Student Life
Diversity and inclusion at GOTAFE
GOTAFE is committed to diversity and inclusion through the GOTAFE Social Justice Charter. The Charter speaks to GOTAFE’s commitment to respect, equity, participation, diversity and empowerment for all regardless of their Aboriginality, culture, disability, LGBTQIA+ identity, age or background.
Through the Charter, GOTAFE is committed to delivering actions which will make GOTAFE a more inclusive training provider. These actions fall into five categories: policy, infrastructure, education, learning and teaching, as well as celebration and awareness.
The Charter was formed from a reflection of over 500 student and staff voices and GOTAFE is committed to continued engagement with our diverse communities as we deliver on these actions.
Our commitment to Social Justice involves the planning for infrastructure including carers rooms and reflection spaces as well as training our staff in multiple aspects of inclusion, and ensuring our events, including celebrations of days of significance are accessible and inclusive for all people. We also aim to be a significant part of the community by supporting and sponsoring local events celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Getting involved
As a new or continuing student, why not use this opportunity to get involved with Student Life – it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends. At GOTAFE, we strongly encourage you to become involved in having your say in how we can make your experience the best it can be.
There are several ways in which you can get involved:
- The Student Representative Council
- Student Class Representatives
- Student Ambassadors/ Social Justice Champions
- Student Peer Mentors
Student Representative Council (SRC)
The SRC plays a special role at GOTAFE, bringing together student representatives to ensure that the student voice is heard, and the student experience is the best it can be. We want to ensure that the diversity of the student population across our campuses is represented to share information and views, to work collaboratively in decision making and putting forward recommendations that affect the student body at GOTAFE.
The SRC receive a payment annually for the time spent to meet each month to discuss any issues that the student body may have, and to account for the additional support the President and Vice President may be required to make.
If you would like to nominate someone, or yourself, then please complete the Student Representative application form and email us your completed form.
The following positions make up the SRC:
- SRC President
- Benalla Campus Representative
- Seymour Campus Representative
- Wallan Campus Representative
- Shepparton Campus Representative
- Wangaratta Campus Representative
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Student Council Representative
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student Council Representative
- LGBTIQA+ Student Council Representative
- Disability Student Council Representativ
- The Director Student Success (GOTAFE Senior Leadership Representative)
- The Chief Executive (or Executive Leader)(GOTAFE Senior Leadership Representative)
Student Ambassadors/Social Justice Champions
GOTAFE Student Ambassadors/Social Justice Champions play an important role in supporting GOTAFE’s student and community engagement, promoting diversity, and creating a safer, inclusive environment. Student Ambassadors represent GOTAFE at a range of events and forums, including orientation, open days, expos and community events as well as events and activities that promote the Social Justice Charter.
Student Ambassadors/Social Justice Champions are employed by GOTAFE on a casual basis to represent GOTAFE at various recruitment initiatives and events. This program offers diverse opportunities to develop skills and make a positive impact. To lodge your interest in being a Student Ambassador, please email us.
GOTAFE Student Pride Network
GOTAFE partners with Uniting’s Diversity Project to run a Student Pride Group for LGBTIQA+ identifying students and allies. This self-directed group with support from Uniting and GOTAFE offers a safe environment to build genuine connection with fellow students. You will also have the opportunity to participate in events to show pride, such as Midsumma and ChillOut Pride Marches and OutintheOpen Festival. Express your interest to Student Life at StudentLife@gotafe.vic.edu.au
Student facilities
Our range of student facilities is designed to help you make the most out of your time at GOTAFE.
Lunchrooms
There are various lunchrooms located at each campus for study or relaxation. Each lunchroom has microwaves, hot water, and drinking water for student use. There are a limited number of tables and chairs.
These lunchrooms are not serviced, and all students are required to clean up after themselves. It is also important that strict hygiene measures are implemented.
In the event of Covid-19 restrictions, physical distancing and hygiene measures are in place.
Food and drinks
You can purchase snacks and drinks at all GOTAFE campuses through either a vending machine on every campus, campus café or nearby shops and cafes.
Mobility access
On campuses that have multiple levels, elevators are available for students who are unable to use the stairs to access all GOTAFE facilities. Please ask a staff member if you are unable to locate an elevator or require support.
