Welcoming and connecting our students

Students arrive at Te Noho Kotahitanga for their welcome pōwhiri

Orientation is one of the key elements of our welcome programme aimed at creating connections for students with their peers, getting to know their lecturers and becoming familiar with their campus and the services available for study success.

Welcoming our new students on campus has been a big job for our Student Success team who have been in ‘overdrive’, creating, coordinating and running a series of events and activities, all possible thanks to the support of staff from across Unitec.

Lynda Toki – Kai Awhina greets a new student

Staff have helped with guiding new students through a series of pōwhiri at our marae, Te Noho Kotahitanga, where they are welcomed by representatives of the Student Council, Academic Programmes and our Executive Leadership team. Our Orientation support staff have worn their ‘Ask me’ tees and responded to students with questions, provided guidance, and also participated in programme orientation sessions. There’s also been events designed specifically for our International and Pacific students, all not possible without the support of our staff, and our Student Council team have led guided campus tours.

‘Ask Me’ – Aanoalii Fuluifaga, on the ‘how to start a club’ stand

When our returning students joined new students in the first week of semester, there was a series of activities are aimed at creating social connection. Students could start a club or join an existing club such as the Christian Club, various Sports Clubs, Unitec Sports Centre and ALLY Network or just partake in the free BBQs across both campuses.

Pop-up info stalls for programmes and enrolment

Pop-up information stalls at Mt Albert campus were staffed by Academic Leaders and the Enrolment team to help students with programme questions and finish enrolment. IMS had a drop-in service for IT requests, the Student Support team ran sessions across both campuses to guide students through the Fees Free and StudyLink funding application process, and additional support was provided for Student ID cards, International Visas and Insurance.

So many of our staff have helped our new students through their first

Peaches King on one the BBQ at one of the many student welcome events, who alongside Ruth Marsters, led the Orientation programme

few weeks with directions and advice – thank you and keep it up. Supporting and keeping our students informed is a great way to show them that we care, that they are at the centre of everything we do and that they’ve come to the right place for their career journey!

Setting up for the Pacific Orientation welcome BBQ

A special event last week for all staff and students – Hatenkohro a group who plays heavymetal music, and performs classical Japanese dance and sword battle, violin and modern dance… here in New Zealand for Japan Day, did two performances in Te Puna.