Orientation and Mobility Student - Scholarship Program
Job No:
GDQ74
Location:
Bald Hills
Program overview
The objective of the Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ) Scholarship Program is to support students to satisfactorily complete a Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility offered at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
The GDQ funding is directly related to training and upskilling eligible graduates who may or may not be current employees of GDQ.
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) graduates work with people of all ages who have low vision or are blind. They offer “training in the use of mobility aids, orientation to the environment, realistic assessment of limitations, vision education and development of sensory awareness” (OMAA Australasia, 2021, www.http:omaaustralisia.com).
Funding
Scholarship
The GDQ Scholarship program will provide a Scholarship payment of up to $30,000 for the support of full-time students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility program (the Course) offered by UNSW.
Scholarship allocations will be decided upon by GDQ based on the criteria outlined below including suitability, relevance, value for money and the operational and service needs of GDQ.
Scholarship funding is paid directly to UNSW to cover full or part tuition fees. During the Scholarship, the Student will be required to undertake any Work Integrated Learning placements at GDQ Bald Hills.
On completion of the Course, subject to GDQ operational requirements, GDQ may, at its discretion, offer employment to the Student as a qualified O&M specialist or another related role. If the Student declines the offer, the Student will be required to reimburse all the tuition fees paid to UNSW by GDQ.
If the Student is offered employment with GDQ they must work for a minimum period of 12 months from the commencement date of employment or the Student will be required to reimburse GDQ for a proportion of the tuition fees depending on the duration of the employment period completed.
Subject to availability, Students may apply for accommodation free of charge at the Bald Hills GDQ campus when they are undertaking Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements. The accommodation is in the form of an ensuited motel type room in a shared facility.
Any Scholarship offered is subject to the Student’s acceptance of the terms of the Deed of Scholarship. It is recommended that Student’s seek their own independent legal and tax advice in relation to the Scholarship.
Expenses not covered by GDQ
Students will be responsible for any costs, (including some tuition fees if part funded), associated with the Course, including:
- Activities and related costs occurring before the Scholarship application;
- Overseas travel expenses, e.g. travel to International Guide Dog Organisations;
- IT or IT related equipment;
- Textbooks, equipment, membership fees, subscriptions or exam fees;
- Travel expenses, including public transport, parking fees or similar expenses;
- Meals and living expenses incurred during WIL placements in Brisbane.
Current GDQ staff who are offered and accept a Scholarship may be eligible for study leave and some travel expense reimbursement in accordance with the relevant GDQ policy.
Minimum eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the GDQ Scholarship, Students must have been accepted for full time enrolment in the Graduate Diploma of O&M at UNSW. Please refer to the UNSW website for information on the course, eligibility criteria and how to apply. Current GDQ employees are encouraged to apply.
An Applicant must also have/agree to the following:
- A current Blue Card and valid NDIS worker screening clearance or valid Yellow Card/Yellow Card exemption;
- A current open “c” class Queensland Driver’s licence and a willingness to travel within Brisbane and regional Queensland;
- To assign all intellectual property generated during the Course to GDQ;
- GDQ’s confidentiality requirements;
- To undertake an unpaid Induction Program at GDQ, which will take approximately [one day; and
- To complete other documents as required to satisfy operational requirements of GDQ.
Information required in an application
- Official confirmation of full-time enrolment in the O&M Graduate Diploma at UNSW. This documentation must include the Student’s name and the year of study. The Scholarship will not be offered unless proof of enrolment is supplied.
- A brief statement from the Student addressing the following questions:
- What is your primary reason for enrolling in the Program;
- How will people who have low vision or are blind benefit from your qualification;
- How have you planned to manage the study requirements with your regular work/other responsibilities;
- What strategies you intend to implement if overwhelmed by the workload; and
- How will GDQ benefit from your completion of the Program.
- Any other supporting documentation relevant to the application.
Application process
All applications must be made through the application form below. Applications will be assessed by GDQ based on the minimum eligibility requirements and on a Student’s statement addressing the questions outlined above.
Throughout the application process a Student may be asked to provide more information to support their application.
Submitting an application does not guarantee an offer of a Scholarship by GDQ and Scholarships offered will be at the absolute discretion of GDQ.
Approved applications
If an application is successful, GDQ will email the Student a letter of offer for the Scholarship and the Deed of Scholarship for consideration. If accepted, a signed copy of the Deed of Scholarship should be returned by the nominated date.
If GDQ does not receive a signed deed by the nominated date, GDQ may withdraw the offer of the Scholarship.
Changes to Scholarship Agreement
Written approval from GDQ is required to change the Program/activity outlined in the Scholarship Agreement. GDQ will review any change against the original application, the Deed of Scholarship and the reason for the change before deciding whether to agree to the change, or possibly terminate the Scholarship (see the Deed of Scholarship for further details about Termination).
Termination of Deed of Scholarship
GDQ may terminate a Deed of Scholarship if it reasonably believes the Student:
- has withdrawn from the course or defers the course without GDQ approval;
- has breached the Deed of Scholarship;
- engages in conduct which may damage the reputation of GDQ;
- breaches any policies or procedures of UNSW or of GDQ;
- provided false or misleading information in their application;
- becomes unable to complete the course or fails to complete the course within the course duration;
- refuses the offer of employment;
- resigns or is terminated (due to performance or misconduct) prior to completing 12 months employment.
In these cases, the Student will, upon request by GDQ, reimburse GDQ the full (or part in some instances) tuition fees paid on behalf of the Student to UNSW. Please read the Deed of Scholarship carefully for more detailed information on possible termination of the Scholarship.
Further Information
Any questions relating to the GDQ Scholarship program should be directed to humanresources@guidedogsqld.com.au
About Us
Guide Dogs Queensland is a leading provider of services to Queenslanders living with no or low vision. Voted one of Australia’s most trusted charities, and with thanks to the ongoing support of the community, we are able to help people with low or no vision reach their goals and experience everything life has to offer. Our services are all tailored to ensure blind and vision impaired Queenslanders can fulfil their potential and live life the way they choose.
We offer our team:
- Roles which challenge and reward you whilst allowing you to grow your skill set.
- A competitive salary in accordance with experience.
- A rewarding career where you have the chance to make a real difference to the lives of Queenslanders living with low or no vision.
- Great location, beautiful campus and dogs in the workplace.
- Close to public transport and free onsite parking.
- Great team culture.
- GDQ is committed to building a highly skilled workforce, assisted by a dedicated leadership team. We support our staff with learning and development opportunities, an employee benefits program and progressive workforce management strategies.
