Information for learners

Graduation at Alert Level 1

There is no limit on the number of people who can attend a social event or enter a public facility at Alert Level 1. It's perfectly safe to do so. To keep everyone comfortable on the day, we'll be following best practice, government advice on track and trace, and public safety. 

When to stay home 

Do not come to graduation (or attend gatherings or public events) if you are:

• unwell
• a confirmed or probable case of Covid-19 
• waiting for a Covid-19 test result 
• self-isolating. 

If you feel unwell before graduation day, please email graduation@op.ac.nz and let them know you won't be coming. 

If you feel unwell on graduation day, please freephone 0800 762 786 and let them know you won't be coming. 

What will happen during the ceremony?

• We will not be shaking hands during the ceremony and will instead present awards to recipients.
• Mask wearing is optional for anyone who wants to wear one. 
• Mask wearing is also optional for Otago Polytechnic staff. Dunedin Venue staff will be wearing masks. 

How to track and trace 

Businesses must legally display Covid Tracer QR code posters in prominent places to help you keep track of where you've been. Dunedin Town Hall will be displaying these QR code posters - we recommend you use the Government Covid Tracer App to scan this QR code when you arrive at the Town Hall. Guests will be provided with a flyer which includes a printed QR code that they can scan. 

Please remember that you can't take any bags, flowers, other items into the Town Hall as you will change seats during the ceremony and can't carry items across the stage. 

We have a desk at the front door where you can check your items in before the ceremony and collect them again at the end. We have staff minders who look after these items to ensure they are secure. 

Hygiene practices 

• We encourage everyone to keep using good hygiene practices to keep each other safe. 
• There are plenty of hand washing facilities at the Town Hall (with soap, water, hand dryers/paper towels).  
• Organisers have said they will be providing alcohol-based hand sanitiser. 
• If you cough and sneeze, please do so into your elbow. 

Anything else?

To help prevent further spread of Covid-19 and other viruses (e.g. the common cold or flu), you may want to practice physical distancing where possible. While the risk of exposure to Covid-19 is low, it may re-emerge and you should always follow basic hygiene to prevent spreading the virus. 

People at higher risk of Covid-19 infection are encouraged to take extra precautions when leaving home to protect your own health. Use your judgement. You may personally want to avoid large gatherings or choose to wear a mask. 

• Please use the Government's NZ COVID Tracer App to check in to campus (QR code posters are next to all entry points)
• If you don't have this Smartphone App, please use the manual sign-in sheets at entrances 

• Record who you have been in contact with - you don't need to record your class mates as your lecturer will do this using the class register (please make sure you engage with the class register)
• Face masks and gloves are not required but you're welcome to use them - you'll just need to provide your own
• General cleaning of high-touch, hard surfaces (with the cleaning products made available) 
• Stay vigilant 
• Be kind to yourself and others 

Please take measures to stay safe and well. This includes:

• If you are sick, stay home. 
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor. 
• Regularly wash and dry your hands thoroughly (at least 20 seconds).
• Don’t touch your face.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• If you have underlying health conditions, talk with your GP and formal leader about precautions. 

• Stay home if you are sick and let your lecturer know.
• If you become unwell while on campus, go home and let your lecturer know. 
• Call your GP or Healthline (0800 358 5453) if you have flu-like symptoms. 
• If you are advised to get tested for Covid-19, please let your lecturer know. 

If you need support or want to talk to someone, please reach out to:

Student Success Dunedin: 0800 762 786 | studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz   

Student Success Central: 0800 765 9276 | censtudentsuccess@op.ac.nz    

Te Punaka Owheo: 0800 762 786 | TePunakaOwheo@op.ac.nz    

Student Health Dunedin: 03 479 6082 | studenthealth@op.ac.nz  

After-hours pastoral care: (+64) 21 735 421  

There's a new Government Fund called the Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL).

The purpose of this Fund is to help tertiary education organisations like ours provide temporary financial assistance for their learners who are facing hardship due to Covid-19.  

For further information, please contact Lesley Scoullar from OPSA by emailing lesley.scoullar@op.ac.nz

If you need extra help during this time, answers to questions about Student Allowance and Living Cost payments can be found on StudyLink’s website: www.studylink.govt.nz  

Trying to overcome technological barriers? 

Funding is now available to help you access your studies online – including devices, internet connections or software – subject to conditions. Visit the Student Hub to find out how to apply (under heading Tech fund info).

