Dear Mr Harris,

 

I refer to your email of 3 March 2020.

 

We consider that the University is already compliant with the Education
(Pastoral Care of Domestic Tertiary Students) Interim Code of Practice
2019.  The University recently conducted a comprehensive self-assessment
to identify any areas of non-compliance; this revealed that the current
practices meet or exceed the Interim Code in almost all areas except those
where new obligations have been imposed by the Code (for example, the
requirement to have a process for monitoring and reviewing compliance with
the Code, and a process for investigating complaints concerning possible
breaches of the Code).  The University is developing methodologies to
ensure full compliance with the Code in the coming weeks. Further
information about the pastoral care available to students is available on
the University’s website at
[1]https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/a...
[2]https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/notic...
[3]https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/..., and
[4]https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/...

 

No changes to accommodation or other student contracts have been made in
2020. The University’s contracts meet the requirements of the Code and are
regularly reviewed.

 

While the University’s pastoral care practices already meet the Code, some
adjustments have been made in 2020. For example additional information
sessions for new self-catering students have been introduced, and
Residential Assistants are having more 1:1 conversations with students.

 

The University operates in a framework of continuous improvement, and will
continue to actively seek and develop best practices in pastoral care.  To
that end, the University is an active member of the following
organisations:

o ANZSSA - Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association: the
University of Auckland’s Associate Director Campus Life (Student
Engagement & Wellbeing) is the current regional convenor.  This
organisation provides development opportunities and sector
representation for professional staff working in post-secondary
education student engagement, student participation, wellbeing and
development. 
o NZATEAP* - New Zealand Association of Tertiary Education Accommodation
Providers: three University of Auckland staff members are on the
current Executive. 
o ACUHO-I* - Association of College and University Housing Officers –
International: the University of Auckland’s Head of Operations
(Accommodation) is a Team leader in the Global Initiatives Network and
a member of the Membership committee.
o APSAA – Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association: the University
of Auckland’s Head of Operations (Accommodation) is the current
Vice-President, 2020 Conference Convenor and Vice-Chair of the
Professional Development committee.  APSAA is the industry body for
student accommodation in the Asia-Pacific region. It sets industry
guidelines, and advocates on relevant issues to government and key
stakeholders on behalf of the industry.

 

*(NZATEAP  and ACUHO-I exist to promote best practice for providers of
tertiary accommodation and to provide professional development
opportunities).

 

To our knowledge, no complaints have been made against the University
under the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of
Practice 2016.

 

Yours sincerely,

Rebecca Ewert

General Counsel

University of Auckland

 

 

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