Script Magazine - The Yearbook Issue by Script Magazine

HIGHLIGHTS

10 VOX POPS: CLOSING THOUGHTS FOR 2012

PICS: A YEAR IN PHOTOS

PICS: WHAI AKE

PICS: EXPERIENCE NZ PROGRAMME

CARPENTRY 101

A Student Guide to Employment Law

HOW DOES YOUR COURSE RATE

PICS: PERFORMING & SCREEN ARTS

GET IN THE RING

28 A French Girl in Auckland

29 IPOD OR TOOTHBRUSH

STUDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS

SHOW ME SHORTS

LECTURER OF THE YEAR

REGULARS 5 President 5 Tirade Editorial 7 Guest editorial

CONTRIBUTORS: Jonathan Castano, Briteny Dyke, Camille Jaigu , Jeremy Keenan , Tetoki Tepaki Special Thanks to: Rick Ede, International Office , Peter Rees , Tiana Ngawati

Editorial Inquiries ph. (09) 815 4321 ext 7927 Editor: Jayne King Graphic Designer: Mark Lovatt Advertising Inquiries ph. (09) 815 4321 ext 7383 usucommunication@unitec.ac.nz

DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Submissions and contributors are welcome, but the publisher reserves the right to select and edit the material submitted. Materials submitted will remain property of the publisher unless alternative arrangements are made.

4 12 SU President 20

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efather, U Shannon Penn

The end is nigh! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a hard working year for Unitec and New Zealand. With no World Cups or earthquakes to distract us we have had time to focus on getting things done; and, done stuff, we have. More students are succeeding and more amazing projects are underway than ever before. I think we all deserve a collective pat on the back for a year well lived. It is fast approaching time where you all become mindless automatons with the sole purpose of your existence being to pass that exam or hand in that assignment. Hang in there! Great things await afterwards and I look forward to having and end of year beer with you all. It has been a big year for USU as well. The Exec and I have campaigned against changes to loans and allowances and made more of an impact on a national level than ever before. We have been pushing for, and making progress on, many issues at Unitec as well, including food on campus and support for parents who study here. So, if you are coming back next year you have every reason to expect a bigger, better Unitec experience. If you are heading out into the world, make us proud and showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;em that Unitec grads rock! Either way have an awesome Xmas. Stay cool El Presidente

Sometimes I feel similar to when Alice fell down that rabbit hole and into Wonderland. Slightly light headed, disorientated and aghast at the time lapse. Where did Semester One and Two of this year go? The end of the year has crept up on us yet again, and by the time this last Script Issue for 2012 is released, there will be exactly two weeks left for the semester and then another three weeks of madness for many. I LOVE the community of people that we have here at Unitec. As cheesy as that may sound, it is an honest statement I am proud to share. This semester alone, I have met so many zany, crafty, funny, outstanding and super talented students within my role as Editor of Script magazine. What a blast and a privilege it has been to get out and about to meet you all.

Thank you! Gracios! Arigato! Before I sign off for the year, best wishes for those of you heading towards exams, congratulations to those of you who have just completed your studies and I look forward to meeting and working alongside many more of you next year. Peace & Love Jayne He aha te mea nui o te ao? What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata! It is people! It is people! It is people!

get ahead this summer Get a head start or catch up with your studies at Unitecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer school. Or re-enrol early for next year and take the hassle out of your holidays. The early bird catches the iPhone Apply to summer school or re-enrol in your programme before 31 December 2012 and you could win an iPhone AND and an iPad! There are heaps of other prizes up for grabs too, so get ahead and sort your studies now. www.unitec.ac.nz/getahead

WELCOME

Apply now for Autumn Graduation

You could be one of 1600 celebrating at our Autumn Graduation Ceremonies on 16 & 17 April 2013 at the Auckland Town Hall. Apply online at www.graduation.unitec.ac.nz. You don’t even have to wait for your exam results! Remember, whether you’re attending a ceremony or not, you’ll need to apply to receive your graduation certificate.

You can apply before you’ve received your exam results. ApplicAtions close 1 FebruAry 2013. » 0800 10 95 10

» www.unitec.ac.nz

to study Unitec programmes while still at school with a clear pathway should they wish to continue into tertiary study. We also announced the opening of the Awhina Health Campus based at Waitakere Hospital. This takes the already strong relationship with the Waitemata District Health Board to a new level, and provides our students with better facilities and increased opportunities to work with practitioners and gain experience in a professional working environment. At our Mt Albert Campus we recently announced a collaborative agreement between IBM and Unitec which will see the establishment, in early 2013, of the first IBM Delivery Centre in New Zealand. As well as bringing hundreds of additional jobs to Auckland it will also provide opportunities for Unitec students to gain work experience with a global company, giving them a massive advantage when looking for a full time job. These projects are just a handful of the exciting and innovative activities happening at Unitec this year, but they give a taste as to who we are as a community and what it means to work or study at Unitec. As we move into 2013 we must continue to innovate, experiment and try new things. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this approach that makes New Zealand punch above its weight, and that has made 2012 such a great year. Rick Ede, Unitec CEO

