Frequently Asked Questions
Before starting a course – prospective students
Q1: When am I a student of Challenger TAFE?
A1: You are a Challenger TAFE student if you have paid for your course enrolments and fees.
Q2: How do I find out what books and learning resources I require for my course?
A2: Booklists will be issued either at the time of enrolling or by your Lecturer in class. All textbooks, stationery and supporting equipment required for your course are available for purchase at the bookshop on your campus.
Q3: When will I receive my class timetable?
A3: You will normally receive a provisional timetable when you enrol. If you did not get one, please see an administrative staff member from your study area. Administrative offices are located on each campus. Some timetables are available on the Student Portal website. Click here to log into the Student Portal.
Please contact the Academic Records Centre on 9239 8369 or 9239 8510 if you experience problems logging into the student portal. Note: Allow 24 hours for your account to be re-activated.
Q4: What are Community Education courses
A4: Each term a selection of Community Education courses (also referred to as Short Courses/Lifestyle & Leisure) are offered. These popular short courses can run up to 9 weeks or are offered as weekend workshops and cover a wide range of subjects including art and craft, personal development, sewing, introductory computing, languages and more. A complete list of courses is available in the short courses section.
Q5: What is the difference between a term and a semester?
A5: A year at TAFE is divided by 4 terms (of 10 weeks each) or 2 semesters (2 terms per semester) and semesters are approximately 20 weeks (5 months).
Q6: What do I do if I have special needs or have disability requirements?
A6: Challenger TAFE is committed to responding to the needs of students with special needs. If you have a special needs requirement and wish to discuss it in confidence with one of our Student Support Officers please contact them on 9239 8379 (Fremantle Office) or 9599 8691 (Rockingham Office) or email student@challengertafe.wa.edu.au. Alternatively, enquiries can be made at the Information Counters on Campus.
Q7: Do I qualify for a concession?
A7: Proof of concession must be supplied at the time of enrolling otherwise you must pay the full cost and apply for a refund when you supply proof. Acceptable concessions are:
• Abstudy/Austudy
• Health Care Card
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Veteran Health Benefit
• Youth Allowance
Q8: How do I get a concession card?
A8: You should apply through Centrelink.
Q9: I have paid my fees in full but I now have a health care card, can I get a refund?
A9: Yes you can. Present your Health Care Card to the cashier and your fees will be recalculated at the concession rate. A cheque will then be mailed to you.
Q10: How do I know if I am eligible to enter into a Fees Payment Agreement?
A10: All students who possess a current concession card or are between 15 and 17 years old are eligible to enter into a Fees Payment Agreement.
Q11: What's the difference between ‘Skills Recognition’ and an ‘Exemption’?
A11: At TAFE, Exemptions are more commonly known as ‘Skills Recognition’ or ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (RPL). The emphasis for Skills Recognition is placed on assessment rather than teaching. This means that you can get an exemption for certain part of a course or unit if you can present evidence that you already possess the skills and knowledge required. And this is not necessarily from a previously completed course but can be from previous work experience. Your lecturer will be able to help you start the skills recognition process. A fee may be involved in this process. For more information go to Exemptions.
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While studying – current students
Q12: What if I cannot attend class?
A12: You need to advise your Lecturer or the administrative officer or academic assistant for your area of study if you are unable to attend class(es). If you know in advance that you will be unable to attend classes (for a specific duration) then please discuss this when enrolling as this will impact your Centrelink study allowance obligations. If your absence is caused by sickness, you will be required to present the appropriate medical certificates to Centrelink if requested.
Q13: Who can I see if I have a problem with my course?
A13: First discuss your problem with your lecturer. If this does not solve the problem, make an appointment to see the Program Manager.
Q14: How do I get an assignment to my Lecturer?
A14: Attach an assignment cover sheet to your assignment and hand in your assignment at the Administration Office. It is advisable to keep a copy of your assignment for future reference.
Q15: How long will my lecturer keep my assignment?
A15: Assignments that are not collected within ten weeks of completion of unit of competence will be disposed of.
Q16: If I am late with an assignment what do I do?
A16: Contact your lecturer immediately and discuss it with them.
Q17: What is a Student Identification (ID) and how do I get one?
A17: You will be allocated a seven-digit student ID once you have enrolled to a course at Challenger TAFE. If you are a continuing student, it is important that you use your pre-existing student ID. Your Student ID is displayed on your Student ID Card. You can also contact the Administration office to find out what your student ID is.
Q18: What is a Student Identification Card (ID) and how do I get one?
A18: Your student ID card is your proof of student status. It also enables you use of all Challenger TAFE Library (LRC) facilities. To obtain your ID Card present your confirmation of enrolment form (or receipt) to any of our Campus Libraries (LRC).
Q19: Can I get a concession for Transperth travel?
A19: Full-time students are entitled to concessional travel on Transperth. You will need to complete the ‘Tertiary SmartRider’ form which is also available from the administration office on your campus.
Q20: I’ve lost my Student Identification Card. How can I obtain a replacement card?
A20: To replace a lost or stolen card present your confirmation of enrolment form (or receipt) to any of our Campus Libraries (LRC). A cost maybe involved.
Q21: I have a comment, suggestion of complaint about Challenger TAFE. Who do I contact?
A21: Challenger TAFE believes in continuously improving our services to our clients. We value your feedback, positive and negative. Please complete the Customer Comment Form. Copies are also available from the Information/Administration counters on campus.
Q22: Who do I see if I have a problem with my enrolment?
