Student Hub

From Monday 28th September, the way you log in to some of your digital platforms will change.  You will be able to log in with your Office 365 username and password and your credentials will be authenticated across the following sites:

• Office 365 apps
• Student email
• Blackboard

This means that you will have the same credentials for all three of those platforms.  It also means that your new Office 365 student email will be your only functional email account going forward.  

Please Note: Access to old email accounts will end on Sunday 27th September. After this date you will no longer be able to access your old account, emails will no longer be automatically forwarded, and any data saved in your old account will be lost. 

If there is any content linked to your old student email account that you wish to keep, make sure to save or transfer it before Sunday 27th September.  

You can find the links to login to your student email and Blackboard below: 

New student mail - https://login.microsoftonline.com (@mds.ac.nz)

Password reset for new student mail (@mds.ac.nz) - https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/

Blackboard Sign-In: https://torrens.blackboard.com/ 

Your Safety
Your health, safety and wellbeing are important to us, and a safe and healthy campus will not happen on its own accord. We need to work together by sharing ideas, communicating risks, and supporting each other.

Your Responsibility
You are responsible for looking after your own health, safety and wellbeing. Take the time to become familiar with all safety procedures. If you are unsure of anything, it is important that you ask a staff member for assistance and clarification. They are there to help you. It is better to ask and be sure that you are safe, than making guesses or poor judgements which could result in an accident and harm yourself or someone else. Remember, health and safety is for your protection and will be expected by prospective employers in your near future.

Health
By looking out for each other, having open discussion, actively taking part and always seeking improvement, together we can make MDS a healthy environment for you to study in.

Recognising Distress Signals
Even the strongest person can sometimes experience significant stress. The following are some guidelines about signs and symptoms of distress that warrant support:

• Lack of energy and frequently falling asleep in class
• Marked changes in personal hygiene and/or weight
• Withdrawn from social contact and interaction
• Very emotional over an extended period of time e.g. fearfulness, tearful or nervous
• Unable to make decisions, despite considerable help
• Impaired or garbled speech and disjointed thoughts
• Homicide threats, overtly suicidal thoughts, or high levels of disruptive or abrasive behaviour
• Inappropriately bizarre or strange behaviour, e.g. talking to 'invisible" people
• Has disjointed thoughts - inability to concentrate
• Wanting to learn strategies for managing stress, disappointment, anxiety, etc
• Concerned about loss or grief, sexuality, relationships, managing addictions, depression
• Worried about accommodation, sleep loss, appetite

Counselling and Mentoring

Student Counsellor Anna Boivin is located on level 4, offering free, confidential and professional counselling and mentoring services. Contact her by emailing: counselling@mediadesignschool.com

Smoking
MDS promotes a smoke free workplace in accordance with NZ legislation and requires that no person smokes inside any part of our campus. If you are a smoker, please show the courtesy not to smoke at the main entrance, as it is unpleasant and unhealthy for non-smokers having to wander through second hand smoke and also restricts the entrance way.

Hygiene
To minimize risk of infection and enhance overall health, proper grooming and healthy personal habits can help.

Some basic personal hygiene habits that are worth thinking about:

• Bathe regularly
• Wash your hands regularly
  • before preparing or eating food
  • after going to the bathroom
  • after coughing or sneezing
  • handling rubbish

How to book a locker at Media Design School

1. Download the XL Lock Manager app from the App Store/ Play Store Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xlock-admin/id1516525800

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sebas.android.xlock

2. Open the Lock Manager app and log in with your school account.
3. On the Groups tab, select Media Design School
4. Select MDS Building then select the levels of the lockers you are going to book.
5. To see the location of the lockers, select the map icon on the top right corner for the floor plan.
6. All available lockers are colored Green and all occupied lockers are colored red.
7. Select the available locker then select Book Lock to confirm your booking.
8. The app will bring you back to the Groups tab once your booking is confirmed. Select the Locks tab at the bottom then you will see your lockers.
9. To open your locker, select the locker you booked, slide the green ball on your screen right.
10. To close your locker, close the locker door and push it for 3 seconds.
11. Your booking will automatically end at 9:00 pm each day. Please make sure to clear your belongings at the end of each day. If you wish to terminate your booking earlier, you can select End Booking to end your booking.

Disclaimer

Media Design School cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any personal belongings stored in the lockers. Please ensure you clear your belongings at the end of each day. We do not recommend leaving items here overnight.

iPhone User Instructions

Android User Instructions

A new Code came into effect on 1 January 2022, replacing the previous international Code and interim domestic Code.

The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code) supports the wellbeing of all tertiary and international students who are enrolled at a New Zealand education provider. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of tertiary education organisations (TEOs) in promoting and supporting your wellbeing, development and educational achievement. You can find out more here.

