Guidelines for newbies

_ GUIDELINES FOR

NEWBIES

Student Life’s Get Ready Program

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CONTENTS 03

Message from the President

04

Getting started

05

Student support services

05

RMIT Connect, IT Services & Payment issues

06

Student Academic Success

07

Library, Careers & Employability Service

08

Wellbeing, International Student Support

10

Student life

10

Student Clubs, Student Council

12

Student volunteers & leadership program, Sports & Recreation

14

Living, dining & parking on campus

16

Saigon South campus map

18

Hanoi campus location map

19

Newbies wonder...

22

Academic calendar 2017

24

Feedback & complaints

25

Student rights & responsibilities

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate and current at the date of printing. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to RMIT Vietnam website: www.rmit.edu.vn.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT RMIT Vietnam is an overseas presence of RMIT Melbourne with campuses in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. RMIT Vietnam offers pre-degree, Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Ph.D. programs in a range of disciplines covering Business, IT, Engineering, Design, Professional Communication, Fashion Merchandising and English Language. In addition to our international programs and staff, students, should they wish, have the unique prospect for an overseas experience either in Australia or with one of our many overseas partners in the United States and Europe. Our extensive partnerships and centres across the globe give our students a multitude of opportunities.

We encourage students to work both independently and in teams—to think critically, creatively and to solve real-world problems. Given our significant links with industry, our students gain substantial exposure to the areas in which they will work through guest speakers, hands-on activities, internships, and our career placement service. We are also conscious of the increasing demands of future employers and are actively involved in developing the soft skills of our graduates through co-curricular activities such as our ‘Personal Edge’ program. This approach to success is a major reason our graduates are in such high demand in Vietnam and globally—and why most graduates are in fulltime jobs within three months of graduating.

Professor Gael McDonald President RMIT University Vietnam

Being part of a world-class university means we provide qualifications at internationally-recognised standards, delivered right here in Vietnam. At RMIT Vietnam, students can learn from experts in their field, gain access to new ways of thinking and develop skills at the forefront of industry. They graduate with the knowledge and practical experience needed to begin a career with a local enterprise, multinational corporation or to start their own company.

For today’s students there are more diverse career paths available than ever before because of advancing technologies and rapidly-developing economies. RMIT Vietnam is therefore committed to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to make the most of this ever-changing world.

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GETTING STARTED ORIENTATION Orientation is an exclusive event for new students to engage and prepare for an exciting journey ahead at RMIT Vietnam. This includes a range of activities to familiarise new students with each other, with the university’s staff, facilities, resources as well as student support services to maximise their experience at RMIT. Some program highlights include: - ID card, student diary and textbook delivery - Welcome from RMIT management board - Student support services fair - RMIT access: online and offline resources - Meeting and bonding activities with heads of academic departments, lecturers and senior students GET-READY PROGRAM Get-ready project consists of a series of activities, events and workshops equipping students with essential information, tips and skills for making the most of university life.

The series also provides new students with networking opportunities to connect with and learn from fellow students as well as staff and be an active part of the RMIT community.

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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES At RMIT students can enjoy a wide range of world-class student support services to not just survive, but thrive here. Whatever your need is, whether it be academic issue, physical or mental health, cultural difference or career development, we all have services to offer.

RMIT CONNECT RMIT Connect is the first contact point for information and services to assist students successfully navigate your way through student life at RMIT Vietnam.

It’s a one–stop shop to help you find the information and services if you have any questions about your study or need assistance.

Contact: SGS: Room 2.1.02 - Tel: (08) 3776 1306 Hanoi: Room 1.1.009 - Tel: (04) 3724 5930 Email: rmitvn.connect@rmit.edu.vn

IT SERVICES RMIT provides innovative technology and a range of IT services designed to help students learn, collaborate and get the most from their university experience: - Email and RMIT Account - Google Apps - Wireless Network - IT Helpdesk

Contact: SGS: Room 1.4.18 - Tel: (08) 3776 1313 Hanoi: Room 1.5.011 - Tel: (04) 3726 1460, Ext: 6070 Email: response.centre@rmit.edu.vn

PAYMENT ISSUES Tuition fees can be paid by cash, credit card or direct bank transfer to RMIT Vietnam’s account with ANZ. Cash payments for tuition fee incur an additional cash handling fee

For further information about fee, charge and payment instruction please visit: www.rmit.edu.vn/payment-methods

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STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS Going to university is a new world for many students. It’s exciting but very different from other learning situations like high school.

