27 March 2008

Staff Forum
The next staff forum will be held in G106 12 - 1pm this Friday 28 March. This forum will take another look at the Refocus on Teaching and Learning Strategy.

Enhancing Teaching and Learning at OP
We have opened a new blog under the banner "Enhancing Teaching and Learning at Otago Polytechnic". The link to this blog is http://enhancingteachingandlearning.blogspot.com/. I would like to encourage you all to sign up and to at least keep an eye on the resources posted and discussion that takes place. Better still - participate in the discussion, or post your own examples of good practice.

I am hopeful that this blog will be an important medium by which we can share the many examples of good practice happening at the Polytechnic.

Leadership Team
Participation in Trial of NZQA's new Quality Assurance System
Otago Polytechnic is one of four ITPs participating in the trial of the new evaluative quality assurance system in 2008. Mike Collins, Alistair Regan and Sue Thompson attended a training workshop in Wellington last week. Martin Grinsted, a lead auditor for ITP Quality, has been appointed to work with us as our evaluative coach as we prepare for self assessment of some aspects of our evaluative processes by July 2008.

The self assessment will be focussing on our existing evaluative tools such as Annual Programme Evaluation Review, Course Evaluations, First Impressions Survey and Programme Satisfaction Survey. We will also be doing an in depth review of the results and graduation process. The self assessment is followed by an external review plus an external evaluation of the trial. Participation in the trial provides Otago Polytechnic with the opportunity to help shape the new quality assurance system.

Information on the tertiary reforms and the trial can be found on the following websites:

TEC:
http://www.tec.govt.nz
NZQA
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-providers/tertiary/index.html

More detailed information will be available after Easter.

Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund
Please note that in light of the Easter break, we have extended the date for applications for this fund the first round of to 31 March. Talk to Terry Marler if you have an idea you would like to pursue.

Sustainable Futures Breakfast
Thanks to those who attended the breakfast recently with Dr Morgan Williams - the first in a series of visitors to assist in building the capacity of the institution to delivery education for sustainability.

The Polytechnic signed an MoU with the Swedish based organisation The Natural Step. Dr Williams is the NZ Chairman. The MoU is attached and can be seen on Polybase.

Dr Williams also delivered a workshop in the city which 10 staff attended. His presentation notes can be seen on the Sustainable Futures page on the Polytechnic's website.

Good News
A contract has been signed to deliver Creative studies classes at the Prison for Corrections. This will start the prisoners down a qualification pathway. Congratulations to Jane Venis and her team for their flexible approach to this project.

Working Bee
A reminder re the Leadership Team Working Bee which was rescheduled for Saturday 29 March. If you are able to help (for part or all of the day) and have not already put your name down, please let Simon Noble know asap.

Congratulations
To Bernie Thijssen, Maree Steel, and Roger Southby, who have been promoted to Senior Lecturers.

Fun Committee
A correction to the Xmas party date - this should have read Friday 28 November.

Cheers
Phil