Before starting a new year of study with Media Design School, you will need to ensure you have all of the equipment needed for your chosen programme. On the Course Materials Page, you will find course-specific requirements and recommendations, along with links to more information about hardware specifications. Please make sure to read your programme's section carefully to ensure you're adequately prepared to start classes.  
 

Please note that depending on your chosen programme of study, your start date, end dates and holidays may vary between each. Please follow your correct course below and carefully read the dates!

Safety
The first priority in the event of any emergency is the safety of all people present, therefore stop and think before you act.

Danger to Life
In case of any emergency where there is danger to life, call 111. This will connect you to the fire, police and ambulance emergency service. Your location is 10 Madden Street, Auckland.

First Aid
First Aid Kits are available at Reception on 1st floor and in printing stations cupboards on floors 2, 3 and 4 and MDS cars.

All students are welcome to use them whenever its necessary. It is recommended that every student registers at a medical clinic locally.

The St John First Aid Library provides a practical guide to a range of first aid treatments.

Minimising Hazards
A hazard is anything that may cause harm – like broken glass, faulty equipment or blocked emergency exits. It's important to minimise hazards so that we can reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and sickness.

You can help minimise hazards by talking to a staff member about hazards you can't fix yourself. You can also ensure you follow standard health and safety advice around things like lifting heavy items and trip hazards.

Reducing Risks
If you, or your colleague is rushing, irritated or tired, there is a higher risk of injury to yourself or someone else.

You could put other people at risk by:

• Not watching what you are doing
• Not concentrating on what you are doing
• Acting in an unsafe manner
• Coming to school when unwell
• Not reporting a situation which could result in someone getting hurt

Evacuation
During some emergencies, it is important to know how to evacuate the building.

If you hear the evacuation alarm:

• Evacuate IMMEDIATELY through the nearest FIRE EXIT
• DO NOT linger to collect personal belongings
• DO NOT carry anything that can be spilt or dropped (at least one hand should be free)
• DO NOT use the lifts or spiral staircases
• DO NOT run
• DO NOT endanger yourself or anyone else
• Follow all instructions given by FIRE WARDENS
• If you require assistance, wait in the stair landing
• At street level, beware of the traffic and remain on footpaths
• Keep away from the front of the building so that emergency services have free access
• ASSEMBLY AREAS are on Tiramarama Way.
• DO NOT re-enter the building until the FIRE WARDENS have given the 'all clear' announcement.

Suspicious Behaviour
Promptly report any suspicious persons or behaviour to a staff member.

Fire Safety
Please follow these fire safety rules.

• Never block EXIT ways
• Do not deface, obstruct or remove emergency signs
• Do not interfere with or obstruct fire sprinklers or smoke alarms
• Do not overload electrical equipment with an excessive number of electrical items
• Upon hearing the fire alarm, follow evacuation procedure

Computer Comfort and Safety
By learning to set up your workstation correctly and supporting your friends could help prevent discomfort and pain caused by using a computer.

ACC has a number of great articles that which explain ways to minimise problems that can occur while working at a desk or in an office-type environment.

Electrical Appliances and Power Leads
If you notice or cause any damage to electrical appliances, you should report it immediately to a staff member. Do not use the appliance. Make sure power leads don't cause a tripping hazard.

Wellbeing
Your wellbeing is important to us. By looking out for each other, having open discussions, actively taking part and always seeking improvement, together we can make MDS a safe environment for you to study.

Wellbeing Workshops
Wellbeing workshops, and activities are held at different times through the year.  Keep an eye out for these activities so you can sign up.

Time Out Spaces
There are various areas you can go to within the campus for time out from your study to relax and refocus. Help yourself to milk, coffee, milo and tea - on campus at all tea points and kitchens. A toaster, sandwich grill, microwave, boiling and chilled water, fridge and snack/drink vending machines are available on Level 3 and Level 4.

Harassment Prevention and Support
At MDS, any form of harassment by anybody, staff or student, is unacceptable and taken seriously.

Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behaviour which makes it difficult to work and study peacefully and safely.

Harassment is a pattern of behaviour which is:

• Unwanted by the recipient
• Repeated or of a significant nature
• Unacceptable
• Harmful to the recipient
• Bullying

Harassment can be:

• Written material
• Spoken communication (face to face, phone call)
• Physical actions such as unwanted touching
• Pictures or drawings
• Electronic such as cyber bullying or cyber harassment.

What to do if you are being harassed or bullied
If you feel harassed or bullied by another student or staff member, it's best to speak out rather than stay silent. If you feel comfortable doing so, tell the person you don't like the behaviour and you want it to stop.  Seek help from a staff member if the behaviour does not stop or you would like support. The Campus Life team are here to help you.

Media Design School (MDS) recognises that effective complaint management and equitable and transparent review mechanisms contribute to a positive study environment. Students should feel confident in the knowledge that their complaints about academic and non-academic matters, or their concerns about the behaviour of others towards them, will be addressed appropriately, fairly and in a timely manner by MDS. Students should also be confident that they will not be penalised or disadvantaged as a result of lodging a complaint. This policy is designed to ensure that student complaints are resolved promptly, with sensitivity to all parties, and in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness.

