Ākonga / Learner Orientation and Induction – OPBD Procedure

To provide operational procedures that support the orientation and induction programme for ākonga at the Otago Polytechnic Business Division of Te Pūkenga.

Orientation: is concerned with familiarising ākonga, both on-campus and distance, with their new learning environment and involves meeting people (face-to-face or online) and communicating helpful information such as where essential services and online resources are located.

Induction: incorporates orientation but is concerned with preparing ākonga s to cope with learning at a tertiary level and ensuring that ākonga have the skills and knowledge to be successful in their chosen programme of study/course(s).

NZQA Rules and Guidelines

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

1. All programmes of study/course(s), including distance and blended learning programmes of study provide Health and Safety and Emergency Procedures induction relevant to the specific learning and teaching environment.

1.1. Ākonga will receive health and safety induction and training at the programme of study level relevant to their work areas i.e., ECL, Automotive, and A Block ākonga will complete a Health and Safety Warrant of Fitness on Moodle and workshop orientations.

1.2 Emergency and evacuation procedures will be outlined on day one of each programme of study by college kaimahi/staff.

2. Orientation and induction will be available to all ākonga enrolled for the first time in all programmes of study/course(s), except for Otago Secondary Tertiary College (OSTC) ākonga, which has a separate induction process.
3. Online orientation and induction will be available to all ākonga and will cover aspects incorporated in the programme of study/course(s). This information will also be available on current learning management systems, i.e., Moodle.
4. Within three (3) weeks of classes starting, all ākonga will receive orientation and induction via class visits for on-campus ākonga and online for distance ākonga conducted by Learner Services, Te Punaka Ōwheo and Otago Polytechnic Limited Students’ Association (OPSA).

 College/School/Programme Responsibilities:

5. Ākonga will be:

• provided with an accurate overview of their programme of study/course(s) so that they know what to expect.
• informed of the expectations placed on them as ākonga within their programme of study/course(s).
• assisted in identifying their learning style(s) to increase their personal learning effectiveness.
• given opportunities for improving their effectiveness as ākonga, which will include the importance and relevance of personal goal setting and motivation.

Student Services/Te Punaka Ōwheo Responsibilities

6. Ākonga will be:

• given opportunities to confirm whether their current path of study aligns with their future aspirations.
• introduced to the range of services that are available to support them throughout their learner journey.
• given opportunities to meet other ākonga which will include activities and entertainment to promote social interaction. These will be offered by OPSA, the University of Otago Students’ Association, and OPBD.
• given opportunities to develop the skills/competencies required to use technology as ākonga at OPBD.
• provided with the information needed to resolve administrative issues such as enrolment and finance.
• provided with specific information and activities for priority ākonga, ākonga nō tāwāhi and ākonga with refugee backgrounds.

7. Priority ākonga (Māori, Pasifika, and disabled ākonga) and their whānau/support people will be offered the opportunity to participate in pre-start whakawhanaungatanga (on-boarding) with relevant key kaimahi/staff.

Otago Polytechnic Business Division Policies and Procedures

Ākonga / Learner Support – OPBD Procedure

Other Resources

• Student Rights and Responsibilities 
• Occupational Health and Safety - Commitments and Responsibilities (Located on kaimahi intranet (Tūhono, Health and Safety).

Policy Version 5: Previously Coded: AP0604