The Student Affairs Office provides support to students to work at the best of their ability throughout their training.
We are located within the Student Support Hub on the 5th floor of the UOC. Support is also provided in Timaru and Nelson.
Students can contact the Medical Education Unit and John Dean, ADSA, if they have any issues impacting on their academic performance or wellbeing.
Email meu.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Email john.dean@otago.ac.nz
Issues we can assist with:
- Financial hardship
- Need help and don't know where to go
- Professional behaviour
- Navigating studies witha disability, physical illness or accident
- Mental health issues
- Intimidating behaviour
- Learning difficulties
- English as a second language.
- Advocacy at Student Progress meetings
The MEU office also follows up and assists with:
- Leave from the course
- Exam results
- Withdrawals and readmission to the medical course
- TI transfers
Associate Dean (Student Affairs)
John Dean
Email john.dean@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 364 3894
Mob + 64 21 279 2246
Associate Dean (Nelson)
Associate Professor Kirsten Coppell
Email kirsten.coppell@otago.ac.nz
Mob +64 21 279 1641
Health Sciences Associate Dean (South Canterbury)
Ben Simpson
Email bsimpson@scdhb.health.nz
Mob + 64 22 444 4640
Services for medical students
- Tutors / mentors available
- General practitioner services
- Psychotherapy and counselling
- Emergency services
- Other resources
Free counselling
Available through MPS (for all medical students). Freephone 0800 225 5677, option 3. The EAP counselling service is available 24/7 for all University of Otago students. Freephone 0800 787 286
Puāwaitanga counselling service
Puāwaitanga is a free telehealth counselling service available to all enrolled students, across all campuses.
They can support students with feelings of anxiety, low mood, relationship problems, grief, addictions, low self-esteem, or low confidence.
Appointments can be held with a counsellor anytime between 9am–9pm, seven days a week.
More about counselling services
GP visits at Christchurch doctors
Free for Commnunity Services Card holders, otherwise $33.00. Referrals available for free psychologist appointments.
Kaiawhi Wairua|Campus Chaplain
Sheila Mark is available to meet with both staff and students. Email sheila.mark@otago.ac.nz
Chaplaincy plays a vital role in providing emotional and spiritual support to staff and students regardless of belief or background. We are trained professionals who offer confidential and non-judgemental, guidance, counselling, encouragement and comfort to individuals facing a range of challenges, such as illness, trauma, grief, and moral distress.
Prayer rooms
A Muslim prayer space is on the 7th floor of the UOC building. In the hospital there is a chapel and a quiet space on Level 1, Waipapa.
Report a concern
Confidential concerns regarding poor professional behaviour can be submitted through the 'report a concern' tab on the Student Affairs page on Moodle.