We aim to provide the best personal support for our students so they achieve their potential.
Student Welfare
The Student Welfare team consists of professional and experienced staff whose role is to assist and support students with any difficulties they experience in the area of personal welfare and wellbeing, health, adjustment, independent living skills, class attendance, accommodation, and crisis and emergency situations. Special attention is also given to under 18 students, ensuring there are suitable accommodation and welfare arrangements in place for them and that students are well cared for, supported and supervised both on and off campus, including during term breaks and holidays.
Trinity College has a network of internal and external support services where students can be referred to for advice and specialist professional assistance if required.
Also, parents are able to view their child’s class attendance record on Trinity College Community Portal, and are informed if the student attendance is unsatisfactory.
Mentoring Program
The Foundation Studies Program prides itself on its well-established and successful Mentoring Program. Each student is allocated a special mentor for the duration of the course. The mentor is usually a teacher who teaches the student in one of their subjects. Mentors meet regularly with their students on a one-to-one basis to discuss and monitor personal, social and cultural adjustment, academic progress, and general health and wellbeing. Mentors also provide knowledgeable information, advice and guidance about practical matters such as cultural differences, independent living skills, study skills, self care, career and University plans. Mentors will refer students to the relevant Foundation Studies support services if needed for further assistance.
Parents receive one written report from their child’s mentor in Term 2 of the Main program with details about how the student is progressing and adjusting to study at Trinity College and life in Melbourne.
Orientation
To assist students to settle at Trinity and in Melbourne, Trinity provides a comprehensive, two-week orientation program for new students, planned to initiate fun, build friendships and generate a sense of ‘belonging’ at the College.
These events provide opportunities to meet fellow students and staff and learn about life on campus and in Melbourne. It is important for all students to attend this orientation.
Health
The University of Melbourne Health Service provides excellent medical care and health services to Foundation Studies. Trinity students also have access to out-of-hours emergency assistance, and a 24-hour medical helpline is included in the overseas student health insurance cover.
In addition, Melbourne is very well served with a number of world class medical facilities, many very closely located to the Trinity College campus and within walking distance:
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Royal Melbourne Hospital
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The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne
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The Royal Children’s Hospital
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The Royal Women’s Hospital
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Visa conditions require that students have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Membership with OSHC Worldcare commences on the student's date of arrival in Australia. Trinity will organise OSHC on the student's behalf and issue membership cards during their first week at the College. Students must use their membership cards when visiting a doctor, making claims, arranging admission into hospital or when making enquires. It is important to keep all receipts for prescriptions and medical consultations for claiming purposes.
OSHC Worldcare Cover includes:
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24-hour access to Emergency Medical Advice and Assistance, Legal Advice, and an Interpreting Service.
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85% of schedule fee on Medical Services
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100% of schedule fee on Public Hospital Services
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100% of public hospital schedule fee at Private Hospital Services
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100% of Emergency Ambulance Services
For further information on cover, options and costs, visit OSHC Worldcare or send an email. You can reach OSHC by telephone on 13 14 84 (general enquiries), 1800 651 349 (claims), or 1800 814 781 (24-hour assistance).
Counselling
All Foundation Studies students have access to confidential counselling. Students are encouraged to discuss concerns and issues that affect their studies, goals and personal lives with counsellors.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a growth process through which students are helped to define goals, make decisions, and solve problems related to personal-social, educational and career concerns. When you visit a counsellor you can expect discussions to focus on thoughts or feelings that may be of concern, which will enable you to gain new perspectives and understanding. You may learn to think in new ways, to see a wide range of alternatives, to explore and practice different ways of behaving.
Ms. Anita Krautschneider is the counsellor for Trinity College Foundation Studies Program. Students can drop in or make an appointment by telephone or in person to make arrangements to meet at a suitable time.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplain’s role is to encourage and support all students who live and study away from home. He works alongside teachers and welfare staff at Trinity College Foundation Studies to ensure that students have friendly and reliable people with whom they can discuss any matters of importance to them. More information about the Chaplaincy at Trinity can be found here.