Aussie question for y’all, I’m getting a Certificate IV from Australia (specifically a college in QLD), and I just had a rather heated email discussion over the use of a photo of me on the certificate. And not a security photo, either, something that looks like it was home printed. The rest of the certificate is fine. Decent card stock, well enough printed text and background crest, and officer signatures. I asked for the photo to be removed because in the US and in Japan (particularly in Japan) this would attract more scrutiny, not less. I was met with out right refusal and a bullet list related to “becoming the norm in Australia” and “not inconsistent with Australian regulations” that just dismissed my concerns as invalid.
No diploma, degree, or certificate I have from either of my countries (US, Japan) has anything like this from JHS up to graduate school. Also, I know this college doesn’t realise I’ve lived in Australia, was thinking of moving there permanently to teach in NSW, follow Australian news and politics, and have Aussie friends. I have never heard of this before, and even if it is “not inconsistent” or “becoming the norm” this sounds like spin. It’s not the norm yet, and not being inconsistent doesn’t mean usual.
They agreed grudgingly to remove the photo, but put a note in the missing space. I will accept that, but think this is silly. If I’m wrong, tell me so. But if I’m right, I’d appreciate the back up.