Kaitoko | Student Advisors for First Year Students
KIA ORA 2024 STUDENTS
If you are not yet enrolled, our Future Student Advisors are your specialised support team, you can connect with them here: Future Students | University of Canterbury
If you are moving into your second or third year of study in 2024 your Faculty Advisors will be able to help you with planning and connecting to other supports around campus. You can find them here: Continuing Students | University of Canterbury
For fully enrolled, first year students, you can call, email or book in with our team below, or attend our Drop In Sessions throughout the week.
KAITOKO DROP-IN SESSIONS (No appointment necessary)
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am-12pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Wednesday and Friday afternoon drop-ins only, 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Please go to the Front Desk of Te Pātaka (Level 2 of the Puaka-James Hight building) and they will point you in the right direction.
*Kaitoko drop ins are for quick 15 minute appointments, if you require longer please make an appointment with one of the Kaitoko below.

Kaitoko provide academic, pastoral and holistic support for first year students to help them navigate UC and achieve their study goals. Kaitoko have specialist areas of academic knowledge and can help you with your course changes, degree planning and study pathways. Every first year student will have their own dedicated Kaitoko to help with any aspect of their studies. From time to time we might check in with you just to see how you’re doing.
We look forward to meeting you!
Degree Planning
- Degree planning and course options
- Understanding the University Calendar and degree regulations
- Cross-crediting between degrees
- Changing programmes
- Exemptions, such as waivers of pre-requisites or core requirements
- Withdrawal from courses
- Cross-crediting between undergraduate degrees
Navigating UC
- If you get information from UC requiring you to do something but you just want to have it clarified/checked
- If you are struggling with any of your courses
- If things in your personal life are impacting your studies
- What to do if you get sick and can’t complete an assessment
- If you just don’t know who can help you with your question
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?
- Log in to myUC.
- Click on 'Manage my study'.
- Click on 'Change enrolment' and then the red 'Change enrolment' button.
- 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).
- Make changes to your Courses or 'Save and Continue' to progress on to 'Confirm Changes'.
- 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
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.
Pasifika 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 website.
Contact us
Phone and email
Call: +64 3 36 90409 or Ext 90409 (8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday - Friday) to speak with one of the Kaitoko.
Email: firstyearadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
Meet your Kaitoko Team

Erin Beamish
Kaitoko Matua - Commerce


Ray Stowers
Kaitoko – Engineering (including Forestry and Product Design)

Mel Coulter
Kaitoko - Engineering (including Forestry & Product Design)

Amanda Mitchell
Kaitoko - Science

James Calder
Kaitoko - Science and Engineering

Sharon McSporran
Kaitoko for Arts and Commerce (Arts includes BA, Communications,Music, Fine Arts, & Digital Screen)

Meredith Sim
Kaitoko - Arts

Ado Schwenke
Kaitoko - Law, Criminal Justice and Social Work

Ruby Rose
Kaitoko - Education & Health Sciences (including Sport Coaching)
