ATTACHMENT A

INSTRUMENT OF APPROVAL AND PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 3, OTHER GRANTS GUIDELINES 2006

Commonwealth of Australia

Higher Education Support Act 2003 – Other Grants Guidelines 2006

Amendment No. 3 to the Other Grants Guidelines 2006

I, JULIE BISHOP, Minister for Education, Science and Training, make these Guidelines under section 238‑10 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

Dated    18^th      April 2007.

JULIE BISHOP

Minister for Education, Science and Training

Higher Education Support Act 2003 - Other Grants Guidelines 2006

1              CITATION

These Guidelines may be cited as Amendment No. 3 to the Other Grants Guidelines 2006.

2              AUTHORITY

These Guidelines are made under section 238‑10 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 for the purposes of Part 2‑3 of the Act.

3              DATE OF EFFECT

These Guidelines take effect on the day after the day on which they are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

4              AMENDMENT

These Guidelines amend the Higher Education Support Act 2003 - Other Grants Guidelines 2006 registered on 22 November 2006 (see F2006L03785) and which commenced on 23 November 2006.

AMENDMENTS

Item 1

Replace existing Chapter i and Chapter 1 with the following.

CHAPTER i      INTRODUCTION

i.i     PURPOSE

The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide for Other Grants under Part 2-3 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act).

i.ii    INTERPRETATION

Unless the contrary intention appears, the terms within the Other Grants Guidelines have the same meaning as in the Act.

The term “programme” in these Guidelines is to be taken as synonymous with the term “program” in Part 2-3 of the Act.

The following terms are defined specifically for these Guidelines:

Access                                                                In respect of the programmes in Chapter 1, access means commencing domestic higher education students.  The access rate for a particular group of students is that group’s percentage share of all commencing domestic higher education students.

the Act                                                                means the Higher Education Support Act 2003

ACGR                                                                 Australian Competitive Grants Register

APA                                                                    Australian Postgraduate Award

APA(I)                                                                 Australian Postgraduate Award (Industry)

ASCED                                                              Australian Standard Classification of Education

DEST                                                                 means the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training

HDR                                                                   Higher Degree Research

HEP                                                                    Higher Education Provider

HERDC                                                              Higher Education Research Data Collection

HESDC                                                              Higher Education Student Data Collection

IGS                                                                     Institutional Grants Scheme

Participation                                                        In respect of the programmes in Chapter 1, participation means total domestic higher education students.  The participation rate for a particular group of students is that group’s percentage share of all domestic higher education students.

Retention                                                             In respect of the programmes in Chapter 1, retention means the number of domestic students who re-enrol at a higher education provider in a given year, as a proportion of all domestic students enrolled in the previous year, less those who completed their course. It provides a broad measure of retention, that is, an Apparent Retention Rate (ARR), as it does not count as retained those who deferred study or transferred successfully to another institution.  The Retention indicator in subparagraphs 1.55.1 and 1.90.5.1 shows the ratio of the ARR for domestic higher education students from a particular equity group to the ARR for all other domestic students.

RIBG                                                                  Research Infrastructure Block Grants

RTS                                                                    Research Training Scheme

RPF                                                                    Regional Protection Fund

Success                                                             In respect of the programmes in Chapter 1, success is defined as the student progress rate (SPR), and means the proportion of units passed within a year compared with the total units enrolled. The Success indicator in subparagraphs 1.55.1 and 1.90.5.1 shows the ratio of the SPR for domestic higher education students from a particular equity group to the SPR for all other domestic students.

CHAPTER 1:         GRANTS TO PROMOTE EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

1.                 INTRODUCTION

1.1               Purpose

1.1.1             The purpose of this chapter is to specify programmes in accordance with subsection 41-15(1) of the Act for the purpose of promoting equality of opportunity in higher education in accordance with item 1 of subsection 41-10(1) of the Act and to specify matters listed in subsection 41-15(2) of the Act.

