We are based within the Student Care Hub on the 5th floor of the UOC. Support is also available to students on regional placements.
For any student welfare or wellbeing concerns, students can contact the Student Care Hub:
Email fom-c.studentcarehub@otago.ac.nz
For issues relating to academic progress or completing course requirements, students can contact:
John Dean, Associate Dean Academic Progress
Email uoc.academicprogress@otago.ac.nz
For administrative matters relating to their degree, students can contact:
Clara Anderson, Medical Education Unit Administrator
Email meu.uoc@otago.ac.nz
We can assist with:
- Wellbeing, mental health, and financial hardship
- Disability, illness, injury, and absence from learning support
- Learning difficulties and English as a second language support
- Professionalism, advocacy, and Student Progress meetings
- Confidential support and reporting of intimidating or concerning behaviour
- Navigating support services and knowing where to go for help
- Māori and Pacific student support
- Police vetting and administrative requirements
- Timetabling, orientation, and name badges
- End of year examination coordination and results
- Leave from the course, withdrawals, readmission, and TI transfers
Associate Dean (Academic Progress)
John Dean
Email uoc.academicprogress@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 364 3894
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
Health and support services for medical students
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 or directly via the form:
Report a concern (online form)