Learner Awards

To outline the purpose, criteria, nomination, and selection of Learner Awards.

1           Awards are open to all learners enrolled 0.5 Equivalent Full-time Student (EFTS) or greater in full-time programmes at Otago Polytechnic Limited. The awards are:

• Otago Daily Times Award (one thousand dollars ($1,000)) for personal achievement in studies at Otago Polytechnic Limited.
• Otago Polytechnic Limited Education Foundation Achievement Award (seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750)) for outstanding achievement in exceptional circumstances - academically, personally, or institutionally.
• Otago Polytechnic Limited Excellence Awards (two (2) at one thousand dollars ($1,000) each) for graduating learners who have shown excellence in their field of study.

2           Awards cannot be received by the same learner in two (2) consecutive years.

3           Awards will be presented at a graduation ceremony and acknowledged in the graduation programme.  In exceptional circumstances, learner awards will be sent to awardees where there is no graduation ceremony.

4           The Learner Award Evaluation Panel is:

• Deputy Chief Executive (DCE): Academic Delivery.
• Head of College representative.
• Otago Polytechnic Limited (OPSA President (or OPSA nominee)
• OPSA President or nominee

5           No award will be made if, in the view of the Learner Award Evaluation Panel, none is justified.

6           The nomination process will be facilitated by the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief Executive: Academic Delivery.

7           Nominations may be made by any learner/group of learners or staff member/group of staff.

8           Annual Timeline:

• Mid-September – call for nominations.
• Early November – nominations close, convene Learner Award Evaluation Panel.
• 15 November – decisions notified to Academic Registry.
• 30 November – awards assembled and delivered to Academic Registry.

9       Each year the Deputy Chief Executive: Academic Delivery will correspond with external donors sending thanks and reconfirming continuation.

Approved by:

Dr Megan Gibbons

Chief Executive

Date: 17 June 2022

Policy Version V6:  Previously Coded AP0608.