1.5               Description of Programmes Under This Chapter

1.5.1             Programmes in this chapter aim to assist with overcoming barriers to access and participation by domestic students in higher education, particularly relating to Indigenous background, low socio-economic status, rural and isolated background, disability, non-English speaking background and gender.

1.10             Eligible Providers

1.10.1           In accordance with section 41-10 of the Act, higher education providers listed in Table A of the Act are eligible to receive grants under the equity programmes specified in this chapter subject to any extra conditions of eligibility specified under this chapter.

INDIGENOUS SUPPORT PROGRAMME

1.15             Programme Description and Objectives

1.15.1           The Indigenous Support Programme provides funding to eligible higher education providers and aims to assist eligible higher education providers to meet the special needs of Indigenous Australian students and to advance the goals of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy.

1.15.5           Grants under the Indigenous Support Programme assist with Indigenous support activities. 

1.20             Extra Conditions of Eligibility

1.20.1           To be eligible to receive Indigenous Support Programme grants in any one year, Table A providers must demonstrate to DEST that they meet all of the following criteria:

·              the provider has implemented strategies for improving access, participation, retention and success of Indigenous Australian students;

·              participation of Indigenous people in the provider’s decision-making processes; and

·              the provider has an Indigenous employment strategy.

1.25             Total Programme Funds and Indexation           

1.25.1           The total amount to be allocated under the Indigenous Support Programme in any calendar year will be calculated by indexing the previous calendar year’s Indigenous Support Programme grants total using the method set out in Part 5-6 of the Act. 

1.25.5           Grants under the Indigenous Support Programme are in respect of a calendar year.

1.30             Payment to Higher Education Providers

1.30.1           In accordance with section 164-5 of the Act, grant amounts will be paid in such a way as the Minister determines, and at such times as the Secretary determines.

1.35             Conditions of Grant

1.35.1           In addition to compliance with the quality and accountability requirements stipulated under subparagraph 41-25(a) (ii) of the Act, which includes compliance with the financial reporting obligations under section 19-10 of the Act, the following conditions of grant apply.

1.35.5           Higher education providers who receive grants under the Indigenous Support Programme in respect of a year are required to provide DEST in the following year with a report on initiatives funded under the Programme.  This report must include

(a)         details of expenditure of Indigenous Support Programme funds including: 

                                           I.          the proportion of funding provided to the Indigenous Support Centre; and

                                          II.          the proportion of funding provided to individual faculties within the university; and

                                        III.          the proportion of funding allocated to staff salaries, on-costs and operating costs; and

(b)     details of all additional funding provided to the recipient to support the recipient’s Indigenous activities (for example, in kind support; financial support), including funding provided by the higher education provider and all additional funding provided by sources other than the higher education provider.  This report must exclude funding received under any other DEST Indigenous specific funding programmes already reported on separately (for example the Indigenous Tertiary Assistance Scheme; or the Away-From-Base Programme).

1.35.10         For the convenience of providers, the expenditure report provided under subparagraph 1.35.5, above, must be included in the Indigenous Education Statement lodged as part of the Institutional Assessment Framework information collection. 

HIGHER EDUCATION EQUITY SUPPORT PROGRAMME

1.40             Programme Description and Objectives

1.40.1           The Higher Education Equity Support Programme provides funding to eligible higher education providers to undertake activities that assist in removing barriers to access for disadvantaged domestic students and promote equality of opportunity in higher education. 

1.40.5           In particular, the Higher Education Equity Support Programme aims to increase the access and participation in higher education of students from low socio-economic/low income backgrounds, students from rural and isolated areas, students with a disability and students from non-English speaking backgrounds.  The Higher Education Equity Support Programme also aims to assist in overcoming educational disadvantage associated with gender.

