Your Dedicated Tutor

You get one tutor for your entire course—not a rotation, not shared with dozens of other students. YOUR tutor. They’ll learn your style, track your progress, and give you consistent, personalised feedback on every assessment.

What You Get	Details
Response time	24-48 hours for email questions (business days)
Feedback	Detailed, constructive, industry-relevant
Resubmissions	Unlimited—you keep working until you’re competent

School Forum

Our online forum is where the magic happens. Ask questions, share work, get advice from tutors and fellow students. It’s peer learning, networking, and problem-solving all in one place.

• Manned by our whole team of tutors
• Searchable archive of past questions
• Community support—you’re never alone

Extensions & Special Circumstances

Life happens. Health issues, family emergencies, work commitments—we understand. If you need more time:

Process	Details
How to request	Email support@thegraphicdesignschool.com
Response time	Requests reviewed within 2 business days
Extension period	Up to 6-12 months depending on your situation
Cost	May be free for genuine hardship circumstances

We take a compassionate, flexible approach. Just talk to us.

Good English skills matter in design—you’ll read briefs, communicate with clients, and research concepts. But we know not everyone starts at the same level, and that’s okay.

We Identify Needs Early

During enrolment, we conduct an LLN assessment. This isn’t a pass/fail test—it’s so we can support you properly from day one.

Support We Provide

• Simplified readings and glossaries for complex terms
• Extra tutor time for students who need it (no extra cost)
• Writing assistance for assessment submissions
• Slower pacing if that helps you learn better
• No judgment—ever. Everyone learns at their own pace, and we respect that.

If you can read and understand this Student Handbook and our website, you’ll be fine. And if you’re not sure, just ask us—we’ll help you decide if the course is right for you.

We provide reasonable adjustments for any learning needs. Our online format is actually a huge advantage—you learn from a quiet, comfortable environment without the stress of commuting or classroom dynamics.

What We Offer

• Extra time for assessments (no questions asked)
• Alternative assessment formats where possible (e.g., video presentations instead of written reports)
• Assistive technology recommendations (screen readers, dictation software, etc.)
• Flexible deadlines when you need them
• Quiet, adaptable learning environment (because it’s online—you control your space)

How to Access Support

Contact our disability support coordinator: support@thegraphicdesignschool.com

We’ll discuss your needs confidentially and put adjustments in place before you start. Simple as that.

We take mental health seriously. Design study can be intense, and life outside study doesn’t pause just because you’re enrolled.

How We Help

• Flexible deadlines for health circumstances (physical or mental)
• No penalty for taking breaks when you need them
• Compassionate approach to extension requests
• Referral pathways to external support services when appropriate

External Resources

If you’re struggling, please reach out. Here are some external resources:

Service	Contact	Website
Beyond Blue	1300 22 4636	beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline	13 11 14	lifeline.org.au
headspace	1800 650 890	headspace.org.au

Your wellbeing matters more than any deadline. Talk to us if you’re not okay.

Already have design skills or experience? You might qualify for RPL—credit for prior learning that counts toward your qualification.

What Qualifies as Prior Learning?

• Work experience in design (paid or volunteer)
• Previous study (other design courses, TAFE, university)
• Life skills and self-taught expertise
• Portfolio work demonstrating competency

How It Works

1. Email us: support@thegraphicdesignschool.com with your portfolio, resume, and any evidence of prior learning
2. We assess: We’ll review your evidence within 2 weeks
3. Evidence required: Portfolio, resume, references, certificates from previous study
4. Outcome: Credit toward units (means faster completion and lower cost)

What This Means

If we grant RPL for, say, 3 out of 15 units, you only need to complete 12. Less work, faster graduation, lower cost. Win-win-win.

Completed units at another RTO? We recognise those.

What Is Credit Transfer?

If you’ve earned units from another Australian RTO (Registered Training Organisation) that match units in our course, we’ll give you credit—no need to repeat them.

How It Works

1. Submit: Original certificate or transcript from the other RTO
2. We verify: Free assessment, completed within 2 weeks
3. Credit granted: Reduces your course duration and cost

It’s automatic and free. Just send us your documents and we’ll handle the rest.

Technology issues shouldn’t stop you from learning.

We Help With

• Schoolyard access: Login problems, password resets, navigation questions
• Software troubleshooting: Adobe Creative Cloud issues, installation help
• Browser/device compatibility: Making sure the platform works on your setup
• File uploads: Assessment submission issues

How to Get Help

Channel	Details
Email	support@thegraphicdesignschool.com
Forum	Post in the Technical Support category
Help guides	Video tutorials available in The Schoolyard

We’ll get you unstuck fast.

We’re not just here to teach you—we’re here to help you launch your career.

What We Offer

• Portfolio review and feedback (ongoing, throughout your course)
• Resume and cover letter guidance (Module 12 covers this)
• Job search tips and industry connections
• Alumni network access (connect with past graduates)
• Ongoing tutor mentorship even after you graduate (many tutors stay in touch with alumni)

Your tutor has worked in the industry. They know what employers want. They’ll help you position yourself for success.

Access Your Records Anytime

Log in to The Schoolyard → My Records

You’ll see:

• Completed modules/units
• Assessment results and feedback
• Certificates and statements of attainment
• Progress tracking

Record Retention

We keep your records for 30 years (ASQA requirement). Even decades from now, if you need proof of your qualification, we’ll have it.

Replacement Certificates

Lost your certificate? Need a new copy?

Detail	Information
Cost	per certificate
Processing time	2-3 weeks
How to request	Email admin@thegraphicdesignschool.com

Update Your Details

Moved? Changed your name? Email us at admin@thegraphicdesignschool.com and we’ll update your records.

In The Schoolyard

• Video tutorials: Step-by-step software training
• Templates: For assessments and portfolio work
• E-library: Design books, articles, research resources
• Gallery: Showcase your work, get inspired by other students

Student Handbook

You’re reading it! This guide covers everything you need to know about studying with us.

FAQs

Common questions answered: Visit our FAQs page

1. No student left behind. If you’re struggling, tell us. We’ll help.

2. Ask for help early. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Reach out as soon as you need support.

3. Support is free, unlimited, and judgment-free. Seriously. We don’t charge extra, we don’t cap how much help you can get, and we don’t judge.

4. We adapt to YOU. You don’t have to fit our mold. We’ll adjust to your needs, your pace, your learning style.