There are many challenges to face on the road to graduation. It’s so easy to get ‘off track.’

Student Academic Success is a special team of advisors at RMIT Vietnam. Our goal is to help students develop skills, strategies and knowledge about HOW to succeed in their academic course work.

To reach our goal, we offer many services and resources to help students achieve at the highest level and stay ‘on track’ in study.

We also work with lecturers to support the achievement and success of students in their courses.

Our main services for students include: - One-to-one learning and language advising (Learning Advising) - Student-to-student learning support (Program Tutors) - Group Study Sessions (PASS) - Self-Access Learning Resources - Special learning events (e.g. Workshops and webinars) Please visit www.rmit.edu.vn/student-academic-success to learn more about our services.

Contact: SGS: Building 1, library, level 4 Tel: (08) 3776 1300 - Ext: 2069 Hanoi: SAS Learning and Language Studio - Room 1.2.001 Tel: (04) 3726 - Ext: 6061 Email: sas@rmit.edu.vn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ SASVietnam/

LIBRARY RMIT Vietnam Library provides services and resources to support learning, teaching and research of RMIT Vietnam students and staff. The library provides all users access to an extensive collection of more than 70,000 print books, DVDs, along with hundreds of thousands of e-books, e-journals, streaming videos and other scholarly resources. Apart from offering great resources, the library also provides: - Computers and spaces for after class studies - Group learning spaces - Instructions on research and reference

Contact: SGS: Building 1, Level 3 & 4 Tel: (08) 3776 1319 Hanoi: Level 2 Tel: (04) 3726 6020 Email: library@rmit.edu.vn; hanoi.library@rmit.edu.vn

CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE This department provides students with comprehensive support through free access to: - Individual career counselling sessions - Personal Edge workshops for improving soft skills - Professional development workshops delivered by key industry partners - Industry internships - Fulltime employment - WIL Projects (industry-based projects) embedded within courses - Company visits We also assist parents with career pathway information and advice. We’re proud of RMIT Vietnam’s high standard of graduate employment and make every effort to ensure a premier service.

Contact: SGS: Room 1.3.14 Tel (08) 3776 1300 - Ext 1362 Hanoi: Room 1.1.009 Tel: (84-4) 3726 1460 Ext 6040 or 6095 Email: Career.centre@rmit.edu.vn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ RMITVNCareerCentre/

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WELLBEING COUNSELLING SERVICES

This is a professional, free and confidential counselling service offered to all RMIT Vietnam students in areas such as adjustment to university, homesickness, family issues, relationship difficulties, depression, sexual identity and stress management.

The service is available in both English and Vietnamese.

Contact: SGS: Room 10.2.03 - Tel: (08) 3776 1300 - Ext. 2026 Hanoi: Room 1.1.016 - Tel: (04) 3726 1460 - Ext. 6035 Email: counsellor@rmit.edu.vn rmithncounsellor@rmit.edu.vn Facebook: www.facebook.com/ RMITVNWellbeingandCounselling Website: www.rmit.edu.vn/counselling

EQUITABLE LEARNING SERVICE (ELS)

ELS assists students living with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition, and is the primary carer of individuals with disability.

Contact: SGS: Room 1.4.01 - Tel: (08) 3776 1300 - Ext. 2026 Hanoi: Room 1.1.016 - Tel (04) 3726 1460 - Ext. 6035 Email: equitablelearning@rmit.edu.vn Facebook: www.facebook.com/ RMITVNWellbeingandCounselling

HEALTH CENTRES

Life at university can be demanding at times but when you look good and feel great, no challenge is too great. RMIT Vietnam Health Centres are here to help you: - Manage your health actively - Get important health information - Point you in the right direction of other support and services you may need.

Contact: SGS: Building 10, level 1 - Tel: (08) 3776 1360 Hanoi: Room 1.1.017 - Tel: (04) 3726 1460 - Ext. 6099 Email: HealthHCM@rmit.edu.vn HealthHAN@rmit.edu.vn Website: https://www.rmit.edu.vn/medical-services

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT

RMIT provides a range of support services to international students to get full value from their experience at RMIT Vietnam and the country. These include Buddy program, airport pick-up, information about on-campus and off-campus accommodation, welcome activities (cooking game, city tour, welcome dinner), weekly Vietnamese language and culture class, community engagement activities and other culture experiences.

Contact: SGS: Room 10.2.09 - Tel: (08) 3776 1484 Hanoi: Room 1.8.006 - Tel: (04) 3726 1460 - Ext. 6074 Email: international.students@rmit.edu.vn Website: https://www.rmit.edu.vn/ international-students

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STUDENT LIFE

University is about so much more than just study. a number of opportunities to meet new people, sh social, dynamic experience to keep your study life STUDENT CLUBS There are approximately 60 student clubs across Saigon and Hanoi, with mixture of sport, culture, business, leisure and community interests represented.

Student Clubs are supported and guided by Student Life Department and Student Council to encourage a vibrant student experience at RMIT University.

Contact: Email: student.life@rmit.edu.vn student.lifehn@rmit.edu.vn Website: www.rmit.edu.vn/student-clubs

STUDENT COUNCIL RMIT Vietnam Student Council is an elected group of students representing the total student body within RMIT Vietnam. The Student Council shall: - Represent and protect the rights of all members of the student body of RMIT Vietnam - Advance the education, welfare, social life and cultural activities of students at RMIT Vietnam - Promote, encourage and coordinate the activities of the student clubs and societies operating at RMIT Vietnam - Facilitate the effective coordination of student representation on all University bodies.

Contact: Email: studentcouncil.sgs@rmit.edu.vn studentcouncil.hn@rmit.edu.vn Website: www.rmit.edu.vn/student-council

As RMIT students, you have hare interests and enjoy a e in balance.

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STUDENT VOLUNTEERS AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM There are a number of volunteer opportunities and leadership programs for students to explore, enhance skills as well as make new friends, build great networks and make the most of student life.

Contact: Volunteer program: student.life@rmit.edu.vn

student.lifeHN@rmit.edu.vn Leadership program: leadership@rmit.edu.vn

SPORTS & RECREATION FACILITIES RMIT recognises the importance of an active, well-balanced lifestyle to enhance university experience. We offer a number of sports and recreation facilities, including outdoor and indoor ones, for student, staff and alumni enjoyment.

Contact: SGS: Building 10/ Tel: (08) 3776 1383 Hanoi: Room 1.5.001/ Tel: (04) 3726 1460, Ext. 6060 Email: sports@rmit.edu.vn hn.sports.recreation@rmit.edu.vn Website: https://www.rmit.edu.vn/sports-andrecreation

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LIVING, DINING & PARKING ON CAMPUS

STUDENT RESIDENTIAL CENTRE RMIT’s Residential Centre (Building 9) offers accommodation to over 100 students at RMIT’s Saigon South campus. We offer flexible living, from single studio to multi share options in three and five bedroom apartments, with 24hour security and a range of amenities for self sustained living, socialising, and study.

For further information: www.rmit.edu.vn/ residential-centre Email: residential.centre@rmit.edu.vn

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HOW TO FIND A ROOM AT SAIGON SOUTH CAMPUS?

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HOW TO FIND A ROOM AT HANOI CAMPUS?

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NEWBIES WONDER...

WHAT IS A STUDENT ID?

WHAT IS BLACKBOARD?

This is a very important card of RMIT students where you have your one-and-only student number and photo on. The card allows access to university’s facilities and services such as borrowing books, entering the exam hall or using the gym, etc. The student number, in particular, enables you to log into university’s computer and network. The card is provided to student at the Orientation Event.

Blackboard is an online learning system, like a website. The website is tailored for each student depending on the course he/she has enrolled for a semester. It contains important course information, assessment details, set readings as well as additional documents. New students will learn about using Blackboard in the Orientation Event.