1.45             Extra Conditions of Eligibility

1.45.1           To be eligible to receive Higher Education Equity Support Programme funds in any one year, eligible providers must provide a statement demonstrating to the satisfaction of DEST that they are undertaking activities which assist disadvantaged students, consistent with the aims of the programme as set out in subparagraph 1.40.5 of these guidelines, and meet all of the following criteria:

(a)     providers run outreach programmes to attract disadvantaged students to higher education;

(b)     providers offer specialised support for disadvantaged students to assist their progression through higher education;

(c)     providers administer application and selection processes for the Commonwealth Learning Scholarships Programme; and

(d)     providers have established an institutional equity scholarship programme to complement the Commonwealth Learning Scholarships Programme.

1.50             Total Programme Funds and Indexation

1.50.1           The total grants amount available for the Higher Education Equity Support Programme in 2005 was $10,823,000 (the “2005 ESP Grants Total”). The total amount available under the Higher Education Equity Support Programme in any subsequent year will be calculated by indexing the 2005 ESP Grants Total in accordance with Division 198 of Part 5-6 of the Act as in force from time to time.

1.50.5           Grants made under the Higher Education Equity Support Programme are in respect of a calendar year.

1.55             How Allocation of Funds is to be Determined

1.55.1           The amount of a grant payable to a provider for a calendar year is a proportion of the total grant amount available in that year for the Higher Education Equity Support Programme, calculated using the following formula:

1.60             Conditions of Grant

1.60.1           In addition to compliance with the quality and accountability requirements stipulated under subparagraph 41-25 (a) (ii) of the Act, which includes compliance with the financial reporting obligations under section 19-10 of the Act, the following conditions of grant apply. 

1.60.5           Grant funds must be spent on equity initiatives which target disadvantaged students and encourage sustainable improvements in access, participation, retention and success of higher education for those students. The initiatives should target equity groups consistent with the aims of the Higher Education Equity Support Programme, as outlined in subparagraph 1.40.5 of these guidelines, and consistent with the higher education provider’s equity objectives. Higher education providers may tailor their programmes to address specific disadvantage, as appropriate to the demographics of their student population and catchment area. 

1.60.10         Grant funds must not be spent on infrastructure, which includes all buildings, fixtures, roads, pathways and modifications thereof and generic facilities and services that are integral to the provision of education for all students.

HIGHER EDUCATION DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAMME

1.65             Programme Description

1.65.1           The Higher Education Disability Support Programme consists of four components:

(a)     Additional Support for Students with Disabilities;

(b)     Regional Disability Liaison Officers;

(c)     Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training; and

(d)     Performance-based disability support funding.

1.70             Total Programme Funds and Indexation

1.70.1           The total grants amount available for the Higher Education Disability Support Programme in 2005 was $6,479,000 (the “2005 DSP Grants Total”).  The total amount available under the Higher Education Disability Support Programme in any subsequent year will be calculated by indexing the 2005 DSP Grants Total in accordance with Division 198 of Part 5-6 of the Act as in force from time to time. 

1.70.5           Grants made under the Higher Education Disability Support Programme are in respect of a calendar year.

1.75             Additional Support for Students with Disabilities

1.75.1           Objectives

1.75.1.1        The objectives of the Additional Support for Students with Disabilities component of the Higher Education Disability Support Programme are to:

(a)     provide funding support to eligible higher education providers to assist with high costs incurred in providing educational support and/or equipment to domestic students with a disability with high cost needs; and

(b)     encourage efficient and effective use of equipment and resources to support students with a disability.

1.75.5           Description of Component

1.75.5.1        Funds are provided to eligible higher education providers to assist them to meet the costs of providing support to students with a disability with high cost needs.

1.75.5.5       The amount of grant paid to each higher education provider will be determined by adding together the proportion of the amount claimed that is payable, minus the threshold for eligible expenditure. 

1.75.5.10       Grants will be allocated annually on application by the higher education provider using a claim form which is available from DEST.  Completed claim forms must be signed off as a true and accurate record at senior level within the higher education provider.

