• Section 1 - Introduction
• Purpose
• Scope
• To whom does the policy apply?
• Who is responsible for implementing the policy?
• Section 2 - Context
• Legal or Regulatory Context
• Quality Assurance Guidelines
• Section 3 - Policy Statements
• Part A - Principles for Orientation
• Mode of Delivery
• Orientation Topics
• Materials
• Orientation Tasks

Section 1 - Introduction

Purpose

(1) The purpose of the policy is to set out the principles for student orientation when students commence a programme. Orientation is how we introduce students to the practicalities and logistics of being students on a Hibernia College programme. Orientation introduces students to the programme, its key features and rules, and the programme staff. It allows for networking and socialising while beginning to foster a culture and sense of socialisation and belonging among our student body.

Scope

To whom does the policy apply?

(2) The policy is an overarching policy that applies to all Hibernia College programmes.

Who is responsible for implementing the policy?

(3) The Programme Director, with the assistance of other areas of the College, is responsible for delivering orientation to newly registered students on their programme.

Section 2 - Context

Legal or Regulatory Context

Quality Assurance Guidelines

(4) QQI’s Core Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines require the College to have policy and procedure in place for induction of learners to both the provider and the programme they are undertaking. This policy is designed to help the College implement this requirement.

(5) The College is also cognizant of the QQI Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines For Providers of Blended and Fully Online Learning Programmes. 

(6) Along with College Frameworks on:

1. Collaborative and Transnational Provision
2. International Student Support

Section 3 - Policy Statements

Part A - Principles for Orientation

Mode of Delivery

(7) Students will be provided with an orientation programme that matches the mode of delivery of the programme. This means that for blended learning programmes, orientation will be both online and face-to-face. While students of fully online programmes will undertake an orientation programme that is fully online.  

Orientation Topics

(8) Orientation will, at a minimum, introduce students to:

1. Their programme
2. The progression and success requirements, including a statement of capacity to succeed 
3. The College’s policies and procedures and the rules for their programme
4. Student support and services
5. The virtual learning environment and digital library facilities
6. Key Staff and Faculty involved in teaching and/or provision of the programme
7. Student support staff

Materials

(9) Students will be provided with (in either hard or electronic copy):

1. A programme outline
2. Contact details for key members of support staff and the Programme Team

Orientation Tasks

(10) Students may be required to undertake a range of set activities within a specific timeframe, including subject-specific activities, as well as technical activities, to develop comfort levels with, for example, the virtual classroom, the library and the discussion forum, as part of orientation.