domain and all other websites controlled by UniSC.

UNiSC logo

The approved corporate icon and accompanying names.

UniSC merchandise

The clothing, promotional items and publications used to promote the University.

University

University means the University as an entity and includes its decision-making organs and officers, its student representative bodies, undergraduate and post-graduate, and any entities controlled by the university.

University premises

Any buildings or grounds which are under the control and management of the University and which are used for, or in connection with, the purposes of the University.

Unit

A numerical value associated with a course or program.

Unlawful

Means in contravention of a prohibition or restriction or condition imposed by law.

Unreasonable behaviour

Means behaviour that a reasonable person, having considered the circumstances, would see as unreasonable, including behaviour that is victimising, humiliating, intimidating or threatening.

Value-Risk Matrix (VRM)

Refers to a tool used to guide procurement and contracting activities by classifying them according to their value and risk. The VRM determines the proportionate level of planning, governance, approval, and contract management required.

VET

Vocational education and training, which includes government colleges of technical and further education (TAFE) and private registered training organisations (RTOs).

Vexatious report

Is a report made maliciously with the intent to annoy or embarrass the respondent or made with another ulterior purpose. A report found to be vexatious will be dismissed by the University. Making a vexatious report may constitute misconduct under the Student Conduct – Governing Policy.

Vice-Chancellor and President

Means the Vice-Chancellor within the meaning of the Act.

Victimisation

Means threatening or subjecting someone to unfair treatment because they have made, or intend to make, a report of sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, harassment or assault. This also includes those who have supported another person in making a report or acted as a witness in any investigation.

Visitor

Any person who visits the University and is not classified as a worker of the University. Visitors to the University may include, but are not limited to: students, family and friends of staff and students, users of University facilities, attendees at conferences and functions, tenants.

Worker

As per the meaning given in section 7 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), a worker includes employees, contractors, subcontractors, students gaining work experience, and volunteers in the workplace.

Work integrated learning

Educational activities that integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace, profession, career or future employment.

Wrongdoing

Is conduct or other matter as defined in section 12(1) and section 13(1) of the PID Act, which is summarised in sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this policy.