Learner Orientation and Induction
To outline the objectives of the Otago Polytechnic Limited (Ltd) orientation and induction programme for learners. This includes on-campus and distance learners, as well as learners who start outside of the usual enrolment periods.
Orientation: is concerned with familiarising learners, 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 learners to cope with learning at a tertiary level and ensuring that learners have the skills and knowledge to be successful in their chosen programme of study/course(s).
All Programmes of study/course(s), including distance and blended learning programmes provide Health and Safety and Emergency Procedures induction relevant to the specific learning and teaching environment.
NZQA Rules and Guidelines
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
- Orientation and induction will be available to all learners enrolling at Otago Polytechnic Ltd for the first time in all programmes of study/course(s), except for Otago Secondary Tertiary College (OSTC) learners, who have a separate induction process.
- Online orientation and induction will be available to all learners 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.
- Within three weeks of classes starting, all learners will receive orientation and induction via class visits for on-campus learners and online for distance learners conducted by Learner Services, Te Punaka Ōwheo and Otago Polytechnic Limited Students’ Association (OPSA).
College/School/Programme Responsibilities:
- Learners will be provided with an accurate overview of their programme of study/course(s) so that they know what to expect.
- Learners will be informed of the expectations placed on them as learners within their programme of study/course(s).
- Learners will be assisted in identifying their learning style(s) to increase their personal learning effectiveness.
- Learners will be given opportunities for improving their effectiveness as learners, which will include the importance and relevance of personal goal setting and motivation.
Student Services/Te Punaka Ōwheo Responsibilities
- Learners will be given opportunities to confirm whether their current path of study aligns with their future aspirations.
- Learners will be introduced to the range of services that are available to support them throughout their learner journey.
- Priority Learners (Māori, Pasifika, and disabled learners) and their whānau/support people will be offered the opportunity to participate in pre-start whakawhanaungatanga (on-boarding) with relevant key staff.
- Learners will be given opportunities to meet other learners which will include activities and entertainment to promote social interaction. These will be offered by OPSA, the University of Otago Students’ Association, and Otago Polytechnic Ltd.
- Learners will be given opportunities to develop the skills/competencies required to use the technologies as learners at Otago Polytechnic Ltd.
- Learners will be provided with the information needed to resolve administrative issues such as enrolment and finance.
- Specific information and activities will be offered to Priority Learners, International Learners and Learners with Refugee Backgrounds.
- Learners will receive a health and safety induction and training at the programme level relevant to their work areas i.e., ECL, Automotive, and A Block learners will complete a Health and Safety Warrant of Fitness on Moodle and workshop orientations.
- Emergency and evacuation procedures will be outlined on day one of each programme of study by college staff.
Policies
PoliciesLear Support Policy
Otago Polytechnic Student Rights and Responsibilities
Occupational Health and Safety - Commitments and Responsibilities Policy.
Dr. Megan Gibbons
Chief Executive
30 October 2022
Version 4: Previously coded: AP0604
