Student experience workstream
Workstream 1 of the Disability Action Plan focuses on improving student experience through a sense of belonging. This work includes making the provision of supports more responsive to students’ needs.
The Associate Director of Student Wellbeing and Engagement, Campus Life, is responsible for this workstream. These are the deliverables, and the associated tasks and achievements. The task status and next steps are updated every six months. As of February 2023, five of the tasks are being progressed and integrated into current services and practices. A further task is scheduled to commence in 2024.
Please email all feedback and suggestions to Vicki Watson, Manager – Equity.
Awareness of supports for students with disabilities
Current and prospective students know support services are available for students with disabilities. Student uptake and feedback will inform the continual improvement of these services.
Status: Ongoing
Achievements to date
- A specialised disability case management system is now in place. Once embedded across users, this software will improve access to student supports.
- We have piloted disability awareness training for staff, using resources provided by Te Pou.
- We reviewed complaints processes and new online reporting forms are now available.
Next steps
- Embed disability case management software.
- Implementation of faculty supports for students completing assessments under Special Conditions.
- Accessibility audit of student-facing web content and disability service.
- Launch the Wellbeing and Preparedness Assessment relating to student wellbeing.
Pathways to study
Enhanced student supports, promotion of undergraduate scholarships and accessible application processes. A higher proportion of students who choose to study at Waipapa Taumata Rau will be students with disabilities.
Status: Ongoing
Achievements to date
- Māori School Leaver Recruitment Strategy is in place with Kaiurungi, Engagement Adviser and Māori Relationship Manager roles created.
- Roll out of Autism Tertiary Transition Programme with webinar and digital events set for school leavers.
• Collaboration with YES Disability to run youth events.
Next steps
- Commence monthly hui between Campus Life and Schools and Community Engagement teams.
- Student Disability Service ramp up support for Tertiary Foundation Certificate intake.
- Review of Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme policy and procedures.
A sense of community and belonging
Suitable student-centred study spaces will be delivered across all campuses. Decisions on dedicated and safe spaces for students will involve students with disabilities.
Status: Ongoing
Achievements to date
- Te Kāuta Student Kitchen and Lounge opened on City Campus following engagement with disabled students to inform design and accessibility.
- Support in place for students who are establishing an Auckland University Disabled Students Association disability network or association.
Next steps
- Investigate Grafton study spaces for disabled students.
- Work with Libraries and Learning Services to upgrade the General Library study space.
- Review membership of the Student Consultative Group to ensure representation is appropriate.
- Continue to support the student-led Auckland University Disabled Students Association, as appropriate.
Pathways to employment
Support students with disabilities into meaningful employment via Career Development and Employment Services.
- Understand good practice for increasing employment opportunities, including employment opportunities with Waipapa Taumata Rau.
Status: Ongoing
- Empower students with disabilities to self-advocate for meaningful employment.
Status: Ongoing
- Investigate how to track successful transition to meaningful employment
Status: Begins 2024
Achievements to date
- Renewed Memorandum of Understanding with Workbridge.
- Individualised employment support continues to be provided via Workbridge and the University’s Career Development and Employability Service team.
- Continued engagement with Ministry of Social Development on public sector internships and graduate programme opportunities for disabled students.
- Support provided for externally run workshops and presentations that assist disabled students into work.
Next steps
- Workstream will increase its focus on new and existing external and internal engagement to support disabled students into internships and employment.
- Monitoring and reporting processes for student experiences with Workbridge and Ministry of Social Development.
- Continued support of externally run workshops focused on assisting disabled students into work.