Student Policy

Admission requirements

Admission requirements and procedures for each programme can be obtained from the programme information outline which can be downloaded from www.performancesolutions.co.za. This information can also be obtained by calling Student Support on +2711 789 1957.

Language policy

Cornerstone conducts its business, administration and programme delivery in English and therefore, our staff and students are required to be competent in English. Academic literacy is one of the objectives of the curriculum and, to this end, Cornerstone offers English Language Communication courses as part of our programme offering.

English is the medium of instruction and assessment. However, for marking purposes correct English usage is subordinate to the correct meaning in an assignment response. Foreign language students will be required to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English to ensure success on the learning programme for which they are registered.

Support services available

Comprehensive academic and student support is available to assist with administrative and learning challenges. Please contact us to make use of these services. The services available include:

  • Online learning support
  • Student administration
  • Schedule queries
  • Progress queries
  • Subject-matter related queries
  • Workplace related challenges with regard to completing the qualification
  • Advice regarding extensions, resubmissions, and exemptions
  • Further study opportunities through Cornerstone Performance Solutions (Pty.) Ltd.

Learning contract

It is mandatory for each student enrolling with Cornerstone to sign a declaration and undertaking with their registration forms, that constitutes the learning contract. This includes a declaration that all particulars furnished to Cornerstone are true and correct, that the student will comply with Cornerstone's rules, regulations and decisions. The student also undertakes to protect the copyright of the university, and under no circumstance to make the study material available for use by any other person.

Student financial aid

In the case where students request financial aid for study purposes Cornerstone is able to motivate for a student loan from various sources if the student is able to meets the stipulated requirements of such a loan. Cornerstone makes a limited number of bursaries available in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. Interested students must enquire from Student Support as to the conditions of such a bursary.

Student code of conduct

In order to uphold the high academic standards of the Institution, Cornerstone has created a student Code of Conduct that each student must abide by.

Students should:

  • Comply with any reasonable request, rules and regulations published by Cornerstone.

Students are prohibited from:

  • Using derogatory language towards Cornerstone staff or fellow students.
  • Behaving in a racist or sexist manner towards any member of the Cornerstone staff or a fellow student.
  • Willfully disrupting Cornerstone learning or teaching activities in any way.
  • Reproducing and distributing Cornerstones academic materials. Students are cautioned to observe the copyright laws at all times.
  • Engaging in dishonest conduct or committing plagiarism in examinations, assignments, tests or any other academic assessment.
  • Students should note that plagiarism is academic fraud and is a serious offence. A student found guilty of plagiarism in a disciplinary hearing may be expelled from Cornerstone.

If the student is enrolled in a Learnership or other experiential learning programme, the employer will be informed of the offence and advised to take the disciplinary steps it deems necessary.

Grievance procedure

A grievance is a complaint relating to the terms and conditions of registration or personal interaction between a student and another student or students; between a student and a staff member, or between a student and the institution.

If a student wishes to lodge a grievance, the Programme Co-ordinator should be contacted. The student will make an electronic submission outlining the grievance with all relevant details. The Programme Co-ordinator should acknowledge receipt of this.

The allegation / grievance will be investigated by the Management Committee and, if necessary, the relevant person(s) will be notified to attend a disciplinary enquiry before a disciplinary committee.

If the matter is not satisfactorily concluded the Academic Director should be contacted for final resolution of the matter.

No complaint shall be considered under the grievance procedure if it relates to an official policy of the institution or to a regulation or procedure of the institution or to a decision of the Academic Head, the Academic Director or the Academic Board; or if it contravenes, interferes with or prevents the institution from the implementation of a formally approved policy or procedure.

Grievance procedures may lead to disciplinary procedures against staff or students if they are upheld.