Publication of Programme Information Policy

Section
Academic
Approval Date
4 September 2025
Approved By
Executive Director
Next Review
4 September 2027
Responsibility
Director: Academic Excellence
Pastoral Care Code Outcomes
Outcome 1: A learner wellbeing and safety system
Compliance

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

The Education and Training Act 2020 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to clarify minimum requirements in all marketing collateral that informs prospective learners (ākonga) about approved programmes of study at Otago Polytechnic. 

Policy

1. Otago Polytechnic is responsible for ensuring that only approved academic information is used in all: 

  • Programme pages on the website   

  • Awards and Certificates 

  • Advertising 

  • Promotional Collateral 

  • Programme Guides and other programme booklets 

  • Student Management System (SMS) 

  • Information to Academic Registry, Customer Services, and the Contact Centre 

  • Online Platforms – including the website and social media. 

  • Media and public relations (PR). 

2. Academic Excellence are responsible for providing approved programme information for use in publications.  

3. Marketing, Communications and Engagement is responsible for preparing and presenting programme of study guides and other marketing publications and collateral produced by Otago Polytechnic Responsibilities include proofreading, editing, layout and design. 

4. Heads of Programmes are responsible for supplying supplementary programme information such as start date, career outcomes and unique selling points for their programmes.   

5. The programme guide is produced annually and includes: 

  • General information about Otago Polytechnic 

  • Programme specific information taken from the approved programme of study document must include: 

  • Title of the Programme of Study (including any embedded qualifications). 

  • Entry criteria 

  • English Language requirements 

  • Additional entry requirements (i.e., interview or portfolio). 

  • Selection process 

  • Specialty or major areas of study. 

  • Approved indicative fees. 

  • Location/s including on-campus, distance, and online. 

  • Full-time or part-time options. 

  • Month programme of study starts  

  • Level of qualification.     

5. Programmes of study that are waiting on external approval can be listed in the programme guide and website programme pages provided an asterisk is placed at the end of the title with a footnote stating *subject to final approval. 

6Programme of study information will include a statement indicating that Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to alter and amend information and to cancel or postpone any programme of study, course or course occurrence e.g. where there are insufficient numbers. If a cancellation occurs, Otago Polytechnic will do their best to suggest alternative study options. All programmes, fees and costs are subject to change. Fees and any costs are stated in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). 

Approved

Approved by: 

Dr Megan Pōtiki 

Executive Director 

4 September 2025 

 

Version 4.