Memorandum of Understanding For Foundation Trades in Horticulture

Last week we all got together and discussed our expectations, rights and responsibilities with a view that we would all agree on some ground rules for our seven sessions together. I would like to call this our memorandum of understanding (MOU) which is a document describing an agreement between all of us. It expresses a convergence of will between people, indicating an intended common line of action. If everyone agrees to the MOU we will all sign this before proceeding with our project.

Nic Orbell will be our go-to-guy if the MOU is not honoured.

Cell Phones: The class has decided that these can stay on in class as long as you are doing what you have been asked to do and are engaging in the following:

Respect: Respect for property Respect for each other Respect what others have to say and use appropriate language. Do not attend class if you are under the influence of drugs (this includes alcohol) or are

extremely fatigued.

Listen:If someone else is talking we will listen to that person before it is our turn to talk. It is very important to listen to your lecturers at all times as they may be explaining an activity or exercise that relates to health and safety. Plus Kim is very interesting.

Your Rights

our commitment to you is to create an environment where you have all the information and tools required to succeed in your study. The services you should expect are to receive clear, accurate and up to date course advice for all courses

to have quality learning and teaching experiences from enthusiastic teachers who communicate effectively with you

to be informed about what is expected of you as a student

to have access to information that will assist in your course, including relevant policy and procedures that affect you as a student

to be supported in your learning with up-to-date information and course content by staff who are sufficiently current and up-to-date in their respective areas of expertise

to receive clear information on how and when assessments will be conducted

to receive fair, timely and constructive information on your performance in your course

to be able to provide feedback about the course / programme and teaching that you are engaged with, without fear or anxiety about giving that feedback

to receive feedback on changes to the course / programme as a consequence of feedback provided by students

to have reasonable opportunities to have a say about how the Polytechnic operates

to be treated with respect by students and staff

to learn in an environment that is free from bullying, harassment or discrimination

to have access to clear and appropriate procedures for dealing with grievances

to have reasonable access to facilities, student support services, and appropriate resources

to be members of a students‟ association

You have the right to a safe and supportive environment, and should feel comfortable asking questions or clarifying information with staff. Should you have any concerns or feel you are being disadvantaged, a good place to start is talking to the Programme Manager, your Head of school, OPSA or Student Services.

Our Responsibilities

to be self-motivated and self-directed including undertaking preparation work when expected

to actively participate in your course of study

to put your best efforts into your study

to meet all obligations about when work is due

to submit work which is your own

to keep to time with classes and timetables or agreed appointments

to treat all individuals and property with respect

to have awareness for the well-being and safety of others

to participate in providing constructive and useful feedback on teaching, courses and programmes when asked

to promote an environment that is safe and free from bullying, harassment and discrimination

to make yourself aware of policies procedures and rules and to abide by them

and to use the resources and facilities of the Polytechnic with regard to others

you are responsible for informing the school if you are unable to attend class, practicals or assessments

to ensure that you have sufficient personal insurance cover for loss of property in the event that your own property is damaged, lost or stolen

awareness and compliance with the Copyright Act 1994, covered in policy AP0200 Copyright

Unacceptable Behaviours The following behaviours are not acceptable at Otago Polytechnic, and may result in disciplinary action being taken: *

disruptive behaviour which interferes with the rights and learning opportunities of others language and imagery which is offensive (may be verbal, written or electronic) hand gestures of an offensive nature carrying or being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol any threatening or acts of aggression, bullying or intimidatory behaviour stealing vandalism any other criminal behaviour that is likely to result in police or legal investigation.

Attendance / Engagement During your time at Otago Polytechnic you will engage in different types of learning - a mix of traditional face-to-face teaching, self directed learning and computer-mediated activities such as online discussions or assessments. The polytechnic expects full and active participation from students. Our experience clearly shows that failure to attend or participate in required activities will impact on your ability to successfully meet the requirements of your course and may result in failure of the course. If you are sick and unable to attend or there is some other valid reason preventing you from attending, you should let your teaching staff know as soon as practicable.

Health and Safety All activities involve some risks and some courses or situations are potentially more dangerous than others, eg. avalanche safety training or mechanical engineering workshops. The Polytechnic has policies and procedures to minimise hazards and risk. When you sign the enrolment form, you agree to comply with and be bound by the policies and statutes of Otago Polytechnic, which include Health and Safety policies.

Please make sure that you understand the safety rules in your work areas Follow the emergency evacuation or earthquake procedures.

Wear the required protective clothing (such as gloves, glasses, hearing protectors, headgear and footwear) during practical classes.

If you behave in an unsafe manner, you may be stopped from participating in class/activities.

If you find any unsafe areas or practices, you must tell a staff member urgently.

If the matter is not resolved, write a formal letter of concern to the Polytechnic’s Health and Safety Advisor, Terry Buckingham (terry.buckingham@op.ac.nz)

Smoke free Otago Polytechnic is Smoke free, which prohibits smoking in all campus areas and includes:

all buildings, including balconies all outdoor areas on site

The Polytechnic encourages smokers to be considerate of others in open spaces not controlled by the Polytechnic, such as public footpaths, and encourages smokers to consider the effects on the environment when disposing of cigarette butts and to be aware that there is a risk of fire if cigarettes/butts are placed in rubbish bins and storm water drains and gutters lead directly to waterways and cigarette butts harm these.

Support is available for students who wish to stop smoking from Student Health and Quitline 0800 778 778 offers a free service with after hours support.

I agree to the conditions of the MOU

Signed: