Information for learners

Updated 10 June 2020

Well done everyone! We've reached Alert Level 1 as a country and an organisation.

Otago Polytechnic would like to say a huge thank you to you all for your hard work and adaptability during this time. We are now fully reopen and operating as normal.

In line with the New Zealand Government, please continue to record your contacts (via the OP-only App if you have a smartphone, the web version of the App if you don’t, or in a notebook). We also all need to continue with increased personal hygiene practices to keep each other as safe as possible.

You don't need to check in and check out of campus buildings anymore.

Level 1 info

How do I do contact tracing on campus?

If you're coming on to campus, we need you to record the people that you come into contact with during the day.

It's best if you can do this using the check in/check out OP mobile App. If you don't have a smartphone and can't use the app, no problem. You'll just need to record contacts in a notebook or on your computer.

You don’t need to record loads of detail about each contact but you do need to record enough information so that, if needed to, health authorities could identify and make contact with everyone who you came into contact with on a particular day.

Tips

You don’t need to record every single person in the classroom each day, as long as a class register is being completed. Instead, you can just note what class(es) you were in each day.
You don’t need to record those people who you pass casually on the street, in the Hub, or in corridors or stairwells.
You do need to record those who you come in to contact with for longer than 5 minutes and those who aren’t in your class (e.g. if you meet up with someone for lunch or coffee, or stop and have a chat with someone in the Hub or the car park).
The details you do need to record whenever you record a contact are:
1. Date and time
2. Location
3. Person’s name
4. If the person isn’t an OP staff member or learner, then record their contact phone number.

Which App do I use? OP's or the Government's?

The Government has now released their NZ Covid Tracer App.

Question: Do I now use the Government's App for contact tracing or the OP App?

Answer: If you are coming onto one of the Otago Polytechnic campuses, you must use the OP check-in App or one of our other offered check-in systems (i.e. SMS text message or the web version of the OP check-in App on your computer). You need to use our system on campus and you must have completed an induction before returning to campus. We should have 100% uptake of this check-in system and therefore be able to offer you the very best protection (we'll be able to contact you much quicker if we do get told of a local case of Covid-19).

Why?

The Government's App will not allow us to contact trace you as you move around our campus. It also doesn't let you record your close contacts.
The core purpose of the Government App is to get up-to-date information from you back to the Ministry of Health - so they can contact you faster if they need to.

Hygiene guidelines

Learners must take measures to stay safe and well. This includes:

Regularly wash and dry hands thoroughly.
Don’t touch your face.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
Stay home if you are sick.
Get tested for COVID-19 if you have flu-like symptoms – call your GP or Healthline and stay away from campus.

Facemasks

The use of facemasks is not required. If you would feel more comfortable wearing one however, you are very welcome to do so but you must provide your own.

Support

Want to chat to someone?

Returning to campus may cause concern or anxiety for some of you.

It is important to remember that the campus has been cleaned thoroughly and will continue to be cleaned thoroughly. By adhering to these health and safety guidelines, and practicing good personal hygiene and physical distancing, the chances of becoming infected with COVID-19 remain low.

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

Online resources

Mental Health support

The Mental Health Foundation have launched a nationwide mental health and wellbeing campaign called Getting through together Whāia E Tātou Te Pae Tawhiti specifically aimed at providing support and resources to New Zealanders while we deal with self-isolation struggles and uncertainty about the future.

They have three core messages:

Distance, not distant.
Isolation, not isolated.
Aroha from afar.

Support and resources are available on their website and cover everything from daily wellbeing to workplace wellbeing, identity and culture, parenting and whānau.

Online self-help tools

There are also three new online self-help tools:

Melon - a programme that empowers you to take control of your health and provides self-care support through resources, modules, coaching and an online community
Mentemia - an app that coaches mental wellbeing which is free to all New Zealanders (co-funded by John Kirwan)
Staying on Track - a free course that introduces easy-to-use, practical strategies to cope with the stress and disruption of day-to-day life as a result of COVID 19

These provide different levels of support and practical strategies to cope with the stress and disruption of day-to-day life.