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This year has been a year of achievement for New Zealand. Our economy has continued to grow while others in the world have struggled, our sporting stars produced a stellar performance at the London Olympics; our business leaders continue to be valued across the world and, perhaps most importantly, the All Blacks continue to be unbeaten. As a small country we punch well above our weight both on and off the field. This is largely due to our ability to work together to foster innovation, and not being afraid to try new things. At Unitec 2012 has been a year of innovation. Students and staff across our campuses have produced breathtaking buildings, fabulous films and dynamic designs. Creativity and innovation is evident throughout our institution and we have been recognised for it. Just one example is Unitecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent success at the 2012 Sustainable Business Awards, where we won the Trailblazer Not for Profit Award for the Northern Region. Last year we were talking about the launch of our environmental sustainability strategy, and this year we can point to the recognition we have achieved. As an institution a number of innovative projects have started this year that will significantly improve the experience of studying at Unitec. At the beginning of the year we launched the Massey High School Trade Training Academy, the first of its kind in West Auckland. This collaboration provides high school students the opportunity

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Shaun Overton is the USU Vice President. As a member of the USU Exec, these are his thoughts on 2012

How does one sum up such an interesting year? I had every intention of submitting a piece with a heartfelt touchy-feely attitude to it, but as my friends know that really isn’t my style. So instead, I’ve decided to give it to you straight, then I’m going to make a left turn and then I’m going to serve up some pictures from this year. This year started rather shakily for me. I was seriously considering putting my studies on hold and searching for full time employment. Some opportunities came up; I put my name forward but no dice. Why? Well it turns out that while there are a few jobs available out there, getting one is quite difficult, especially for students. The individual I lost the position to should have been in a job at least two tiers above the one in question. So not only are there job shortages in varying areas, but students (and anyone with minimum experience or training) are losing out to those that are capable of a lot more but are settling for a lot less. So, I decided to return to study, which also allowed me to retain my elected governance board position with USU. Unfortunately because of the uncertainty around my student status, I had to pass on some of my Unitec committee memberships to other student reps, a few of which are also current serving Executives. This I didn’t mind, as it was good to have a fresh student perspective as well as a chance for others to gain that experience. USU has been looking at some massive changes to student representation and student voice. With the passing of the Freedom of Association bill, student associations could no longer compel students to be members or charge a compulsory fee. This change hasn’t largely changed how we serve the student body, but it certainly has changed the nature of the game on a national level. Other students'

more responsive than in previous years. Despite that, there are still some areas that do not meet what I perceive to be the Unitec standard of excellence. Over the three years, the Bachelor of Computing Systems received an average satisfaction rating of 78%, the Bachelor of Business achieved an average of 75% and the Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts achieved an average of 79%. The Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts programmes’ overall ratings had improved over the past year and a half, whereas the Bachelor of Computing is still stuck below the 70% mark. The data used only has a small sample rate (there’s a huge variance between programmes, and their individual courses, usually well less than 30%). Progress is being made albeit slowly. Unfortunately, this particular set of data isn’t a true reflection of the actual quality of the course, or is it a true reflection of student opinion. I can certainly say that from my own department, satisfaction is lower, and that students have issues with a wide range of things from facilities, Student Central, timetabling, lecturers, course materials etc. I personally would like these issues resolved sooner rather than later and I think most students from within the department would agree with me, saying that things need to change for the better. Just as Unitec has said in previous years, “Change Starts Here”. I think Unitec is on the right track, and has a huge amount of potential to really change the way teaching and learning occurs in New Zealand. I hope you’ve all have had a great year (so far) and are looking forward to returning in 2013, and for those of you that are leaving us, best of luck in your future endeavours. Stay cool Unitec.

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associations around NZ have been affected by this, some in positive ways, others not so much. I personally agree with the nature of the bill, but there certainly was a bit of fine-tuning to be done. Pete Hodkinson, the previous USU President was elected NZUSA President towards the end of last year (and he was re-elected this month for 2013). Over the past year, Pete has been involved in a wide range of activities including representing NZ at the Global Leadership Summit held in London. He has many skills and being from Unitec, puts us in great shape to be truly represented at a national level (what a top bloke!). USU sent some of the Exec team including myself (at the beginning of the year, and during the first week of October) to Wellington to participate in the workshops and consultation process put on by NZUSA. The feedback that USU collects and the research that they undertake help us to make the student experience better for all students. On top of all that, USU has undertaken significant internal growth both in size and in attitude. Te Puna Reo o Wairaka (the resident Maori bi-lingual early learning centre) is now on board the USU ship. This is quite a big undertaking in itself, and I believe it falls in line with our overall objectives. The USU has (in my opinion) never really had any specific service which catered directly to the needs of Maori community, and I believe this is a strong step in strengthening that relationship and commitment. Now, with that aside, here’s my left turn. There are many wonderful things happening in and around Unitec. The shakeup of Unitec Council has (in my opinion) sped up the pace of the institution as a whole, and it feels somewhat

