Excelsia > Current Students > Student Support
Student Support at Excelsia
Excelsia University College provides structured academic and non-academic support for all students, including students identified as at risk of not completing one or more units of study and students living with disability.
Through these core programs and wellbeing activities, the Learning Development and Student Support teams contribute to the quality of the student learning experience and academic success.
All student support services operate confidentially, subject to duty of care and legal obligations. Most services are available in person or online via video chat.
Support is delivered in accordance with:
Our support structures include:
- early identification of students who may require support
- accessible communication
- reasonable adjustments
- academic capability development
- wellbeing support
- continuous review of support effectiveness.
For more information see:
Student Success and Wellbeing Request Form
- Open Monday – Friday
- ssc@excelsia.edu.au
- 02 9819 8824
If you need academic or non-academic support, let us know via the Student Support Request Form on ExO, or through consultation with academic staff. We ensure all enquiries are treated confidentially.
How We Identify and Support Students at Risk
At Excelsia, we regularly check in on how students are progressing so we can offer support early if it’s needed. We do this by looking at things like class attendance, engagement with the Learning Management System (LMS), assessment submission patterns, and referrals from academic staff.
If you have not attended any classes, we will contact you before the census date to make sure you are aware of your enrolment and available options.
If our monitoring indicates that you may be experiencing challenges, we may invite you to connect with the most appropriate support service. This could include Learning Development for academic skills support, Accessibility Support for adjustments related to disability or health conditions, or Counselling Services for personal wellbeing support. Our goal is to ensure you have the right assistance in place to help you succeed in your studies.
Excelsia actively monitors:
- Attendance and Learning Management System engagement
- Assessment submission patterns
- Academic referrals
- Self-referral pathways
- Pre- and post-census outreach
- Zero-attendance follow-up
We encourage you to seek academic advice prior to census date if you are experiencing academic or personal challenges that may affect your study.
Academic Support
Learning Development Consultation
If you would like to build your academic skills, or if you have been identified as at risk of academic difficulty, you can access support from our Learning Development Advisors.
You can book a consultation through ExO, where available appointment times are listed. In a typical session, an advisor will talk through the challenges you’re experiencing and work with you to strengthen skills such as study strategies, academic writing, essay structure, referencing, and other key academic capabilities. Appointments are available on campus or via online video for students who are interstate or unable to attend in person.
If you are placed on Academic Intervention or academic probation, you will be supported through a structured Academic Intervention Strategy. This plan is developed in consultation with your School and the Learning Development team and is tailored to your individual needs. Your progress will be regularly reviewed, and support will be adjusted as required.
Before a support plan is finalised, you will attend a 60-minute initial consultation with a Learning Development Advisor. This helps us understand your specific needs and match you with the most appropriate services.
Learning Development works closely with Accessibility Support, the Indigenous Student Advisor, and Unit Coordinators to ensure that any approved reasonable adjustments are implemented effectively and that you receive coordinated support across your studies.
We provide a range of different services including:
- writing and study skills support
- Studiosity (24/7 writing feedback)
- inclusive learning design
- accessibility and learning accommodation
- AI literacy support
- postgraduate writing centre
- Student-At-Risk Program (STAR Program).
You may also be asked to participate in:
- small group coaching
- workshops.
The Learning Development Team works with Disability Services and Unit Coordinators to ensure reasonable adjustments for students are implemented effectively.
Small Group Coaching
After an initial consultation, you will be invited to join a Small Group Coaching program for more focused, course-specific support. Small groups are designed to encourage active participation and peer learning. Groups are usually formed around a particular course and upcoming assessments, so the support is relevant and practical. Sessions may cover areas such as:
- an overview of Learning Development services
- academic writing skills
- presentation and communication skills
- assessment preparation and study strategies.
Small groups typically meet weekly for at least six weeks. Your Academic Advisor will review the group’s progress during this time and determine, in consultation with you, when you are ready to move on or whether further support would be beneficial.
Study Skills Workshops
Throughout the semester, we offer a range of Study Skills Workshops designed to support you at key points in the academic calendar. These sessions are aligned with common assessment periods and focus on the skills students most often need at different stages of their studies.
Workshops are usually delivered to groups of 20–30 students, with additional places offered where demand is high. All students are encouraged to attend to strengthen their academic capability. If you have been identified as “at risk” of academic difficulty, you may be encouraged to attend specific workshops following a Learning Development consultation, alongside participation in Small Group Coaching where appropriate.
Workshops offered during the year may cover topics such as:
- referencing correctly and confidently
- understanding plagiarism and academic integrity
- building strong arguments and developing critical thinking skills
- foundational essay writing skills
- study management and effective time management.
These workshops are practical, interactive, and designed to help you feel more confident and capable in your academic work.
English Language Support
English Language Support is part of Excelsia’s early support framework and is available to help students whose language skills may be affecting their academic progress.
If our monitoring or a diagnostic activity indicates that English language proficiency may be impacting your studies, we may recommend additional language support. You can also request this support at any time.
