Universities responding to Christchurch students’ needs

In the aftermath of the earthquake, the New Zealand universities have been working together to assist affected students from the Canterbury region. 

Lincoln University’s physical facilities are all useable and compliant.  The university is open for staff and will resume teaching on the 14th of March. The University of Canterbury is also expected to begin a progressive start to the semester on the 14th of March. Both universities have confirmed they expect to deliver a full-year academic programme in 2011. Massey University is working directly with its Christchurch-based extramural students to respond to their needs while the University of Otago is in daily communication with the students of its Christchurch campus.

Universities New Zealand would like to reiterate that students should contact their Christchurch-based universities in the first instance to discuss any concerns they may have and to find out more about the options that are being made available to them (see list below).  For students that have internet access, there are frequent updates available on each university’s website. 

“While we expect that most Christchurch students will choose to remain with their chosen institution, some have been completely displaced due to loss of accommodation, family moves and other impacts of the disaster,” said Universities NZ Chair Derek McCormack.  “The universities are working together with the Christchurch institutions to help displaced students continue to undertake their studies in 2011 with minimal disadvantage.”

Below is a list of some of the initiatives being undertaken by the New Zealand universities to assist students with their programmes of study.  The list is not exhaustive and does not include the many other ways that universities are providing assistance to the people of Christchurch and the recovery effort.

The University of Auckland

• The University of Auckland has signed an exchange agreement with the University of Canterbury (UC).
• At UC’s request, Auckland is accepting international undergraduate students who wish to spend a semester on exchange from UC. 
• Auckland is also accepting applications from domestic students for a similar exchange programme from UC.
• Auckland will help students find accommodation through its Accommodation office.
• The application form for domestic students and more detailed information on how The University of Auckland is helping Christchurch students can be found on the University's website.
• In addition, Auckland is looking at providing the University of Canterbury access to its online course materials and specialist laboratories.

Auckland University of Technology

• Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has signed an exchange agreement with the University of Canterbury.
• AUT will grant some University of Canterbury, Lincoln University or Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) students extraordinary circumstances admissions.
• More detailed information on how AUT is helping Christchurch students can be found on the AUT website.

The University of Waikato

• The University of Waikato has agreed to an exchange programme with Canterbury.
• Waikato has extended its enrolment deadline and will waive late enrolment fees for students affected by the earthquake.
• Additional orientation programmes for transferring students are being run and counselling is being offered.

Massey University

• Massey University has signed an exchange agreement with the University of Canterbury.
• Massey has extended its late enrolment deadline to accept students affected by the Canterbury earthquake until 5pm on March 14.
• More detailed information on how Massey is helping students affected by the earthquake can be found on its website.

Victoria University of Wellington

• Victoria has signed an exchange agreement with the University of Canterbury.
• Applications from earthquake affected university students wishing to transfer to Victoria for Trimester One have been extended until 5pm March 11 and will be accepted where possible according to space constraints. All those transferring are being registered as UC students.
• More detailed information on how Victoria is helping students affected by the earthquake can be found on its website. 

Lincoln University

• Lincoln University is in the fortunate position of being able to offer support to other Christchurch-based institutions by providing access to space for teaching delivery.

University of Otago

• The University of Otago has extended its enrolment deadline for students affected by the earthquake until 11 March.
• At UC’s request, Otago is accepting international undergraduate students who wish to spend a semester on exchange from UC.
• More detailed information on how Otago is helping students affected by the Christchurch earthquake can be found on its website.