WHAT IF I LOSE MY STUDENT ID? If you lose your student card, a replacement card will be issued. The charge for the replacement is 200,000VND and for a temporary student ID certificate is 50,000VND. You will need to visit RMIT Connect for the instructions. Please try to do this as early as possible because you should have the ID on you at all times when you are at the University, and you will need to show your card when you take exams.

HOW CAN I CONTACT MY LECTURERS, FRIENDS AND STAFF AT RMIT? Email is the main channel of communication at RMIT. You will receive notifications from lecturers, announcements from RMIT departments as well as course results via email. Each student will be granted a student email account and be instructed on how to use it at Orientation Event.

CAN I CHOOSE OR CHANGE CLASS? After successful enrolment, students will be granted access to Student Timetabling System via email to select classes that suit students’ personal schedule best. Students can select to join another class if there is available slot.

Detailed instructions as well as practice opportunity for new students will be provided at Orientation Event.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE AN IT PROBLEM? You can seek help from IT staff by visiting room 1.4.18 in Saigon South Campus or 1.5.011 in Hanoi Campus, or email response.centre@rmit. edu.vn.

WHERE CAN I PRINT AND PHOTOCOPY DOCUMENTS? You can print and photocopy documents at library, student work areas and stationery store at Yarra Room 1.2.34 in Saigon or stationery room on level 2 in Hanoi.

WHERE CAN I STUDY OUTSIDE THE CLASS? At Saigon South Campus: - Beanland Library: room 1.3.30 - Student work areas: room 1.2.21, 1.2.26, 1.3.20 and 1.4.20 - Computer lab: 8.2.09 At Hanoi Campus: - Library and student access labs: Level 2

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CAN I MEET MY LECTURERS OUTSIDE OF CLASS? Yes you can. Lecturers have designated time slots to meet and give individual assistance. You may use this opportunity to ask questions, get feedback on your progress or discuss any issues affecting your learning. You are encouraged to make appointment by checking with your lecturer in class before sending email.

WHAT IF I FEEL SICK OR MISS CLASS/ASSESSMENT BECAUSE I AM SICK? You can visit RMIT Health Centre for check-up, treatment as well as medical certificate. The service is totally free and no appointment is required. The medical certificate will particularly be required if you miss more than 40 hours of class or miss any assessments.

If you are sick and cannot complete an assessment, you may seek special consideration by submitting the Special Consideration Application Form available at RMIT Connect or on the Intranet. Applications should be submitted no later than two working days after the relevant examination or assessment deadline.

WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I FEEL STRESSED IN ANY WAY? Professional and experienced counsellors of Counselling Service are available to help you with any personal concerns that may impact your studies such as stress, family issues, relationship or emotional difficulties. All meetings are in private, confidential, and available in both English and Vietnamese. You can visit the office, call or email directly to make an appointment WHERE CAN I FIND RMIT HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES? Staying health and safe will help you get the most out of university experience. Tips and guidelines are available on http://www.rmit.edu.vn/health-andsafety regarding: - Eating and sleeping habits - Forming and maintaining healthy relationships - Road safety - Avoid alcohol and drug misuse - Playing sport and exercise safely - Staying safe in the event of an emergency on campus - Reporting accidents and hazards

CAN I COPY WORK FROM THE INTERNET OR FROM MY FRIENDS? No, you cannot! Copy someone else’s work, whether in written or oral form, without proper citation and reference is called plagiarism. This can lead to serious consequences including failure of an assessment or a course, or suspension by the university.

Please make sure you attend the workshops on Research and Reference as well as Endnote Program to learn proper ways to acknowledge the use of another person’s work or ideas and stay away from being charged with plagiarism.

WHAT IF I FAIL A LOT OF COURSES? In the interest of students, to maintain a high standard of learning and teaching in programs, and to meet external regulator requirements, RMIT University monitors all students’ academic progress and identify students whose academic progress is less than satisfactory so that they may be offered appropriate learning support, and where students continue to make unsatisfactory academic progress despite being offered learning support, may exclude them from their programs.

At RMIT Vietnam, there are three stages of unsatisfactory academic progress.

Should a student reaches stage 3, he/she may be excluded from the program. You would be considered making unsatisfactory academic progress if: - You fail an academic course a second time; or/and - You fail 50% or more of the academic course load in a semester All students will be notified by the Registrar of their status following the release of results each semester.

