COVID-19 UPDATE 4 JUNE 2020


COVID-19 UPDATE 4 JUNE 2020 

Kia ora students

It has been such a pleasure to see many of you in person over these past 2 weeks as we gradually return to campus. Our mix of online teaching and on-campus classes seems to be working well. I’m particularly pleased to see you making the most of our extended studio hours and the ability to take equipment off-site. Indeed, our bookings are increasing dramatically. 

While this is good news, I am very aware that the past 2 months have been tough. As has often been stated, COVID-19 is unprecedented and it’s hit many of us hard. I’m mindful of students who are struggling to pay for data in order to access our online classes, or for those of you who have lost part-time work and are now facing difficulties paying the bills. 

We want you to keep studying, and we want to help where we can. I’m therefore pleased to announce 2 funds that have been established to assist students facing technology access issues and/or general hardship due to COVID-19. Any current SAE Auckland student can apply to either or both of these funds. These funds will remain open for the remainder of 2020.

Technology Access Fund

This fund has been set up to provide financial assistance specifically for data in order to help students access online classes. Students will be provided money to pay their Internet Service Provider to ensure they have sufficient data to learn from home whenever we have online classes. The Technology Access fund will include payment of data or other associated costs to the value of $60 per month for a maximum of 3 months. 

Application to the Technology Access Fund

Hardship Fund

This fund has been set up to provide temporary financial assistance for students experiencing hardship from the impacts of COVID-19. Students can use the money to cover basic living costs they are unable to meet including food, utilities, rent or other unexpected expenses. The Hardship Fund will include lump sum grants to the value of either $250 or $500 depending on the student’s circumstances.

Application to the Hardship Fund

Once an application has been submitted, we will be in touch to talk through your particular circumstances and how we might be able to help. If you are facing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19, please make the most of this opportunity. 

I’m incredibly proud of how our staff and students moved so quickly to the online environment. Your flexibility to shift online and your ongoing commitment to your studies during such difficult circumstances has been truly commendable. But I also appreciate that COVID-19 has been disruptive and difficult. While we are gradually returning to some sense of normality, the impact of this extraordinary situation will be felt for some time. My hope is that these two funds will help you navigate through any financial challenges you may be facing and allow you to focus squarely on your studies with us.

Finally, this is also a timely reminder of the free, confident counselling services available to you through our Student Assistance Programme (SAP). For more information about SAP, including assistance lining up a face-to-face, email, zoom or texting conversation with an appropriate professional, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Student Support team on a.harter@sae.edu.  

As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly on s.major@sae.edu

Arohanui,

Suzette

DR SUZETTE MAJOR
Campus Director, SAE Auckland