At GOTAFE we strive to ensure all students have access to their learning and social spaces. If you feel that your ability to access any of these spaces is compromised, please let us know by talking to your SRC or Class Rep or sending us feedback.
Toilets
There are female, male, and all-gender or gender-neutral toilet facilities available. There are also designated accessible toilets available which are also assigned as gender neutral.
Lockers
A limited number of lockers are available at each campus and are provided as a storage area only. We strongly recommend that you do not leave valuables or money in the lockers and all items stored are the responsibility of the owner. Students are required to provide their own padlock.
Carers facilities
Being a new parent or a carer is tough work at the best of times, but even more so when you are studying. Babies follow their own schedule, and parents and carers need access to the right facilities throughout the day, wherever they are.
If you would like access to a carer’s room – for the care of yourself or others, please speak to our reception staff.
Reflection rooms
Reflection rooms can be found on our Shepparton – Fryers Street Campus. They are a shared space for quiet reflection or prayer. If you want some time out in a quiet space or have scheduled prayer times, this is the room for you.
If you would like to know where the reflection rooms are, please speak to our reception staff. Please be respectful of others who might be using the room at the same time.
Public transport
Trains and buses are available to and from all GOTAFE campus locations. Some forms of public transport allow for student fee concessions so always keep your Student ID card with you. Plan your journey to GOTAFE.
Student safety
Your safety is of utmost concern to GOTAFE and we endeavour to ensure your health and safety is always at the centre of what we do.
As a result of COVID-19, GOTAFE have implemented a strict physical distancing policy while in class or anywhere else on campus. There are hand sanitiser stations across all campuses and we encourage all students to maintain good hygiene practices.
In case of emergency, phone 000.
Emergency procedures
GOTAFE has emergency evacuation procedures which explain what to do if there is a fire or other emergency requiring the evacuation of a building. Each campus has identified Emergency Wardens who will implement GOTAFE emergency procedures if this is required.
If you hear a continuous alarm bell or siren, or GOTAFE Emergency Wardens directing the evacuation of a building, you must assemble and follow the instructions of Emergency Wardens.
During an emergency, please remember to:
- Assist any person in immediate danger if safe to do so.
- Raise the alarm if the emergency situation is in your immediate area - notify institute staff and Emergency Services if required.
- Evacuate to the assembly area displayed on maps in institute buildings, using the closest emergency exit.
- Remain at the assembly area until further advice and stay near to your class group so that your trainer knows you are accounted for.
- Keep clear of the building to permit access by Emergency Services if required.
- Do not use elevators or lifts.
- Do not re-enter the building until advised it is safe to do so by a GOTAFE Emergency Warden or Emergency Services.
- Participate in scheduled evacuation exercises if required.
Awards and recognition
We’re proud of our students, and we’re excited to show the world what they can do. GOTAFE participates in several competitions, ceremonies and awards every year, so you can show off your skills and be recognised for your outstanding achievements.
Graduation ceremonies
You’ve worked hard for your qualification, and hard work deserves recognition. We hold graduation ceremonies every year to recognise graduating students and outstanding achievements.
Ceremonies are usually held in February/March in Wangaratta, Shepparton, and Seymour. If you’re graduating this year, you’ll be contacted about attending a graduation ceremony. For more information, contact us.
Worldskills
The WorldSkills competition celebrates the achievements and importance of skilled workers around the world.
Students from vocational, technical, and service-oriented careers compete in an international competition to show off their skill set. Over the years, many GOTAFE students have advanced to the WorldSkills National competition.
If you are interested in applying for an awards program or competing in the next WorldSkills competition, contact us to find out how you can get involved.
Dive into Worldskills
Victorian Training Awards
The Victorian Training Awards recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of Vocational Education and Training (VET) students, teachers, training providers and employers. The awards are run by the Department of Education and Training. In 2020, GOTAFE won the Inclusive Training Provider of the year award. We are immensely proud of this achievement.
Australian Training Awards
The Australian Training Awards recognise individuals, businesses, and registered training organisations for their contribution to up-skilling Australia.
The winners from each state and territory’s Training Awards are eligible to compete at the national level. There are also seven award categories that can be entered directly. The Awards are held annually in November.
