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Placement Support and Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

Updated: 3 days ago


Worried about your placement? Facing challenges during your internship or professional experience? SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) is here to support you through issues that may arise before, during, or after your placement. 

 

What is a placement? 


A placement is a required component of many Swinburne courses, giving students practical, real-world experience in their field. Placements may be called internships, professional experience, clinical placements, industry-based learning, or WIL (Work Integrated Learning) depending on your course. 

 

What kind of support do SSA Advocates offer? 


SSA Advocates provide independent, confidential advice for students dealing with: 

  • Unfair treatment or bullying in the workplace. 

  • Concerns about placement requirements or expectations 

  • Health or wellbeing issues affecting your ability to participate. 

  • Requests to defer, extend, or withdraw from a placement. 

  • Academic or conduct allegations during placement. 

  • Disagreements with supervisors or university staff about your performance 


Common placement issues we can help with 


  • Unreasonable workload or unsafe environment 

  • Communication breakdown with your supervisor or placement provider 

  • Health issues impacting your ability to attend or complete tasks. 

  • Fail grades or unsatisfactory performance reports. 

  • Misunderstanding of placement expectations or outcomes 

  • Behavioural complaints made by or against you during placement. 


What should I do if there is a problem? 


  1. Act Early – Don't wait for things to escalate. Reach out to SSA Advocates as soon as you notice an issue. 

  2. Document Everything – Keep records of emails, messages, incidents, and feedback from your placement. 

  3. Reach Out for Support – SSA Advocates can help you understand your options, communicate with the university, and advocate for a fair outcome. 


Can I withdraw from my placement? 


Withdrawing from placement can affect your academic progress, and in some courses (e.g. nursing, education), there may be accreditation or professional implications. 


Before withdrawing or deferring: 


  • Speak with SSA Advocates for personalised advice. 

  • Understand how your course rules and placement agreements apply. 

  • Explore alternate solutions (e.g. adjustments, support plans) 


What if my placement performance is unsatisfactory? 


If you have received negative feedback or been told you may fail your placement: 


  • You have the right to know the reasons for the decision. 

  • You may be able to respond, appeal, or apply for a review (depending on your course) 

  • SSA Advocates can help you prepare a written response or attend meetings with you. 


What if there is a conduct issue? 


If you are accused of misconduct during placement (e.g. breach of confidentiality, inappropriate behaviour), the university may investigate under the Student General Misconduct Regulations or your course-specific conduct rules (e.g. nursing or education codes of conduct). 


SSA Advocates can: 


  • Help you respond to allegations. 

  • Support you in meetings or hearings. 

  • Explain your rights and possible outcomes. 


How SSA Advocates can help 


We are here to support you every step of the way. 


SSA Advocates can: 


  • Help you understand your placement rights and responsibilities. 

  • Review your placement agreements or communications. 

  • Assist with responding to performance or conduct issues. 

  • Support you through reviews, appeals, or complaints. 

  • Provide wellbeing referrals if you are feeling overwhelmed. 

 

Need help with a placement issue? Book a confidential appointment with SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) today. You are not alone—we are here to help. 






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