Frequently asked questions

Q: I think I have a learning disability,  how can I find out more about it? One of my lecturers suggested that I get tested for learning problems.

Specific learning disabilities have an impact upon a student’s ability to participate in class, cope with lectures, process information, complete assignments, and meet deadlines. The Learning Disabilities Programme at the Student Learning Centre offers learning assessment, tuition and ongoing academic support for students with specific learning disabilities. Students can be referred by University Support Services such as Disability Services, Student Counselling, and by academic staff, or can refer themselves.

Q: Someone told me that I can get more time and help with tests and exams? I know I’m not doing as well as I could with all the work I put into study, and I never seem to have enough time in exams.

A: To provide a fair and equitable approach to tests and examinations and recognising that people have different needs, students may be granted a number of special conditions for tests and/or examinations. The conditions are designed to reduce the impact of impairments, including learning and mental health disabilities, and other health and disability related conditions that affect the ability of the student to perform at their best.

All special conditions are granted through individualised assessments of needs completed by the University Health Centre or the Student Learning Centre. Disability Services cannot grant special conditions but are happy to provide information confidentially and refer students to the appropriate services for assessment.

Documentation of health or disability related conditions may be required, or a learning assessment may be required. Therefore applications for consideration of special conditions need to be requested early in the semester. Once granted, an SA 25 form is completed and this is lodged with the Examination Office. The SA 25 form lasts for a maximum of three years, and it can be used to access special conditions for tests, as well as exams.

Contacts:

Student Learning Centre
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88850
Email: slc@auckland.ac.nz

Disability Services
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 82938
Email: disabilities@auckland.ac.nz

Student Counselling
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 87681

Q: I need access to the University’s disability parking spaces. What do I need to do?

You just need a current CCS Mobility Parking Card for parking at the Tai Tokerau, Epsom and Tāmaki Campuses. Currently (June 2008) there is no charge for parking at these campuses. A CCS card gives you permission to look for and park in a disability park, on a first come, first served basis.

You need a current CCS Mobility Parking Card or supporting medical evidence that you need disability parking, to get access to the disability parking spaces at the City and Grafton Campuses. There are charges for parking at the City and Grafton Campuses. Therefore in order to access the disability parking spaces you must take the following steps:

1. Take your CCS card or supporting medical evidence to the Disability Services Office, Room 036 (basement), the ClockTower, 22 Princes Street, or telephone +64 9 373 7599 ext 82936.
2. Complete an ‘Application for Parking’ form, available from the Disability Services Office.
3. Confirm the parking area(s) required with the Disability Services Office.
4. Pay the appropriate parking fee. Parking fees vary, depending on length of time required, eg one semester or full year, and on whether you are part-time or full-time. Check with the Disability Services Office for the correct fee for your circumstances.
5. The Disability Office will issue you with a temporary parking permit, for the specified period of time, when the fee has been paid. This gives you the right to look for and park in disability parking spaces in your nominated parking area(s), on a first come, first served basis. The temporary parking permit does not give you a reserved parking space.
6. If you require access to a parking area that is controlled by a barrier arm, the Disability Services Office will issue you a swipe card (if you don’t already have one) and authorise Security to load your card with access to the relevant parking area(s).
7. You must return the swipe card to the Disability Services Office when you no longer require the card.
8. If required, you must re-apply for a temporary parking permit.

Q: I have a mental health condition that sometimes affects my ability to study. What support services are available for students who have mental health conditions?

The University has Counselling Services available for all students. In addition, Disability Services has Mental Health Advisers who are able to provide extra support (often in an ongoing way) to students who have mental health conditions that affect their study.

If you are not sure which service is for you, you can contact either Counselling or Disability Services. Either service can assess your difficulties and needs, and discuss your options for support with you.

Contacts:

Student Learning Centre
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88850
Email: slc@auckland.ac.nz

Disability Services
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 82938
Email: disabilities@auckland.ac.nz

Student Counselling
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 87681

Q: How are equity groups chosen?

This review identified equity groups at The University of Auckland and
specified which equity groups will be the focus of programmes and those for which there will be other means of achieving equity outcomes.

 How does the Academic Timetabling Policy align with the Equity Policy?

The Equity Policy identifies a number of equity groups including staff and students with disabilities and impairments, and staff with family/carer responsibilities.

The Equity Policy

Procedures in the following areas will need to reflect a consideration of equity issues and contribute to the achievement of equity outcomes:

• Student marketing, recruitment, enrolment, admissions, selection, retention, completion, transition to post graduate and teaching and learning.
• Staff recruitment, selection, appointment, development, working conditions, recognition, career progression, retention, performance assessment and job satisfaction.

The Academic Timetabling Policy

Standard University Teaching Hours (‘standard hours’) are from 8am-6pm, inclusive, Monday to Friday and core teaching hours (‘core hours’) are from 9am-5pm, inclusive, during University Teaching Periods.

Staff and students are expected to be available during these times but significant caring, disability and medical requirements will be taken into account.

• Wherever possible, consideration will be given to the needs of students with significant caring responsibilities, disabilities and medical requirements.
• When determining availability for teaching, academic heads will take account of the needs of staff with significant caring responsibilities, disabilities and medical requirements.

These will be negotiated on a case-by case basis. It may be necessary for students and staff to articulate the significance of their caring responsibilities or disabilities.

The Timetabling policy states that questions of availability will be settled through discussion by staff members and their academic heads. Unresolved matters will be subject to final determination by Deans.

The University Mediator, Humans Resources and the Equity Office can also provide advice on flexible employment issues.

Does the Timetabling Policy apply to full-time staff?

Yes full and part-time staff are entitled to request consideration if they have significant caring responsibilities, disabilities and medical requirements.

Can staff request flexible work arrangements during 'standard hours'?

Academic staff with significant caring responsibilities, disabilities and/or medical requirements which effect their availability during standard teaching hours, may make a request for flexible work arrangements. This can be taken into account when academic heads are determining special considerations for varying hours under The University of Auckland Academic Timetabling Policy.

If the request flexible working arrangements is related to carer responsibilities it may be covered by Part 6AA of The Employment Relations Act 2000.

 See Part 6AA
 

The University also has a Flexible Work Policy which notes that The HoD/manager will consider carefully each request for flexible work arrangements on its own merits and endeavour to accommodate needs. Minor and temporary requests may be approved by a supervisor but more significant alterations may require approval of the HoD/manager and Dean/Director.

See Flexible Work Policy
 
 

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