Learning Development Advisors work with students to strengthen academic English skills and support them in meeting the College’s English language requirements. Even if you have met the required IELTS score for entry, you may still benefit from further language development to meet the demands of academic study.
Our goal is to help you build the confidence and language skills you need to keep up with your coursework and succeed in your program.
English Language Skills Consultation and Enhancement Workshops
If you need to develop your English language skills you may be referred to Learning Development by your School or Course Coordinator as part of your intervention strategy.
An initial consultation will help identify your specific language needs and determine the most suitable support option for you. This may include joining a small coaching group focused on developing academic English skills.
In addition, English Language Enhancement Workshops are offered for students who want to strengthen their language proficiency. These workshops focus on building confidence and capability in using English effectively in academic contexts.
Speaking and Writing Enhancement Service
As part of Learning Development services, students may be referred to a small group following a consultation. These groups provide more specific course coaching for EAL/D students.
Groups are formed based on students’ levels of speaking and writing skills, as well as the course in which they are enrolled. Sessions address areas such as:
- an overview of English language academic skills
- essay writing skills
- presentation skills.
Small groups aim to meet weekly for up to six weeks. At the end of this period, the English Language Skills Advisor will review the group’s progress and determine readiness to progress.
Student-At-Risk Program (STAR Program)
The STAR Program provides targeted support for students identified by their School as being at risk. Support is based on individual student needs and may include:
- remedial English language support
- learning enhancement support.
The program is designed to provide focused assistance to help students address areas of difficulty and support their academic progress.
Non-Academic Support
Counselling Sessions
Excelsia cares about your wellbeing – socially, physically and spiritually. We know that at times you may experience personal challenges that affect your study, work, relationships or mental health. When this happens, support is available.
Our counselling service provides a safe, supportive and confidential space where you can talk through any concerns. Our counsellors use trauma-informed and disability-informed approaches, recognising that students may experience fluctuating capacity, psychosocial disability, or episodic mental health conditions.
You can make an appointment yourself, or you may be referred by your School or program if additional support is recommended.
We offer:
- individual counselling
- career counselling
- group sessions.
Our counsellors work with you to identify your strengths, support you through challenges, and help you work towards your educational and personal goals.
Counselling is free for all Excelsia students. We offer up to six free one-hour sessions per year, with the possibility of up to ten sessions in special circumstances.
To book an appointment, submit a request form through the Student Support section of ExO (Learning Management System) or visit the Wellness Centre. All appointment information remains confidential.
Counselling may also be included as part of a coordinated support plan if you are identified as being at risk academically or personally.
In these situations, counselling works alongside other student support services to ensure you receive the appropriate support to help you manage challenges and stay on track with your studies.
Mental Health Workshops
We regularly provide mental health workshops to provide students with skills to help navigate and support mental health matters for their personal wellbeing and those around them. These include workshops/seminars on:
- stress management
- performance anxiety
- understanding emotions
- caring for those with depression
- conflict resolution.
Pastoral Care
The Gathering
Every Wednesday staff and students gather together for a chapel service called The Gathering. All students are welcome to participate and help contribute to the service in a variety of ways. The purpose of this time is to reflect, encourage and centre our lives around God as the people of God. Participation in this event is optional.
Individual Pastoral Care
Matthew Holt, our Director of Mission is accessible on campus from Monday to Friday. This service is available to students that may wish to seek pastoral care or guidance by visiting the Wellness Centre, through the Pastoral Care request form on the Student Support section of ExO, or through the QR Code on the Mission poster around campus.
Matthew Holt is available for contact on 02 9819 8815 or at matthew.holt@excelsia.edu.au.
Disability Support
If you have a disability, medical condition, or ongoing health concern that may affect your studies, you can contact the Disability Advisor in the Student Success team to discuss your needs. The Advisor will assess your situation and explain what support options are available. The Disability Advisor works with students to arrange reasonable adjustments that support equal participation in study, while maintaining academic standards and alignment with relevant policy and legislation. This includes a confidential consultation to develop a Learning Equity Access Plan (LEAP). If you have a LEAP, it will be periodically to ensure reasonable adjustments remain appropriate and responsive to fluctuating needs.
The Disability Advisor can also advocate for domestic students who need assistance accessing external disability services, including relevant government agencies.
International students are encouraged to contact Excelsia before commencing their studies so that support arrangements can be discussed and planned in advance.
Excelsia is committed to accessible communication, culturally responsive practice, and plain English information regarding disability support. You can find out more about accessing disability support below:
Career Support
We want all students to succeed beyond their studies and find fulfilling employment and career. Excelsia’s Career Service supports Excelsia’s mission, to benefit the world by preparing graduates to lead in a range of professions, by helping establish career pathways and goals.
Career Advice
You can book a consultation with the Career Advisor to receive personalised guidance about your future career.
During the session, you will:
- Clarify your career goals
- Explore possible next steps
- Identify any challenges you may need to plan for
- Gain insights into your chosen industry
The Career Advisor is here to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about your pathway after graduation.
