Student Services Director Claire Gallop says a new hub planned for students will serve as a warm and welcoming space where they can drop in and be connected to whatever support they may need.
“The University of Otago already provides exceptional pastoral care and now there will be a physical place to deliver that care in a systematic, holistic way for all students." – Claire Gallop
Work has begun on a central hub aimed at supporting student wellbeing.
The hub, which will be based in the Information Services Building, will serve as a warm and welcoming space where students can drop in and be connected to whatever support they may need, says Student Services Director Claire Gallop.
“The University of Otago already provides exceptional pastoral care and now there will be a physical place to deliver that care in a systematic, holistic way for all students. The hub will be staffed by a trained team of Hauora and Peer Connectors and will regularly host staff from other services, including from the Pacific Islands Centre: Te Huka Mātauraka; International Student Support; the Disabilities Office; Student Health Services Mental Health Team; and the Careers Development Office, just to name a few.
“This will be a multipurpose space that can work for private face-to-face meetings, group activities, socialising, studying or relaxing as needed. It’s important that this hub signals to students that seeking support is central to the tertiary education experience and that the University places it physically, as well as metaphorically, at the heart of life on Campus.”
The hub’s location – in the space formerly occupied by the Campus South Shop – is ideal, Claire says.
“There’s evidence that student hubs work best when they’re in high-traffic areas. The Information Services Building houses the library, support services, cafes, and student common spaces, and it also acts as a corridor for students getting to their classes. It really is right in the heart of the Dunedin campus.”
“We’re currently working on how the hub will look and feel – and how it will operate to be welcoming to students – and we’d like it to be up and running before the end of the year.”