What Is a USI?

Your USI is like a Tax File Number for education. It’s a government-issued student number that stays with you for life and tracks your nationally recognised training.

Why TGDS Needs Your USI

• We can’t issue your certificate without it (ASQA requirement)
• Your USI creates your national training record (all your qualifications in one place)
• Prevents duplicate qualifications and administrative errors

How to Get a USI

1. Go to usi.gov.au
2. Create your USI (takes ~5 minutes)
3. You’ll need ID documents: driver’s license, passport, Medicare card, or birth certificate

Already have a USI? Just provide the number during enrolment.

What If I Don’t Have a USI Yet?

• You can start your course without it
• But we cannot issue your certificate until you provide it
• Create it anytime before you complete the course

Good news: AI tools are ALLOWED in your assessments.

You MAY Use AI Tools

Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly, Canva AI, and others are permitted. AI is a design tool—just like Photoshop or Illustrator. We teach you how to use AI effectively and ethically.

Requirements When Using AI

1. Disclose AI usage – Note in your assessment which tools you used
2. Document your process – Show your prompts, iterations, and decision-making (not just the final output)
3. Demonstrate understanding – Your tutor may ask questions about your work to verify you understand it
4. Original thinking required – AI assists your creativity; it doesn’t replace it

Example disclosure in your assessment:

“I used ChatGPT to generate 10 tagline options for this branding project. I selected option 7 and refined it because it best aligned with the client’s tone. I used Midjourney to create initial concept art, then edited it in Photoshop to match the brand colors.”

What’s NOT Allowed

• 100% AI-generated work with no input or creative decisions from you
• Not disclosing AI usage when specifically asked
• Using AI to copy other students’ work (that’s still plagiarism)
• Plagiarism (even if AI-assisted)

How Tutors Assess AI-Assisted Work

• We assess YOUR design decisions, not the AI’s output
• Process documentation shows YOUR thinking
• Interview questions verify YOUR understanding
• Competency is about YOUR skill, not which tools you used

Bottom line: Use AI like a pro. Show your work. Own your decisions.

What Is Plagiarism?

Submitting someone else’s work as your own. This includes:

• Copying other students’ assessments
• Using stock templates without credit or modification
• AI-generated content without disclosure
• Copying text or designs from websites, books, or tutorials without attribution

How to Avoid Plagiarism

• Cite your sources (inspiration, stock photos, tutorials)
• Use quotation marks for direct quotes
• Disclose AI usage (see above)
• Create original work based on your own ideas and decisions

Consequences

Offense	Consequence
First	Warning + must resubmit with corrections
Second	Fail the unit + formal warning added to record
Third	Dismissal from course (no refund)

We take academic integrity seriously, but we’re also fair. If you’re unsure whether something counts as plagiarism, ask your tutor first.

Citation Requirements for Design Work

• Design inspiration: Credit in project notes (e.g., “Inspired by Swiss modernism and Josef Müller-Brockmann”)
• Stock photos: Credit in final deliverable if required by license (check license terms)
• AI content: Note which tool used (e.g., “Created with Midjourney”)
• Templates: “Based on [source] template, customized by [your name]”

How Long Do I Have Access?

Course	Access Period
Certificate IV in Design	15 months
Intensive Foundation Course	12 months
Design@Work	12 months
Design for Social Media	3 months

Extensions

If you need more time, you can purchase an extension (see Fees & Payments page for pricing).

How to request: Email support@thegraphicdesignschool.com at least 2 weeks before your course expires.

After Access Expires

• You can’t submit new assessments
• You can still access completed work for your portfolio (for a limited time—download your files!)
• You can re-enrol if you want to complete (fees apply—see Fees & Payments page)

Deadlines

We’re self-paced, so there are no hard deadlines. But you must complete all assessments within your course access period.

Recommended pace: 1 module per month (for full-time study)

Submission Process

1. Complete your assessment
2. Upload via The Schoolyard
3. Your tutor reviews within 5-7 business days
4. You receive feedback + grade (Competent / Not Yet Competent)

Re-Submissions

• Unlimited attempts (no extra cost)
• Your tutor provides specific feedback for improvement
• You must incorporate tutor feedback in your resubmission

Requirements to Receive Your Certificate

1. All units marked “Competent”
2. USI provided
3. All fees paid in full
4. No outstanding issues (complaints, misconduct, etc.)

Processing Time

Type	Timeframe
Standard	4 weeks after final assessment
Digital certificate	Emailed as PDF
Physical certificate	Mailed to your address on file

Replacement Certificates

Request	Cost
Lost or damaged certificate
Name change	Provide documentation + fee
Processing time	2-3 weeks

Respectful Communication

• No harassment, discrimination, or bullying (online or offline)
• Use respectful language in the forum, emails, and calls
• Give constructive feedback—not personal attacks

Forum Etiquette

• Stay on-topic
• No spam or self-promotion
• Help other students (peer learning is encouraged!)
• Tutors moderate—inappropriate posts will be removed

Consequences for Breach

Breach	Consequence
First	Warning
Serious (harassment, threats)	Immediate suspension from forum, possible course dismissal
Repeated	Dismissal from course (no refund)

We want a supportive, inclusive community. Treat others how you want to be treated.

Required Software

Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

• Your responsibility: You pay for Adobe subscription (~$80/month student pricing)
• TGDS does NOT provide or pay for software

Alternatives

• Some projects may accept Canva Pro (for specific assessments—check with your tutor)
• Free trials: Adobe offers free trials (check Adobe website)
• Student discounts: Adobe offers education pricing (check Adobe for details)

You Own Your Work

All assessment submissions belong to you. You can:

• Use them in your portfolio
• Sell designs to clients
• Publish them online
• Modify and reuse them

TGDS Marketing Usage

We may request to feature your work on our website, social media, or promotional materials.

We always ask permission first. You’ll sign a consent form.

You can say no. Your grades won’t be affected.

If you consent: We’ll credit you (your name + link to your portfolio)

Copyright Considerations

• Don’t use copyrighted images in assessments unless you have a license
• Stock photos: Check license requirements (many require attribution)
• Client work: Ensure you have rights to share in your portfolio

We don’t want to cancel anyone, but we reserve the right to cancel enrolment if:

• Non-payment after repeated reminders (we’ll warn you first)
• Breach of code of conduct (harassment, plagiarism, misconduct)
• False information on enrolment form (e.g., fake ID, falsified qualifications)
• Failure to engage (no activity for extended periods—we’ll reach out first to check on you)

Process

1. Warning issued first (chance to fix the issue)
2. If not resolved: Cancellation notice
3. Refund (if applicable): Pro-rata refund for unused modules
4. Transfer option: We may offer transfer to a different course (if appropriate)

We may update these terms to comply with new laws, improve policies, or address issues that arise.

When we make changes:

• Major changes: You’ll be notified via email
• Continued enrolment: Means you accept the new terms
• Significant changes that affect you negatively: Option to withdraw with refund

Last updated: January 2026