University can be challenging, and sometimes things happen that affect your wellbeing, health, studies or ability to manage day-to-day life.
The Student Care Hub is the central point of contact for student support at the University of Otago, Christchurch. The Hub brings together staff who can support you with your wellbeing, personal circumstances, academic progress and course-related matters.
Not sure who to contact?
Start with the Student Care Hub.
If you're unsure who can help, get in touch and we can connect you with the right person.
Email fom-c.studentcarehub@otago.ac.nz
Areas of support
The Student Care Hub brings together three key areas of student support:
- Wellbeing and personal support
- Academic progress
- Course and student administration
Wellbeing and personal support
Sheila Mark
Student Care Coordinator and Campus Chaplain
Sheila provides confidential and non-judgemental support for students experiencing personal, emotional, wellbeing or spiritual concerns.
She can also help connect you with other appropriate support when needed.
Email fom-c.studentcarehub@otago.ac.nz
Academic progress
John Dean
Associate Dean (Academic Progress)
John can provide advice and support if you have concerns about your academic progress or circumstances that are affecting your ability to study.
This includes matters such as:
- Academic progress concerns
- Student Progress meetings
- Leave from study
- Withdrawal or readmission
- Other academic circumstances affecting your studies
Email uoc.academicprogress@otago.ac.nz
Course and student administration
Clara Anderson
Medical Education Unit
Clara provides support with course and student administration, including matters such as:
- Timetables
- Examinations
- Course administration
- Orientation
- Name badges
- Police vetting
- Other programme-related administrative queries
Email meu.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Regional students
Students studying or undertaking placements in Nelson or Timaru can also access support through the Student Care Hub. The Associate Deans for these areas are listed below:
Kirsten Coppell
Associate Dean, Nelson
Email kirsten.coppell@otago.ac.nz
Ben Simpson
Associate Dean, South Canterbury
Email bsimpson@scdhb.health.nz
Kirsten and Ben can provide local support to students based in their respective regions and can work with the wider Student Care Hub where required.
Other support services for students
There are also a range of specialist University services available to support you.
Worried about something?
If you have experienced or witnessed behaviour that concerns you, including bullying, intimidation or unprofessional behaviour, support and reporting options are available.
Report a concern (online form)