Wellbeing and support
Need urgent help?
In an emergency contact UC Security.
- On campus call 6111
- If you are off campus or using a cell phone call 0800 823 637
Security Officers patrol the campus 24 hours, 7 days a week and provide assistance and support for students and staff.
Student support at UC
Who else can I talk to?
There are a wide range of people available at the University of Canterbury to offer you support, help and guidance. Common services we refer to include:
- UC Health Centre
- UCSA
- Academic Skills Centre
- College Student Advisors (Arts, Business & Law, Education, Engineering, and Science)
- Careers, Internships & Employment
- Equity and Disability Service
- Student Experience (eg, Mentoring Programmes or UniLife)
- UC Chaplaincy
- Māori Student Development Team
- Pacific Development Team
If you would like to contact one of these groups directly, click on any of the links above for further information.
For help within the Mechanical Engineering Department, you are welcome to contact Christine Walker, Senior Tutor/Student Support for advice and assistance. She is available by email at Christine.Walker@canterbury.ac.nz, on 03 369 2734 (ext 92734) or at E527 during office hours.
Connect with other UC students
Connecting with other students who understand university life can be beneficial when you are finding your way at UC.
- Join a club
- Connect with us online
- Contact your Class Reps. Class representatives serve as a link between the Department and its students. Primarily, they interact with the Directors of Studies for their Professional Year. They are a really useful resource, and usually set up their own Facebook page and post news, events, study groups and social events.
- Connect with a peer who knows what it's like...(student mentoring programme)
- Register for UniLife
- Join the UC Students' Association (UCSA)
Dealing with difficult issues
If you are experiencing unacceptable behaviours or have an academic dispute please seek assistance and advice.
Behavioural expectations
- Know the Code
- The College of Engineering expects all of its students to 'treat people with respect and courtesy' (Code of Ethical Conduct, EngNZ).
- This is an ethical responsibility. It also applies to student-to-student interactions.
- We do not tolerate:
- Harrassment of any kind (including physical, electronic, or verbal bullying) involving staff, students or visitors, whether on or off campus. Harrassment can be defined as unwelcome, unsolicited and unreciprocated behaviour by a person or group that may offend, humiliate, or intimidate another, and interferes with a person's right to work or study in a non-threatening environment.
- Discrimination
- Unwanted physical intimate attention
- Persistent or reckless disregard of this ethical obligation can have serioius consequences (including exclusion)
- We expect students to respect the rights of others and contribute positively to a culture of respect and courtesy for others.
If you have a concern relating to a staff member, student or visitor, the normal procedure would be:
- make an informal approach to the Head of Department.
- If you wish to discuss the matter informally(without formalising the complaint), please come see, call or email a trusted member of staff or member of the Mechanical Engineering Equity and Diversity Committee:
- A/Prof Paul Docherty (Chair)
- Prof Geoff Rodgers
- Prof Geoff Chase
- Linda Forbes
- Christine Walker for a confidential conversation. They can be trusted to listen to your concern and help you to find the best course of action for you.
- Also, the University Grievance Coordinator can offer advice on options available for an informal resolution.
- Students wishing to make a formal allegation of harassment should visit the University complaint website and contact the University Grievance Coordinator.
- A student advocate from UCSA can assist you in this process. Contact help@ucsa.org.nz.
- Further information is available in the University Harassment Policy (University Policy Library).
If you are experiencing sexual harassment, please see: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/support/health/sexual-harassment-and-sexual-assault/.
If you have a problem relating to an academic matter, you are encouraged to discuss the problem initially with the member of staff concerned. If you feel uncomfortable about doing this or are unable to resolve the problem satisfactorily, you may seek assistance from your Professional Year Director of Studies or from the Head of Department. You can also seek the support of your Class Representative.
We encourage students to resolve their problem within the Department. Go to UC's process, rights and responsibilities webpage or the Appeals and Grievances Regulations in UC Calendar for more information.
We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our staff and students. Contact our department Safety Officer for further advice or information or consult UC's Health and Safety policy guidelines.
