Our Student Support and Advocacy team exist just to help. We can help with pretty much everything. There is nothing too small (or too big!) Our help ranges from academic issues to legal issues, and just about anything in between. If you are ever unsure about an issue or situation you are going through, contact us by either coming into the SUB building where you can make an appointment to see an advocate, or email support@wsu.org.nz.
The Advocacy service is free and confidential. You can talk to us about anything, including if it is to do with any staff, students, or incidents on Campus. We are here for you – the students – and we are not employed by the University.
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.
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.
The biggest reason the WSU exists is to provide a social and financial safety net for our tauira.
The increasing pressure on students from studies, relationships, cost of living, tenancy, and so much more make our support and advocacy services more important than ever.
The biggest reason for this is that we actually understand what it is like to struggle to pay your rent, or have something unexpected come up. We get that sometimes you disagree with a lecturer, or that you need help to be a class rep.
Most of the answers and resources are in our “I need help” section but Tauranga students deserve their own support people so we have been working with our staff over there to be your first contact. They will be the ones who can help, who will listen and who will ensure your voice is heard throughout the process even bringing over dedicated people and resources from Hamilton as required.
If you need support or advice in Tauranga you can email TGASupport@wsu.org.nz or fill out the form.
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.
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.
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.
Our friends at good neighbour have a weekly food delivery established every Tuesday. feel free to come and take what you need.
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
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.
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.
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.
Get in touch with us through the form below or email support@wsu.org.nz
Link to form: https://forms.office.com/r/fPEHWUcUxr
©Waikato Students' Union All Rights Reserved 2023