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BY BRITNEY DYKE

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Sick of me telling YOU how to stay fit? I think it’s about time I tell you how I stay fit... Getting the perfect ‘summer body’ is something I’m sure we all strive for in the upcoming months (I know I do!), but like most of us, it ends up being the conquest to failure. Staying fit during the summer break is so hard when there are tempting cocktails, beer bellies to be made, delicious holiday food and skin that needs tanning. And who really wants to work out in the heat? Not me! A motivation for me to stay fit is knowing that when summer strikes, I want that summer body and I DON’T want to have to keep on trying for it throughout summer. Getting your summer body is as easy doing something active that you love and enjoy and I’m happy to say I’ve found my niche to get my summer body and am about to share just how I’ll do it... Since I was little, I have always had an interest in boxing but never knew where to go–until I discovered Boxslim. It’s a one hour session that not only allows you to work on your punching techniques, but also your overall body fitness levels. It’s hard work, but if you push yourself, it definitely pays off. With classes offered all around Auckland, Boxslim has allowed me to get fit and stay fit. The trainers are fun, and know their stuff whilst also pushing me to extreme levels of what I always say is ‘dying’. If I stick to my goals, I know I can get the summer body I want, and not have to worry about all the chocolate, cocktails and takeaways I’ll devour in the holidays. For most of us students, gym memberships, personal trainers and other activities are too expensive to even think about. Lucky for us, Boxslim offers a student deals for guys and girls making classes as cheap as $6. AND, your first class is free. If you have an interest in boxing I would love to see more students join up, head to www. boxslim.co.nz and have a look around. If boxing isn’t your thing, have a look on the internet for fitness classes you enjoy and take them up, it’s so much fun, a great way to meet new people and the clock is ticking....Summer is nearly here!

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The Whai Ake Mentoring Programme is open to all MÄ ori students enrolled at Unitec. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be awarded one of 20 first-year scholarships or one of 14 mentoring awards.

If you would like to learn more about the programme, please contact: Whai Ake Mentoring Scholarship Programme Coordinator Tiana Ngawati tngawati@unitec.ac.nz (Images: Tiana Ngawati & Christina Pakeho)

Ka utua te katoa o ōu utu akoranga, ka whiwhi hoki i te $30,000 mō ia tau e ako ana koe. Tono mai mō tētahi Karahipi Panoni Mahi. Haere ki TeachNZ.govt.nz, waea atu rānei ki 0800 165 225 mō ētahi atu kōrero. Kura Tuatahi – Kaiako Kaupapa Māori. Mā ngā ākonga ka hiahia ki te whakaako tamariki kura tuatahi i te reo Māori ēnei karahipi. Ka tuwhera ngā Karahipi Panoni Mahi i te – 1 o Whiringa-ā-nuku 2012. Ka kati i te – 5 o Whiringa-ā-rangi 2012. Kura Tuarua – Kaiako Reo Māori. Mā ngā ākonga ka hiahia ki te whakaako tamariki kura

tuarua i te reo Māori, hei whakaako kaupapa i te reo Māori rānei ēnei karahipi. Ka tuwhera ngā Karahipi Panoni Mahi i te – 1 o Whiringa-ā-rangi 2012. Ka kati i te – 3 o Hakihea 2012. Ngā Karahipi Panoni Mahi. For Te Reo speakers only.

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Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an international student or you call New Zealand home, The USU Experience New Zealand Programme is a great way to make friends here at Unitec while exploring this beautiful country.

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BY CAMILLE JAIGU

As a French girl in a country at the opposite end of the world, researching the kiwi is a full-time job! You see it everywhere: on the windows of shops, banks, travel agencies, on coins, prospectus, the kiwi is everywhere except in flesh and bone. But, while waiting to finally find one, different activities are available to me. First, there is the choice of thrills that means jumping hundreds of metres from the top of a tower or cliff – a crazy idea to lose some neurons along the way. Other adventures are possible such as driving a giant transparent ball (like a big hamster ball), visiting dark caves, or hiking in the woods. There are many walks to discover in the middle of fields of sheep! Attention foreigners out there: make sure you pronounce the "p" in sheep because it can quickly turn into another word (“oooh a baby shit!”). As for the culture of New Zealand, there is much to find out for fans of new knowledge. In terms of New Zealand heritage, Māori is as rich as the percentage of calories in a hamburger. There are marae throughout the country, so it is very easy to learn dances and Maori traditions. It is also possible to rent a bike or a car

