In 2024, the UC Health and Safety Committee recognised the significant contribution UC students make to campus health and safety. Building on that recognition, we are pleased to announce the inaugural winner of the UC Student Award for Health and Safety (2025):

Shallu Verma

Postgraduate – Chemical Process and Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Shallu’s Contribution to Health and Safety

In May 2025, after spending time at Environmental Science and Research (ESR), Shallu prepared a detailed report with recommendations for safety improvement initiatives based on her experience at ESR. These ideas were aimed at enhancing safety practices within UC’s CaPE laboratories.

The CaPE Operations Lead has confirmed that the team is actively working through these recommendations. By taking this initiative, Shallu has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to safety—qualities that reflect the high standards and values of UC graduates in our communities.

Looking ahead, for the 2026 awards round, the Facilities Management Health and Safety Team will approach Departmental Safety Officers (DSOs) for student nominations.

Planned Power Shut Down West L3&4 11.12.25

Facilities Management advises that stage two of the Planned Power and Data Outages, West Building (SC02) Physics End, will be in affect from 8am Thursday 11 December through until 5pm Friday 12 December, to allow FM contractors to complete essential maintenance on switchboards located on Levels 3 and 4 (Physics Northern end).

This work requires power shutdowns between 8:00–9:00am and again between 4:00–5:00pm on both 11 and 12 December.

This power outage is a continuation of the works notified on Monday 24 November.

Outages schedule:

• Daily (11–12 December):
  • Power and data will be turned off to all floors between 7:00–8:00am and again between 4:30–5:00pm each day.
• Thursday 11 December and Friday 12 December:
  • Level 3: Total power outage 7:00am–4:30pm
  • Level 4: Total power outage 7:00am–4:30pm

What you need to do

• Turn off all IT equipment before 4.30pm each day on Wednesday 10 December and Thursday 12 December
• Ensure UPS systems are functioning.
• Coordinate shutdown/reset of any specialist equipment with your department.
• Lab technicians must reset affected lab equipment or alarms after outages.
• Do not enter construction zones at any time. These areas will be coned off and clearly signposted.
• Follow usual evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency.

Please refer all enquiries to fmassist@canterbury.ac.nz

Thank you for your cooperation as we complete these required upgrades.

Facilities Management

Landscaping works will be in progress to the north of the Dovedale Campus between Monday 15 December and Friday 13 February 2026. The purpose of this work is to meet Resource Consent requirements and improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and wayfinding.

These works will affect access to Dovedale Avenue, Ring Road and Carpark 3.

Areas Affected

• Carpark 3 – Dovedale Campus
• Ring Road
• Dovedale Avenue
• Buildings:
  • (ED01) Wairakei
  • (ED04) Waimairi
  • (ED05) Orakipaoa

Please refer to the attached site fencing plan of fenced off areas from 15 December.

Access During Works

• Use Parkstone Ave or Solway Ave entrances for campus access.

What you need to do

• Plan your travel and parking accordingly and allow extra time for access.
• Follow all contractor signage and do not enter any work areas.
• Share this information with staff, contractors, and visitors who may be affected.

Please direct all enquiries to fmassist@canterbury.ac.nz

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve campus safety and wayfinding.

Facilities Management