We offer individual consultations with a learning advisor to discuss a specific assignment, as well as workshops, seminars, lectures, and online resources on critical thinking and writing in the university context — everything from the correct use of semi-colons to creating a citations list, to subject-specific styles of discourse.
Our consultations and quick queries can be through either Zoom or in-person.
To contact us, you can visit us at the Academic Skills Centre on level 3 of the Puaka-James Hight (Central Library), phone us on 03 369 3900, or send an email to academicskills@canterbury.ac.nz with some dates/times you are available, the course code, and what you would like to focus on.
Pre-Semester Workshops 2025
- Academic Orientation for Adult Students
- Avoiding Plagiarism
- Demystifying the University
- Effective Note-taking
- First Year Students' Academic Orientation
- Introduction to Essay Writing
- Postgraduate Academic Skills Programme
- Time Management
- Understanding LEARN
Although these workshops are not recorded, you can find online material on LEARN.
Have an idea for a workshop you’d like ASC to offer?
We'd love to hear it. Please email us with your suggestion.
Free 2024 ASC wall planners
Visit us on Level 3, Puaka-James Hight to collect your free planner.
English language support programme
This course is designed to help students with English as an additional language to improve their academic English. Classes are 50 minutes long and take place during term time, with different topics offered each term. Students are welcome to join the course at any stage during the year.
Next Workshop: more details to come regarding 2025 ELSP workshops.
ASC extended hours
Appointments with the Academic Skills Centre team are available between 8 am to 6 pm Monday through to Friday. To book an appointment with us:
Phone: +64 3 369 3900
Email: academicskills@canterbury.ac.nz
Visit: Academic Skills Centre, Level 3, Puaka-James Hight (Central Library)
Our people
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Angel Nicholson
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Angel Nicholson
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Angel Nicholson
Academic Skills Centre Manager
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Dominique Holland
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Dominique Holland
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Dominique Holland
Kaitohutohu Ako
Learning Advisor
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Frieda Looser
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Frieda Looser
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Frieda Looser
Advisor
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Jessica Ritchie
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Jessica Ritchie
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Jessica Ritchie
Learning Advisor
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Julie Wuthnow
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Julie Wuthnow
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Julie Wuthnow
Learning Advisor
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Michael Weiss
Qualifications
PhD in Music (University of Auckland)
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) (University of Auckland)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (University of Canterbury)
Background
Michael’s work at the Academic Skills Centre draws on years of experience in education and academia. He has lectured and tutored at universities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, has been a primary school classroom teacher, and has tutored learners of English as an additional language. He enjoys the variety and interest that comes from working with students from all backgrounds, in all disciplines and at all levels. He frequently collaborates with academic staff to bring relevant academic skills support into credit-bearing courses.
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Michael Weiss
Qualifications
PhD in Music (University of Auckland)
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) (University of Auckland)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (University of Canterbury)
Background
Michael’s work at the Academic Skills Centre draws on years of experience in education and academia. He has lectured and tutored at universities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, has been a primary school classroom teacher, and has tutored learners of English as an additional language. He enjoys the variety and interest that comes from working with students from all backgrounds, in all disciplines and at all levels. He frequently collaborates with academic staff to bring relevant academic skills support into credit-bearing courses.
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Michael Weiss
Learning Advisor
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Emma Maurice
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Emma Maurice
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Emma Maurice
Ngāti Kahungungu
Learning Advisor
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Sian Doole
Qualifications
PhD in English.
Bachelor of Arts, with First Class Honours - majoring English and History.
Background
Sian has recently completed her PhD in English, looking specifically at contemporary poetry and maternal / gender studies. She also teaches within the English department and UC, lecturing in modern poetry and American literature. Having taught writing for the past six years, she has a keen interest in supporting students in their academic careers, and sharing the art of effective communication.
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Sian Doole
Qualifications
PhD in English.
Bachelor of Arts, with First Class Honours - majoring English and History.
Background
Sian has recently completed her PhD in English, looking specifically at contemporary poetry and maternal / gender studies. She also teaches within the English department and UC, lecturing in modern poetry and American literature. Having taught writing for the past six years, she has a keen interest in supporting students in their academic careers, and sharing the art of effective communication.
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Sian Doole
Casual
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Melissa Boo
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Melissa Boo
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Melissa Boo
Casual
Learning Advisor
News and events
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31st March Scholarship Round closing soon
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31st March Scholarship Round closing soon
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31st March Scholarship Round closing soon
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Business sector welcomes NZ’s new sustainability degree*
Business leaders are welcoming Aotearoa New Zealand’s first undergraduate sustainability degree, saying the sector is crying out for more expertise as it faces new targets and competing goals.
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Business sector welcomes NZ’s new sustainability degree*
Business leaders are welcoming Aotearoa New Zealand’s first undergraduate sustainability degree, saying the sector is crying out for more expertise as it faces new targets and competing goals.
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Business sector welcomes NZ’s new sustainability degree*
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UC academics bring Food for Thought to Riverside Market
‘Food for Thought’ is a five-day series of 15-minute talks in the city, bringing the university’s thought leaders to the public, so people can feed their minds while filling their tummies.
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UC academics bring Food for Thought to Riverside Market
‘Food for Thought’ is a five-day series of 15-minute talks in the city, bringing the university’s thought leaders to the public, so people can feed their minds while filling their tummies.
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UC academics bring Food for Thought to Riverside Market