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class representative handbook

YOUR STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Kia ora, and thank you for volunteering to become a Class Representative! You are directly contributing to the quality of learning and teaching at Victoria University.

As a Class Rep, you are able to facilitate immediate improvements in learning opportunities for you and your class. You are a vital link between your class, your lecturer, VUWSA, and the University. At the same time you will personally benefit from the training and experience of being an advocate and a spokesperson for a group of your peers.

Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) and Victoria University of Wellington Students Association (VUWSA) share a strong commitment to improving the quality of education at Victoria. Class Reps are at the heart of making that commitment a reality. We value students like you having the opportunity to work in collaboration with staff to improve the learning experience by presenting the concerns and ideas of your peers. When you listen to the members of your class, pass on their feedback, and connect students with each other, you’re having a real impact on the quality of education at Victoria, and the student experience of all students. For that, we say thank you.

This Handbook aims to provide you with written guidance on how to be effective in your role, and what support exists along the way. It will be complemented by training sessions and personal contact with Jay Chhana, the VUWSA Education Organiser. He can be contacted at eo@vuwsa.org.nz or on (04) 463 6981.

We look forward to working with you this year to make Vic even better.

Nga mihi,

Rawinia Thompson and Kevin Gould

YOUR STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

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class representative handbook

Kevin GouldConvenor Academic Committee

www.vuwsa.org.nz

Rawinia Thompson2014 Vice President Academic

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introduction 5 The Importance of Class Representatives 5

What happens now? 5

the role of class reps 6 Responsibilities of Class Representatives 6

being visible: from face to face 7 meetings to virtual reality Working with Facebook 7

what a class representative 8 should focus on Course Content and Structure 8

Course Workload 8

Course Content and Teaching Methods 9

Assessment and Feedback 9

Teaching Facilities and Academic Support 10

Student Privacy 10

assisting students who 11 have a problem

class rep functions 12 (vuwsa class party subsidy)

staff/student liaison meetings 12 formal reviews 13 and consultations benefits of being a class representative 14 Academic 14

Professional Development and Personal Growth 14

Other Opportunities for Representation 14

support and services available 15 VUWSA Education Office 15

VUWSA Advocacy Service 15

VUWSA Contacts 16

Useful Resources and Services 16

Relevant VUWSA Services 17

Relevant VUW Services 17

the student charter of victoria 18 university of wellington

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introduction

the importance of class representatives

Class Reps provide the first point of contact for other students in their class. They are at hand to resolve basic problems and offer support and guidance.

Class Reps are, most importantly, the ears and voice of the students at Victoria. They provide an important link between students, academic staff and the University Academic Office.

Class Reps provide an important point of consultation when changes need to be made or are being proposed. More specifically, they work within Victoria’s academic representation structures to provide constructive feedback to academic staff and student representatives in Faculty and University committees regarding the quality of teaching and assessment, course content and facilities.

what happens now?

1. Register

Fill out the registration form with your correct contact details. Return the form to your lecturer who will then pass the form on to your School Manager. The School Manager will compile a list of Class Reps to send through to the VUWSA Education Organiser. Your details will be entered into a database that will be accessible from the VUWSA website so you can easily be contacted by your class.

2. Meet with the Course Coordinator

Discuss the ways in which you can work together, including how best to elicit and present class feedback, and deal with any issues that might arise through the duration of the course.

2. Attend a Training Session

To register for training, check out the Class Rep page on the VUWSA website and email the Education Organiser with your preferred session and time. Do this as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss out. There are two levels of training: Basic (for first time Class Reps) and Advanced (for returning Class Reps). Sessions are designed to inform and empower you in your role. They show you how you can best serve your class. They include guest speakers and food.

Check Out: www.vuwsa.org.nz/representation/class-reps-2/

Your voiceMatters. Asa Class Rep,you are seenas a leader

who can speakand share theexperiences

of your class.When youspeak, theUniversity

listens.

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the role of class representatives

responsibilities of class representatives

The Class Representative’s role can be summarised in the following key tasks:

• Make sure the students you represent know you and know how to contact you. Ensure, also, to stay in touch and, where appropriate, consult with your class through the duration of the course.

• Keep in touch with you course coordinator. In particular, be sure that they remain informed of positive aspects of course delivery and assessment and any arising issues.

• Be available to listen to and, where appropriate, support students with their concerns.

• Organise class functions with the aid of the VUWSA Class Party Fund.

• Attend Staff/Student Liaison meetings and any Class Representative meetings called by your school or the Education Organiser.

• Participate and promote, with your classmates, participation in University-wide reviews and consultations.

Hopefully, the following pages of this handbook will give you a better idea on how to approach these tasks…

You should NOT:

• Overload yourself with Class Rep work to the extent that it has a negative impact on your studies or stress levels.

• Deal with large scale or intensive advocacy cases.

• Deal with harassment or serious conflict cases.

• Counsel students with personal problems.

In these situations listen to the student and refer them onto the VUWSA Student Advocate.

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being visible: from face to face meetings to virtual reality

Your role matters and it is important that you are proactive. This means BEING visible. You should be known by both students and staff in your course or programme.

Generally, Class Reps rely on making themselves known – this is usually done by addressing the class in lecture, both at the beginning of the course and at regular intervals thereafter. We also recommend that you make yourself known to support staff, such as the course administrators, in addition to academic staff.

However, face to face contact can be quite restrictive, especially where larger numbers of students are involved. This is where social media can be very helpful. Nevertheless, in using social media, Class Reps also have to ensure that their use is ethical and that applications like Facebook enhance learning and do not backfire on the Student Experience at large.

working with facebook

Here’s some tips for working with Facebook:

• Confirm with your course co-ordinator that you are setting up a class page on Facebook.

• In setting up a group, make sure your Class Group is a ‘Private’ Group. Ask your course coordinator then to post the link on blackboard so that your class can easily access it. Make sure that it is understood that the page has been established by you and not the course coordinator. This is perhaps best expressed in the naming of the page (e.g. INFO111 Class Rep Page).

• Use the page for general course discussion and support. For example, supporting each other through assignments, providing clarity on aspects within the course outline, encouraging each other to get through various aspects of the programme. The page can also be used to organise study groups and social events.

• Take care to ensure a positive and constructive environment. This means telling students, from the outset, what is appropriate to post and, if needed, moderating content. This is especially important where potentially sensitive course issues might arise. In such cases you might find that a simple question could end up leading to personality attacks or just destroying the morale of your class. Where such issues are concerned, ask students to email you so that the discussion remains on a one to one basis. It can be confirmed from there as to how many students have been affected.

• Any questions about Facebook, contact Jay Chhana at eo@vuwsa.org.nz

Make it yourGoal thisTrimester:have your

name positivelyknown by all thestudents in your

class and theteaching staff in

your course!

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what a class representative should focus on

As a Class Rep, your key role is to provide feedback to your lecturers, course co-ordinators and the university on the experiences of students in your course. From time to time, students may come to you with a variety of issues and problems. The following are areas that are within the scope of your role.

course content and structure

At the first lecture of a course, a Course Outline should be made available and discussed with all students. The Course Outline is the University’s formal contract with you in your course. It provides you with links to key policies, procedures in your school, course objectives and topics, meeting times, staff contact details and assessment information.

Questions to focus on:

• Does the course follow the stated course aims and objectives?

• Do students understand the course aims and objectives?

• Have students been consulted when major changes have been made to the course described within the course outline?

If you have a clear Course Outline that is being well followed, make sure you tell your Course Co-ordinator. If an issue arises, you should first talk about it with the Course Co-ordinator, then with the Programme Director or Head of School.

course workload

Students need to be able to balance their course requirements within their study programmes and lives outside of the University.

Questions to focus on:

• How manageable is the course workload?

• Are assessments well placed throughout the course to help students balance their workload?

If individual students have issues around balancing the work of a course with other factors in their lives, refer them to the range of resources and workshops offered by Counselling Services. Victoria also has a Workload

policy regarding the clustering of Assessments around the same time. If a student has an issue with 3 or more assessments due in the same week, talk to the relevant Course Co-ordinator about the possibility of an extension. However, this should be done well in advance of the due dates as lecturers are unlikely to give extensions for what they may see as poor time management. Feedback on course organisation and management can be given in Staff/Student Liaison meetings and in programme reviews.

As a Class Rep, you should read

your course outline carefully. Be

proactive as well – if you can see potential issues,

talk to your co-ordinator ASAP.

The point value of courses should

equate to the workload required for the majority of students in your

class (1pt =10hrs).

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course content and teaching methods

Students should feel that the way in which content is being delivered in a course promotes learning and achieves the intended outcomes of a course. Students should also feel that their academic study is helping them develop skills and attributes that they can use beyond the course of their study.

Questions to focus on:

• Is the content of lectures clearly communicated?

• How effectively are support materials and other media employed during teaching time?

• Does the course provide students with the necessary discipline skills to continue their study and work aspirations?

Teaching methods are very personal; so make sure anything you feedback acknowledges the strengths of individual lecturers and has encouraging aspects to share. If you have experienced a good lecturer, speak on behalf of your class and tell that lecturer what the class has enjoyed about their lectures.

However, if an issue with teaching methods arises, it should be talked about, and brought up quickly, with the Course Co-ordinator. As a Class Rep, it is also helpful to have a number of suggestions, such as: providing PowerPoint handouts, including multimedia in the lecture, recording the lecture or repeating key points.

assessment and feedback

All course assessment should relate to specific learning objectives in the course outline. Assessment should be weighted fairly and spread evenly. Likewise, deadlines for items of assessment should not fall within the exam period or Trimester break and all assessment criteria needs to be clear and accessible for all students.

Returned work must have sufficient marker feedback so that students understand what they did right or wrong. It

should be returned in time for students to use the feedback in their next piece of assessable work. Student ID numbers, rather than names, should be used in any publication of assessment or exam results.

Class Reps often find that the majority of issues brought to their attention pertain to assessment.

Questions to focus on:

• Are specific assessment items appropriate to the course content?

• Are the assessment criteria and guidelines clearly communicated to students?

• Have students received sufficient feedback?

Issues aboutindividual staff

should not be brought

to Staff/Student LiaisonMeetings andshould not betalked about

on social mediastatus updatesor discussion

boards.

Anything stated about assessment in the Course

Outline (including deadlines) cannot be changed after the second week of a Trimester without consent of students.

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You may find students approach you with a variety of personal issues (often regarding deadlines, marking and exams). For most individual matters, encourage students to first talk to the lecturer as soon as possible and offer to sit in as a support person. In the case of exams, all students are expected to attend and sit unless they are seriously ill or incur a bereavement of an immediate member of the family. If this is the case, advise the student to talk to Student Health or Counselling (24 hours either side of exam) as they may be able to apply to be considered for an aegrotat pass.

If you are finding that assessment is clear, and makes a valued contribution to the learning experience of students, be sure you tell your Course Co-ordinator. If students are unclear about deadlines, criteria or feedback, first look at all documentation given on the assessment including what is in the course outline. Then talk to the Course Co-ordinator and ask them to clarify with the class any confusion. If it appears that students are disadvantaged in any way, talk to the Education Organiser about your options.

teaching facilities and academic support

VUW is committed to providing an environment that facilitates teaching and learning.

Questions to focus on:

• Do students have access to Library and ICT facilities and resources?

• Are there adequate supports in place for students on placement or work experience?

• Are Victoria Staff responding to email or phone messages left by students?

If you do find issues here, you should bring them up with the Course Co-ordinator as soon as they arise. Resources can be put on Close Reserve in the Library. Schools can also work with the University to ensure that access to the Library and ICT is appropriate for the needs of your class.

student privacy

All NZ Universities are bound by the New Zealand Privacy Act.

What this means is:

• Any disclosure of personal information must be based on informed consent;

• Students cannot be pressured to provide the consent;

• A student can withdraw their consent to any disclosure of personal information at any time, even if they signed the agreement on the enrolment form that allows disclosure.

Any issues involving student privacy and informed consent should be taken to the Lecturer involved and/or the Head of School.

Victoria is committed to providing good quality teaching facilities and

learning resources.

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The following steps outline the process for resolving such issues which you might come across through your contact with fellow students. If you need help don’t hesitate to contact the VUWSA Education Organiser or the VUWSA Student Advocate.

Three Steps to Resolving Issues:

1. Clarification Discuss and clarify specific details with students who raise issues– if possible, try to determine precisely how their learning has been affected. In doings so, consider also as to whether the issue is a personal one or whether it affects the class as a whole. If the issue is a personal one, refer them to the VUWSA Student Advocate. If it affects other students in the class then ask for feedback from the whole class. Either approach your fellow class members directly or get them to email you through Blackboard or Facebook. Where appropriate, consider what might be the “ideal” solution to the issue at hand.

2. Resolution Request a meeting with your course coordinator and work together with them in tackling the issue. Briefly state the information you have and advise them of the students’ views on the matter as well as any proposed solution you may have. In such meeting, be sure to keep things diplomatic and, as appropriate, take notes so you have a written record. Once a mutually agreeable solution is reached, report the outcome together to the class.

3. Referral If no solution is found contact the Education Organiser who can make sure the issue is raised at a higher level.

assisting students who have a problem

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class rep functions (vuwsa class party subsidy)

Class functions are a great way for students to get to know each other at the beginning of a trimester or to celebrate the successful completion of courses at the end of a trimester. As such, VUWSA maintain a special (and reasonably sizable) fund with which to subsidise such functions that have been organised by Class Reps.

Class Representatives generally work together with their classmates in figuring out what they want to do and when. In the past VUWSA support has included:

• A contribution towards end-of-course pizzas;

• Food for Class Rep facilitated study groups;

• Non-alcoholic drinks and picnic items for a before-section Teacher’s College celebration;

• A contribution towards food and spot prizes for an end of trimester design cohort celebration;

• Refreshments for a movie night.

To receive the subsidy, you will be required to fill out the appropriate forms and make a collection from your class. Be sure to email the Education Organiser at least one week prior to your function.

We look forward to hearing from you!

staff/student liaison meetings

Staff/Student Liaison Meetings are an important opportunity for shared communication between Schools and Class Reps. They are typically called and facilitated by the Head of School, Programme Director or School Manager. When they occur, Class Reps are required to attend. In some cases, refreshments or a small morning tea are provided.

How to approach the meeting:

Prior to a meeting, Class Reps will normally be sent an agenda. It is important to consult any agendabefore, consulting with the rest of the class. Items covered at such meeting tends to vary, but usuallyhas a specific focus on teaching and learning. Schools might also take the opportunity here to informClass Reps on current happenings in both the School and Faculty. It should be remembered that any discussion at these meeting should focus on the School and its students as a whole and not individual staff.

Be sure to take notes of any actions you need to take as well as information to report back to your class.

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formal reviews and consultations

In addition to providing feedback to Course Coordinators and lecturers through the duration of a given course, the University also relies on Class Reps to contribute to and facilitate participation in more formal reviews and consultations. These include course evaluations, programme reviews and other more general consultations involving academic qualifications and policy.

Course Evaluations are facilitated by the Centre of Academic Development (CAD) and are distributed to all students usually on the last day of class. As a Class Rep, it is important for you to know that the University takes these evaluations seriously in that Schools and Programmes are required to address areas of concern highlighted by students. As a Class Rep you might remind the lecturer at the beginning of a course to briefly comment on the last evaluation of their course and any changes that have been made subsequently. To this effect, you are able to access the results to previous evaluations yourself at http://www.cad.vuw.ac.nz/feedback/feedback_display.php. As a Class Rep you should encourage your class to attend the relevant lecture and have their say. Remind them, in particular, that this is their best opportunity to express their full and frank opinion on the course.

All Programmes in the University (e.g. Classics, Psychology, Public Policy, etc.) are subject to a Programme Review once every seven years. The VUWSA Education Office facilitates participation in Programme Reviews by means of online surveys that are distributed to Class Reps, who can make them available to the rest of their class. The same process is used for other consultations on qualifications and policy. In some cases focus groups might be held on specific issues.

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benefits for being a class representative

academic

Victoria Plus Award Points

The Victoria Plus award, administered by Vic Careers, recognises the significant contribution of students to volunteering and student support work. Attending training and representing your class contributes to your completion of this Award.

Class Rep Certificates

If you attend a training session, at the end of the trimester you can request a Class Rep Certificate. The Certificate is a valuable addition to your CV.

Class Rep Service Awards

There are a small number of awards available each Trimester in recognition of Representatives who have been acknowledged by University Staff and Students as visible and active contributors to the learning experiences of their fellow students. All awards will be presented at a special function at the end of the year to which all Class Reps will be invited.

professional development and personal growth

Professional Development

The skills you gain in representing your fellow classmates include: decision-making, communication, negotiation, organising, delegation, advocacy and institutional navigating. If you are considering an academic career, becoming a Class Rep is a great way to get to know the staff and issues in your area.

Personal Growth

Our Class Reps have opportunities to grow their confidence, networks and ability to empathise with others. Your time this trimester will be filled with challenges to learn more about yourself, how you operate and your leadership strengths. As always, VUWSA is just a click away to help you through this exciting period!

other opportunities for representation

Faculty Delegates

Faculty Delegates provide an essential student voice within the University decision making process and are the next step in University representation. Delegates are formal members of Faculty Boards and Committees. They can also sit and vote on the Student Forum. Only Class Reps can apply for Delegate positions. For more

information, or if you are interested in becoming a Faculty Delegate, talk to the Education Organiser.

VUWSA Forums and Elections

As a democratic body, VUWSA is led and controlled by our members. You have opportunities to participate in

our forums, which focus on student issues like education, housing and public transport; and in our elections

later in the year. Your voice matters, so make it heard!

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support and services available

vuwsa education offIce

The Class Representative System is organised and administered by the VUWSA Education Team in partnership with the University. The Education Team is headed by the Vice-President (Academic) who is supported by the Education Officer and the Education Organiser. You can expect the Education Team to maintain frequent contact with all Class Representatives and to receive relevant email newsletters throughout the year.

The Education Organiser is available for any queries you may have regarding your role and responsibilities. The Education Organiser can direct you to the appropriate Victoria staff member or, in the case of major issues, to work with the Vice-President (Academic) to ensure that any issues raised are addressed at higher levels within the University structure.

The Education Organiser facilitates wider student consultation on proposed changes to ensure that your voice is carried up the University decision-making structures. They can help you develop your own consultation mechanism if you wish to survey or talk to your class.

vuwsa advocacy service

As part of the range of services provided by VUWSA, professional advocates are provided to help you deal with any of the issues that you might face while you are a student at Victoria University. We provide free support, advice and information to all students.

Our service is happy to help with issues related to the University or external matters. If the problem is causing you stress and distracting you from your study, come and see us, we may be able to help.

Some of the things that we do are:

• Provide you with information and advice • Advocate on your behalf

• Explain University regulations and processes • Support you during disputes

• Help to prepare and/or attend meeting as • Direct and refer you to other services a support person that might be able to help

• Suggest options • Just listen

Our service is independent of the University and confidential. We provide the information and advice, so that you can make a decision about your best course of action. You can contact us by phone: (04) 463 6984, text: 021 045 6214, email: advocate@vuwsa.org.nz, or come in for a face to face appointment VUWSA office, Level 4, Student Union Building, Kelburn Campus. Appointments are available at other campuses by arrangement.

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vuwsa contacts

VUWSA Kelburn Office

a: Level 4, Student Union Building p: 463 6716 e: kelburn@vuwsa.org.nz

The Kelburn Office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed when VUW is closed). Any general queries can be referred here and will be passed on to appropriate service.

useful resources and services

Class Rep page on the VUWSA website has a list of valuable resources and services for your role and is the first place to look if needing anything specifically straight away.

www.vuwsa.org.nz/representation/class-reps-2

Sonya Clark p: 463 6986 President e: president@vuwsa.org.nz

The VUWSA President is a voice for students at Vic. Sonya welcomes any questions, issues or ideas for making Vic and Wellington an ever better place to learn and live.

Rawinia Thompson p: 463 7406 Vice-President (Academic) e: president@vuwsa.org.nz

The Vice-President (Academic), or AVP, oversees all student representation at Vic and helps students get their voice heard. Get in touch to progress all issues academic.

Caroline Thirsk Education OfficerThe Education Officer provides further assistance to the Education Office in its support of student representation.

Jayendra Chhana p: 463 6987 Education Organiser e: eo@vuwsa.org.nz

The Education Organiser, or EO, facilitates student representation at the University. The EO provides policy advice to representatives and performs the role of Class Representation Organiser.

Jackie Anderson p: 463 6984 Student Advocate e: advocate@vuwsa.org.nz The Student Advocate is available to any student with personal issues or concerns during their study at Victoria. The VUWSA advocacy service is free, professional and confidential and, whilst based at Kelburn, Jackie can be available at every campus.

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relevant vuwsa services

Check out vuwsa.org.nz/services or the VUWSA Offices, Level 4 Student Union Building, Kelburn Campus for more information on the following services:

Food Bank

VUWSA provides a free foodbank service, to ensure that students’ cupboards are never empty! Students can apply for foodbank assistance at any VUWSA office.

Free Bread

Your students’ association is generously supported by Brumby’s in Karori and Aro Bake, enabling VUWSA to provide free bread every Wednesday and Friday, at the Kelburn office.

Free Bus Passes

If a student’s timetable requires them to be at two different campuses on the same day, the VUWSA & VUW partnership provides for free bus passes. The student simply needs to present their timetable of classes & tutorials along with their Student ID, to the Kelburn VUWSA office, and the passes will be loaded onto their Snapper card.

