Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association

The following is some frequently encountered issues students come to the Advocacy Office with. It is not exhaustive so please don’t hesitate bring any concern you have to us. Our Student Advocate is trained to assist you.

Misconduct issues

Misconduct is any intentional or planned wrongful, improper, or unlawful behaviour. If you are accused of misconduct (whether it is true or not) – e.g. cheating on exams, copying from articles or essays (plagiarism) or being evicted from your Hall of Residence – any situation where you are accused of breaking University rules our Advocacy Office can help with you case and representing you before any potential hearings or meetings.

Assessment issues

If you think you’re being given too much or too little work or feedback for a course or a paper we can investigate further. If you believe the way you’re being assessed (e.g. marking/grading essays, reports, exams, tests or research) isn’t fair or contradicts standards set by your School, Faculty, or the University – or if you’re being supervised for a project or thesis and you’re having academic disagreements that you’re finding hard to sort out, get in touch.

Teaching & course issues

This could be a professional relationship breakdown with a tutor or a lecturer or concerns about the academic delivery in a course or the teaching ability of staff. It can also include problems with the level of support or class contact time you’re receiving.

Grievances

Grievances are concerns or complaints that you raise with the University (general staff, academics, administration, students – or the wider University community).  If possible try and address any grievance immediately with the concerned parties. However, there are formal procedures available to you if this approach doesn’t get you anywhere.

With the help of the Student Advocate and following the formal grievance procedures in place it will allow any issues that can’t be resolved informally to be given sensible consideration and be dealt with fairly and consistently.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as if it were your own, whether you mean to or not.

Someone else’s work means anything that is not your own idea. Even if it is presented in your own style, you must still acknowledge your sources fully and appropriately. This includes:

• Material from books, journals or any other printed source;
• The work of other students or staff;
• Information from the Internet;
• Software programs and other electronic material;
• Designs and ideas;
• The organisation or structuring of any such material.

Plagiarism undermines academic integrity simply because it is a form of lying, stealing and mistreating others. This is why plagiarism is prohibited at Victoria. For Victoria University’s Student Policy go here.

You and the University form a contractual relationship when you enrol.  For information on your rights and responsibilities as a student go here:

For further questions or assistance contact our Advocacy Office.

Harassment issues

You are entitled to work, learn, study and socialise in an environment of safety and respect. Harassment jeopardises these rights. Harassment is behaviour that is uninvited and humiliates, offends or intimidates someone. It can be physical, verbal or sexual. It can range from jokes through to assault.

Both staff and students can be the victims or perpetrators of harassment. Harassment can affect men and women. Whether the affects are slightly embarrassing, distracting, emotionally distressing or physically threatening, you don’t have to put up with it.

The University has set up specific procedures to deal with harassment – so you do not have to fear recriminations. You may also seek help off campus with the Ombudsman, the Human Rights Commission, Police or a range of volunteer organisations.

You can talk to the Student Advocate or the University’s Facilitator and Disputes Adviser on 04 463 5023.

Discrimination

If you are affected by any kind of discrimination while studying at Victoria, you should inform someone who can help you. Discrimination occurs when a person is disadvantaged or treated less favourably than another person in the same or similar circumstances.

Like harassment, discrimination may be based on gender, marital status, religion, race, ethnicity, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, or sexual orientation. The Human Rights Act 1993 makes harassment and discrimination unlawful.

Financial issues

If you are having trouble surviving while studying there is help available through Student Finance, Work and Income and StudyLink. If you want help accessing these services, contact the Student Advocate or Vice-President (Welfare).

Studylink & Work and Income

It is important to apply early for your student allowance and/or student loan. Otherwise, you could miss out on some payments. You must apply no later than the first week of your course. If you are having issues with getting what you are entitled to contact us.

Hardship Fund

All Students pay a levy into the Hardship Fund upon enrolment, which then allocates money to financially troubled students through an application process. If you’re having financial issues due to StudyLink, high course related costs, emergency dental or medical costs or for other reasons, then you can apply to the Hardship Fund. All you have to do is make an appointment with one of the student financial advisors who will go through your situation with you. They’re really helpful, as they have seen almost everything! Successful applicants are notified on the next Friday after their appointment. If you want to apply to the Hardship Fund contact Student Finance click here.

Kelburn: 04 463 7474 or visit them at 14 Kelburn Parade, 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
Pipitea: Level 2, West Wing, Railway Station, Monday – Tuesday 9am-5pm.
Te Aro: Common Room, Tuesday 12-3pm.

Community Services Card

The Community Services Card can help you and/or your family with the costs of health care, library and recreational use, and many other things. You’ll pay less on some health services and prescriptions. For more information call the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 999 999.