Access
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The University of Canterbury campus is mainly flat but there are nevertheless some problems with access around the campus. Improving access on campus is an ongoing process and we invite feedback from anyone regarding access difficulties so that we can look at continuing to improve access as the availablility of resources allows.
The following are some of the facilities that are provided to make
your access on campus easier.
Wheelchairs
If you need the loan of a manual wheelchair please contact us.
Building Access
Door-opening mechanisms
Heavy fire doors present a major impediment to ease of access within many buildings on the campus. Door-opening mechanisms have been installed in some buildings to improve access into, and within, buildings.
These mechanisms will continue to be installed as and when funding is available. If you feel there is an urgent need for the installation of door-opening mechanisms in specific areas of campus please contact the Disability Resource Service disabilities@canterbury.ac.nz.
Erskine Building Basement
Wheelchair access to the basement of this building, where lecture theatres, computer workrooms and the Green and Blue Rooms are located is via the lifts.
Lecture Access
Hearing Loops in Lecture Theatres
The following lecture theatres are equipped with a hearing loop system:
- Engineering: E1
- Law: 108
Fixed height-adjustable desks
Fixed, height-adjustable desks for students who use wheelchairs have been installed in the following lecture theatres:
- Central Lecture Theatre building: C1 - C3
- Arts (North) Lecture Theatre building: A1 - A3
- Arts (South) Lecture Theatre building: A4 - A6
For a demonstration of how to use these desks please contact the Disability Resource Service, disabilities@canterbury.ac.nz.
Library Access
Central Library
Access to the Central Library for students who use wheelchairs or have other mobility needs is provided under the Central Library's main (front) steps, outside the entrance to the Undercroft. This entrance gives users access to a glass lift which will transport them to level 2, the main floor of the library building.
Other Libraries on Campus
Other libraries on campus have either ground floor or lift access to their entrances.
Education Library, Dovedale Avenue
Access to the lift for the library is through automatic doors at ground level. This is in a corridor outside the library. Automatic access through this entrance is by the use of your Canterbury Card once the access has been approved by the Disability Resource Service. Toilets with wheelchair access are located on levels 1 and 2 of the library.
Library Services: Proxy Borrowing
This service is available to students with disabilities who find it difficult to get into and around the libraries. It provides for a proxy, who can be any existing borrower, or a friend, family member or helper to take out books on behalf of the student with the disability. If there is no existing record, a new one can be created for the proxy borrower. Under this arrangement, all items checked out by the proxy borrower are recorded on the library record of the authorised borrower. There is a $10 charge for a proxy borrowing card. For details please contact the Lending Librarian in the Central Library, ext 8719.
Distance Library Service
Students who are not able to easily use the university libraries because of their disabilities may be eligible for a distance library service. You can find out more by visiting http://library.canterbury.ac.nz/distance
Please contact a Disability Resource Advisor to discuss how this service could meet your needs.
Safety and Security
The Security Office operates on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be contacted for assistance at any time, day or night, on(03) 364 2987 extn. 6888 (extn. 6111 for emergencies) or 0800 823 637 off campus or by cellphone. If you have any concerns about your safety when on campus, please contact Security.
Building Wardens
Each building has a Building Warden. There should be a notice at the main entrance to every building identifying the Building Warden. If you have a mobility difficulty and are a regular user of a particular building, you may wish to inform the building warden of the regular times that you expect to be in that building and discuss with them the particular safety procedures for that building. In the event of an emergency evacuation, the Building Warden then knows that you may be in the building. In particular if you are in the Central Library or one of the branch libraries and will be studying there for some length of time, you may wish to inform the staff at the Information Desk.
If you need help to evacuate a building in an emergency, please respond yes to this question on your application to enrol, or update this information through UCStudent Web or by advising the Disability Resource Service.