Student Support and Requirements

Student Support

Students will receive a set of study materials for each course in which they enrol. This will include a.) a Course Outline giving an overview of the course and the assessment requirements, b.) a Study Guide providing guidance in the use of the course material, and c.) a set of Readings to supplement the set text for the course. Information will be provided indicating other useful books for additional reading.

Each subject has a designated Tutor. Students will receive their tutor's name, address, telephone number and/or email address at the time of enrolment and are encouraged to consult with their tutor when necessary.

Tutors see themselves as being in partnership with adult students rather than being in a teacher/student relationship. The tutor comments fully on written work and is available to offer clarification and encouragement to the student.

The Academic Registrar plays a large part in support and encouragement for students. The Registrar is responsible for ensuring that information and study materials are provided to all students. The Academic Registrar may be contacted by email (eidts@eidts.ac.nz) or by telephone (0800-667-969)

A newsletter, From A Distance, is sent to students at least twice a year.

Students may wish to find a support person or a small group in their area with whom material can be discussed. Another possibility is to form a small study group with two or three friends who might enrol in the same subject and meet together regularly to discuss the study material.

Evaluation forms are sent in the middle of each year, and at the end of the year, inviting students to evaluate each course. This allows for courses to be kept under constant review and to maintain the quality of the material and its delivery.

Requirements of students

Students are required to enrol by the due date and to pay the required course fees. If it is not possible to meet the entire cost of the course in one payment arrangements may be made to pay in instalments. The Academic Registrar should be contacted prior to registration to arrange for this.

Students should assess carefully the amount of time that they will have available for study and enrol in an appropriate number of courses. Each course is designed to take approximately 180 hours per year. Five subjects constitute a full time study programme.

Students are advised to contact their tutor or the Academic Registrar as soon as possible when a problem arises and not to wait until it grows to unmanageable proportions.

Students are expected to read and become familiar with the set texts and Readings for each course and to exhibit in their assignments that they have integrated their reading in answering the assignment.

Students are required to complete assignments by the specified date.

Matters relating to enrolment or finance are to be referred to the Academic Registrar.

Students are required to complete all evaluation forms and return these to the Academic Registrar at the earliest opportunity.

Study Skills

Students who are enrolling with the Ecumenical Institute for the first time will be provided with a Study and Writing Guide. Other books and online resources are available which may be of assistance to students, and there are oftern courses provided at high schools, polytechnics or universities. Two books which cover all facets of study are: Power Learning by Gwen Gawith (Mills Publications) and Learning Success by John Winder (ESA Publications).

Role of Tutors

Tutors see themselves as being in partnership with adult students rather than being in a teacher/student relationship. The tutor comments fully on any written work that is submitted by the student and is available to offer clarification and encouragement. Tutors may be contacted by post, telephone, or email.

Tutors are available to:

•       answer questions about any part of the course
•       look over draft copies of essays and make helpful comments
•       mark and comment upon essays and other assignments
•       clarify matters which are not clearly explained in the course material
•       encourage and support students

EIDTS encourages students to contact their tutors to clarify expectations, discuss problems, tease out questions, and share triumphs!

The Internet

EIDTS encourages students to communicate with their tutors and with the Academic Registrar through email contact. Some courses may require the ability to access the internet.

In 2003 EIDTS introduced its first course which was delivered through the internet. This was the course CHC2052 "Presbyterian (Reformed) Studies"