(for the lazy) to visit the country with all its amazing landscapes. And for the even more lazy, you can lie down in a natural hot spring or in the jacuzzi of a hotel. In short, we do not have time to get bored! In addition, the kiwis are huge sport enthusiasts. Even if the national pride is rugby, it's really easy to participate in a variety of sports. The gyms are also popular. In such places, people are very picky about hygiene and punctuality. It is important to clean the machine after use and if you do not come to an appointment with a coach, or if you are late, it is a fine of $20! If it was the same in France, people would become quickly punctual! New Zealand is also a country where people are very relaxed, some walking barefoot all day long with simply a t-shirt as a jacket. The use of fork and knife is not necessary for fish & chips; fingers are enough. I will try to convince French people to do the same when I go back, even though it won't be easy! And finally, having cool teachers who aren’t afraid to say "fuck" is rather fun! Anyway, all that I want to say is that I will not leave the country before seeing a real kiwi!

The Village is a place situated in the south of Unitec campus, where you’ll find a community like no other in Auckland, made up of some very interesting people. Some of them speak weird languages, some others wear extravagant clothes. Sometimes it is possible to see people eating black wrinkled seaweed with rice or cakes cooked in a frying pan called “Kaiserschmarr”! Sometimes, the unusual people group together to share this “food”. Most of the residents are students and enjoy one or many semesters at Unitec. Evidently, a “studious” atmosphere reigns at the residence. The community is a rich and varied place to discover new activities or new games. Playing Frisbee with plastic plates, crossdressing, taking part in a “pants off” party, and realising that the student president took part at this party as well, playing “president/ asshole” cards game... a bunch of activities are possible to pass the time over there! Furthermore, there is a very open sense of sharing. It could be carpooling, clothes exchange, dinner between village residents as well as sharing a bed. Different types of characters live in this area that is pretty unknown from the rest of the world. Firstly, there is the sell-man, a little boy who always stays in his flat and knows every person in the village. Anything you need, he has it anytime. As well as umbrella or towel, he can also provide people with cigarettes or beer without ever using those products himself. Then, there are some nerds who project their computer screens in giant size on their whole wall. For other lucky ones,

BY JONATHAN CASTANO

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the internet connection doesn't work well in their flat, so they are forced to spend all of their time in the laundry sitting on the washing machine to get WIFI. Another kind of specimen is the party addict. He loves changing his flat into a waste disposal every night he can while another thinks he is a DJ and transforms his apartment into a nightclub. But make no mistake, the village community is a peaceful and safe area where the police can come just to say “hi” and stay all night just to make sure that everything is OK. Otherwise, there is a strange phenomenon which happens every Wednesday night around the village. Indeed, some little creatures called “kiwis” hang outside before leaving to town forgetting to wear any pants! Are they not cold like this? Talking about strange phenomena, a real one happened to one of the residents lately. As the Village is based near an old psychiatric hospital, which is now the design building, this person said he saw a ghost flying around the building. Creepy? Not at all! But few days after that, some design students found a straitjacket lying on the ground in the inner courtyard of the building... Fortunately, nobody has been cursed, but the rumour stays intact! I hope I didn't freak anyone out, because living in the village can be an amazing experience. Waking up to the fire alarm of my flatmate in the morning is one of the most extreme sensations that I’ve ever felt in my life! So, to anyone who is thinking about moving to the village, don't hesitate anymore! Come and see for yourself.

I swear to you that my problems as an American are no different than yours. I stub my toe once or twice a day, forget to do laundry on any given weekend, and drink my roommate’s chocolate milk without considering the repercussions, all the time! Living independent for the first time ever is nothing short than thrilling on a daily basis. I get to dance in my boxers whenever I want. Food makes me go back to cave dwelling days with an instilled “hunter-gatherer” mindset whenever the noodles run out. Even my bedtime has been pushed back all the way to 11:05pm! Auckland has welcomed this young American from Cape Coral, Florida but I don’t want to just be accepted. I want to be fully integrated. I’m going for the frickin’ gold here. My focus before coming here was to taste that unknown raunchy taste of freedom. Now, I’m trying to get the hell away from it. Why in the crap would I go to town on a Wednesday night? (I ask this question with the utmost sincerity as I listen to the crazy Swiss guys down below my flat and the rest of the bar hopping United Nations getting ready for another midnight outing). Relentless partygoers…but I digress. Getting drunk at some nasty club just does not cut the mustard anymore. I want to be an intelligent young adult with self-control during his prominent student career. Not. I mean that’s what I’m shooting for but I still struggle to get to that adult mindset. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t drop the M-bomb (maturity (ewwwwww(more parentheses))). All my life I thought that taking care of feeble infants was way too hard. That was before I met myself. This guy right here is always eating and always wants to spend money. Don’t worry though, sometimes I can be semi-cooperative. Last weekend, I spent a totally rad mini vacay out on Waiheke Island. Nothing stood in the way of me enjoying myself on a real life paradise island. There was only one problem…I FORGOT MY TOOTHBRUSH! Disgusting, outrageous, naughty, cornucopia. In my defense, I had made sure to bring my…iPod…with 10% battery life. Damn it. You would not want me on your plane crash into the middle of the ocean on a deserted land mass. My survival skills are at an all-time low. The only thing I can do is learn. Amidst all these crazyass villagers at the residential area on campus, I will somehow find myself before I go back to my home time zone. Now let us see how I do this weekend before my trip to Mt. Ruapehu where I have to make a decision between packing a pair of socks or my latest issue of GQ. #BrownBoyProblems. Godspeed.

