Student Advisory Group

The student advisory group provides Open Polytechnic with a learner perspective on our products and services. It also acts as a sounding board in the development of new ideas that may affect learners.

 Advisory group membership

The group may consist of up to 12 learners at any one time. These learners contribute to the group through an online forum and occasional on-campus meetings with relevant Open Polytechnic senior managers and the Open Polytechnic Council.

Members are appointed for an initial two-year term, but may be reappointed for a maximum of three terms.

Members are selected on the following criteria:

  • Having an interest in distance education
  • Currently learners who will have been enrolled with us for at least 24 weeks at the time of appointment
  • Show in the nomination form their qualities and skills that will enable them to contribute to the Open Polytechnic Student Advisory Group.

For more information about membership of the group and how the group works read the terms of reference

(PDF, 77KB, opens in a new window)

 

How to apply

To apply to become a member of the student advisory group you need to fill in the application form, which will include information about your qualities and skills that will enable you to contribute to the group.

Apply now

 

Meet some Student Advisory Group members

Wanting to learn more about the outdoors, Cheryl Marriner started studying in 2012 by taking the Introduction to Ecology paper and seven years later, graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environment).

Business-minded Mary-Jo (MJ) Waterworth decided to study a Bachelor of Applied Management by distance so she could continue to work and look after her family.

Jayson Jury (Ngāti Raukawa ki Te Tonga) (he/him) started studying with Open Polytechnic in 2013 and has completed a Bachelor of Business (Management) and Bachelor of Information Technology.

Praneta is a New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) learner.

Liam’s journey with Open Polytechnic began in February of 2018 while working full time as an Inbound Sales Representative for a large telecommunications company. Initially Liam was inclined to study a law degree but due to various circumstances, Open Polytechnic offered a more flexible and suitable option for Liam to pursue. 

Mathew Denny began his studies with Open Polytechnic in 2020, first completing the NZ Diploma in Business, and now working towards the Bachelor of Applied Management.

Gray Hawes (he/him)

Gray is studying the New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5). He chose the qualification as he enjoyed learning programming and digital technology while at school, and his digital technology teacher recommended it as future pathway for him.

 Isileli Fa 

Isileli has completed the Diploma in Psychology (Level 5) and is now studying the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology).

Currently working towards the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Emma chose the degree because she believes that the early years are extremely influential in the outcomes of a person’s life.