4.2 Study Time and Financial Assistance to Support Study

The University encourages the personal commitment of each staff member to continuous learning by providing those who are undertaking further education courses with the following support and assistance:

1. If an academic staff member successfully completes an accredited postgraduate course that is relevant to the University (e.g. The ACU Graduate Certificate in Higher Education) financial assistance of up to 50% of the cost of each unit, pro-rata for other than full-time employment fraction, may be provided.
2. If a professional staff member is undertaking a course of study to assist their development and the course satisfies the needs of the University the following support is provided:
   1. study time in the form of paid leave of up to 130 hours per calendar year (pro rata for part time staff members) for attendance at lectures and other requirements (e.g. assignments, exam preparation, travel time and practicals) for the period of the study.
   2. financial assistance of up to 50% of the cost of each unit, pro-rata for other than full-time employment fraction, may be provided.
3. Approval of requests for study time is subject to the requirement that University operational and customer service needs are appropriately met. Agreement will not be unreasonably withheld.
4. Approval of financial assistance is subject to evidence of completion of each unit.
5. The unused portion of any study leave provided under this clause does not accrue.
6. Study time and financial assistance will be in line with this Agreement and with the University's policy for Study Support.