Academic Support

Whether you're on-campus or online, NZ-based or international, our Academic Support team can advise and assist.

Academic support at your fingertips.

We know how hard it is to learn all the skills you need to succeed academically. Whether it's referencing, research or academic writing; we’re here to help; find us on your campus, or connect with us today.

Learn in your way.

We are here to help you succeed in the way that works best for you!

You can get help in several ways (such as study sessions, peer learning, in-class support, and study appointments) and through different channels (such as email, MS Teams, phone, and in person).

Ways we can support you

Services we can connect you with

Understand academic Integrity

Improve your academic writing

Understand your assignments

Understand rubrics

APA referencing

Improve Research skills

Presentation Skills

Use AI to support your study

Develop digital skills

Build better study habits

Develop study plans

Wellbeing

Accessibility

Te Puna Manaaki

Click to request support from an academic success advisor Request Support

Academic Skills Resources

Check out our Academic Writing Quick Guide [PDF 1.1 MB] for tips and tricks to help you get started with your studies at NMIT.
Have a look at the Ākonga Study Essentials(external link) in Moodle to help you understand Academic Integrity, use APA Referencing, develop Research Skills, and write in Academic Writing style
Then check out the links below for comprehensive guides to the skills you need to succeed in your studies.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is central to the learning culture at NMIT (as defined in our Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct policy(external link)). It’s important that all work submitted by NMIT ākonga must support the principles of academic integrity and the fundamental values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in all academic matters.

Remember, when you’re using ideas and words from other authors, including those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, it’s really important that you give credit to those original sources by referencing them.

Academic integrity is a big part of the world of study, so here are some links which might be useful:

Academic integrity - NMIT(external link)

Academic Writing

For your assignments it’s important you know how to write in an academic style. Check out this link to the Otago Polytechnic(external link) resource to see what “academic style” means:

There are many academic writing resources available via the internet. Below are some resources we recommend to get you started. These are via the Online Writing Laboratory hosted by Purdue University.

There are many academic writing resources available via the internet. Below are some resources we recommend to get you started. These are via the Online Writing Laboratory(external link) hosted by Purdue University.

We recommend returning to these resources more than once, particularly when you begin your first assignment, and if you are new to academic writing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidelines

Find help when you’re in Moodle

Finding the right words

Grammar, punctuation, and ESOL

When writing assignments you want to make your point clearly, so your writing needs to be correct. Grammar and punctuation make a huge difference; here are some links to help with that.

✍️ Need an extra hand with writing?

If spelling, grammar, or writing is a challenge, Grammarly EDU can help.

NMIT Accessibility Support offers Grammarly EDU licences for students with writing barriers, including ESOL (subject to availability). These versions don’t include generative AI.

Easy to use - sign up today:

👉 Apply for Grammarly EDU(external link)

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology, human and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

Over 17,000 self-guided video courses and learning paths are available to staff and students 24/7.

You can find login access links on the Moodle dashboard and via MYNMIT.

For more information go to How to use LinkedIn Learning(external link).

Literacy & Numeracy for Adults Assessment Training Tool (LNAAT)

Depending on which course you’re doing, you might need to sit a short online test to check where you’re at with reading and numeracy. At NMIT we use the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT)(external link) to see where your strengths are. If needed, you can then work with us to get targeted support.

If you're doing a Level 1, 2, or 3 course you’ll need to complete two tests: an initial assessment at the beginning/prior to the midway-point, and a progress assessment at the end/after the mid-way point of the course. If you score above Step 4 Reading or above Step 5 for Numeracy, you don’t need to do the second assessment.

If you’re enrolled in ESOL or a supported training/vocational studies programme, you’ll need to complete a Starting Points assessments for reading and listening.

If you’re enrolled in a course that’s Level 4 and above, you don’t need to sit a test.

For further information, contact: library@nmit.ac.nz

Referencing tools

So that you can give credit to the original writers of the ideas and words that you use in your assignments, you need to learn how to reference. There are lots of different referencing styles, and here at NMIT we mostly use the APA style.

Use the links below to get examples of how to reference correctly, or download Zotero (free!) and let the software do the work for you.

Referencing guides APA 7 - NMIT(external link)

Citefast (external link)

APA Interactive tool - Massey University(external link)

Zotero - NMIT(external link)

Meet the team

Jess D'Ath

BMus, GDip Tchg, Cert TESOL, MEdu | Study Support Advisor

Kia ora. I have worked in education for over 15 years and thoroughly enjoy sharing my love of learning and research in a friendly and supportive environment, particularly with neurodiverse students, school leavers and anxious learners of all ages. I help with academic writing, assignments and presentation preparation! If you need support, then get in touch.

I look forward to meeting you.

Don George

BA (Eco), BA (Lib Sci), PGDip (Jour), MA (Info Sci Mgt.), MA (Anthro) | Assistant Librarian, Information and Learning

Kia ora. My role focuses on library services. I assist with library database searching, APA referencing, research support, and open-access resources. I enjoy helping users who find it difficult to navigate the library resources or find few results for their research queries.

Tina Mortensen

BA (French), Post Grad Dip. Libr. (Library and Information Science), Diploma BCST (Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy) | Digital Services Librarian

Kia ora. My background is in library services, languages, and music. I currently specialise in things digital - making our resources available. I can help you find library resources, both online and in print format, that may be useful for your area of study.

Melanie Audier (she/her)

PhD Candidate (Psyc), PgDipSci (Child & Family Psyc), GDip Tchg (ECE), GDip (HRM), BA (Psyc) | Study Support Advisor

Kia ora koutou, as a study support advisor, I feel honoured to support students on their academic journey. In this role, I draw on my education and experience in psychology, teaching, and human resources. I believe learning offers an opportunity to reflect on how we interact with the world, and I look forward to supporting you wherever you are on this journey.

Maggie Sosnowski (they/she)

GDip (Spanish Language Teaching), BA (Linguistics & Spanish) | Study Support Advisor

Kia ora! Supporting students in their academic endeavours is a privilege that I get to call my job. As a neurodivergent learner, I can relate to tertiary education's common and potentially frustrating challenges; let’s tackle them together! My background is in English language teaching, linguistics, and neurodivergent-affirming education. I’m part of the Rainbow community and am so lucky to call Whakatū Nelson home. Fun fact, también hablo español:)

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