Ākonga / Learner Support - OPBD Procedure

To provide operational procedures and outline central support services for enhancing the success and educational experience for ākonga/learners at Otago Polytechnic Business Division (OPBD) of Te Pūkenga.

For information about available services refer  Student Support,  Accessibility Services, and Assistive Technology.

Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 

NZQA Special Assessment Conditions 

1. Support services are available to ākonga enrolled in all programmes of study/course(s) at OPBD and subject to all enrolment terms and conditions such as payment of standard fees and levies (refer to Student Health and Counselling clauses 5-9 below).2. College/school/programme of study kaimahi will advise ākonga of the range of support services available at orientation.
2. Ākonga with specific support needs will be identified as early as possible, through the application and enrolment process or as part of learner orientation and induction. An additional abilities assessment may be required to ascertain the best way to support the learner. (Refer to Student Success for more information and to TKM Part 6 Supported Assessment, Alternative Assessment, Section 6.3, and Variations to Assessment, Section 6.5).

4. Ākonga may access any support service by self-referral or by referral from kaimahi.

Ākonga/Learner Health and Counselling

5. Ākonga regardless of the equivalent full-time status (EFTS) value of the programme of study enrolled at OPBD will be charged a Student Health and Counselling Levy, with the exception of the Otago Secondary-Tertiary College (OSTC), distance delivery programmes, and Community Computing programmes. This gives ākonga access to Student Health and Counselling services, ambulance, and emergency medical care while they are on campus.
6. Ākonga are entitled to Student Health and Counselling services.

6.1 Medical consultations are free ākonga on presentation of a Community Services Card or an Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) claim, otherwise there is a $15 charge.

6.2    Check with Student Health reception for other charges such as, but not limited to minor surgery, dressings, and immunisations.

7. Ākonga completing programmes of study/course(s) that have been exempt from the Student Health Levy (distance programmes of study/course(s), short courses, contracted programmes of study/course(s), may access OPBD Student Health and Counselling services, however, payment will be required.
8. Ākonga enrolled in programmes of study taught off-site from any campus of OPBD will not be charged a Student Health and Counselling Levy.
9. Where a programme of study requires ākonga to be away from any campus of OPBD for less than forty-five (45%) of their programme of study duration, and where reciprocal arrangements with other business division have not been negotiated, colleges/programmes of study may choose in consultation with ākonga to provide alternative health care arrangements. The cost of any such arrangements is calculated as part of the college/school/programme of study’s clinical placement or work experience expenses.

Ākonga/Learner Assistance Fund

10. The Learner Assistance Fund is available to ākonga who may experience an unforeseen financial situation during their study. By completing the Learner Assistance Fund Application Form (refer to Appendix 1.) and providing further information if requested, the Committee determine how best to assist ākonga on an individual basis depending on their circumstances.
11. The Committee that considers the distribution of the Learner Assistance Fund is made up of: Student Success Team Leader, Otago Polytechnic Business Division Student Association (OPSA) representative, OPSA Student Advisor and Advocate(or delegate), and Head of College (or delegate).

11.1 A majority of Committee members need to agree to the decision (quorum is half plus one).

12. Ākonga applying for assistance will be required to complete a confidential Learner Assistance Fund Application Form (Appendix 1) which records personal details, the ākonga financial details of income and outgoings as well as assets and liabilities.

12.1 It requires ākonga to present a budget and a brief statement of the reason for seeking assistance.

12.2 In addition, a Student Management System (SMS) check will be completed to confirm that ākonga is currently meeting attendance and programme of study/course requirements.

13. If the Committee is unable to agree on an outcome, the Student Success Team Leader/or equivalent will refer the matter to the Director: Learner Services/or equivalent for a decision.
14. For more information about this fund and application form contact OPSA.

• Learner Support - Learner Assistance Grant Application Form (Appendix 1)
• Learner's Rights and Responsibilities
• Learner Support Services

Learner Assistance Application Grant Form

• Otago Polytechnic Business Division of Te Pūkenga Dyslexia Charter  - click on the link to download.