The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the code) supports the wellbeing of tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers. It was released by the New Zealand Government and is in place from 1 January 2022.
The code has been put together to make sure students have the best possible support system.
Overview
- The code supports the wellbeing of tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers.
- It sets out the requirements that education providers must meet for the wellbeing and safety of their learners.
- It covers students who are studying online, offshore and/or in workplace-based settings.
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
Our responsibilities
The code sets out the roles and responsibilities of tertiary education organisations in promoting and supporting student wellbeing, development and educational achievement. Under the code we should be helping students 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 universities. Outcomes 1-7 apply to all tertiary students and outcomes 8-12 apply only to international students.
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
All tertiary students
Outcomes 1 and 2 focus on education providers taking a whole of organisation approach to learner wellbeing and safety, and that learner voice is embedded into the organisation.
- A learner wellbeing and safety system
- Learner voice
Outcomes 3 and 4 focus on wellbeing and safety practices for all tertiary providers and relate to physical and digital learning environments.
3. Safe, inclusive, supportive and accessible physical and digital learning environments
4. Learners are safe and well
Outcomes 5 to 7 focus on student accommodation to ensure that it is safe and creating inclusive communities.
5. A positive, supportive and inclusive environment in student accommodation
6. Accommodation administrative practices and contracts
7. Student accommodation facilities and services
International students
Outcomes 8 to 12 have the same requirements to the previous international code for tertiary learners, and ensures international learners have access to the right information and support before and during their study.
8. Responding to the distinct wellbeing and safety needs of international tertiary learners
9. Prospective international tertiary learners are well informed
10. Offer, enrolment, contracts, insurance and visa
11. International learners receive appropriate orientations, information and advice
12. Safety and appropriate supervision of international tertiary learners
How we are working towards complying with the code
A gap analysis was carried out in preparation for the implementation of the code and an action plan developed. The gap analysis exercise provided us with an opportunity to identify areas where we could make improvements to enhance the experience for all students.
Student wellbeing and safety framework
We have developed a student wellbeing and safety framework that details the range of supporting tools and systems for ensuring student-centric, mana-enhancing and collaborative approaches to supporting students. This approach will be embedded into the overall student experience.
Student voice and partnership
Greater coordination and supporting infrastructure for student voice and partnership is being developed. This includes supporting the newly reformed federation of student associations to review the approach to elected representation at Massey, establishing a range of student advisory groups and developing resources and guidance for student representatives on boards or committees.
Students association at Massey
Student achievement support
Our data enabled student support programme, coordinated by the student achievement team, continues to expand its impact through initiatives proactively monitoring and responding to student needs.
Student complaints management
The code details a pathway for students to raise concerns about the university’s compliance with the code. Students can raise their concerns through our complaints process.
Support with raising a concern or making a complaint
Developing further resources and training
Further training and resources are being development and made available to all staff. This includes training on the code, recognising and referring students, and broader student wellbeing and inclusion capabilities.
Review of the code
As a requirement of the code we will regularly review our support of students and assess how well we are meeting the outcomes outlined in the code. Details of these reviews will be shared with the code administrator and with student representatives.
Related pages
Student wellbeing framework
Guiding and supporting you through every stage of your learning journey.
