Work Integrated Learning and Fieldwork Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the Alphacrucis University College (AC) principles and guidelines for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Fieldwork across AC's community. It also includes a description and guidelines for students participating in Professional Experience Placements (PEX) and the Clinical Teaching Model (CTM) program.

Scope

All campuses
All HDR candidates and students
All courses of study

Policy

WIL at AC may be undertaken through various Professional Practice and Professional Experience subjects. WIL subjects seek to create a direct linkage between the learning, skills and values engaged in lectures, and the performance and reflection which occurs when these are applied in real-life settings.

Fieldwork or off campus data collection may be undertaken by Masters or Doctoral students. Fieldwork allows for students to connect and engage directly with industry or community organisations. AC seeks to ensure that the student, supervisors and fieldwork partner (as relevant) are adequately prepared to conduct safe fieldwork with minimal risk.

AC adheres to the following principles:

• requirements for WIL are outlined in the subject handouts, and as relevant, professional practice handbooks;
• requirements for fieldwork are outlined in the AC HDR Handbook;
• students must abide by the AC Code of Conduct at all times while in a WIL placement or fieldwork;
• a student’s host or fieldwork partner may have additional codes of conduct, policies, guidelines, rules and workplace protocols to which the student will also be subject during the WIL placement or fieldwork;
• a student in a WIL placement or fieldwork must disclose to their AC Supervisor any potential conflict of interest vis-à-vis a proposed placement or fieldwork;
• WIL experiences are structured to require the learner to take initiative, make decisions and be accountable for results.  As a condition of such a placement, AC requires mentors to place students in real-world settings, where the work is actually part of the organisation’s action towards its goals;
• learning outcomes are determined by the specific subject or course of study;
• AC is entitled to withdraw a student from an WIL placement or fieldwork at any time if, in the opinion of the AC Supervisor that the student has: breached or violated a relevant professional code or occupational safety code; has disrupted the relevant placement program; has brought AC into disrepute; or the student is exposed to danger or other inappropriate situation at the mentor’s workplace or fieldwork partner;
• in a WIL placement or fieldwork students are not normally provided with salary, wages or similar benefits unless otherwise specified. However, legitimate out-of-pocket expenses incurred may be reimbursed subject to prior approvals;
• the mentor of a student on WIL placement is not required to employ the student at the conclusion of the placement.

Insurance for WIL Placements and Fieldwork

For particular courses of study undertaken at AC, professional practice or WIL subjects involving external placement are a required component of these courses. This policy specifies the insurance cover available to students during these placements. This insurance cover only applies to WIL placements or Fieldwork approved by AC.

1. AC holds Public Liability Protection which provides cover for the legal liability to pay damages or compensation in respect of personal injury and/or damage to property occurring during WIL placements or Fieldwork. The student must also provide proof that their WIL placement or Fieldwork organisation has an appropriate level of Public Liability cover.
2. AC holds Professional Indemnity insurance which provides cover for the civil liability resulting from the conduct of the professional services provided during WIL placements or Fieldwork.  The student must also provide proof that their WIL placement or Fieldwork organisation hosts will have an appropriate level of Professional Indemnity cover.
3. Students undertaking an approved WIL placement or Fieldwork is covered under AC’s insurance relating to Personal Accidents
4. When students are undertaking a WIL placement or Fieldwork overseas, they will have to demonstrate to AC that they have an approved travel insurance policy, valid for the duration of their WIL placement or Fieldwork.

Responsible for implementation

Chair, Learning and Teaching Committee

Key stakeholders

Faculty, HDR supervisors and students

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Procedures

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Fieldwork Procedures

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