Free Flu Shots

VUWSA organises free flu shots for all students. Early in Trimester 1, a clinic will rotate through campuses and halls, making sure our community at Vic is ready to fight the fluey Wellington winter!

Salient

VUWSA is proud to support vibrant student media at Vic, including the award-winning Salient, which is written by students, for students, and distributed to all campuses and around Wellington. Salient is read by 16,000 students every week during classes. It is a great avenue for getting your message across about education issues being experienced in your course.

Rep Groups

VUWSA also supports the many representative groups on campuses who speak up for diverse communities like UniQ, the Pasifika Students’ Council and the Post Graduate Students’ Association. Head to our website to get involved today!

Student Job Search

Student Job Search is owned by students and offers a free job-seeking service, matching employers with you to provide current and graduate students with jobs that pay now and later.

relevant vuw services

Accommodation Service p: 463 5896 Pacific Student Support p: 463 6670

Counselling Service p: 463 5310 Student Health p: 463 5308

Crèche Service p: 463 5151 Student Learning Support (SLSS) p: 463 5999

Financial Support and Advice p: 463 7474 Vic Careers p: 463 5393

Maori Student Support p: 463 6001 Disabilities Support Services p: 463 6070

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The Student Charter of Victoria University of Wellington

The community of scholars at Victoria comprises a partnership of students and staff who work together to develop learning that contributes to the development of the individual and of society.

The Student Charter is a formal and enduring commitment to this partnership and sets out the expectations of the student experience at Victoria and how that experience is fostered.

A good student experience is realised through individual and collaborative efforts to build understanding, skill and experience that are relevant not only to disciplinary expertise, but also participation as a member of global society. To achieve the greatest benefit from their university experience, a student at Victoria is encouraged to work towards the following goals:

Being an active member of a scholarly community committed to enquiry and integrity

• ,Being an active member of a scholarly community committed to enquiry and integrity

• Engaging intellectually with others

• Developing autonomy in pursuing knowledge and understanding

• Broadening social and cultural engagement

• Communicating facts, concepts, ideas and arguments effectively

To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to:

• ,A system of student representation that emphasises partnership in making decisions, that affect the student academic and broader university experience

• Respect for individual difference, privacy and well-being

• Enabling access to staff in order to support the quality of learning and of the university experience

• Valid and fair assessment against clearly stated learning goals

• Integrity in the academic community

• Providing services that support student success and well-being in their study and engagement outside the university.

• Seeking and responding to student feedback on the experience of courses, programmes and student life.

• Fair and transparent procedures for dealing with complaints.

• An environment that fosters overall physical and emotional well-being.

the student charter of victoria university of wellington

1922

To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to providing opportunities to:

Engaging intellectually with others

•

,

Interact during a programme of study with leading scholars at the University.

• Engage critically with the ideas of international scholarship.

• Develop a strong sense of disciplinary relevance in undertaking any enquiry.

• Work collaboratively with staff and other students to build skills of enquiry.

,

To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to providing:

Developing autonomy in pursuing knowledge and understanding

• Clear and comprehensive information about courses, qualifications and pathways into, through and out of study programmes, including to higher levels of study.

• Clear information for understanding expected standards of academic performance.

• Constructive feedback that contributes to further learning.

• Opportunities to reflect on strategies to achieve high standards of performance.

• Academic support for setting and achieving personal goals.

• Resources, services and spaces that encourage self-directed learning

To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to providing opportunities to:

Broadening social and cultural engagement

• Develop an international perspective through disciplinary study.

• Understand and apply the Treaty of Waitangi.

• Build awareness of the nature of cultural difference and intercultural communication.

• Apply for study abroad or other experience beyond the University.

To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to providing opportunities to:

Communicating, concepts, ideas and arguments effectively

• Read extensively, purposefully and critically.

• Develop writing and speaking skills through guidance, practice and feedback.

• Explore issues and solutions to problems through interaction with others.

• Participate in different forms of communication with a wide spectrum of the University community.

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notes

21

notes

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notes

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KELBURN OFFICELevel 4, Student Union Buildingp. 463 6716e. kelburn@vuwsa.org.nz

PIPITEA OFFICEGB08 Old Government Buildingp. 463 9479e. pipitea@vuwsa.org.nz

KARORI OFFICECommon Roomp. 463 9781e. karori@vuwsa.org.nz

www.vuwsa.org.nz

www.vuw.ac.nz