A22: An administrative staff member from your study area will be able to assist you. Administrative offices are located on each campus location. Please remember to bring your confirmation of enrolment/receipt with you.
Q23: What do I do if I want to change from the course I’ve enrolled in?
A23: If you would like to withdraw from the course or unit/subject you have enrolled in you should discuss this with your lecturer or lecturers before withdrawing. If you have enrolled to course/unit/subject in error please speak to an administrative staff member. If you require more course advice please speak to an information officer or make an appointment to see a prospective student advisor/career adviser.
Q24: Do I get a refund if I withdraw from modules?
A24: You may be eligible for a refund. Please read the Refunds Policy for more details.
Q25: How do I apply for a refund?
A25: Complete a refund/withdrawal form. If you meet the conditions for a refund (as displayed on the enrolment form) a cheque will be mailed to you in about four to six weeks.
Q26: What should I do if I change my address?
A26: It is important that you notify your Campus as soon as possible to make sure you receive important TAFE information or your academic records/results. You can change your address in the Student Portal. Alternatively, you can collect a Personal Details Amendment form from the Information/Administration areas on each Campus.
Q27: When are the holidays?
A27: The holidays are listed in your TAFE Diary and your course timetable. TAFE holidays do not always match school holidays exactly.
Q28: How do I know what my class room number is?
A28: You can find your class room numbers on your enrolment form. Class room numbers are displayed on all classroom doors and you can find them on the campus map.
Q29: When and how do I get my results?
A29: After every term, official results are sent to you by mail by Academic Records. You can also access your student results online at all times. Please note that online results are provisional only and you cannot use them as your official results documentation.
Q30: How do I get my certificate?
A30: To obtain your certificate complete an Application for Award Form and forward to the Academic Records department with a copy of your results. It will take 4-6 weeks to arrive. Please note, certificates can only be issued once all fees have been paid.
Q31: How long will it take to complete my certificate?
A31: It should take six months to complete your certificate if you are studying full time and providing you pass all modules.
Q32: How do I re-enrol for next semester?
A32: Enrolment dates and times will be announced approximately three weeks before the end of each semester.
Q33: How much will my fees be for the 2nd semester?
A33: If you are studying full time your fees should be approximately the same as the fees for the first Semester.
Q34: I have lost my Academic Record/Certificate. How can I get another copy?
A34: Complete an Application Replacement Record Form and send it to Academic Recors. A fee is charged for this service.
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Student facilities and services
Q35: Where can I get more information about Kadadjiny Mia Centre for Aboriginal Learning?
A35: An Aboriginal Student Support Officer is available to provide information about Kadadjiny Mia and Aboriginal Programs available. They can also assist you with applying for Abstudy and Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS). Please contact Challenger TAFE's Kadadjiny Mia on (08) 9239 8327 to speak to an Aboriginal Support Officer.
Q36: Who are Student Support Services and what do they offer?
A36: Student Support Services provides a varied range of services to support students on campus such as assistance with student accommodation, Self-help & Study skill pamphlets, diaries, Student newsletter, competitions, recreational activities, Student Council. Student Support Officers make regular visits to all campuses and have offices at our
Fremantle Campus (9239 8359) and our Rockingham Campus (9599 8686).
Q37: What is International Student Support Services?
A37: They provide support services to overseas students on all campuses. They can be contacted on 9239 8356, 9239 8329 or 0417 900 214.
Q38: What is the role of Academic Assistants?
A38: They assist with enrolments, course timetables and inquiries regarding a student’s course and enrolment.
Q39: How can the Career Development Advisors help me?
A39: Career Development Advisers (CDA) can assist students and the public with advice and counselling on courses; different modes of study; entry requirements and alternative entry; further and related courses; career pathways; links and pathways to university and the skills recognition process. They are available at the following campuses:
- Fremantle (Beaconsfield): Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri
- Fremantle eTech: Mon & Thurs
- Rockingham: Mon, Tues & Wed
- Peel: Tues
Please ring our Course Information Officer on 9239 8189 to book an appointment with a CDA for you.
Q40: How can a Course Information Officers help me?
A40: Course Information Officers provide comprehensive information on qualifications, full time and part time courses, flexible learning, on-line study, alternative entry processes and short courses. You can collect and lodge enrolments forms from the Course Information Officers at appropriate times during the year. They can be contacted on 9239 8189 or by email at: info@challengertafe.wa.edu.au
Q41: What is CareerConnect?
A41: CareerConnect is a FREE employment service committed to linking employers with Challenger TAFE students and graduates and available to students up to 12 months after graduation. You can also register for jobs online via JobConnect or phone (08) 9239 8240.
Q42: How do I get Internet Access?
A42: Internet access is available to all students in the Learning Resource Centre. Challenger TAFE is also working on a wireless network which will become available in 2009.
Q43: Where can I find the Library (or Learning Resource Centre)?
A43: Refer to the campus map for the location of the Library (Learning Resource Centre or LRC) at your campus.
Q44: How much material can I photocopy?
A44: As a student you are permitted to copy information for your studies. However limits do apply. For further advice contact the Learning Resource Centre.
Q45: Can I buy books/stationery on Campus?
A45: There is a bookshop on most Challenger TAFE Campus locations. Click on this link to be redirected to the view the bookshop locations and the opening hours.
Q46: Is there a cafeteria on campus?
A46: There is a café/cafeteria on most Challenger TAFE campus locations. Please refer to the campus maps for more information.
Q47: Can I access the Challenger TAFE computer network?
A47: Click on this link to find out how to log into the Challenger TAFE network to access local applications and the internet.