Learning Equity Support

What is Learning Equity?

Learning Equity at Cairnmillar Institute is the idea that all students, regardless of their personal circumstances, background or abilities, should have equitable access to educational opportunities, resources and support. This includes addressing and removing barriers that may hinder your learning and chance at success.

Students successfully registered with Learning Equity receive a Learning Access Plan (LAP), which provides tailored support and adjustments to support you throughout your study at the University.

WHO CAN REGISTER:

You may be eligible to register with Learning Equity if you have the following:

  • A disability that is physical, psychological, or a medical condition or circumstance requiring ongoing support. Cairnmillar Institute recognises disability in line with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

  • A chronic health condition (physical and/or psychological) that has impacted your life for six weeks or more.

  • Students with diagnosed neurological or developmental differences that may impact learning (examples may include ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disorders, etc.).

  • A student affected by lived experience circumstances that impact study, including (but not limited to): caring responsibilities for a family member, friend, or colleague with a health or mental health condition; experiences of family or domestic violence; trauma or significant psychosocial stressors; financial hardship; housing instability or homelessness; displacement (including relocation due to unsafe or unstable situations); refugee or asylum seeker background; recent migration or resettlement challenges; or other significant personal circumstances affecting wellbeing and study participation.

 

NOT SURE? Please contact our Learning Equity Officer – Zahra Ditta.         


Email: learning.equity@cairnmillar.org.au
Phone: 03 9813 3400 ext 140

1. Gather your documents.  

To get started, you’ll need to complete the Learning Equity Registration forms:

When you’re ready, upload both documents as part of the Learning Access Plan (LAP) application. 
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Please make sure you submit both forms before booking an appointment. We won’t be able to proceed with your consultation until these documents are received.

2. Book your Consultation.

Once your documents are submitted, you can book a virtual or in-person appointment with the Learning Equity Officer (LEO). This is a friendly, supportive space to talk through the adjustments that can help you succeed in your studies.

3. Receiving your Learning Access Plan.

Your LAP will be developed and issued after consultation with the LEO. You will receive a copy via email at your Cairnmillar email address, your LAP will be sent to your Course Coordinator, and relevant unit chairs will be notified for the purpose of implementing approved adjustments. Approval usually takes 4-6 weeks, but timing can vary during busy periods- registering early helps ensure timely support. 


4. Renewing your LAP each year.

The LAP expires at the end of each calendar year. If you think you’ll need support the following year, please reach out in October so we can renew your plan in time. The Privacy and Confidentiality statement and Health Practitioner documentation are valid for two years from the date of issue, but you’ll still need to reapply. 

You’ll need to provide:

Your plan is tailored to you, based on academic adjustments relevant to your needs. Academic accommodations can include:

  • Extended time for exams
  • Flexible deadlines for assignments
  • Alternative assessments
  • Seating and Environmental Adjustments
  • Distraction-Free Environments for exams
  • Accessible formatting of course reading material, through library support

Academic Adjustments are dependent on the Cairnmillar Assessment policy, course guidelines and individual needs.

It is your responsibility to follow up with your Course Coordinator and maintain contact with them throughout the year regarding your adjustments. Course Coordinators may note down your adjustments, but it is helpful to get in touch with them to confirm these adjustments closer to the due date.

 


Privacy and Confidentiality

Student privacy and data confidentiality are very important to us.

Once we have your consent, your Learning Access Plan will be shared with your Course Coordinator and relevant academics.

Cairnmillar will only collect information that is needed, with the consent of the individual. Refer to the University’s Privacy Guidelines and Policies here on how we manage and store confidential information: Privacy Policy of The Cairnmillar Institute

Contact and Appointments

If you have any queries about Learning Equity at
Cairnmillar, or would like to discuss your eligibility, please email learning.equity@cairnmillar.org.au or
phone (03) 9813 3400 ext 140

The Learning Equity office is available for in person,
online and phone appointments from Monday to Friday.
Please make a booking here: Learning Equity Office

 

We are located on Level 1, Room 19 (opposite the library)
391-393 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East.