Category Archives: The Community

Health and Safety on campus 

UC is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all students. To make sure you feel safe on campus, here are a few things to remember:  

Look up: 

Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist or skateboarder, it is important to be aware of what’s happening around you. Look out for others when travelling through campus to make sure you are not putting others at risk. 

No smoking or vaping on campus: 

UC is a smokefree campus, meaning you cannot smoke cigarettes or vape on campus grounds, in or near any UC buildings, or at any of our field stations. By respecting the smokefree policy we can all enjoy a healthier place to study, work, socialise and live. 

Do you know where the Emergency Procedures charts are located near your lecture theatres?  

All departments have an Emergency Procedures flip chart outlining what to do in different types of emergencies. The flip charts are on display throughout the University and can be found in all lecture theatres. A PDF version of each page can be found on the UC website Emergency Procedures page 

Assura: 

We need your help to keep our campus safe. If you see something unsafe or you are injured while on campus, it is super easy to let us know. Assura is our easy-to-use health and safety reporting system. Reporting through Assura increases our awareness of hazards, so we can correct any issues and make UC safer. Health and safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together we can protect our community. Report an incident or hazard here on the UC website Report an Incident page.  

It’s time! Check that you’re emergency ready 

Daylight savings ends in a few weeks, so it’s a good time to check you’re ready in case of an emergency.  

A few quick questions: 

  • Have you saved UC Security’s number in your phone? 

UC Security staff are on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so someone will always be there to help you in case of an emergency at UC. Be prepared by saving UC Security’s number: 0800 823 637. 

  • Are your emergency contact details current? 

It’s easy to update your details through myUC. Take a moment to check the person you’ve listed as your emergency contact is still appropriate, and their details are still correct. While you’re logged in to myUC you can also check your details are up-to-date (especially if you’ve moved recently), in case someone from UC needs to reach out to you. 

  • Do you know about UC’s Help point towers? 

There are 13 help towers (topped by blue lights) located across UC’s Ilam and Dovedale campuses to provide information at any time, and immediate assistance in an emergency. Read more> 

Standing Together: Unity Week

Dear colleagues, 

UC remains committed to supporting our Muslim students and staff, particularly those directly affected by the tragic events of 15 March 2019. If you would like to talk or seek guidance, UC has a range of services and specialised support for students to support you with wellbeing. Please see Support and wellbeing | University of Canterbury to identify a team to help you with your specific needs.  

We stand with the Muslim community in solidarity for peace and we support Unity Week 2025. Unity Week events are organised by the Sakinah Trust to reflect on the lessons of the 15 March mosque attacks. Events are open to everyone who wants to support a society where everyone belongs. #unityweek 

On March 15th, we encourage our UC community to reflect, to show kindness, to stand together in remembrance and resilience and to live our values. Through manaakitanga, we extend empathy and care to one another; through whanaungatanga, we strengthen our bonds as a collective; and through tiakitanga, we honour our shared responsibility to protect and nurture our communities. 

Ngā mihi,

International Support Team, Student Care