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IMAGES & TEXT BY JEREMY KEENAN Kia Ora My Name is Jeremy Keenan, Carpentry Graduate for 2012. Life as a Carpentry student: at first I was a bit sheepish to stop work full time after being selfemployed, to come and study at Unitec. That soon changed as I needed that piece of paper. Work was drying up a little, and the main company I contracted to told me “nahhh don't worry about studying stick with us we’ll look after you!” I'm happy I didn't! With help from the Multi Skills Carpentry staff, I inquired at Unitec Student Central and fast-tracked my endeavours to studying carpentry and “yeah mate!”, “good on ya mate!”, “drink Speights mate!”, “don't be a flake!” I fluked a scholarship (wa hoo!). There are a few scholarships out there, you just have to look for them. It was good timing for me as the New Practioners Licence to Build is a must for me to achieve future goals. I fitted in quickly with the friendly carpentry staff and made a bunch of good classmates. Unitec Carpentry students have pumped out approximately 4+ houses for New Zealanders to live in this year, and the good work continues to go on. We don't study in the same place all day every day, and are able to enjoy being outside a lot. If you’re a bloke or girl who likes building, whether you have little or no experience, I recommend doing the CAT (Certificate in Applied Technology) course in Carpentry at Unitec. Congratulations mates! We have built some houses, not a doll’s house with the frilly bits on it; a full house: three bedrooms with an en suite and all. Wish they taught me how to do that in school, perhaps I could have built a mansion by now and then I never would have paid board or rent ever in my life. Furthermore my classmates and I enjoyed shared lunches, from $135.00 worth of fish ‘n chips, to picking up 18-20 KFC Snack Packs, to an organised BBQ at Te Puukenga to celebrate our progress as a team. I have been volunteered to put on a hangi for my class, and everyone and anyone who enjoys a good feed, before we finish in November you can expect that I will be organising that event ASAP. It's been a productive year, why not celebrate and enjoy the end of year break? Enjoy the photos and have a good Christmas holiday. Cheers to all the Carpentry students, USU, Maia, Te Puukenga, & Special Thanks to All the Carpentry Staff, My Class CCA3 & Tutors, Fotu & Chris.

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The advocacy team has had a busy year! So far, we have helped students with over 600 issues. We will remain open over the summer period and look forward to helping students with final grade appeals too. Find us at the USU office, or email usuadvocate@unitec.ac.nz Congratulations to all our new grads! In the workplace, new laws apply. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve summarised the ones we think are most exciting:

– If you’ve got a conviction you may have to tell your soon-to-be employer…

– yes, they can test you out… but let’s look at what this means in practice. What is a trial period and is this legal? Your employment contract may include the provision for a trial period of up to 90 days. Trial periods are voluntary, and must be agreed in writing and negotiated in good faith as part of the employment agreement. During this trial period, the employer may lawfully terminate an employment agreement without reason. They still have to pay you for this time.

How much annual leave am I entitled to? As an employee, after working for 12 months at the same job, you are entitled to four weeks (20 working days) paid annual holiday. If you are employed full-time. For part-time or casual, or fixed-term agreements you will accrue 4/52 of an hour in annual leave for every hour you work. If you have worked for less than 12 months, annual leave will still build up, but unless your employer agrees to allow you to take annual leave in advance, you will not be entitled to it until after you have worked for 12 months. When can I take my annual leave? You can take your annual leave within 12 months of being entitled to leave. If requested and reasonable, your employer must allow you to have at least two weeks of these holidays in a continuous period. When you take your annual leave is a matter to be agreed between yourself and the employer. However, your employer must not unreasonably decline your request to take annual leave at a particular time. What happens to my annual leave during the shut down period? Unless agreed otherwise with your employer, if your place of work shuts for a period of time, you will be required to take annual leave during this time. Can I have my annual leave paid to me instead of taking it? You are entitled to ask your employer to pay you up to one week of your entitlement to annual holidays per year. You must make this request in writing and it may be declined by your employer without reason. What happens to my annual leave if I resign from my job? Unlike sick leave, annual leave owed to you must be paid out to you when you resign from your job after giving the required amount of notice.