1.75.5.15       Eligible higher education providers may claim for expenditure incurred for domestic students who are enrolled with the higher education provider, who have been assessed by the higher education provider as having a disability and who have received educational support related to that disability.  Higher education providers may not claim for the costs of infrastructure, salaries or other costs relating to the ongoing operation of general disability support services or for the provision of personal care for students with a disability. 

1.75.5.20       For educational support, a proportion of costs over the minimum threshold level per student will be calculated and paid.  The threshold level and the proportion of costs to be reimbursed above the threshold level will be determined after all claims have been received and analysed.  The threshold will be no less than $500 per year but may be higher than $500.

1.75.5.25       For equipment items a proportion of actual cost will be paid.  The proportion will be determined after all claims have been received and analysed. 

1.75.10         Extra Conditions of Grant

1.75.10.1       Before providing an educational support service or equipment item to a student, higher education providers must obtain evidence of the student’s disability and support needs and must undertake a needs assessment process, in accordance with the higher education provider’s usual procedures. 

1.75.10.5       Higher education providers must maintain records of the evidence and assessment process, including details of the medical, specialist or other advice obtained in verifying disability and support needs. 

1.75.10.10     Higher education providers must publish their eligibility assessment procedures in a format that is readily available and accessible to people with a disability.  

1.80             Regional Disability Liaison Officers

1.80.1           Objectives

1.80.1.1        The objectives of the Regional Disability Liaison Officer component of the Higher Education Disability Support Programme are to:

(a)     improve transitions for people with a disability between schools, post-secondary education and training and employment;

(b)     increase awareness of post-school options, supports and services available for people with a disability, their families, support networks and relevant stakeholders;

(c)     increase the successful participation of domestic students with a disability in post-secondary education by facilitating the coordination of services for people with a disability in education and training within a region; and

(d)     improve linkages between schools, vocational education and training (VET) providers, higher education providers and providers of disability programmes and assistance.

1.80.5           Description of Component

1.80.5.1        Funds are provided to eligible higher education providers to engage a Regional Disability Liaison Officer, as determined by the Minister.

1.80.5.5        The Regional Disability Liaison Officer coordinates with education and training providers and disability services providers in a given region to facilitate better information and support services for students with a disability and in order to assist them to access the most appropriate post-school education and training.

1.85             Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training

1.85.1           Objectives

1.85.1.1        The objective of the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training component of the Higher Education Disability Support Programme is to facilitate equitable access to education and training for people with a disability.

1.85.5           Description of Component

1.85.5.1        The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training is a comprehensive website that provides information and other resources designed to promote inclusive teaching and learning practices for people with a disability.

1.85.5.5        Funds will be provided to the higher education provider hosting the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training as determined by the Minister. 

1.90             Performance-Based Disability Support Funding

1.90.1           Objectives

1.90.1.1        The objective of the performance-based disability support funding component of the Higher Education Disability Support Programme is to encourage higher education providers to implement strategies to attract and support domestic students with a disability. 

1.90.5           Description of Component

1.90.5.1        The performance-based component of funding comprises that amount of funding which remains after allocations for the Additional Support for Students with Disabilities component, the Regional Disability Liaison Officer component, and the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training component have been made to eligible providers.  Remaining funds will be distributed according to the funding formula:

1.90.10         Extra Conditions of Grant

1.90.10.1       In addition to compliance with the quality and accountability requirements

                    stipulated under subparagraph 41-25 (a) (ii) of the Act, which includes compliance with the financial reporting obligations under section 19-10 of the Act, the following conditions of grant apply. 

1.90.10.5       Grant funds must be spent on disability strategies as outlined in subparagraph 1.90.1.1. 

1.90.10.10     Grant funds must not be spent on:

(a)     Infrastructure, which includes all buildings, fixtures, roads, pathways and modifications thereof and generic facilities and services that are integral to the provision of education for all students; and

(b)     The provision of personal care for students with a disability, which includes assistance provided by a paid or unpaid carer to ensure that basic activities of daily living and self-care such as eating, dressing, toileting and mobilising are accomplished.  The provision of personal care also includes providing assistance with medications and treatments.