For further information about our processes and who can assist, please refer to the Student Complaints Policy and the Student Handbook, which can be downloaded from here.

In an emergency, DIAL 111.
Your location is 10 Madden Street, Auckland Central.
111 will work even if you have no phone credit.

A 24/7 Emergency contact number is also available for all students who require assistance in emergency situations.  Please register 021575671 in your mobile phones for easy access to contact the school.

First aiders

Anna Boivin
Ashley Boyd
Bre-Anne McDonald
Erin Rogatski
Ivan Khmel
Kowhai Wilkie
Maria Jacque
Pritika Lal
Rourke Mason
Sachin Dhiman
Samah Hassan
Simon Heath
Susan Eady
Tece Bayrak

First Aid Kit located at:

First Aid Kits are available at Reception on 1st floor and in printing stations cupboards on floors 2, 3 and 4 and MDS cars.

Nearest medical centres:

The Doctors Quaymed Wynyard
58 Gaunt Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
(09) 930 9980

CityMed
8 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
(09) 377 5525

College Hill Doctors
46 College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1011
(09) 360 8008

Navigating busses can be tricky, especially if you're new to Auckland! 

WQTMA has created a helpful animation to figure out which bus is best for you to catch, with heaps more resources to get you to and from the city safely! Check it out HERE.

Remember, we are on Madden Street, off Fanshawe Street, with access to the campus via pedestrian only street, Tīramarama Way.

Get to know your MDS Student Executive team!

If you have any questions or ideas that you'd like to share with the Student Exec, email mdsstudentexecutive@gmail.com and put the relevant member's title in the subject line.

Jack Reckin, Social & Engagement Executive

Hey guys, I'm Jack Reckin, I'm almost in my third year of Bachelor of Creative Technologies (as of July) and I am the current Social & Engagement Executive! My goal is to be the general bridge between students and campus engagement, as well as I often lead any general activities and events in their planning. I am also the go to guy for if you want to make an official club, we like to fully support and help run club days when needed. If you have any general campus questions, ideas for activities or anything else, I'm always around on discord, and if you're lucky enough you might even catch me during one of my days on campus.

Tahryn Smith-Codling, Online Executive

Salutations~ My name is Tahryn Smith-Codling and I'm a Second year Bachelor of Creative Technologies student and the online student executive. As the online student executive my main responsibility is to advocate for online students and ensure that our voices are heard. I help set up events and initiatives catered towards online learning and am here if you need any help, have suggestions, queries or just want to chat. You can always reach out to me via Discord (antqs) as I have no life and am always on there. So feel free to flick me a message.

Josephine Tahapehi, Māori Executive

Kia ora, my name is Josephine Tahapehi, and I am a 2nd year student in Bachelor of Media Design, majoring in Graphics and as well in the role of Māori Student Executive. My role as Student Executive is to be the voice for our students here at MDS. Whether that is regarding to your academics or well-being. But in terms of a Māori Student Executive, you can always come up to me in concerns to Te Ao Māori - History, Lifestyle, or the culture in general. I am always keen to be here for anyone and everyone and always ready to give things a go.

Josh Caldwell, Diversity Executive

Heya, my name is Josh Caldwell, and I will be your Diversity Executive for this year. A little about me; I am a third year BMD student, I like crystals, video games, and being really cool. A little bit about what encompasses my role; basically if you're a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am your representative. I host Queer Voices, help manage the QV discord server, attend Rainbow Committee meetings, and try my very best to make MDS, both on campus and online, as safe and as exciting a space as possible for everyone! You can find me in most MDS discord servers and around on campus most days if you ever need me for anything, I will always be happy to listen to any feedback or concerns anyone has, so please don't be shy to reach out.

Michael Allred, Academic Executive

Hi I’m Michael Allred the Academic Executive for this year, studying 3D Animation and VFX (BOAD). In my spare-time I like to cook, paint with watercolors and watch movies. I am responsible for making sure the Student Voice is heard and it’s feedback is relayed throughout the school. Thanks.

Gurleen Kaur, International Executive

I am Gurleen, the international student executive of Media Design School. I am studying in year 2, BMD. I moved to New Zealand in July 2022, and it's been a crazy journey since then. I remember when I first moved here, it took me a few months to get used to the city and the biggest culture shock for me was that almost all the shops close before 6pm and that everyone eats dinner around 7. The one thing I felt missing was people, whom I could talk to who would relate to what I was feeling. With that motive and an intention to create an international student's community at Media Design School, I decided to apply for the role. And here I am. I am really excited to meet all of you and I want to initiate a space where all of us can be there for each other as we are all away from our families, friends and home. I really want to create a feeling of home away from home with all of you ❤️