I NEED HELP

WHAT IS STUDENT SUPPORT?

 

The one thing you can say about student life is that you have a lot of people ready to help. There are a number of community-based organisations, wider networks and University support services all ready to help with very specific things as you need them. 

So, what makes the WSU Support and Advocacy team different?  

The first and perhaps the most important is that it doesn’t cost you anything. The second reason is we know what you are going through and we don’t say that in some cliché marketing way – instead the advocates we hire and train are usually either current students or recent graduates. We wanted to make sure that when you tell us your problems you don’t also need to explain to us where your faculty is or what the structure of your course is. 

Not only are we providing a free and confidential space for you but we are also the first ones to admit when we don’t know something. Our job isn’t always to solve your problem but to make sure that you have all the options in front of you and someone standing beside you if you need it. If we aren’t the right person to get you the information you need then we will work relentlessly to put you in touch with someone who is, and then follow up with you to ensure you got the answers you were looking for.

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WHAT IS STUDENT VOICE?


Elected by the majority in each paper, class reps provide feedback and facilitate communication between students and the lecturers. 

A class rep will regularly communicate with their classmates throughout their role. It is important that they gather feedback on how the class is progressing and deliver feedback to their lecturer or convener. 

Some class reps will be expected to attend meetings in their division or school. We provide training in the third and fourth week of each trimester to ensure class reps understand the scope of their responsibilities and how to facilitate feedback from their classmates. 

To learn more about being a class rep check out our resources section.

Grants and Support Services

Kai Cupboard

If you are a student struggling to afford food due to unforeseen circumstances, we are able to assist you. The support team can provide you with a few days worth of food and household items from our kai cupboard. Our kai cupboard packages do not replace the more comprehensive parcels that our support team can give out as part of hardship assistance. The purpose of the Kai packs is to assist with essential short-term assistance. Use the link below to access our google form where you can request these items, which we will prepare for you to pick up from the WSU office within 1-2 working days.

Hardship

Sometimes as cliche, as it sounds, the hardest thing to do is to ask for help. Even when it seems like student life is going well, something can change it, and you get caught in a situation you can’t quickly get out of. The WSU is here to offer both financial and non-financial support. 

Caught Short

The WSU is working to supply the University with tampons and pads in more locations across campus. However, if you are caught short and in need of help, then come and see us at the SUB. We also sell Wā cups for $10. Feel free to ask to speak to a female staff member if you are more comfortable.

Good Neighbour (Tauranga)

Our friends at good neighbour have a weekly food delivery established every Tuesday. feel free to come and take what you need.

Scholarships

John Houston Memorial Scholarship

For students who are enrolled part- or full-time in their 2nd or subsequent year and have completed at least 120-points of study at Waikato and can demonstrate outstanding academic diligence and contribution to the student, culture and sporting life of the University

First in Family Scholarship

For students who are enrolled full-time in their final year of study towards an undergraduate degree at the University of Waikato and are the first family member of their immediate family to attend a New Zealand University. Up to three awards $1,000 each.

Cultural Contribution

For students who are enrolled part- or full-time in an undergraduate degree at the University of Waikato and have completed at least 120-points of study at Waikato and can demonstrate outstanding cultural contribution to the University of Waikato.

Sole Caregiver Award

For students who are enrolled part- or full-time at the University of Waikato and are the sole primary caregiver in their family. Students must also have completed at least one year of study (120-points) at the University of Waikato. Up to three Awards of $1,000 each.

NEED HELP?

The entire reason the WSU exists is to help our Tauira. Whether it is advice about your class schedule, how to be a good class rep, or needing help to pay your bills or repair your laptop our Student Support team can help.

“It’s not always easy being a student”.

That’s why we made supporting students one of the core principles of why we exist. We’re a free and confidential service helping with issues students might face, such as academic issues, hardship and budgeting, Study Link and tenancy.

“The general rule is that we will help with just about anything we can so nothing is off-limits”.

EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS

MEET THE TEAM

Sterling Magele-Fatumaka

STUDENT SUPPORT AND VOICE MANAGER

Sage Avery

STUDENT SUPPORT

Sara Ahmed

STUDENT SUPPORT