Code of practice for the pastoral care of learners

The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code) supports the well-being of tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers who:

enrol international learners
enrol domestic tertiary learners, and/or
enrol (with a tertiary provider) industry trainees or apprentices.

It sets out the requirements that education providers must meet for the well-being and safety of their learners as well as the best possible support system and student experience

Overview

The code supports the well-being of tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers.
It sets out the requirements that education providers must meet for the well-being and safety of their learners.
It covers learners who are studying online, offshore, and/or in workplace-based settings.

Te Reo Māori version of the code

English version of the code

Our responsibilities

The code sets out the roles and responsibilities of tertiary education organisations in promoting and supporting student well-being, development, and educational achievement. Under the code we should be helping learners to be:

safe physically and mentally
respected and accepting of who they are
supported in their learning and wellbeing
connected with social and cultural networks
able to have a say in decisions about services.

Code outcomes

The code has twelve outcomes relevant to tertiary providers. Outcomes 1-7 apply to all tertiary learners and outcomes 8-12 apply only to international learners.

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

All tertiary learners

Outcomes 1 and 2 focus on education providers taking a whole organisation approach to learner wellbeing and safety and that learner’s voice is embedded into the organisation.

A learner well-being and safety system
Learner voice

Outcomes 3 and 4 focus on well-being and safety practices for all tertiary providers and relate to physical and digital learning environments.

Safe, inclusive, supportive, and accessible physical and digital learning environments
Learners are safe and well

Outcomes 5 to 7 focus on student accommodation to ensure that it is safe and create inclusive communities.

A positive, supportive and inclusive environment in student accommodation
Accommodation administrative practices and contracts
Student accommodation facilities and services

International learners

Outcomes 8 to 12 have the same requirements as the previous international code for tertiary learners and ensures international learners have access to the right information and support before and during their study.

Responding to the distinct well-being and safety needs of international tertiary learners
Prospective international tertiary learners are well informed
Offer, enrolment, contracts, insurance, and visa
International learners receive appropriate orientations, information, and advice
Safety and appropriate supervision of international tertiary learners

How we are working towards complying with the code

Techtorium has carried out a gap analysis in preparation for the implementation of the code and an action plan developed. This exercise highlighted areas of strength and opportunities where we could make enhancements or improvements to student experience during their time of the study.

Student wellbeing and safety

It is Techtorium’s mission to ensure that students feel well-supported, strongly connected to their social and cultural networks, and engaged in activities that complement their studies and beyond.

The Student Engagement and Development Team is accessible to all learners. Digital information is located on the Student Noticeboard and printed material is available onsite. Student Noticeboard – Home

Support services for a range of agencies are printed in the student handbook for student reference. 2023 Student-Handbook

Monthly health and safety checks are conducted for the entire premises.

Student food is freely available onsite such as apples, noodles, and porridge. A vending machine is also available to students with items at affordable prices and a variety of options.

Student voice and partnership

Student voice groups are established and meet regularly, providing an opportunity for support, feedback, and discussions about student life. Diversity groups presented:

Student Representatives
Māori
Pasifika
Disability advocates
Women
Rainbow
International

Student Class Representative meetings are held fortnightly where any concerns or feedback can be raised. Minutes of meetings are made available to the staff and posted on the student noticeboard where notices are updated. Student Noticeboard – Student Voice Meeting Minutes 2022.

End of Term Surveys are administered to every class where learners can provide feedback on their term experience.

Posters are placed on every level and on student noticeboard (digital) with contact details to notify learners how they’re able to provide feedback.

Weekly student support meetings are held to identify learners who require additional support. CADGES and learner individual needs are taken into consideration when creating RAPs for each learner.

Student complaints management

Techtorium has an effective and robust learner complaints process. Our dedicated Student Engagement and Development Teamwork with learners and their support people to effectively respond to all student concerns.

End of Term Surveys are administered to every class where learners can provide feedback on their term experience.

Developing further resources and training

Techtorium provides two learning and development afternoons per term, and a dedicated week per quarter throughout the year where training on the code, recognising and referring students, and broader student wellbeing and inclusion capabilities for all staff are included.

Review of the code

Techtorium is committed to reviewing the code regularly which includes our support of students and assessing how well we are meeting the outcomes outlined in the code. Details of these reviews will be made available to our students and staff. You can also find our review here