Exclusion from School:
i An international student once enrolled at a school has the same rights as a domestic student and cannot be excluded from school other than in accordance with the stand down and suspension provisions of the Education Act.
ii If a disciplinary issue arises that involves an International student, the matter will be discussed with the Head of Department ESOL/Dean of International students.
iii Where necessary, a "mediator student" will be used to assist with communication difficulties. If the matter is serious and language barriers exist, a community liaison person who is fluent in both English and the student's first language will be called in to assist with communication.
iv The "Designated Caregiver"/New Zealand Liasion Person, agent and/or parents of the international student will be notified of any matters of a serious nature.
v Any decision to suspend a student will be made by the Principal on the grounds of gross misconduct or continual disobedience.
vi The Principal's decision can be referred to the Board of Trustees where the student has been suspended or removed from the homestay.
vii The student has the right to attend the hearing and to be represented as provided for in the 1989 Education Act.
Exclusion of a Student from a Homestay
Where a decision is made to exclude a student from the school's homestay arrangements and this necessitates a return home, the following procedure will be followed:
i. The agent and parents of the international student will be notified of the matters causing concern.
ii. A decision will be made as to whether the student should be given permission to enrol with an alternative provider in New Zealand.
Agreements
All international students are required to sign a "Student Agreement" as part of the enrolment process. Parents and agents or "Designated Caregivers"/New Zealand Liasion Person are required to sign "Conditions of Enrolment" as part of the enrolment process.
The refund policy for fees of international students will be based on Section 4B (7) of the Education (No 4) Amendment Act 1991. The Principal will act as the agent of the Board of Trustees in establishing the circumstances and the level of the fees to be refunded.
i. If a student failed to take up the offer of placement, any fees already paid will be refunded less an enrolment administration charge of $100.00. The administration and homestay monitoring fee is non-refundable if a homestay has been arranged prior to student withdrawal.
ii. If a student commences study and leaves during the year, fees are refundable for full semester periods only.
iii. Any variation to this policy will be at the discretion of the Principal. A decision on refund of fees will be made after the reasons for withdrawal have been presented and discussed. A non-specific "change of mind" will not be grounds for a refund. Examples of situations where refunds may be arranged include:
a) serious illness of the student;
b) death or serious illness of a family member.
iv. No refunds will be made where students are excluded from school under provisions of the Education Act.
v. In arriving at a decision, the Principal will take into consideration the special circumstances of the withdrawing student and:
a) costs already incurred by the College;
b) the salaries of the teachers and support staff and any other components of the fee already committed for the duration of the course;
c) an amount which covers use of the facilities and resources to date of withdrawal;
d) any international student levies paid to the Government.