OS-HELP Loans Policy

Intent

This policy determines the administration by James Cook University of OS-HELP loans in accordance with the Guidelines established under the Act. This policy is to be read in conjunction with the Higher Education Support Act 2003 [hereafter the Act] and the Guidelines for OS-HELP [hereafter the Guidelines].

Scope

Eligible students as defined by the Act and the Guidelines.

Key Objectives

To ensure that OS-HELP loans are administered in accordance with the Guidelines and the Act with particular reference to the fairness requirements as outlined in subdivision 19-D of part 2-1 of the Act.

To establish JCU-specific eligibility criteria, minimum loan amount for a six month period and the selection and appeal process.

Definitions

As outlined in the Act, as amended from time-to-time.

Policy and Procedures

The OS-HELP loans will be administered in accordance with the Guidelines for OS-HELP made under the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

Number of Loans

The number of OS-HELP loans available through JCU is determined by DEEWR annually in accordance with the Act.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an OS-HELP loan an applicant must:

• meet the provisions for entitlement to OS-HELP assistance in section 118-1 of the Act;

• not have been subject to more than one penalty for academic misconduct under the University’s Student Academic Misconduct Requirements;

• not have been found guilty of inappropriate conduct under the Student Conduct Policy;

• have achieved an overall Grade Point Average of 4 or higher for their current course of study.

Minimum OS-HELP Loan Amount

James Cook University’s minimum OS-HELP loan amount is $2,000. The maximum loan amount is as established by the Guidelines.

Selection Process

The closing dates for OS-HELP applications will be determined each year by the Director, Student and Academic Services, in consultation with the International Student Centre.

The Director, Student and Academic Services, in consultation with the International Student Centre, will each year nominate a member of staff to act as OS- HELP Selection Officer.

Eligible applicants will be ranked by the OS-HELP Selection Officer on the basis of academic merit and OS-HELP loans will be offered in order of merit.

The OS-HELP Selection Officer will notify successful and non- successful applicants in writing of the outcome of their application within two months of receiving the application or within two months of the application closing date, whichever is later.

The OS-HELP Selection Officer will notify successful applicants in writing of the assistance to which they are entitled and the conditions of receiving OS-HELP assistance.

To accept an offer of an OS-HELP loan the student must complete an OS-HELP debt confirmation form.

Appeal process

The Director, Student and Academic Services, shall each year nominate a member of staff to act as OS-HELP Review Officer to consider appeals relating to the allocation of OS-HELP loans. The OS-HELP Review Officer must not have been involved in the original selection decision and must occupy a position that is senior to that occupied by any person involved in making the original selection decision.

An appeal must be lodged with the OS-HELP Review Officer within 14 days of the date of the notification from the OS-HELP Selection Officer.

The appeal must:

• be accompanied by a copy of the letter the student has received from the OS-HELP Selection Officer;

• include details of the reason for appeal together with supporting documentation.

The OS-HELP Review Officer shall, within 14 days of receipt of the appeal, notify the student in writing of the outcome of the appeal and reasons for the decision.

The decision of the OS-HELP Review Officer shall be final.

Approval Details

Modification History