geoff hawkings - Waiariki Institute of Technology

3. information centre
A team of Student Advisors, supported by tutors, provide guidance and support for enrolment. Besides
programme and course information, Student Advisors provide information on Scholarships, offer an 0800
telephone number for free access and provide pastoral care. Student Advisors provide continued advice until
students complete their study.
Waiariki is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
The International Team receives regular progress updates on international students from academic staff in order
to identify any early assistance required. Accommodation services are also available and International Advisors
speak a number of languages between them.
Students can access the services of a Budget Advisor. Financial assistance is also provided to students who
meet the Student Emergency Fund criteria. During 2006, 33 students benefited from the Emergency Fund. There
is a constructive relationship with Study Link, who are now located next to the Student Advisors to provide a
seamless student service.
4. Disability co-ordination
Waiariki fosters the development of a learning environment that supports the needs of students with disabilities,
with a view to enhancing equity of access to education. This is achieved through:
• A Disabilities Co-ordinator who supported 31 students accessing the service in 2006.
• An active Disability Advisory Committee enables relevant stakeholder input.
• Kia Ōrite, Achieving Equity - Code of Practice endorsed by Waiariki’s Council.
• Assessment undertaken of Waiariki’s current position against the best practice standards and Action Plan
in place.
• Disability Co-ordinator takes part in student orientation.
• Promotion of Disabilities Co-ordinator role to all Waiariki staff, but particularly School Liaison and Student
Advisors to offer support from first student contact.
• A proactive relationship with relevant community agencies to maximize students’ opportunities.
5. secondary school tertiary alignment team
Waiariki works in partnership with thirty eight secondary schools over the Waiariki rohe. A curriculum Alignment
Strategy was put in place with the aims of:
• Designing seamless transitions from secondary school to tertiary education or employment.
• Reducing barriers for secondary school students to access tertiary institutions.
• Ensuring students are given credit for their vocational learning.
• Increasing school leaver participation.
During 2006, there were 60 enrolments from students who had previously been on a STAR course.
983 students attended STAR courses at Waiariki.
2006 ANNUAL REPORT 77