Throughout your studies at La Trobe University, you may find that you need support with university processes and policies.
You can find a full list of support options on the Student Support Policy webpage.
There are many avenues for support you might want to access. One of the support services you may wish to access is Advocacy. Advocacy is free, independent from the University, and available to all students, no matter where you are located.
What is an Advocate?
An Advocate is a support person who will empower you to work with La Trobe to find a solution to a problem or concern. Advocacy is provided through an external organisation, the La Trobe Student Union (LTSU).
Why might I want to talk to an Advocate?
Advocates provide impartial support because they are independent from the University. They will listen to you with no judgement, be respectful, maintain privacy and explain the University’s rules and processes.
They can aid with administrative issues, such as complaints or any issues within the University, in a confidential, safe setting.
What support can Advocates provide?
There are a range of things that the Advocates can support you with, and there are some things they can’t do.
| Can: | Can’t: |
|---|---|
| Assist and provide advice on a range of topics including (e.g. academic progress, academic integrity, appeals, formal complaints and contacting the University Ombudsman) | Decide the outcome of a university decision |
| Help you prepare information for written submissions, letters and forms (e.g. academic progress including the Show Cause submission form, formal complaints, Remission of Debt applications and Special Consideration applications) | Write the submissions/letters for you |
| Provide advice about the review and re-marking of assessments application process | Re-mark the assessments |
| Help you understand your situation (e.g. academic integrity and general misconduct) | Decide the outcome |
| Advise you regarding the Refunds and Remission of Debt process, including support to prepare your applications | Write a Refund or Remission of Debt application for you or provide a refund |
| Discuss enrolment and administration issues (the Advocates don’t provide the same service as La Trobe’s teams) | Enrol for you |
| Discuss Disability and learning access issues | Develop a Learning Access Plan |
| Discuss placement issues | Arrange your placement |
| Discus your options | Make decisions for you |
| Help you to understand University policy and procedures | Amend or change University policy (however they may provide feedback to the University when policy is being reviewed) |
The Advocates can also provide an interpreter, if you require this when seeking support.
How can I access support from Advocacy?
If you wish to access the Advocacy Service, there are a few ways to contact the team. The fastest way to get support is by registering via the LTSU get Advocacy support web page. Registering is a short process, and the website includes more about what to include on your registration.
Alternatively, you can email: ltsu.advocacy@latrobe.edu.au or phone: +613 9479 2469. Please note that the Advocacy Service may request you to submit a form via the webpage if you contact them via an alternative contact option.
The team will respond to your request as soon as possible. You may hear a response within the day of submitting your request.
How is Advocacy support provided?
Advocacy is available to students across a variety of platforms. This includes email, phone, online meetings or face-to-face appointments. It is tailored to you and what you feel comfortable with. There are Advocates located at Bundoora and Bendigo, however, they may travel to other campuses if required.
Check out our Student Advocacy FAQ on the La Trobe website for more information.