Sapere aude (Dare to be wise) is the University of Otago’s motto. We provide a wide variety of learning opportunities for staff. In addition, all staff go through a PDR (Performance Development Review) or academic progression process, depending on their role.
Academic Development
The University has many elements of academic staff development. You can read up on the following:
- Confirmation Path
- PBRF (Performance-based Research Fund)
- HEDC (Higher Education Development Centre)
- ALDP (Academic Leadership Development Programme)
You can find much more information of specific relevance to academic staff here.
Key contacts:
Confirmation Advisor at confirm@otago.ac.nz.
PBRF enquiries at pbrf@otago.ac.nz.
HEDC enquiries hedc@otago.ac.nz.
ALDP enquiries aldp@otago.ac.nz
Professional Staff PDR (Performance Development Review)
Performance and Development Reviews (PDRs) happen every year for all eligible professional staff members. PDRs evaluate role performance over the previous 12 months and set development goals for the coming year.
Key contact: Organisational Development Team at hr.pdr@otago.ac.nz
LinkedIn Learning
The University has a subscription to LinkedIn Learning. All staff can access the service for free. Once you are in, you will be able to search a plethora of skills subjects and specific topics to help you to solve those problems or answer those questions about how to do something or how to use something.
Anything and everything is there – from mini training courses about how to teach online, to ideas for assessments to explanations about the functions of applications such as Excel.
Health & Safety Training
As well as professional, academic and IT training, the University offers a range of H&S training courses.
Visit the website here.
Key contact: hsa@otago.ac.nz
HR Training Courses
All eligible staff can access a selection of training courses organised through Human Resources. Training is suited to both professional and academic staff, with some additional IT training available.
Visit the website here.
You can also visit the Learning for Work at Otago blog site here.
Key contact: hrtraining@otago.ac.nz
Māori Papers
The University of Otago offers a range of opportunities to learn and practice your Māori language skills, as well as learn more about Māori culture. Here are some options.