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.
Choose the support service that you need below for more information, or click on 'Contact us' for the Student Success Teams' details.
Contact us
Student Success Teams
To make an appointment, book online with Student Success. Please ring or email if you have an question.
Student Success is open Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 5 pm
Dunedin Campus
| H Block |
| 0800 762 786 |
| studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz |
Auckland Campus
| Room 101, Level 1 |
| 0800 111 212 |
Central Campus
| Bannockburn campus, 11 Bannockburn Road |
| 0800 765 9276 |
| cotadvisors@op.ac.nz |
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 on Level 1.
| studentsuccessaic@op.ac.nz | Emergency number: 021 0282 8711 |
Student Support Advisor
Contact Christiaan
studentsuccessaic@op.ac.nz +6492183795
English Coordinator/Learning Support Advisor
Contact Cheryl
learningsupportaic@op.ac.nz +6492183776
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. Please email us to make an appointment.
| Bannockburn campus, 11 Bannockburn Road. | cotadvisors@op.ac.nz |
Accessibility services
Our accessibility advisors provide 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.
Career services
We offer expert guidance and a friendly ear to help you make informed career decisions based on your own personal values, goals and interests.
| The Hub, H Block, Dunedin | careers@op.ac.nz | 0800 762 786 |
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
Counselling
Our counsellors provide help with any issues you may have in your personal life or studies, with online and telephone counselling also available. OP also has the telecounselling service Puāwaitanga available to our learners. Click the link below for more information.
Dunedin Campus
There are several counsellors on the Dunedin Campus who are available to see students between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. This is a free service.
Central Campus
Learners at our Central Campus have free access to a counsellor through ADL Services. Please click the link below for contact details and more information.
Auckland Campus
Learners at our Auckland Campus have free access to a counsellor weekly. Please click the link below for contact details and more information.
Chaplains
The chaplains, based at Otago Polytechnic, provide a range of pastoral care and spiritual services for staff, students and groups, including:
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Someone to listen
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Coping with grief or sudden change in life
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Settling into Polytechnic and being away from home
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Spiritual discovery and direction
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Prayer and blessings
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Helping you to discover purpose and meaning in your life and studies.
We offer a non-judgmental service for all Otago Polytechnic staff and students.
Steve is the full-time chaplain at OP, available to absolutely anyone, by phone, email or face to face.
Contact Steve
chaplain@op.ac.nz 021 338800
Lyn is the volunteer chaplain at OP and can often be found in the Hub, otherwise you can phone her.
Contact Lyn
chaplain@op.ac.nz 027 549 8478
Whaea Helen is our part-time Māori chaplain at Otago Polytechnic, available to all students, particularly for those seeking Māori-specific cultural and spiritual support. She works Wednesdays at OP, come visit her at Te Pūnaka Ōwheo or contact her at the details below.
Contact Dr Helen
maori.chaplain@otago.ac.nz 027 789 4516
Salmah is a part-time Muslim chaplain at Otago Polytechnic, available to all Muslim students. Please email the address below to connect with her or the other Muslim chaplains.
Contact Dr Salmah
muslimchaplaincy@otago.ac.nz
Erolia is a part-time Catholic chaplain at Otago Polytechnic, available to all students. She usually works Fridays at OP and can be found in the Hub or by contacting her at the details below.
Contact Erolia
chaplain@op.ac.nz 021 709 285
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.
| H Block, Dunedin | studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz | 0800 762 786 |
Learning Advisor - currently on leave
Contact Marje
Marje.Schaddelee@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
International homestay
International Accomodation Homestay – your home away from home - available for all students. Our Homestay Coordinators 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.
| homestay@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
Our Pasifika Advisors provides support to all Pacific Island learners. Those who identify as being of Pacific Islands descent will be contacted by us, and regular fono are held during the year. Our Pasifika Advisors are based in Dunedin but can provide support and advice via phone or email to learners on other campuses.
Student Advisors - Domestic, Online and International
Our student advisors are based on the Dunedin Campus and are available to talk in person, via phone or email anytime. They 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.
Celia helps ensure our learners 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.
Contact Celia
studentsuccess@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
Katy provides support to all our distance and online learners at OP. Katy is based on the Dunedin Campus but is available via phone, email, or video conference anytime. Make an appointment with the link at the top of the page.
Contact Katy
learningonline@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
Wellbeing support
Our Wellbeing Advisors provide a confidential service that can be accessed on an ongoing basis while you study. They can 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 down to earth, practical emotion support.
Wellbeing Advisor - currently on leave
Contact Laura
wellbeing@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786
