--- url: /student-handbook/support/ title: "Student Support | Student Handbook | The Graphic Design School" template: handbook-page priority: 3 wordCount: 1206 lastModified: 2026-09-14T21:05:14.293Z category: pages site: "The Graphic Design School" tokenCount: 1750 --- # Student Support | Student Handbook | The Graphic Design School Academic Support [object Object] Language, Literacy & Numeracy (LLN) Support [object Object] Disability Support [object Object] Mental Health & Wellbeing [object Object] Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) [object Object] Credit Transfer [object Object] Technical Support [object Object] Career Support [object Object] Student Records & Certificates [object Object] Additional Resources [object Object] What We Want You to Know [object Object] Student Support Your Success Is Our Priority We don't just say we care—we show it. Every student gets comprehensive support, personalised attention, and as much help as they need to succeed. No judgement. No limits. You're not just a number here. Academic Support 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. Language, Literacy & Numeracy (LLN) Support 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. Disability Support 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 Support Angels: support@thegraphicdesignschool.com or (02) 9918 3285 We’ll discuss your needs confidentially and put adjustments in place before you start. Simple as that. Mental Health & Wellbeing 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. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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 Email us: support@thegraphicdesignschool.com with your portfolio, resume, and any evidence of prior learning We assess: We’ll review your evidence within 2 weeks Evidence required: Portfolio, resume, references, certificates from previous study 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. Credit Transfer 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 Submit: Original certificate or transcript from the other RTO We verify: Free assessment, completed within 2 weeks Credit granted: Reduces your course duration and cost It’s automatic and free. Just send us your documents and we’ll handle the rest. Technical Support 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. Career Support 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. Student Records & Certificates 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 support@thegraphicdesignschool.com Update Your Details Moved? Changed your name? Email us at support@thegraphicdesignschool.com and we’ll update your records. Additional Resources 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 What We Want You to Know No student left behind. If you’re struggling, tell us. We’ll help. Ask for help early. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Reach out as soon as you need support. 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. We adapt to YOU. You don’t have to fit our mold. We’ll adjust to your needs, your pace, your learning style.