Counselling is a practice-based profession, and professional accreditation bodies expect students to participate in training, skills development, supervision and practicum-based learning activities. Some counselling units therefore include compulsory in-person attendance requirements, mandatory activities, and/or expectations that students attend at least 80% of scheduled online sessions to satisfy industry and accreditation standards.
ACOM strongly encourages students to attend all scheduled online sessions where possible, as participation provides a richer learning experience and better preparation for professional practice. However, most sessions are recorded, allowing students who are unable to attend to catch up on missed content. Recordings are intended to assist students who miss sessions for legitimate reasons and should not be regarded as a complete substitute for participation. Some sessions, including practicums and supervision, will not be recorded. Students should check the requirements listed for each unit on the ACOM website.
ACOM recognises that students balance study with work, family, ministry, and other commitments. We aim to provide students with flexibility in how they engage with their studies, however students are responsible for understanding the attendance requirements that apply to their enrolled units and for determining whether their level of participation is sufficient to meet any professional, registration, accreditation or membership requirements that may apply to them. Failure to attend required activities may affect a student's ability to satisfy those external requirements.