If you need help with your application, please don’t hesitate to contact: 

1. Your lecturer
2. Te Punaka Ōwheo –  tepunakaowheo@op.ac.nz
3.  Student Success (Dunedin) –  studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz

Don’t have broadband at home because cost is a barrier?

Skinny Jump might be your answer. 

What’s Skinny Jump?

Skinny Jump is a new, low-cost prepaid broadband package available from Skinny Mobile. At Skinny, they believe that every New Zealander deserves to have the opportunities to learn and thrive in the modern digital world – a belief shared by Otago Polytechnic. So, we’ve partnered with Skinny so you can have the chance to access this package.    

Read more - https://www.skinny.co.nz/jump/home/

What’s the deal?

• $5 for 30GB data
• First 30GB free
• Free modem delivered directly to you
• Top up as you go – can renew the plan five times a month (maximum 150GB every month at a cost of $25)
• No credit checks

X  Activity like online gaming and streaming vidoes can burn through data and Skinny Jump wasn’t created for lots of these kinds of activities (if you feel that you’d use more than 150GB a month, Skinny Jump might not be right for you).

Is it for me?

Skinny Jump is for those who don’t have a broadband connection at home because cost is a barrier. Skinny specifically support those most at risk of digital exclusion (as identified in the Government’s digital inclusion blueprint). 

If one or more of the following sounds like you, then you are probably eligible: 

• Families with children
• Job seekers
• Seniors
• People with disabilities
• Refugees and migrant communities
• Those in social housing  
• People suffering financial hardship

Is it available everywhere?

You’ll need to live in an area that is covered by the Skinny network. Check whether Skinny Jump is available at your home address here >

How do I get this package?

As well as the above criteria, there may be other circumstances that make you eligible. 

The best way to find out whether you meet the joining criteria and can get Skinny Jump is to talk to our Otago Polytechnic Student Success team. They work as a Skinny Jump Assessment Centre and will work with you on whether you are eligible and help you to sign up for the deal. 

Contact details 

• Dunedin, Central and distance students: Student Success (Dunedin) 0800 762 786  |  studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz
• Our Te Punaka Ōwheo team are also able to assess Skinny Jump applications: 0800 762 786  |  tepunakaowheo@op.ac.nz

On Tuesday 14 April, the Government announced that they will spend more than $130 million on a student support package which aims to help financially embattled students dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This will:

• help cover extra costs, by increasing the student loan amount available for course-related costs for full-time domestic students from $1,000 to $2,000 (on a temporary basis); 
• continue support payments for students unable to study online for up to 8 weeks; 
• make technical changes to ensure that: 
  • where students receive partial tuition fee refunds in 2020 because their course has been discontinued due to COVID-19, this will not affect their future entitlement to student loans 
  • where students are unable to complete a course of study in 2020 due to COVID-19, this will not affect their entitlement to Fees Free tertiary study.

This package means students who cannot access their courses online will continue to receive their student loan payments as normal throughout the four-week lockdown period, and for up to four weeks afterwards. This flexibility is already available for student living allowances. 

As you adjust to a new way of learning, you may require support - please contact your lecturer first if you are having problems with online learning.

For further technical support, our IT Service Desk is available and will be happy to help you. 

> Find a list of computer specifications per programme and suggested laptops and devices to meet these recommendations here.  

Dunedin Campus

Student Health Centre
Harbour Terrace, M Block, Dunedin campus
Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5.00pm
Freephone 0800 762 786 (and ask for Student Health) or call direct +64 3 479 6082

The Student Health Centre is located on our Dunedin Campus. For students who have paid the Student Health Levy as part of their fees, the cost for a consultation is $15, or is free if you have a current Community Services card.

If you have not been charged the Student Health Levy (for example distance students), the service is still available but at a higher rate - please enquire for further details.

Central Otago Campus

You may be entitled to a subsidy at these medical centres (please check at the time you make the appointment). Please make sure you call ahead to these medical centres during Alert Level 2 as well. 

Auckland International Campus

Please contact our Student Success team for advice regarding recommended medical centres in Auckland. 

Phone +64 21 0282 8711
studentsuccessaic@op.ac.nz

If you've lost a part-time job due to Covid-19, our Career Services team are here to help you. They're available to discuss job seeking options or how to improve your CV and cover letters in a competitive job market. 

Email careers@op.ac.nz if you would like support.