Recreation and sporting facilities
All campuses provide basic student recreational facilities such as student common rooms and outdoor sporting and recreational areas. Some campuses also have a gymnasium, squash courts or a swimming pool.

Library
Various reciprocal arrangements have been made with libraries in other universities, which extend the resources available to students. The campus libraries also provide access to information housed in other locations through such facilities as CD-ROMs, databases, on-line searching and Telnet services.

Commercial facilities
Most campuses are within easy reach of commercial centres (ie shops, banks etc), and some also have their own student book shop and cafeterias.

Computer facilities
Student computer facilities include IBM compatible PCs and some Apple Macintosh computers. Access to internet, email, and scanner facilities is available. A range of software for both classroom and professional purposes is also provided. These computer facilities are available to all students for computer-assisted learning and data and word processing.

Teaching facilities
The University makes use of state-of-the-art teaching methods including video conferencing facilities and computer-assisted learning techniques.

Student organisations
Each campus has a Student Representative Council to promote the welfare of students. Whenever possible this group also includes an international student member. Cultural, sporting, recreational and religious organisations are actively encouraged.

Campus Ministry
Each campus has a ministry team, which provides professional counselling and welfare services. The team is generally concerned with pastoral care of students and works with students and staff in enhancing faith in the community, raising consciousness of social justice issues and promoting the involvement and participation of all in university life.

Chapel services are regularly conducted throughout the semester for those who wish to attend. The chapels are also places where all students can go for mediation and reflection. Chaplains are also available for spiritual direction and counselling. Other ministry activities include retreats and the coordination of special interest groups.

The services of the ministry team are available to students of all faiths. Students can be placed in contact with religious leaders of other faiths if they so wish.

Counsellors
Counsellors are available on campus to provide a free confidential service to students, on an individual or group basis, regarding issues such as stress management, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, study, finance and university procedures.

International student advisors are available for advice and assistance to students throughout their stay. The small size and friendly nature of each campus allows for personal interest and care to be shown by staff involved with students.

Orientation program
Two weeks before the commencement of the academic year the University conducts orientation programs at which attendance is compulsory for international students. The focus is on familiarising new students with issues of studying and living in Australia. Information is included on Australian study methods, Australian social customs and culture and general procedures to be followed by international students.

Campus orientation tours include information about using the library system. Students also get to meet each other at special "Welcome to the University" luncheons.

Study skills
As well as the initial information sessions, included in the orientation programs, international students are provided with ongoing academic support if required. This may be provided in small group sessions or on a one-to-one basis. It may involve tuition on dealing with Australian academic study methods, such as giving a class presentation or writing an essay. A specialist teacher is available to assist students with assignments and preparation for exams.

International Student Officers
This is the first contact point, in each state, for all international students. Each officer provides assistance, advice and information on enrolment, visa procedures, obtaining academic credit, changing courses, financial issues, accommodation, etc.

Grievance Procedures
Australian Catholic University has formal complaint procedures in place for students who believe they have been treated improperly by the University. The University also has engaged the services of an independent conciliator.

Accommodation
At all campuses there are staff members who can assist international students in locating suitable accommodation. Help can be provided in obtaining the following kinds of accommodation.

On-campus Accommodation - On-campus accommodation is available at Ballarat and Brisbane. Students interested in obtaining on-campus accommodation should contact the International Education Office after receiving a "Letter of Offer" for a study place.

Homestay - This is an ideal way for students to learn about the Australian way of life and improve their English. Homestay involves living with a family and sharing general facilities though students usually have their own private room. Homestay families are generally kind, friendly people who try to make students feel at home in Australia. These families are interviewed by the University before they are introduced to students.

Although every effort is made to help students find suitable accommodation, the University provides no guarantees about the type of accommodation. Please contact the International Education Office for more information.