GETTING STARTED :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

All below information is taken from Griffith University Student Support website.

Now that you have started to become familiar with your new environment and hopefully have found your permanent accommodation, it is time to start thinking about Orientation. You will
also need to become familiar with your International Office, campus facilities and support
services.

What is Orientation?

Orientation is compulsory for all students and is designed to assist you to settle in more quickly
to your new academic environment. As a commencing international student, you must
attend the International Orientation program, “Getting Started”, as well as the relevant
School orientation sessions that have been organised for your program of study. Visit the
Starting at Griffith homepage for information and download your personal Orientation schedule.

Things to do during Orientation

  1. Attend the compulsory Getting Started orientation session for new international
    students and the School orientation session for your chosen degree program (e.g.
    Arts, Business, Education, Science etc.)
  2. Visit the the Griffith International Office on your campus to collect your enrolment pack
  3. Get Online and Enrol in the courses you have selected from your program
  4. Apply for Credit Transfer from prior study. If you have already applied you can now
    Claim your Credit Transfer using your Credit Pre-assessment letter
  5. Take a campus tour with the GI Mates in order to get to know your way around
  6. Take a library tour with the team from Learning Services
  7. Drop in at the Student Administration Centre to get your photo taken and receive
    your Student ID card, which will be available after you have attended Getting Started.
  8. Apply for a Permission to Work Student Visa. You will have to wait until classes have started in week 1. Then you can apply online via the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) website, if you have a credit card, but you will have to come
    in to the International Office to get a "confirmation of commencement of studies". We recommend that you first have a read through of Info Sheet 8. Work & Taxation from
    our Orientation Information page and follow our helpful suggestions

Late Arrivals

It is advised that you plan to arrive before Orientation begins. Arrivals after the start of
Semester are discouraged and must be approved by the school that host your program. You
will not be permitted to commence your program after week 2 of semester

Getting Enrolled

You may collect your enrolment pack from the International Office on arrival at Griffith.
However, your pack will not be ready if you have not accepted your offer, paid all required
fees, or provided all requested documentation. eg. English test results or academic transcripts.

When you have collected your pack you can enrol online using the Griffith Portal. Visit the
current students homepage - www.griffith.edu.au/students to review your program and select your courses. Full details on how to enrol can be found in your copy of the Starting at Griffith - Student Guide in your enrolment pack.

To select your courses for this semester you will need to have looked carefully at your Program Structure and Degree Requirements, by visiting the Programs and Courses homepage and take into account the following:

  • Any credit you have received, have applied for, or intend to apply for
  • The semester you are commencing your program (Feb - Sem1, July - Sem 2)

Griffith International MATES

The GI Mates (Making Arrival & Transition Easy for Students) are a team of senior students who act as a peer support unit for new arrivals on campus. They are ready and willing to provide assistance for you during the International Orientation program. You will find them outside the International Office and around campus wearing RED polo-shirts with the title above written across the back. They can take you on a campus tour and are here to assist you with a variety
of student enquiries. So seek them out, as they know very well what you are going through.

Credit Applications

If you wish to apply for credit towards your degree on the basis of studies completed
elsewhere, you will need to fill in a Credit Transfer Application form. Attach certified true English translated copies of your Academic transcripts and Course Outlines (i.e. subject outlines) with your application and send it to the International Office.

If you have already applied for credit towards your degree from prior study through Griffith International and have received your Credit Pre-assessment letter, you will now need to
claim your credit by submitting a new Credit Transfer Application/Claim form along with your
Credit Pre-assessment letter to Student Administration (undergarduate) or the Graduate
Student centre (postgraduate) as soon as possible after your arrive in Australia.

Academic Performance

Maintaining good academic performance is a condition of your enrolment at Griffith University
and a key requirement of your international student visa. At Griffith, students must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) that is acceptable to the university to be able to continue their studies. Griffith operates a 7 point scale, where 7 is the highest.

  • Undergraduates - must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Postgraduates - must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5

For further information visit the Academic Standing homepage.

It is important to note that if you pass all of your courses you will always remain above this.
Seek help early if you feel you are not performing well, as we can not help you if we are
unaware of any difficulties or concerns you may have. There are many avenues of support available to help you.

Who can help?

So don't wait and hope that things will get better - why take that risk? Talk to us
and let us help you to succeed.

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Griffith University Vietnamese Students Association