Welcome to the University of Otago, Christchurch
Kia ora and welcome to the University of Otago, Christchurch (UOC) campus. We are excited to have you join our UOC postgraduate whānau. We strive to give you the best experience during your time at UOC.
Christchurch Campus Contacts
For pastoral and academic support, your departmental staff are a good first point of contact. Some departments have a Postgraduate Advisory Committee that can support anyone experiencing problems, or needing advice or information.
Outside of your department, Amanda Clifford and Fran Cox (Student Experience) are an excellent first point of call and can be found in room 504, level of the 2 Riccarton Ave building, or contacted by email: postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Within the Christchurch campus there are many avenues to receive pastoral support:
Associate Professor Margaret Currie offers support to all postgraduate students studying through the Christchurch campus: margaret.currie@otago.ac.nz
“As Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies, one of my main goals is to promote
excellence in postgraduate health science teaching and supervision at UOC. We aim to
provide outstanding resources to make all postgraduate students feel valued and
supported while carrying out their health science studies. We want you to have the
best possible experience during your time with us – so, if there is anything I can do to
help you settle in and enjoy your time at UOC, I would love to hear from you!”
The Otago chaplains are available to help anyone, regardless of faith, with issues such as homesickness or grief as well as spiritual or religious questions. Sheila Mark is the University of Otago Chaplain at the Christchurch Campus. Her role is to support and come alongside students who are journeying through life, with all of its highs and lows: sheila.mark@otago.ac.nz
Dr Mark Owusu offers academic writing support for students. Mark engages with students in discussing academic challenges and provides support through one-to-one and group appointments and consultations. Email: mark.owusu@otago.ac.nz
UOC Health and Wellbeing information
Online Support
As well as the support in place at UOC, postgraduate students can access support via the Dunedin campus.
Graduate wellbeing coach, Nikki Fahey, is a registered occupational therapist. Nikki coaches postgraduate students during their academic studies, with a specific focus on wellbeing, academic performance, and research productivity. Book an appointment with Nikki here.
Puawaitanga is a phone and web-based service to support Kiwis to improve their emotional well-being – their hauora. The service is an alternative to face-to-face counselling for Kiwis who are struggling but face challenges in accessing traditional counselling. All staff are trained professionals and counselling sessions are private, confidential and free. Enrol here.
The Graduate Research School (GRS) is based in Dunedin and has responsibility for leadership, oversight and policy advice concerning doctoral degrees, as well as responsibility for providing appropriate support and guidance to graduate research candidates and their supervisors.
Social
PSOC association represents over 600 postgraduate students who are enrolled in Honours, Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates, Masters, and PhD degrees at Otago Christchurch campus.
PSOC provides:
- social events (Paint n Sip, beach days, quiz night etc.)
- academic events (seminars, workshops & lecture series)
- networking opportunities
- support and advocacy (any issues or concerns)
PSOC is run by volunteering postgraduate students with elections for the PSOC Executive Committee held annually.
To keep up to date with events, follow the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PSOC.UOC/
Student Research Support Funding
Postgraduate students at UOC can apply for the UOC Postgraduate Student Support Fund, with the supervisor’s endorsement. For students enrolled at less than 1.0EFTS to UOC, maximum funding will be adjusted pro-rata according to EFTS assigned to UOC.