In New Zealand, there are 11 paid public holidays in a year. These are: • Christmas Day • Boxing Day • New Year's Day • 2nd January • Waitangi Day • Good Friday • Easter Monday • ANZAC Day • Queen's Birthday (first Monday in June) • Labour Day (fourth Monday in October) • The local anniversary day (Auckland’s Anniversary date usually falls on the Monday closest to 29 January) Do I have to work on a public holiday? Maybe – an employee can be required to work on a public holiday if it falls on a day that the employee would ordinarily have worked and it is required in your employment agreement. Will I be compensated for working on a public holiday? Yes! If you are required to work on a public holiday then you will be entitled to an alternative paid day off in lieu, and the payment of at least time and a half for the time actually worked. Do you have outstanding questions about employment law? Come and visit the Advocacy team and we will be able to provide you with further legal advice. Find us at the USU office or email usuadvocate@unitec.ac.nz This article covers common problems. It will not answer every question and should not be used as a substitute for legislation or legal advice.

SOMETIMES FACTORS BEYOND YOUR CONTROL CAN AFFECT YOUR ASSESSMENTS

OR EXAMS

S TO YOU, IF THIS HAPPENNT CIRCUMSTANCES WITHIN FIVE DAYS.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR SPECIAL ASSESSME

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If asked, you must declare your criminal conviction to your employer, unless it is covered by the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004. This Act allows you to not have to disclose your convictions if you meet all of the following conditions: • No convictions within the last seven years • Never been sentenced to a custodial sentence e.g. imprisonment, corrective training, borstal • Never been ordered by a court following a criminal case to be detained in a hospital due to your mental condition, instead of being sentenced • Not been convicted of a “specified offence” (e.g. sexual offending against children and young people or the mentally impaired) • Paid in full any fine, reparation, or coasts ordered by the court in a criminal case • Never been indefinitely disqualified from driving However, the Clean Slate Act only applies within NZ so you may need to fully disclose any conviction if applying for a job overseas.

– when you don’t have a job, you want one. When you have a job, you want time off. So:

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The results are in! The Unitec Student Satisfaction Survey collects feedback from Unitec students about the services available for students at Unitec. Over 2,000 students responded to the Unitec Student Satisfaction Survey between May 7th and July 3rd this year. The survey asked students questions relating to awareness and importance of the services. Students who had used a service were then asked to rate their satisfaction.

WE’VE CREATED A REPORT CARD THAT GIVES A SNAPSHOT OF THE BEST AND WORST OF UNITEC 2012.

1. Libraries – 96% A+ 2. Student Central – 92% A+ 3. Campus Copy and Print Centre – 89% A

1. USU Experience New Zealand Programme – 86% A

“Students described the programme as awesome, amazing, and fun, and the trips as organized, well-chosen, and affordable. However, students indicated a preference for more flexibility around dates in which the programme was running and more places to visit in the trips.” -SSS Report 2012

2. Libraries – 85% A

3. Shuttle Bus Service – 82% A-

“While drivers were praised for being pleasant, considerate of safety, and offering rides to students when it is raining or dark, drivers were also criticized for driving recklessly, failing to run shuttles to timetable, and skipping parts of the route… Students recommended for there to be more publicising of shuttle timetables and travel routes.” -SSS Report 2012

(The following percentages reflect the percentage of students who responded either “agree” or “strongly agree” on a 5-point rating scale when asked questions relating to the following points)

“Problems with the village include poor hygiene and ventilation, broken whiteware, absent kitchenware, and lack of security. The unreliable wireless internet was cited over and again by students who were unable to study due to a very slow or weak connection.” -SSS Report 2012

2. Food and Drink – 34% E (FAIL)

“A number of students were dissatisfied with the foods supplied at the hub, which were often deep-fried, high in sugar or salt, and ran out too quickly. Long Black was popular with students, but was described as pricey. Subway appeared to be the most favoured option for students, but was situated on the edge of the campus and ate up their short break times between classes.” -SSS Report 2012

3. Common Space – 50% and Outdoor Areas – 50% C -

“Multiple students expressed that indoor facilities were limited such that they found it difficult to locate an available area during lunchtime or seated space in the rainy season, as the hub did not have enough tables and chairs to accommodate everyone…. Some students reported a lack of common space in Building One, and suggested that it would be beneficial to have rooms which contained power points for charging laptops, as well as desks and seats for group or individual study.” -SSS Report 2012

