ITAS (indigenous tutorial assistance scheme)
What is ITAS?
ITAs is a program funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy (AEP)
Who is eligible for ITAS?
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students who are enrolled, or are about to enrol in a formal education or training program and are assessed as being likely to benefit from tuition in terms of increased participation and improved educational outcomes.
How much tuition is available?
The student support co-ordinator will determine the number of hours of tuition allocated to each student. The maximum number of hours per student is 2 hours per unit per week. Students are not automatically entitled to receive the maximum hours. The amount of hours each student receives is based on the availability of funds and individual need.
Students can also receive up to 5 hours of extra tuition to prepare for exams and must be approved by the student support coordinator.
It is expected that students receiving ITAS will require less assistance as they increase their knowledge and academic study skills.
Where to lodge your student application?
Application forms are available from the student support co-ordinator at the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre and completed forms must be returned to the student support coordinator.
Do not begin tuition until the student support coordinator has approved the application and the tutor has received a contract. Tutoring contracts will not be arranged without a completed application from students. Application must be made for each semester.
Student responsibilities
Students receiving ITAS must comply with the DEST guidelines for continued assistance. Students must discuss a Work Program at the beginning of tuition and complete a Tuition Assessment Report at the end of the tuition.
Students are also required to:
- Attend all arranged tutorial sessions;
- Notify the tutor in advance of any cancellations;
- Notify the student support coordinator if tuition is no longer required; and
- Notify the student support coordinator if a conflict of interest occurs.
Educational assessment
An Educational Assessment section of the application must be completed - this is a DEST requirement. The Education Assessment must be completed by either your lecturer or the Kulbardi student support co-ordinator.
For an application for tutorial assistance you need to contact the Kulbardi student support coordinator on campus.
Work program
A Work Program based on the education assessment must be discussed at the beginning of the tuition contract. The goals and activities will be recorded in the Work Program and signed by both student and tutor.
No show
A no show is when a student doesn't advise their tutor in advance that they can't make a tutorial session.
Students are allowed only 2 no shows per semester, but not in the same fortnight. If a no show happens, twice without a valid reason then ITAS assistance can be cancelled. Students must sign against the no show at the next tutorial for the tutor to be paid.
Material and equipment allowance
Students may be eligible for materials and equipment allowance of up to $50 per year for non-compulsory items for their course. Payment is made on a reimbursement basis, and claims must be certified by the tutor and forwarded to the student support coordinator.
Please check with the student support co-ordinator prior to purchasing items to see if it can be reimbursed.
Tuition assessment report
The Tuition Assessment Report provides an assessment of the effectiveness of the work program and whether the activities were able to assist you in your unit. This is not a personal report about the tutor.
Nominating a tutor
If you would like to nominate a tutor, the person nominated must:
- Be qualified to tutor in the unit;
- Be registered or apply to register as a tutor with Kulbardi ITAS program;
- Not be related to you (including defacto relationships);
- Not be living at your address;
- Not be your lecturer;
- Not be a DEST employee; and
- Not be employed by Kulbardi.
Tuition pay claims
All students, receiving tuition must verify their tutor's hours by signing their pay claim at the end of each tutorial session.
Tuition during non teaching weeks
Students can apply for tuition during non-teaching weeks if they require additional assistance. Students will need to get prior approval from the student support co-ordinator.
