Conversation Sessions FAQ

Subject Enrolment

1. How do I choose my courses?

Get started by finding your program in the program and course catalogue.

After finding your program, you can click through to see your courses and requirements.

For more in-depth information on how to review, select your courses, and create a program plan go here.

2. How do I enrol in courses?

Enrolling is the process of registering the courses you intend to study in each semester. It is your responsibility as a student to choose suitable courses and to enrol each semester.

You must enrol in at least one course by the due date (see Enrolment Dates).

To enrol in your courses, you'll use mySI-net, the control centre for student administration at UQ.

Log in to Starting at UQ for a step-by-step guide on how to set up your mySI-net profile, enrol in your courses and register your class preferences.

3. How do I create my class timetable?

Enrol in Courses

Once you have chosen and enrolled in your courses, go to My Timetable. Also visit Starting at UQ.

Plan your timetable

Select ‘Planner’ to generate an initial timetable and swap for your preferred dates and times (NOTE: You aren’t guaranteed a spot until you complete class preferencing and allocation – this is just a tool to PLAN your ideal timetable)

Submit your preferences during the class preferencing period

Register your preferred class times during the class preferencing period. This usually begins 4 weeks before the semester begins – but check the Academic Calendar for specific dates. Make sure you wait for the preferencing period to open and submit your preferences before the closing date!

If you have saved a preferred plan using the My Timetable planner, you can automatically enter those class preferences into My Timetable when class preferencing opens. You'll then be allocated to classes based on these preferences.

Review your allocated timetable and make adjustments

After the system creates your timetable, there is a class adjustment period. During this time, you can review your allocated timetable, swap class times if there's a space available, add your name to a waitlist to swap, and allocate yourself to classes you missed during the class preferencing stage. If no suitable class times are available, contact the relevant faculty or school for advice. Your electronic course profile (ECP) will list them as the ‘coordinating unit’.

For more in-depth information and how-to videos, see the instructions here.

4. What course delivery (external, in-person) mode should I choose for my courses?

Some courses may be available in multiple delivery modes depending on course requirements. To find out the available delivery modes for your courses, search for the course on the Programs and Courses website – the available delivery modes will be listed under ‘Mode’.

UQ has two main modes of enrolment – in-person and external.

In-person: An in-person course may incorporate some aspects of online delivery (e.g. online lectures, options for online tutorials, online assessment) but requires students to engage in in-person learning or assessment at a UQ campus or other location at some point.

External: External courses are delivered entirely online, and students must participate online for all learning and assessment. No attendance on campus is required. Students who cannot come to campus can only enrol in external offerings.

Some courses may require students to enrol in the in-person mode unless they have a valid reason to enrol externally in the course. Read through the course page, and if needed, discuss your delivery mode with the program coordinator of your course, which can be found on the ECP.

5. What is an ECP?

A Course Profile (also known as an Electronic Course Profile or ECP) contains information on the course, including administrative details, aims, objectives, learning resources required, course learning and teaching activities, assessment tasks and policies. You can navigate to a specific course's ECP by searching for the course on Programs and Courses website and clicking through. The ECP is also linked to Learn.UQ (Blackboard).

Student Administration

6. I don’t have my Student Account details yet – how do I get them?

If you don't have a username and password, contact the Student Central.

7. How do I get my Student ID card?

Once you have a Student Account, submit an ID card request online.

You will receive an automated email with a unique enquiry number. This means Student Central has received your enquiry.

The Student Central team will review your application (wait times vary; apply as early as possible). If approved, your card will be printed, and you will be sent a confirmation email to pick up your card.

Collect your card from your nominated pickup location. You must bring a passport, Australian licence, or Australian photo identification card with you to collect your card.

See more in-depth instructions here.

Notes:

If you are a UQ College student, contact UQ College on how to apply
If you are an external student and can’t attend campus to collect your ID, submit an online request form, and you will be sent a digital card PDF.

8. What is the Academic Calendar, and where can I find it?

The UQ academic calendar is a schedule overview of all of the events that occur in an academic year (it includes dates such as: Semester 1 and 2, summer semesters, research quarters and public holidays observed). These events may include examination periods, break periods, and the last day of the semester. It includes dates for deadlines on when you can add, withdraw, and drop courses within each semester.

You can find the academic calendar here.

9. When do I have to pay my fees?

The due dates for your fees are listed on the academic calendar for standard semesters and trimesters or on the important dates tables for non-standard teaching periods. Fees due dates for your courses will also be displayed on your mySI-net (student login required) 'Financials' homepage.

If you're a commencing student, see the Starting at UQ website for more information about student finances.

Support Services

10. I have a disability – what support does UQ offer to students, and who should I contact?

If you have a disability, mental health or medical condition, illness, injury or exceptional circumstance, there are services available to assist you with your studies. Students with primary carer responsibilities may be eligible for services.

It is recommended to meet with a Student Adviser to discuss your options. You can book an appointment by clicking here.

A few examples of support they can provide, but are not limited to, include:

Creating a Student Access Plan (SAP)

To accommodate the impact of your condition or circumstances, reasonable adjustments around inherent requirements of your courses, including in-class participation, activities and assessments, can be made (e.g. extensions to assignments, occasional absences, accessible formatting, note-taking). This is a communication tool between you and your course coordinators.

