Distance Education Frequently Asked Questions

How can I access support if I need it?

Distance education means that you're studying for yourself, not by yourself. At SVM we encourage students to ask questions and we give lots of feedback on your assessment tasks. Also, each student is allocated a tutor. Students can access support by:

• Talking to their tutors on the phone
• Emailing questions, comments, suggestions and receiving feedback from tutors
• Making an appointment to visit our office to see a tutor or use our library
• Book into one of the School's workshop or other programs to supplement your reading and meet other students

What's included in the fee?

• All essential course materials including readings
• Support from tutors and administration staff
• Assignments assessed with comprehensive feedback
• SVM e-news and website articles
• Comprehensive learning materials (you don't have to buy expensive text books)
• Issuing qualifications, diplomas, certificates and Statements of Attainment

When can I get started?

• You can begin your course whenever you like. There are no set starting dates.
• Students are able to work at their own pace within the course requirements and the plan agreed with your tutor.

How long will it take to complete the course?

• Course duration depends upon which course you choose and how much time you have for your studies. Generally, a Certificate IV or Diploma course takes approximately 18 months to 2 years to complete on a part-time basis, although it is possible to complete some courses within twelve months. The Diploma of Fundraising takes between 2 – 3 years to complete on a part-time basis depending on your workload and study schedule, while short courses and single units from training packages can be completed in less than 6 months.
• Extensions may be requested if needed. Please contact SVM or your tutor for more details.
• If your studies are supported by someone else such as the government, a sponsor, or your organisation, you may be required to complete your studies within a specified period. In such cases, check with the supporting agency before enrolling.

How do I choose and enrol in a course?

• Check the courses menu for accredited study options that interest you. Choose the course or unit that most appeals to you and which will benefit you personally and/or professionally.
• The fees for each course and unit are listed for each course.
• If you need additional information, please email, phone, fax or write to SVM requesting further advice or information.
• Select your course, complete the online enrolment form, and we will contact you to proces your payment as soon as we receive your enrolment details.
• Once the enrolment form and payment have been received by SVM, a receipt will be issued and the course materials will be forwarded to you on CD or via email or can be downloaded from the School's website, along with the Student Handbook, assessment tasks and all the unit readings.
• When you receive your learning and assessment materials, and have agreed your tutoring plan with your tutor, you can commence work immediately working at your own pace to meet your agreed objectives. The student handbook will introduce you to SVM and induct you into the course – you should read this first. The learning guide will tell you what to do next.
• If you have any difficulty with any aspect of the course or the learning materials please contact your tutor for assistance. They will to provide guidance and advice as you need it.

How does SVM's Competency-Based Assessment work?

• As you complete your assessment tasks, submit your work to your tutor (via the School) for comment and feedback. SVM tutors will provide guidance and support as needed. You will receive a comprehensive written assessment report for each assessment task and will be debriefed by your tutor.
• SVM accredited courses are competency based. This means that you are not competing against other students. Rather you are striving to achieve your best and to meet an agreed industry standard. Students are assessed as "competent" or "not yet competent".
• Students assessed as "not yet competent" in a particular assessment area are encouraged to resubmit work. This is all part of the learning process and SVM accepts resubmissions from students. Addional fees may apply.

What is a Statement of Attainment? How is it different from a qualification?

Upon successful completion of a unit of competency, students receive a Statement of Attainment. This is a record of recognised learning which may contribute towards a qualification outcome, either as partial completion of a course or the attainment of competencies within a Training Package.

What are Qualifications?

Students successfully completing all the requirements of a course will receive a certificate or a diploma. This is an official document which is yours to display. A formal qualification is recognition that you have achieved the learning outcomes or competencies relevant to identified individual, professional, industry or community needs. Note that qualifications are not available to International Students.

Can my enrolment be cancelled?

Cancellation of an enrolment will only occur if you have not responded to the School's communications over a period of six (6) months. Please read the Cancellation Policy for more information.

If I do a shorter or lower level course first, can I get recognition or advanced standing toward a certificate or a diploma later?

Yes. We will assess your previous learning to give you appropriate recognition or advanced standing. Outcomes will depend on what course you previously studied and what learning you now seek to complete. In this way you can build your confidence and skills as you work towards setting and achieving new goals over time.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, however, full payment is the most economical option. In addition to paying the full fee on enrolment, you can pay for your course unit by unit or in three (3) instalments. Talk to the School Administrator for more information.

What happens if I have to stop studying for a while?

If you go on holidays, get sick, take maternity or carer's leave, for example, you can apply for an extension. It is OK to take a break from your study but you must advice the School in writing prior to commencing your leave.

Do I need any extra books?

No. You are supplied with all the essential readings and reference materials. Additional references are always encouraged but they are not necessary to successfully complete your assessment tasks. If you would like to buy a resource book, your tutor will be happy to recommend one suitable to your needs.

How do I contact my tutor?

Prior to you commencing your studies your tutor will contact you by telephone. At that first meeting you will agree your tutoring schedule including your target dates to complete each unit, and the dates of contact with your tutor for the first unit you will study. Normally contact will be by telephone, supplemented by email.

How can I study if I live outside Sydney?

SVM offers most its of accredited courses by distance education. This allows students across Australia to access affordable, quality educational opportunities no matter where they are located.

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