72% of respondents agreed that, so far, they were satisfied with their student experience at Unitec 45% of respondents felt that student voice is listened to and acted upon at Unitec 67% of respondents agreed they had adequate opportunities to “provide their opinion/feedback/ input into decisions (student voice)” on their study and experience at Unitec 74% of respondents would recommend Unitec to others

To see the full report from the 2012 Student Satisfaction Survey, and to watch Unitec’s response video go to the USU Website www.usu.co.nz

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“Library staff were praised for being knowledgeable, efficient, organized, technology-literate, and going out of their way to help students with referencing, finding relevant information, locating a specific book, or narrowing down their search.”-SSS Report 2012

1. Residential Village (student accommodation) – 33% E (FAIL)

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I TEPAKI BY TETOK G AND SCREEN ARTS

BACHELO

FORM R OF PER

Hamish Bennett’s, THE DUMP, is a heartfelt story of 11-year-old Utah spending time with his father who works and lives at a dump. Utah discovers there is more to his father than the rubbish gossip he hears about him. Such a brilliant metaphor.

Show Me Shorts is New Zealand’s largest short film festival, with films selected to screen from New Zealand and around the world. The Festival screens a stylistically varied selection of the 40 best short films which are grouped into, six themed sessions. This is the Festivals seventh year and commences November 1 at the Capitol Cinema in Auckland. The selected short films were brilliantly creative, innovative, and outstanding. From stories about an undying love during a horrific zombie apocalypse to a mail ordered Bride. The short film, 50% OFF MAIL ORDER BRIDE, was created by Unitec’s very own award winning NZ writer , Alan D. Parr, Daniel Wagner, and Unitec’s Film & Television 3rd Year and Graduate Students. The short film is a fantastical comedy where Edward divorces his perfect mail ordered robot bride when he falls in love with Sarah, but discovers that his robot ex gets half of everything he owns. However, he gets to keep half of his ex robot from the waist down. Can he have his cake and eat it too? I wouldn’t mind getting me one of those fancy brides.

UNDYING LOVE, a story set during a zombie apocalypse shows us how far a person will go to keep their love from dying. What would you do to keep your fire of love burning? The film was created by an Icelandic film maker, Omae Orn Hauksson. The latest animation from Australian film makers the Davison Bros is CEDRIC & HOPE. In order for Cedric to win back the heart of his princess girlfriend Faith, he must first become a battle-hammered knight. As he embarks on a his quest, with the help of Hope, he discovers there is something else that he wants. THE VELOCITEERS is a documentary by Nina Wells, Ruth Barton and Aasta Louise Otnes. It follows the The Velociteers, an Auckland based synchronized bicycle group, through a season of performances, telling the story of their formation. It is amazing stories like these that are screening at this film festival and it’s no wonder the Show Me Shorts is a very prestigious Film Festival. To find out more info about the Festival you can go to; showmeshorts.co.nz facebook.com/showmeshorts twitter.com/showmeshorts

usu

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It’s coming up to the end of the year, and I’m sure you all have something to say about the courses you have poured your heart, soul, and Saturday evenings into since the start of semester. Whether you absolutely loved your ‘Information Systems and Applications ’* paper and think that every business student should do it, or you’re regretting signing up for ‘News Writing for the Media** ,’ you can share your opinion anonymously on Rate My Course for the benefit of all current and future Unitec students, and for staff.

Rate My Course is based online at www.ratemycourse.co.nz. As a current Unitec student, you first need to log in using the ID number from your student ID card and your date of birth. Once you’re logged in, all the courses you are enrolled in will pop up in tabs on the screen for you to rate. As you click on each course, you will be given five questions to answer by giving a rating from “poor” to “excellent” on a sliding scale. Your ratings are anonymous and, along with your classmates’ ratings, will contribute to an average rating for the course that anyone can see. *Current overall rating: 95% **Current overall rating: 23%

1. How would you rate the quality of teaching on this course? 2. How would you rate the workload for this course? 3. Were the assessments relevant and appropriate for this course? 4. How would you rate the resources for this course? 5. How strongly would you recommend this course to others?

Anyone can see the average rating of each course by searching in the “Find a Programme” box on the Rate My Course website. So, if you’re not sure which electives to take next year, you can find out what past students thought, and read their comments before deciding.

Chances are that if you’re having problems with an aspect of your course, your classmates are too. The more that Unitec students use Rate My Course, the more accurate and definitive the ratings will be, and the more Unitec will take notice and make changes for the better. So encourage your classmates to log in and have their say.

Most of the feedback we get on Rate My Course is positive, which is good news for Unitec students and great feedback for tutors to hear. They appreciate being appreciated, so keep it coming! The 2012 Lecturer of the Year winners were determined from votes submitted over Rate My Course (there’s a “Vote for the Best Lecturer at Unitec” box). There’s a winner for every department, and you can check out the results on page 40.

