Getting Prepared and Support on your Professional Experience

Preparing well before your first day on placement is one of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success.

The OPL will support you throughout the process, but it is your responsibility to ensure all pre-placement requirements are met before you begin.

Professional experience is demanding — you will be expected to commit to the full hours of a working teacher while managing your university studies and personal life. Take time before your placement starts to organise the following:

  • Childcare and family arrangements
  • Accommodation (if required)
  • Reliable internet access
  • Travel to and from your school or centre
  • Work commitments
  • Any health needs or medical considerations

Well-Being and Support on Placement

Professional experience is one of the most rewarding  and demanding  parts of your teacher education degree. You will be expected to commit to the full hours of a working teacher while keeping up with university assessments and managing your personal life.

Support is available to teacher education students before, during, and after their professional experience placements. No problem is too big or too small  if something is causing you stress or anxiety, please reach out.

If you have any concerns during your placement, don't hesitate to reach out to the OPL via AskUNE (select Professional Experience – Education) or by phone on 02 6773 3898 (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–4pm).

If you are experiencing personal, academic, or financial challenges that are affecting your progress, the following services are here to help:

Contact the OPL

Students can contact the Professional Experience Placement Team via AskUNE (select Professional Experience – Education) or by phone on 02 6773 3898 (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–4pm).

UNE Wellness Centre

The University of New England's Student Wellness Centre is here to provide personalised mental health support, equity and accessibility support, and study support.

  • Mental Health Support - The Counselling and Psychology Service (CAPS) provides a safe space for currently enrolled students to access one on one support to help navigate personal issues that are impacting on your studies and improve your mental wellbeing.
  • Equity & Accessibility Support  - The Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office (SAWO) works  to create an inclusive learning environment for UNE’s diverse student body by supporting students to overcome barriers to their university education.
  • Study Support -   The UNE Course Advising Team is available to work with you through these complexities, offering confidential, student-led conversations. We work with students to understand their unique circumstances and goals, and plan for course completion.
For urgent mental health support, call 1300 661 927 or text 0488 884 169 — available 24/7.
Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office

The Student Accessibility & Wellbeing Office provides reasonable adjustments for students with a temporary or permanent disability or medical condition, as well as support for carers. They also advise students on equity-related concerns.

If you require adjustments or support during your professional experience placement, we encourage you to contact the Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Oorala Aboriginal Centre

The Oorala Aboriginal Centre supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout their study at UNE. Oorala offers a wide range of services including tutoring, academic advice, and financial services, as well as a welcoming community space guided by a team of dedicated experts.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like additional support before, during, or after your professional experience placement, we encourage you to connect with Oorala.

UNE's Student Grievance Unit

The Student Grievance Unit handles complaints, compliments, and feedback. It is an independent body that formally investigates student complaints about process and service delivery when an informal resolution has not been reached.

Pregnancy and Placement

If you are pregnant, or may become pregnant, before or during your placement.

Please consult your doctor before commencing placement regarding any potential health risks.

You should also notify the Office for Professional Learning and your school or centre as early as possible. Most schools and centres have their own policies regarding pregnant staff members, and you will be required to follow these. Contact the OPL directly with any specific queries.