Code

The Pastoral Care Code (The Code) outlines our role in making sure students are safe and well. On this page, you can learn about the Code, our strategic goals and cultural commitment.

The Code is a set of standards that all students can expect when studying in New Zealand and at UC International College (UCIC). It relates to both international and domestic students, under and over 18 years of age. The key areas which are covered are student safety (both physical and mental), diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and support, connection, student voice and honouring Te Tiriti.

UCIC is always working on engaging with students to better services and support. We have recently developed a Student Council program which will ensure the student voice is heard across all areas of the College. We also have a Class Rep system, Buddy Program, and regular student feedback surveys. In line with the Code's guidelines, these key projects aim to further support students' wellbeing, development, and educational achievement, while engaging and empowering our students to manage their own wellbeing.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) administer the Pastoral Care Code. More information and the Code document in English and Te Reo Māori can be found on NZQA's webpage about the Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice. If you would like to provide some feedback directly to us around the student experience or the Code, please email us or pop in for a chat.

Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s uniqueness lies in its special recognition and partnership with its indigenous Māori people. Under New Zealand law, Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides legal framework for Māori to be recognised as a bicultural partner with the Crown. We want students to leave the College with an understanding of Te Tiriti and the relevance of biculturalism in their area of study.

UCIC believes that the starting point for understanding one’s own cultural identity through exposure to biculturalism and multiculturalism begins here at UC International College. As such, our teaching and learning framework has been developed in a bicultural context, embracing values:   Manaakitanga (Our context), Whanaungatanga (Our relationships),  Mātauranga (Knowledge gathering), Aromatawai (Becoming the knower) and Kounga (Ensuring success).

UCIC’s purpose is to transform lives through education. We exist to support students on their journey and help them thrive. As such, we welcome the introduction of the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. We make a commitment to students to honour the Code by making strategic goals to ensure we support students in and out of the classroom. These goals and how we are performing against the Code will be reviewed annually. 

As our learners walk the UCIC pathway, the Tī kōuka tree will act as a metaphor to signpost the key strategic goals that direct the learner’s journey. Furthermore, just as this tree was an important source of food and sustenance, it will also symbolise our commitment to the ongoing nurturing of our learners along the way. The key strategic goals are:

1. Tī kōuka Tahi: Our Context – Manaakitanga
   A place where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels safe, respected and accepted for who they are.
   
   
2. Tī kōuka Rua: Our Relationships: Whanaungatanga
   We focus on collaborative relationships with our stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for our students. We invest in the growth and ongoing development of our teaching and student support community.
   
   
3. Tī kōuka Toru: Knowledge Gathering: Mātauranga
   We aspire to implement leading edge educational practices and to re-construct our teaching and learning pedagogy to embrace our unique New Zealand context and reflect the reality of the competencies our students need to thrive in a fast-changing world.
   
   
4. Tī kōuka Wha: Becoming the Knower: Aromatawai
   We endeavour to support all of our students to succeed by developing best practice assessment processes and ongoing data metrics that provide us with in-depth understanding of all our learners.
   
   
5. Tī kōuka Rimu: Ensuring Success: Kounga
   Success of our organization requires us to ensure all of our academic and administrative processes and practices are of the highest quality and reflect best practice through data-driven approaches.

UCIC works hard to ensure students are treated fairly and have a wonderful experience. However, if you have a concern about our service and want to raise a complaint, we have a policy and process in place to support this. All complaints are treated swiftly and with fairness in mind.