I’m so “This course sucks, (ticks !!!” ed fus con #@ $** follow up box)

“Hi… Why? How can we help?”

way too “My lecturer talks aren’t quickly and there room enough seats in the . I get nts de stu the all for t going anxious that I’m no ryone to get a seat and eve will laugh at me.

Student changes course ratings

Course rates highly – becomes top scoring course!

“Thanks for the fee dback! I’ll take this to the de partment. You can stay anon ymous and I’ll work to ge t these things sorted for yo u.

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If you’re logged in, the ratings for your current courses will pop up, so you can easily see what your classmates think. You can even sign up for monthly reports to be emailed to you, and track the progress of your courses throughout the semester.

It’s not always appropriate or easy to talk to your tutor about how they could improve the course, but with Rate My Course, you can leave comments anonymously, and if you tick the box, a USU Advocate will follow up your comments and report back to you about any progress that is made. Many comments made on Rate My Course this year were followed up by the Advocacy team and tangible positive changes were able to be made during the semester. Rate My Course is live, so if you find that things improve, you can change your ratings to reflect that.

THE YEARBOOK ISSUE

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." – william a. ward

Script Magazine had the pleasure of meeting up with Unitec's 2012 Lecturer of the Year Graeme Saxby for a little chat and to see what makes him so likable with his students. What do you teach? Osteopathy When did you start working at Unitec? In 2007...I came out to the job from the UK with my wife and two children. “Goodbye Jonny Wilkinson!” How do you get students to understand or relate to whatever you're teaching? I don't like techno jargon. I like to break it [content] down and make light of some things that are not so light in content. I like words...and how they are used to break down information into bite size chunks...and reframe information in a light way. I was recently described as being pragmatic by a colleague. (laughs) Do you welcome feedback from your students? Oh yes! Absolutely...because we have an enlarged tutor, mentor-mentee type of relationship–I think feedback is the lifeblood of what we do and there has to be an open and honest relationship between two people that works both ways. Certainly in this last year I’ve had some pretty acute feedback, which has helped. It’s changed the ways I have done things. What challenges do you face in the classroom? Day one, week one, I am nervous as hell. There is definitely some performance anxiety. I think the unknowns are the problem. If you don't get any reaction it’s really difficult to build this information exchange, this facilitation of learning. So, I like the people who stand up and say, this is rubbish! I am very happy to have debate and conversation going on...

the problem with that is, I wander off on a tangent and don’t come back.... The challenges for me are keeping focused on the learning outcomes, helping people to really understand that things are changing for them each time they come in to a classroom situation and hopefully they go away with a message. Can you share something about yourself that students don't know? I'm an obsessive windsurfer, it rules my life. I watch the weather all the time... and am going to compete at the Taranaki Wave Classic at Labour Weekend. When asked about what class or age group he will compete in, Graeme is happy to share the fact that,“ I don’t quite qualify for the over 50’s.” We both laugh. Do you have any closing thoughts for the year? As a department we’ve made some massive changes in recent years and the workload and dedication have been equal. It’s really stretched a lot of us but we have achieved things and I think we need to reflect on where we have come from and if we can make as much change and improvement in the next two to three years then we can be rightly satisfied I think.

Highest Rated LecturerS 1. Graeme Saxby (Osteopathy) 2. Scott Wilson (Performing and Screen Arts) 3. Achela Fernando (Civil Engineering)

Lynne Trenwith Robyn Gandell Hong-Yu Gong William Ward David Kenkel Andy Pivac Nigel Yee Graeme Willetts Dawn Duncan Peter McPherson Achela Fernando Lara Tookey

William Bardebes Alex Williams Pete Griffiths Roger Hawkins Boris Penchev Lorne Roberts Susan White Graeme Saxby Scott Wilson Daniel Stamp Aaron Chen

Communication Studies Foundation Studies Language Studies Plumbing and Gasfitting Social Practice Building Technology Electrotechnology Transport Technology Accounting and Finance Architecture Civil Engineering Construction

Design & Visual Arts Education Landscape Architecture Management and Marketing Medical Imaging Natural Sciences Nursing Osteopathy Performing and Screen Arts Sports Computing

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Wednesday 31st October 4pm-late at Carrington’s PumP House

TickeTs $5 includes a FRee dRink

TickeTs available from USU Reception and fRom caRRington’S at WaitaKeRe fRom tHe USU office Door sales available from 4pm (No DriNK iNClUDeD)

dRink specials

$4 handles from 4pm; $5 handles from 5pm

Prizes for best dressed DJ FROM 5PM usu ST U D E N T S’

ASSOCIATION AT UNITEC

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