Student Success
At Otago Polytechnic we have a broad range of support services that are here to help you through any issues that might arise, and make sure your time here is rewarding and fun. We want you to be able to focus on getting the most enjoyable and rewarding student experience possible, not spend time sweating about the other stuff!
Career services
Patricia offers expert guidance and a friendly ear to help you make informed career decisions based on your own personal values, goals and interests. We can discuss career options, a possible course of study, job applications or interviews, or any other career related topic.
Patricia is also the team leader for Student Success.
Contact Patricia
patricia.quensell@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
Māori Support
Te Punaka Ōwheo is the Otago Polytechnic’s Māori centre. Get in touch to access a range of services, resources and facilities. We're a friendly community of Māori support staff who are here to help.
Contact Te Punaka Ōwheo
tepunakaowheo@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
Pasifika support
Anna Seiuli provides support to Pacific Islands students. Those who identify as being of Pacific Islands descent will be contacted by Anna, and regular fono are held during the year. Anna is based in Dunedin but can provide support and advice via phone or email to students on other campuses.
Contact Anna
anna.seiuli@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
Disability and Wellbeing support
Wellbeing and Disability support advisor Danni Roberts provides support tailored to your individual needs. This may include classroom notetakers, readers/writers, tutors, equipment, adaptive technology, orientation and liaison with lecturing staff and community agencies.
Danni can also help you identify what is impacting on your study/life, what you need to stay on track, set goals, help you to problem solve and learn what services are available in your community. A confidential service that can be accessed on an ongoing basis while you study. Down to earth, practical emotion support.
Contact Danni
dannir@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
Learning advisors
Our Learning Advisors provide learning support services to all enrolled students. These services include:
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One-on-one appointments
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Facilitated study groups and tutorials
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English grammar and literacy development
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Study guides and study cards
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Online information and support for distance students.
Student advisor
Our student advisor is based on the Dunedin Campus and is available to talk in person, via phone or email anytime. She can help you with any personal problems and study issues as you settle into life at Otago Polytechnic, and offer continued assistance throughout the academic year.
Student Success Advisor
The student Success Advisor helps ensure that students have the best possible chance to succeed by providing support and resources to help you make the most of your time at Otago Polytechnic and achieve your academic and personal goals. For support with issues that arise in your personal life or with your course, come and have a chat, or text, email or skype.
Contact Celia
celia.hepburn@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
Counselling
Our counsellors provide help with any issues you may have in your personal life or studies, with online and telephone counselling also available. There are five counsellors on the Dunedin Campus who are available to see students between 8.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. This is a free service.
Chaplain
Find out about places of worship or talk to someone who can understand your spiritual needs. Talk to an experienced Chaplain who can help you with a range of issues, such as homesickness, grief and blessing flats.
Our Chaplain is based in Dunedin, but is available via phone or email for students that are based on other campuses.
Contact The OP Chaplain
chaplain@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
International
Our international advisors provide help with any concerns you have regarding your studies, personal issues, adapting to life in New Zealand and assistance with visa renewals and insurance claims. We have the patience, empathy and understanding to communicate with people for whom English is not their first language. Please come and speak with us and let us help and support you.
International Advisor
Contact Yvonne
Yvonne.fogarty@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786 Emergency 24/7 support – 021 735 421
International homestay
International Accomodation Homestay – your home away from home - available for all students.
Aya can offer a range of homestay options for international students who want to experience first-hand the “kiwi way of life”. Homestay also offers students the opportunity to improve their English with a kiwi family.
Contact Aya
homestay@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
Auckland campus
Auckland Campus' Student Success team will do their very best to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. You can contact a student advisor by phone or you can email us to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can pop into our office which is located in Room 101, Level 1.
Senior Student Advisor
Contact Natalie
Natalie.Mckerrow@op.ac.nz 0800 111 212 ext. 805
Central campus
At Central, we encourage you to study at your pace – in our space. Central’s Student Success team will give you the support and guidance you need to make the most of your time as a student. We offer support to all students, as well as career guidance and work placement opportunities.
Jo-Anne Brun is the Student Support person. She can help you with any personal problems and study issues as you settle in to life at Central. Jo-Anne also offers continued assistance throughout the academic year.
Contact Jo-Anne
joanne.brun@op.ac.nz