Career Development Workshops
Our Career Workshops are designed to help you prepare for employment and plan your future career.
These sessions provide practical guidance on:
- job search strategies
- career planning
- interview techniques
- making the most of professional platforms such as LinkedIn.
These workshops are open to all students, but if you are in your final year of study, we strongly encourage you to attend. These workshops can help you feel confident and well prepared as you transition from study to work.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support
The Indigenous Advisor is accessible in the Student Success team and is here to support the success and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at Excelsia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can receive advocacy, guidance and assistance, including help connecting with relevant external First Nations services and participating in activities within Excelsia. The goal is to ensure students feel supported, connected and able to succeed in their studies.
Academic Advice and Advocacy
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can also ask the Indigenous Advisor to speak with the College on your behalf. This may include helping you navigate processes such as assignment extensions, responding to a ‘show cause’ notice, applying for special consideration, discussing academic progress, or arranging supplementary assessment.
The Advisor’s role is to help you understand your options and support you through these processes.
Indigenous Academic and Equity Program (IAEP)
One-on-One Tuition
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you may be eligible for additional academic support through the Indigenous Academic and Equity Program.
Approved students can access up to 2 hours of one-on-one tuition per week during the teaching period, up to a maximum of 8 hours, depending on what is approved in their application.
Group Tuition
If more than one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student is enrolled in a particular subject and these students would prefer for group tuition, this may also be provided.
Exam Preparation Support
During the College examination period, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may be eligible for additional one-on-one academic support to help with exam preparation.
Full-time students can access up to 10 additional hours of support, and part-time students can access up to 5 additional hours during the exam period.
This extra support is designed to help you feel prepared and confident for your exams.
Student Wellbeing
Orientation
Orientation is your first introduction to Excelsia as a student. You’ll be provided with all the information you’ll need to start your course, including:
- enrolment procedures
- financial information
- student ID cards (includes travel concession for those eligible).
Orientation also gives you the chance to meet the Excelsia community through get-togethers, activities and events.
Social Activities
Throughout the year, Excelsia hosts many social events for students. Beginning with a Campus party at Orientation, we hope you see instantly why the Excelsia community is so contagious!
During semester, look forward to activities run by the student council, including college-wide events and social nights, weekly gatherings and chapels, and BBQs.
Go to Event page to find out more.
Student Representative Council (SRC)
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is a group of students elected to represent the interests of the student body and help strengthen the Excelsia community. All student cohorts at Excelsia have the opportunity to be elected to the SRC.
Each School elects two student representatives. These representatives work closely with their Head of School to raise student concerns, suggest improvements, and help enhance student wellbeing.
Student representatives also work with Excelsia’s leadership team on initiatives that build leadership skills, support student engagement, and contribute to the College’s mission, vision and values.
Your Personal Safety
It is important that you can enjoy your city and your campus without worrying about your safety. Visit our Campus Safety page to find out more.
Accommodation
Excelsia provides information regarding accommodation options in Sydney. The accommodation mentioned below is a service run by providers external to the College; they are not managed by Excelsia in any way. If you are interested in the information mentioned below, we encourage you to do your own research and contact the provider directly to find out more.
Student housing is a great place to meet other students living in Sydney. Usually accommodation is in single bedroom/study or twin-share bedrooms with individual study areas. Meals are generally served in the dining room, and there are indoor and outdoor common areas. The Housing Supervisors provide meals and take care of general household management. For more information on student housing, contact the following:
Robert Menzies College
Robert Menzies College (RMC) is a diverse community of students in a similar stage of life. RMC is located opposite the Macquarie University train station.
RMC’s community consists of Australian and international students and has a variety of social events throughout the year. It is a university-based living and learning community with strong academic and pastoral support. Christian families live on site to provide support to students and RMC offers valuable opportunities for Christian leadership and service.
Accommodation for men and women comprises of 300 single bed, fully furnished rooms in six residential blocks. Students from all over the world help make up the friendly and welcoming community for which Robert Menzies College is known.
To find out more about Living@RMC visit the website www.rmc.org.au
Australian Homestay Network (AHN)
The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) offers safe, comfortable, and affordable accommodation for international students in Australia.
Living with an AHN host gives you the support and feeling of home while helping you settle in and experience Australian culture, lifestyle, and climate. You can choose from flexible packages that often include meals, utilities, internet, 24/7 support, local orientation, and homestay insurance.
AHN ensures high-quality homestays through home inspections, host interviews and background checks, and a preference-based matching system to help you find the best host for your needs
To find out more visit the website: https://legacy.homestaynetwork.org/excelsia-university-college-students/
How We Review Our Support Services
We regularly review our student support services to make sure they are helpful, effective and meeting student needs.
We do this by looking at:
- how many students are using each service
- student feedback and satisfaction surveys
- student retention and progression data
- reports provided to Academic Board.
Support provided to students with disability is also carefully monitored to make sure reasonable adjustments are put in place properly and reviewed when needed.
What we learn from this process is used to improve our services and update policies each year, so we can continue to better support our students.