RMIT University staff members are always willing to help. For further information and specialised support, please contact RMIT Connect or refer to this page: https://online. rmit.edu.vn/unsatisfactory-academicprogress-1.

WHERE CAN I SMOKE?

HOW CAN I JOIN A CLUB?

At Saigon South campus, there is a designated smoking area behind the outdoor basketball court; smoking is prohibited in any other area of the campus.

Hanoi campus is a non-smoker friendly one, you need to leave the building if you want to smoke.

Club day is usually organised in week 2 every semester. This is an occasion where all clubs showcase their activities and recruit new members. You can have a tour to learn which clubs are available, what they do, their schedule as well as register to join the club.

WHERE CAN I GET SOMETHING TO EAT AND DRINK?

CAN I SPEAK VIETNAMESE ON CAMPUS?

At Saigon South campus, cafes, restaurants, food courts and convenience store are available in building 1, 2, 8, 9 and 10. At Hanoi campus, if you are in the mood for international foods like Japanese, Korean, Hongkong or Italy, etc. just take a 5-minute walk to Kim Ma street. No food or drink is allowed in libraries, computer labs or classrooms.

RMIT is a English-speaking university. You are expected to speak English at all times.

It may seem uncomfortable at first, but you will get used to it and find your English speaking skills improved quickly.

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ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2017 VIETNAM CAMPUS Last Updated: 9 September 2016

20 Feb 2017 27 Feb 2017 06 Mar 2017 13 Mar 2017 20 Mar 2017 27 Mar 2017 03 Apr 2017 10 Apr 2017 17 Apr 2017 24 Apr 2017 01 May 2017 08 May 2017 15 May 2017 22 May 2017 29 May 2017 05 Jun 2017 12 Jun 2017 19 Jun 2017 26 Jun 2017 03 Jul 2017 10 Jul 2017 17 Jul 2017 24 Jul 2017 31 Jul 2017 07 Aug 2017 14 Aug 2017 21 Aug 2017 28 Aug 2017 04 Sep 2017 11 Sep 2017 18 Sep 2017 25 Sep 2017 02 Oct 2017 09 Oct 2017 16 Oct 2017 23 Oct 2017 30 Oct 2017 06 Nov 2017 13 Nov 2017 20 Nov 2017 27 Nov 2017 04 Dec 2017 11 Dec 2017 18 Dec 2017 25 Dec 2017 01 Jan 2018 08 Jan 2018 15 Jan 2018 22 Jan 2018 29 Jan 2018 05 Feb 2018 12 Feb 2018 19 Feb 2018

mon

tue

13 20 27 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10

14 21 28 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20

17 24 31 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19

wed thu 15 22 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21

16 23 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22

fri 17 24 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23

sat

sun

18 25 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24

19 26 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25

Semester 3 2016 Semester 1 20 Feb 2017 - 27 May 2017

Reunification Day compensation 2nd May

Semester Break

18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1

13 Feb 2017

Semester 2 19 Jun 2017 - 23 Sep 2017

Independence Day compensation 4 Sep

Semester Break

week starting

Semester 3 16 Oct 2017 - 20 Jan 2018 Tuition Fee Invoices sent Final day for adding courses Deadline for Fee Payment Census Date Semester 2 Intensive Entry Course review (no formal classes) Examinations Moderation and Results entry Results Issued University holidays Public Holidays (including Tet) Semester Break

learning week

Melbourne holidays (bold border) Academic Development Week Graduation Events (red border)

Semester 1 2018

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FEEDBACK & COMPLAINTS Student’s concern about administrative matters, program or service should bring to the university’s attention. RMIT University’s Student Complaints Policy aims to ensure that complaints by students are resolved quickly and fairly.

If you feel that your complaint has not been dealt with appropriately at the local level you can contact the Office of Executive Director, Student Services Division for a review by sending email to: student.issues@rmit.edu.vn.

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STUDENT RIGHT & RESPONSIBILITIES Find out about your entitlements and what is expected of you as an RMIT student: www1.rmit.edu.au/students/ rights-and-responsibilities

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www.rmit.edu.vn