Exciting updates to the UC Services Portal

From Tuesday 25 March, you’ll notice some changes when you log in to the UC Services Portal – the place you go to get stuff sorted, whether it’s logging an IT issue, checking system status, or finding helpful how-tos. 

What’s new?
We’ve made a bunch of improvements based on feedback from students and staff. Here’s what you’ll see: 

Simpler navigation – A new mega menu, updated buttons and layout make it easier to find your way around. 

Fresher look and feel – The portal now matches other UC platforms more closely, with new fonts, icons, and colours. 

Clearer visual cues – Better design to help you spot key info faster, including: 

  • Recommended for you – See popular articles and requests 
  • Popular topics – Instantly access the most viewed help topics 
  • Quick links – Straight to the Software Catalogue, ‘Report an IT Fault’, and System Status 

Smarter search – Improved AI search helps you get better results, faster. 

What do I need to do?
Not much! When you next log in, you’ll see a welcome banner and have the option to take a quick guided tour. Your saved bookmarks/favourites will still be there, and most things should still feel familiar when submitting a request or searching for answers. 

Got questions or feedback? Get in touch via the Portal feedback button located in the bottom left corner of the UC Portal home page. 

University Drive and Arts Road Roading Works and Access Outages Monday 24 March.

As part of the works being undertaken on Clyde Road, new chipseal will be laid at the entrances to both Arts Road and University Drive between 9am and 4pm (approximately) on Monday 24 March.

 To undertake these works Dormer Construction  will need to close each individual entrance while that entrance is being worked on.  The closures and work will be completed one entrance at a time ensuring that there will be one entrance open at all times. Traffic management will be in place with signage directing you to the available open entrance/exit.

Dormer Construction apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your support and patience during the closures.

If you have any questions around the ongoing maintenance in this area, please contact fmassist@canterbury.ac.nz

Visiting Erskine Fellows – international experts in your lectures

Thanks to UC’s Erskine Programme, international experts will be joining select Science, Engineering and Business classes throughout 2025 to bring fresh ideas, global perspectives and real-world experience into your lectures.  

Established through a bequest from UC alum John Angus Erskine – a classmate of UC Legend Ernest Rutherford – this unique programme connects students with visiting lecturers from universities around the world.   

Each year, 90 Erskine Fellows share their expertise at UC, while 25 of our own academics travel abroad through the Erskine Grant to expand their knowledge and teaching approaches.   

What does this mean for you?  

  • Learn from world-class Science, Engineering, and Business academics.  
  • Get fresh insights and different teaching styles from experts in the field.  
  • Gain global perspectives that can shape your studies and career.  

This semester, we’re welcoming visiting lecturers from Australia, Canada, India, Japan, the UK, the US, and beyond. Some of them may be teaching in your courses, so make the most of this opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and experience new ways of learning!  

Check out UC News for more>