Student Support Services

Ridley’s Admissions Officer, Jessica Fields also acts as our Overseas Student Liaison Officer. She is available to support overseas students in particular and can provide information about living and studying in Australia as well as the available support services.

Students are welcome to speak with a member of faculty in the first instance or to contact our Academic Counsellor for a list of trusted external referrals
Counselling can help you with a range of issues including mental health and emotional wellbeing, loss and grief, relationship issues, and life direction.
Faculty – Every member of faculty is dedicated to our students’ learning, is accessible on campus and via email, and offers students strong mentoring and support.

Formation Program – Whether you are studying on-campus, online, or a combination of both, we are concerned not just to develop your mind, but also your heart and hands. The program includes Guided Spiritual Formation and Vocational Mentoring Groups.

Academic Counsellor, Library Team and College Support Tutors
Support is available in a range of academic areas including course planning, essay writing, proper referencing, study skills and time management, accessing library resources, and academic English.

Academic Counsellor – Our Academic Counsellor can help you plan your course, keep you on track and make arrangements when unforeseen circumstances happen.

Leon Morris Library – Our librarians are available for one-on-one sessions to assist you in finding resources for your essays. They also provide training and video tutorials on making the most of library services, including our extensive ebook and print collections, and our online databases.

Academic Support Tutors – our team of Academic Support Tutors offer support outside the classroom, on campus and online, to give you one-on-one feedback on your essay plan, explain difficult concepts, support with academic and english writing, and provide seminars on study, essay and exam skills.

External Services
Health and welfare services cover a wide range of supports for issues including those related to physical health (ie. medical), disability, financial and tenancy.
Learning needs assessments – please contact our Academic Counsellor for a list of external referrals
Medical – Find a health service Health Direct, Medicare, Victorian Better Health Channel
Financial  – Money Smart (provided by ASIC), Study Assist
Tenancy – Services Australia, Consumer Affairs Victoria

External Support
While staff at the college cannot provide legal advice, you may be referred to services in the community that can help you with legal matters; such as traffic incidents, domestic violence matters, family law matters, immigration, and consumer rights.
Domestic and Family Violence – please refer to our policy
Legal Advice – Legal Aid Victoria, Family Relationships Online

Ridley has a small number of flats available for students, please contact our Facilities Manager
Support with accommodation will provide you with information about ways to find accommodation while you undertake your study.
Study Melbourne, Services Australia

Students should contact the Registry team in the first instance
The student advocacy service helps students understand policy and procedures and can assist with making appeals, grievances and complaints.

Lifeline – p: 13 11 14
Mensline Australia – p: 1300 789 978
1800 RESPECT – p: 1800 737 732
Beyond Blue – p: 1300 224 636
R U OK?
Open Arms (Veterans and Families Counselling) – p: 1800 011 046

Police / Fire / Ambulance – call 000
If you need police, fire or ambulance in an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Always call Triple Zero (000) in situations where a life is in danger, a crime is taking place or in time critical situations.