Support
The University supports and develops disabled students to achieve their academic potential and foster their identity and development.
University support services will meet regularly to exchange pertinent student information, build familiarity among team members, share expertise, and cultivate a comprehensive understanding of each other's services.
Disability inclusion arrangements
Assess the disability needs of students utilising Te Amaru—Disability Services and developing disability inclusion arrangements for those requiring them.
Communicate these arrangements to course coordinators and anyone else who needs to know. This will ensure that barriers are removed and disabled students can successfully participate in study and student life.
We will measure the effectiveness of this approach by the number of disability inclusion arrangements statements developed (Dsmart report) and by checking how many disabled students feel that course coordinators were responsive to their inclusion needs (Te Amaru—Disability Services student survey).
Responsibility:
- Te Amaru—Disability Services
- Course Coordinators
Referral pathways
Strengthen referral pathways and provide seamless support across student services.
We will achieve this through good teamwork, regular meetings to monitor progress, and we will make improvements as needed.
Responsiblity:
- Te Pūrengi—Student Experience and Wellbeing
- Tītoko—Student Success Advisors
- Āwhina
- Pasifika Student Success
Tauira whaikaha (Māori disabled students)
Support tauira whaikaha (Māori disabled students) with their identity. This includes addressing their disability and cultural needs. Our support will also empower their leadership presence and foster their development in order to fulfil their academic aspirations.
Te Amaru—Disability Services and Āwhina will achieve this by discussing strategies to support the identity, needs and academic aspirations of shared students.
Responsiblity:
- Te Amaru—Disability Services
- Āwhina
Minority communities
Support Pasifika, Rainbow, refugee, international and offshore disabled students with their identity, development, and wellbeing, as appropriate to them, in order to fulfil their academic aspirations.
We will achieve this by discussing strategies to support the identity, needs, and academic aspirations of shared students.
Responsiblity:
- Te Amaru—Disability Services
- Pasifika Student Success
- Manawa Ora—Student Wellbeing
- Te Haumiri—International Student Experience
Academic support
Support the learning, assessment, and research skill development of students during both undergraduate and post graduate study.
We will achieve this by meeting each trimester to monitor student needs and innovations.
Responsiblity:
- Te Taiako—Student Learning
(In partnership with Te Amaru—Disability Services)
High needs
Support disabled students with high medical or mental health needs with their wellbeing.
We will achieve this by ensuring staff meet regularly, get know each other, share expertise, and as a result, have a strong understanding of each other’s services.
Responsibility:
- Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling
(In partnership with Te Amaru—Disability Services)
Accommodation
Support disabled students in University accommodation to ensure their needs are met.
We will achieve this through regular meetings to ensure staff have a strong understanding of each other’s services.
Responsibility:
- Te Amaru—Disability Services
- Te Kopanga—Student Accommodation
Supporting achievement and development
Provide students quality, timely support, and services that foster their achievement and development. This includes (as needed):
- coaching
- academic liaison
- inclusive learning software
- academic inclusion services
- accessible assessment arrangements.
We will measure this by establishing a baseline percentage of users who were satisfied with the overall performance of Te Amaru—Disability Services. (Te Amaru—Disability Services student survey)
Responsibility:
- Te Amaru—Disability Services
Mental distress
Recognise and respond to disabled students experiencing mental distress, sharing relevant information, and acting- on and escalating concerns as needed, while upholding students’ dignity.
We will respond to students at risk and provide support, as needed. Case coordination will be completed through the Risk Assessment Advisory Committee, the Offshore Risk Management Team, and the Wellbeing and Safety Review, or as required.
Responsibility:
- Te Amaru—Disability Services
- Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling
- Tauira—Student Interest and Conflict Resolution
- Te Kopanga—Student Accommodation
- Te Haumiri—International Student Experience
- Campus Safety and Security
Social connection
Create and promote, social connection opportunities that enhance the wellbeing
of students, prevent loneliness, and support disabled students to have a sense of belonging at our University.
We will promote social connection opportunities and events in Te Amaru—Disability Services newsletters and social media, and include examples in Te Amaru— Disability Services' annual report.
Responsibility:
- Te Amaru—Disability Services
- Disabled Students’ Association
Employability
Support students and recent graduates to develop their employability, make connections with employers, access work integrated learning opportunities, and apply for meaningful and inclusive employment opportunities.
We will partner with Te Arawhiti mō Mahi— Workbridge and Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora— Ministry of Social Development to deliver employability initiatives. These will be reported on in Te Ratonga Rapu Mahi— Careers and Employment and Te Amaru—Disability Services' annual reports.
Responsibility:
- Te Amaru—Disability Services
- Te Ratonga Rapu Mahi— Careers and Employment