For kids

The Government have also launched a new tool for parents called Sparklers at Home to support children's wellbeing. This website offers fun wellbeing activities and ideas to support whānau to look after their wellbeing and feel good. Everything from how to talk to kids about COVID 19 to ideas about juggling work and learning.

Student Hardship Fund

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

Technology Fund

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:

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

Cheap broadband deal

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.

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

Student Loan support package

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.

Who is this package for?	This package applies to full-time, domestic students studying at a Polytechnic, a University or a Private Training Establishment this year whether you are enrolled already or are planning to enrol. Where students were full-time but will be reduced to part-time (as a result of Otago Polytechnic's change to a later end date), StudyLink can update your allowance/loan to make sure you remain entitled. This will only apply to students who were already full-time or approved Limited full-time status. Anyone already ineligible due to being part-time won't now become eligible.
When is it available?	Domestic students who are enrolled in full-time tertiary study can access this support from Wednesday 15 April.
What do students have to do to apply for support?	Claims can now be made via your MyStudyLink account. You should receive the payment into your nominated bank account within 24-72 hours of the claim being received.
Do students have to extend their allowance or loan?	No. You will be able to opt out if you do not want to increase your loan.
How do I seek urgent assistance?	If you need assistance with urgent or unexpected costs, you can phone the StudyLink Contact Centre on 0800 889 900 between 8.00am-5.00pm or visit this webpage. In addition, you can also get in touch with StudyLink by submitting an email here.
What if I have a question?	Answers to questions about Student Allowances and Living Costs payments can be found on the StudyLink website.

IT Service Desk

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.

Dunedin, Central and distance students

Email servicedesk@op.ac.nz

Phone 0800 765 948

Auckland Campus students

Email aicservicedesk@op.ac.nz

Phone 0800 111 212

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

Health Centres

Dunedin Campus

Student Health Centre
Harbour Terrace, M Block, Dunedin campus
Monday to Friday, 9.00am-3.00pm
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.

Student Health: Covid-19 Alert Level 2 information

We are available for appointments Monday-Friday, 9.00am-3.00pm and are providing our full range of primary health care services. We are operating with the same restrictions we had in place during Alert Level 3.

This means our doors will remain locked and all appointments will continue to be triaged over the phone first.

Appointments

All patients must phone for an appointment - please do not arrive at Student Health without phoning first.
All patients will be triaged over the phone first. Your appointment will then either be in-person or via telehealth (phone or video).
All appointments will incur the usual charges (including telehealth).
If you are having a telehealth consult, please make sure you are available at the agreed time for your consultation. If the doctor is unable to get hold of you at that time, you will need to ring back and arrange another time. Missed appointments will still incur a fee.
If you are asked to present for a face-to-face consultation, please arrive on time and phone Student Health to let us know you are here. If you are late, you will need to rebook.

Facility

Student Health doors are locked. Staff will give you access at your arranged appointment time. Please phone to let reception know you are waiting.
Please maintain physical distancing while waiting to access Student Health.
The number of patients within the facility will be based on the 2m distancing rule.
Student Health is split into two different areas. You will be notified of what entrance you need to present to for your face-to-face appointment when you make your appointment time.
Hand sanitiser is available and we ask that you use it when entering and exiting Student Health.
Unless organised with the doctor beforehand, we are unable to accommodate friends presenting with you to wait for you.

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.

Cromwell	Wanaka
Cromwell Family Practice Phone +64 3 445 4666 2 McNulty Rd, Cromwell 9310	Aspiring Medical Centre Phone +64 3 443 0725 23 Cardrona Valley Road, 9305
Cromwell Medical Centre Phone +64 3 445 1119 190 Waenga Drive, Cromwell	Wanaka Medical Centre Phone +64 3 443 0710 23 Cardrona Valley Rd, 9305
Junction Health Phone +64 3 445 4588 1A Traders Lane, Cromwell

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

Lost a part-time job due to Covid?

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.

I am capable online help sessions

i am capable is now available online!

We've set up a virtual help desk (using the Microsoft Teams platform) so you can access support at regular times. Click on the date/time below to access the help desk session you need.

Help desk times