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Student advisors for first year students

Kaitoko

20 November 2023

If you are in your first year of undergraduate study at UC, the Kaitoko team are your first stop for academic and holistic support. We help first year students navigate UC, and work toward their version of success. Each faculty at UC has dedicated Kaitoko who can help you with questions, concerns and planning that is specific to the first year of your degree. 

HOW TO APPLY

Not sure who to talk to?

I am a high school student wanting to plan my study at UC
If you are new to university and are looking to start your first year of study
I am enrolled at UC, but I haven’t started my study yet
I am a CUP student who needs advice regarding my transition courses
I did my first year of study at another university and have transferred to UC
I am in my first year of postgraduate study (postgraduate diploma, masters, PhD) at UC
I am in my first year of undergraduate study at UC
I am in my first year of study but want to plan my second year at UC
Kaitoko are here to help first-year undergraduate students

We can help with all sorts, including: 

  • Understanding emails and letters that you’ve received from UC

  • Making course/paper changes in first year 

  • Navigating personal challenges that are impacting your study 

  • Navigating the Special Considerations process

  • Seeking support after being ill/injured. 

  • Understanding university processes 

  • Understanding regulations for your degree 

  • Changing qualifications

  • Applying for exemptions; waivers of prerequisites or core requirements 

  • Withdrawing from a course

  • Withdrawing entirely from study  

  • Cross-crediting between UC undergraduate qualifications 

  • Any question you have, and you aren’t sure who to ask! 

Find your Kaitoko

Arts and Education

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Communication
  • Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
  • Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
  • Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary)
  • Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Mātauranga Māori)
  • Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership

Engineering, Forestry, Product Design

  • Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (First Year)
  • Bachelor of Forestry Science
  • Bachelor of Product Design

Science and Health Sciences

  • Bachelor of Data Science
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
  • Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
  • Bachelor of Sport

Have a quick question?

General queries and advising that don’t require your faculty specific Kaitoko can be sorted during a drop-in, by email or phone. 

No drop-ins Friday 14th November

Drop-ins : Monday to Friday 1-3pm. 

Location: Te Pātaka, Level 3, Puaka-James Hight Building 

Our general hours are 8:30am till 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. 

You can call 0800 827 748 or email firstyearadvice@canterbury.ac.nz

See also

Atawhai Ākonga | Student Care

Falling behind in your studies? Having problems with your landlord? Feeling like it's all a bit of a struggle? Student Care Advisors are your support team. The service is free to access and available to all students at the University of Canterbury, including off campus (distance) students. Whether you are a domestic or international student, we can talk with you about your situation, help you to figure out your options, and work out the best way forward. Contact Student Care.

 

Māori students
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha offers a welcoming environment for Māori students and provides support and encouragement for Māori to achieve academic excellence. Find out more.

 

Pacific students
The University of Canterbury provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students of Pacific heritage. Academic and cultural support services have been designed to ensure that you get the most out of both your studies and your free time. Find out more.

 

Rainbow Students
The University of Canterbury (UC) aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, and recognises that belonging is important for everyone. UC supports LGBTQIA+ students and staff with assistance on and off campus, and celebrates sexual and gender diversity on campus. Find out more.

 

Students with disabilities
For advice on support for students with a disability, please see the Student Accessibility Service. Find out more.

 

Student Support
The Student Support team provides a range of services, support and useful information for students, both domestic and international students. Find out more.

 

Career Advice and Planning
UC Careers and Employment provides advice and resources for job seeking, (including CV development) and information about prospective jobs and employers. Find out more.

 

Academic Support
The Academic Skills Centre is a free service that offers writing and study advice, resources and support for students from first-year through to PhD. Contact the ASC.

 

For various other student services please see the Current Students page.

You can change courses yourself, but if you need any help or advice then please contact your Kaitoko.  

If you wish to add, change or discontinue any of your current courses you should submit a change of enrolment application via myUC. Before you make the change, make sure you are aware of the key dates for enrolment and withdrawal from courses and we encourage you to contact a Kaitoko for advice.

How do I make changes to my current enrolment?

  1. Log in to myUC.
  2. Click on 'Manage my study'.
  3. Click on 'Change enrolment' and then the red 'Change enrolment' button.
  4. Make changes to your Qualification/Subjects or 'Save and Continue' to progress on to 'Change Courses' (or click on the 'Change Courses' tile on the left navigation bar). 
  5. Make changes to your Courses or 'Save and Continue' to progress on to 'Confirm Changes'.
  6. Complete Change of Enrolment - make sure you complete the application by clicking on "submit".

What happens next?
Once a change has been approved, you will be emailed or posted a notification of change which must be accepted in order for the change to be finalised. Approvals are based on meeting the required prerequisites for a course, your workload (number of points enrolled in) and degree requirements. If a change is not approved, your application will be declined. We will contact you in order to offer advice about your options.

How will my loan, allowance and fees be affected?
Changing or withdrawing from your courses will have implications for your fees. If you have a student allowance and/or loan, these may be affected as well. We recommend that you contact StudyLink before making changes: www.studylink.govt.nz

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