Exam adjustments
Transcription program (for taking notes)

Specialised equipment

Mobility scooters
Assistive technology

Physical access arrangements
Alternative formatting and study resources

UQ also has resources and services you can access without meeting with a Student Advisor. Some examples include ADHD Coaching sessions, Neurodiversity Meet-ups, and a self-paced online UniWellbeing program. For more information on services offered, see the website here or the DDI Handbook.

11. Who can access disability support?

Any current student (domestic and International) who has a condition that impacts on their study, either full-time or part-time, is able to access support. Students can be enrolled as an undergraduate, post- graduate, through UQ College or through Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education. Conditions can be temporary or ongoing.

Conditions can include,

Physical

Sensory
Mental health
Developmental disorders
Learning disorders
Neurological disorder

Chronic health conditions
Temporary injury
Individuals undertaking a carer’s role (i.e. caring for an individual with a significant physical or mental health condition

12. How do I access counselling services at UQ?

UQ provides a variety of counselling options designed to meet your specific requirements, encompassing individual assistance, customised well-being initiatives, and e-mental health resources.

Learn more about the services on offer and how to book an appointment.

Study Plan

13. Which courses should I enrol in?

Get started by finding your program in the program and course catalogue.

After finding your program, you can click through to see your courses and requirements.

For more in-depth information on how to review, select your courses, and create a program plan go here.

14. How do I make a study plan, and whom do I contact for support?

The Program Planner is a tool that allows students to plan courses for their program and ensure that the plan meets the program's completion rules and chosen structure (majors, minors, etc). The tool also allows students to engage with UQ staff to get feedback on their plan.

Students can log in to save a plan to their account. This plan will then be available in the Program Planner's 'My Plans' section.

The Program Planner can also be accessed without logging in. When a user saves a plan without logging in, a unique URL is created that can be copied and saved for future reference.

For more information on making a plan, click here.

Find the program planner here: https://program-planner.uq.edu.au/#/start

If you need further bespoke support in customising your study plan, would like to talk to an Academic Advisor, or want to ask questions, contact your Faculty or School.

15. When do I need to confirm my study plan?

There is no specific date or time at which you are required to confirm your program study plan. To develop your study plan, use the Program Planner or contact your faculty or school.

However, it is important to check early on, refer back to your program plan each semester, and look for any updates to ensure you are eligible to graduate. This is especially important for programs with majors/minors.

Undergraduate students can complete a progression to ensure they are on track to graduate within their expected time. It is recommended to request a progression check mid-late in your program. Contact your Faculty or School to request a progression check.

16. How many courses must I take to be a part-time/full-time student?

The number of units you enrol in each semester determines whether you are full-time or part-time. Here's what you need to know:

Most courses are 2 units each

6 units or more per semester is full time

8 units per semester is a normal full-time study load

Fewer than 6 units per semester is part-time

Have a look at each course ECP to see its unit value.

17. I want to change my degree – what do I do?

It is possible to switch between UQ programs. Depending on your situation, there may be a few things to consider as you decide. Considerations and processes differ between undergraduate and postgraduate study, international and domestic students, what program you want to study, and when you want to commence the new program. See this page for more information and details on whom to contact about your specific situation.

O-Week

18. What is O-Week?

Orientation Week, or O-Week, is held the week before classes start in Semester 1 and Semester 2. It's designed to introduce you to academic and student life at UQ and offers great opportunities to meet new people.

Presentations, workshops, and events during this week are designed to set you up for success at university and ensure you are prepared.

Use the Orientation Planner to create a plan to help choose what you will attend.

19. What is Market Day?

Market Day is one of the best days on the University calendar and the perfect opportunity to get involved in experiences and opportunities at the university! And best of all, it’s free to attend!

You will find stalls highlighting internal and external services, clubs, societies and programs for new and current students to get involved in. There will be lots of freebies, competitions and chances to sign up for memberships, events, sporting teams and more!

Accommodation

Cyber Security

22. How do I protect myself against cyber security scams?

Students are often the target of scams. Cyber criminals may pose as someone from the University, the Police or other Government institutions, and demand urgent payment, threatening you if payment is not made. Visit Stay Cyber Safe for more information.

Remember to STOP - CHECK – REPORT:
Stop
Never click on a link or respond to an unexpected call or message without pausing first to consider whether it could be fake. Always be cautious of any contact making urgent demands.

Check
Check if the sender is legitimate before responding by contacting the organisation using details off their website to confirm if they had requested information.

Report
If you encounter a potential scam or phishing attempt, report it to https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report.

If it involves a UQ account, advise the Cyber Security Team by reporting a cyber concern at https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/information-technology/cyber-security-uq.

23. What are some common scams to look out for?

University fee scams

Scammers might claim to be an ‘agent’ from UQ and offer a discount if you pay through the agent directly. Only pay your fees via the UQ website, logging into mySI-net and selecting the Financials tile. Contact the Fees team on 07 3365 2328 for further advice.

Government Agencies

Requests from agencies such as overseas Government departments, police, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) demanding payments using unusual methods, such as overseas wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash transfers and payments via WeChat/AliPay.

Rental Property

Check the credentials of private advertisers promoting rental properties. They may be scammers trying to lure you into providing money and personal information for a property that doesn’t exist.

Employment

Random job offers, particularly when you have not applied for a position and you are unable to verify the existence of the business or person offering the job.

A government agency will never threaten you with immediate arrest or demand payment through unusual means. Contacting the Australian police will not impact your visa status.

Report a cybercrime at cyber.gov.au/report

Visit the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) website for more information at https://www.cyber.gov.au/ OR phone 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).