This memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines the agreed upon expectations, rights, and responsibilities for students participating in a horticulture project. The MOU describes rules regarding cell phone use, respectful behavior, listening to instructors, health and safety protocols, unacceptable behaviors, attendance requirements, and agreeing to the conditions of the MOU by signing. Nic Orbell will enforce the MOU and address any issues that arise.

1. Memorandum of Understanding For Foundation Trades in Horticulture
Last week we all got together and discussed our expectations, rights and responsibilities with a
view that we would all agree on some ground rules for our seven sessions together.
I would like to call this our memorandum of understanding (MOU) which is a document
describing an agreement between all of us. It expresses a convergence of will between people,
indicating an intended common line of action. If everyone agrees to the MOU we will all sign
this before proceeding with our project.
Nic Orbell will be our go-to-guy if the MOU is not honoured.
Cell Phones:
The class has decided that these can stay on in class as long as you are doing what you have
been asked to do and are engaging in the following:
Respect:
• Respect for property
• Respect for each other
• Respect what others have to say and use appropriate language.
• Do not attend class if you are under the influence of drugs (this includes alcohol) or are
extremely fatigued.
Listen:
If someone else is talking we will listen to that person before it is our turn to talk. It is very
important to listen to your lecturers at all times as they may be explaining an activity or
exercise that relates to health and safety. Plus Kim is very interesting.
Your Rights
our commitment to you is to create an environment where you have all the information and
tools required to succeed in your study. The services you should expect are to receive clear,
accurate and up to date course advice for all courses
to have quality learning and teaching experiences from enthusiastic teachers who communicate
effectively with you
to be informed about what is expected of you as a student
to have access to information that will assist in your course, including relevant policy and
procedures that affect you as a student
to be supported in your learning with up-to-date information and course content by staff who
are sufficiently current and up-to-date in their respective areas of expertise
to receive clear information on how and when assessments will be conducted
to receive fair, timely and constructive information on your performance in your course
to be able to provide feedback about the course / programme and teaching that you are engaged

2. with, without fear or anxiety about giving that feedback
to receive feedback on changes to the course / programme as a consequence of feedback
provided by students
to have reasonable opportunities to have a say about how the Polytechnic operates
to be treated with respect by students and staff
to learn in an environment that is free from bullying, harassment or discrimination
to have access to clear and appropriate procedures for dealing with grievances
to have reasonable access to facilities, student support services, and appropriate resources
to be members of a students‟ association
You have the right to a safe and supportive environment, and should feel comfortable asking
questions or clarifying information with staff. Should you have any concerns or feel you are
being disadvantaged, a good place to start is talking to the Programme Manager, your Head of
school, OPSA or Student Services.
Our Responsibilities
to be self-motivated and self-directed including undertaking preparation work when expected
to actively participate in your course of study
to put your best efforts into your study
to meet all obligations about when work is due
to submit work which is your own
to keep to time with classes and timetables or agreed appointments
to treat all individuals and property with respect
to have awareness for the well-being and safety of others
to participate in providing constructive and useful feedback on teaching, courses and
programmes when asked
to promote an environment that is safe and free from bullying, harassment and discrimination
to make yourself aware of policies procedures and rules and to abide by them
and to use the resources and facilities of the Polytechnic with regard to others

3. you are responsible for informing the school if you are unable to attend class, practicals or
assessments
to ensure that you have sufficient personal insurance cover for loss of property in the event that
your own property is damaged, lost or stolen
awareness and compliance with the Copyright Act 1994, covered in policy AP0200 Copyright
Unacceptable Behaviours
The following behaviours are not acceptable at Otago Polytechnic, and may result in
disciplinary action being taken: *
• disruptive behaviour which interferes with the rights and learning opportunities of others
• language and imagery which is offensive (may be verbal, written or electronic)
• hand gestures of an offensive nature
• carrying or being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• any threatening or acts of aggression, bullying or intimidatory behaviour
• stealing
• vandalism
• any other criminal behaviour that is likely to result in police or legal investigation.
Attendance / Engagement
During your time at Otago Polytechnic you will engage in different types of learning - a mix of
traditional face-to-face teaching, self directed learning and computer-mediated activities such
as online discussions or assessments.
The polytechnic expects full and active participation from students. Our experience clearly
shows that failure to attend or participate in required activities will impact on your ability to
successfully meet the requirements of your course and may result in failure of the course.
If you are sick and unable to attend or there is some other valid reason preventing you from
attending, you should let your teaching staff know as soon as practicable.
Health and Safety
All activities involve some risks and some courses or situations are potentially more dangerous
than others, eg. avalanche safety training or mechanical engineering workshops. The
Polytechnic has policies and procedures to minimise hazards and risk.
When you sign the enrolment form, you agree to comply with and be bound by the policies and
statutes of Otago Polytechnic, which include Health and Safety policies.
Please make sure that you understand the safety rules in your work areas
Follow the emergency evacuation or earthquake procedures.
Wear the required protective clothing (such as gloves, glasses, hearing protectors, headgear and
footwear) during practical classes.
If you behave in an unsafe manner, you may be stopped from participating in class/activities.
If you find any unsafe areas or practices, you must tell a staff member urgently.

4. If the matter is not resolved, write a formal letter of concern to the Polytechnic’s Health and
Safety Advisor, Terry Buckingham (terry.buckingham@op.ac.nz)
Smoke free
Otago Polytechnic is Smoke free, which prohibits smoking in all campus areas and includes:
• all buildings, including balconies
• all outdoor areas on site
The Polytechnic encourages smokers to be considerate of others in open spaces not controlled
by the Polytechnic, such as public footpaths, and encourages smokers to consider the effects on
the environment when disposing of cigarette butts and to be aware that
there is a risk of fire if cigarettes/butts are placed in rubbish bins and storm water drains and
gutters lead directly to waterways and cigarette butts harm these.
Support is available for students who wish to stop smoking from Student Health and Quitline
0800 778 778 offers a free service with after hours support.
I agree to the conditions of the MOU
Signed: