student privacy All NZ Universities are bound by the New Zealand Privacy Act. What this means is:
• Any disclosure of personal information must be based on informed consent;
• Students cannot be pressured to provide the consent;
• A student can withdraw their consent to any disclosure of personal information at any time, even if they signed the agreement on the enrolment form that allows disclosure. Any issues involving student privacy and informed consent should be taken to the Lecturer involved and/or the Head of School.
assisting students who have a problem The following steps outline the process for resolving such issues. If you need help don’t hesitate to contact the Class Representation Organiser or the VUWSA Student Advocate. Four Steps to Resolving issues: 1. Clarification Discuss and clarify specific details with the student. Listen to their story and consider whether the issue is isolated or whether it affects other students as well. 2.
Direction If the issue is a personal one, refer them to the VUWSA Student Advocate. If it affects other students in the class then ask for feedback from the whole class. Either speak to the class directly or get them to email you through Blackboard or Facebook. Make an appointment with the lecturer to discuss this feedback. At any point in this stage, feel free to contact the Class Representation Organiser for advice and support.
3.
Resolution Meet with the lecturer and work together with them. Act as a Representative and be diplomatic rather than confrontational. Briefly state the information you have and advise them of the students’ views on the matter. Take notes at your meeting with the lecturer so you have a written record. Seek joint solutions and if possible agree on a course of action. Report the outcome together to the class.
4. Referral If no solution is found contact the Class Representation Organiser who can make sure the issue is raised at a higher level.
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