Called to Care – Student Support at ACCS

At Australian College of Christian Studies we recognise the call of God on the lives of each of our students. Choosing and committing to train for a life of Christian service is an exciting adventure and the team at ACCS are actively committed to supporting each student to reach their potential. We offer a range of support services with the freedom to tailor our support to each individual student. Our student support team are available to provide personalised advice and information relating to various aspects of college life such as wellbeing, study skills, student relations, student visas, academic requirements or with advice regarding who best to contact.

We also know that sometimes life happens, and your studies can be impacted. Therefore we have a designated pastoral care team available to provide emotional support in times of crisis. We also offer counselling support with one of our qualified counsellors should you find yourself working through bigger life challenges.

As a Christian learning community, we aim to encourage and assist students in order for them to actively participate and succeed in their studies. We are here to explore options with you, to link you to the range of other services and assistance, and to assist you to make a plan to get back on track.

Chaplaincy

Paul Porta – paul.porta@ccs.edu.au

Counselling & Mental Heath Support

Adrian Martinez – adrian.martinez@ccs.edu.au 

Byung Kim (Korean students) – byung.kim@ccs.edu.au 

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Participation

Winston Cole – winston.cole@ccs.edu.au

Disability Services

Winston Cole – winston.cole@ccs.edu.au

Discrimination & Harassment

Winston Cole – winston.cole@ccs.edu.au

International Students

Winston Cole – winston.cole@ccs.edu.au

Safety & Wellbeing

Winston Cole – winston.cole@ccs.edu.au

English Language Support

Winston Cole – winston.cole@ccs.edu.au

Academic and Study Skills

Winston Cole – winston.cole@ccs.edu.au

National Student Ombudsman (NSO)

The NSO has been operational since 1 February 2025 and is a free and independent service for both domestic and international higher education students.

The NSO handles complaints from higher education students on a range of issues, including student safety and welfare, racism, gender-based violence, course administration, teaching provisions and facilities, disciplinary processes, and reasonable adjustments. It provides accessible, safe and confidential services, offering multiple channels for submitting a complaint, including an anonymous report option.

The NSO can accept complaints from international higher education students, both onshore and offshore. This includes, for example, former international students, international students who have or are attempting to apply or enrol, and students studying at overseas campuses of a registered Australian higher education provider.

Overseas Student Ombudsman (OSO)

International higher education students at private higher education providers can lodge their complaint with either the NSO or the Overseas Student Ombudsman (OSO). Both the NSO and OSO are functions of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, and the complaint will be handled in the capacity that is most appropriate, ensuring a ‘no wrong door’ policy for student complaints.

For international students studying in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, the National Training Complaints Hotline can refer international student complaints about their VET experiences to the most appropriate authority for consideration

To learn more about the NSO or to access resources, please visit  www.nso.gov.au
The NSO has provided a  launch kit on their website for student support services explaining the function of the NSO for staff and students.