Learning support
Additional learning support is available through the Simulation Centre and includes:
- One-to-one clinical skills training
- Support with examination and procedural skills
- Guidance from experienced clinical staff
- Development of individual learning support plans
Email uoc.academicprogress@otago.ac.nz
Māori students
The University of Otago, Christchurch has a number of resources to support Māori students within our medical school. These resources include:
- Māori Student Support Adviser: Amber Philpott, Department of Māori/Indigenous Health Innovation
Email amber.philpott@otago.ac.nz or see the Māori Centre if you require additional support - Professional mentoring and networking support: Contact Dr Maira Patu
Email maira.patu@otago.ac.nz
Student support may be available to undertake professional development opportunities in Hauora Māori. These resources include:
- Placements within providers who work with Māori patients: Please contact MIHI
Email mihi.uoc@otago.ac.nz - Access to Māori language and tikanga development opportunities: Please contact Amber Philpott
Email amber.philpott@otago.ac.nz
Pacific students
Pacific students are supported by Associate Deans (Pacific) on each campus. The Associate Dean (Pacific) at UOC is Kiki Maoate.
Email kiki.maoate@cdhb.health.nz
Additional Pacific student support and advocacy is available through Allamanda Faatoese.
Email allamanda.faatoese@otago.ac.nz
The Pacific Hub offers a dedicated Pacific focal point on the Christchurch campus – a Pacific fale – a versatile space designed to reflect Pacific aesthetics, incorporating the University’s and Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Pacific location and history. Staff offer a warm welcome to Pacific peoples, whether as students, staff, or visitors, and in the future will provide a space to serve as a gathering place to foster connections among colleagues and peers, encouraging the creation of lasting relationships and shared histories.
To find out more, contact Te Moana Ora.
Email temoana.ora@otago.ac.nz
Disability Information and Support
Disability Information and Support provides advice, advocacy, and practical support for students with physical, sensory, learning, medical, psychological, or psychiatric disabilities. Services include access to resources and equipment, note takers, one-to-one support, examination arrangements, and assistance with accommodation and parking. All services are free and confidential.
FInd out more about Disability Information and Support
Prayer rooms
A dedicated Muslim prayer space is available on the 7th floor of the UOC building. Within the hospital, a chapel and quiet reflection space are located on Level 1 of Waipapa.
Otago University Students' Association (OUSA)
Visit the Otago University Students' Association website
Christchurch Medical Students' Association (CMSA)
The Christchurch Medical Students’ Association is run by medical students, for medical students, and provides a wide range of social, wellbeing, and academic support opportunities.
Visit the Christchurch Medical Students’ Association website
International Office
Student Support at the International Office provides advice, support, and guidance for international students, particularly with issues related to studying and living in New Zealand as an international student.
Find out more about International Student Support