The University of Otago is a leading institution in a world of research. From the outstanding quality of its academic staff, to its dedicated professional staff, the University is more than a workplace; it is a place of growth and development. Our culture is defined by our shared values, goals, attitudes and practices. In short, it’s how we do things here.
Staff Values
Here at Otago, we share four core values which were created to shape the culture of our workplace.
These are:
- Manaakitaka – respect
- Pono – Integrity
- Māhirahira – Curiosity
- Whakawhanaukataka – Community
University Structure
The University is made up of four academic divisions and a number of administrative and service divisions. The four academic divisions are Humanities, Business (Commerce), Sciences and Health Sciences (note: the academic divisions are not the same as the ‘Academic Division’ which includes units such as the Higher Education Development Centre and the Library). To see the overall structure of the University, and a list of each Divisional structure, see:
University’s Organisational Structure
For a list of Heads of Departments (HODs), please look here.
University Governance
The governing body of the University is the University Council. It consists of both appointed and elected members, and is headed by the Chancellor. It seeks the advice of Senate on matters of academic policy.
Find out more about University governance here.
Māori ki Ōtākou
The Office of Māori Development provide leadership to both academic and service divisions and to create opportunities for information sharing.
The university of Otago is committed to iwi aspirations and Māori development which is articulated in the Māori Strategic Framework.
The University offers a selection of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori courses free of charge for staff. For the full selection of courses, you should talk to your manager.
Māori Centre Te Huka Mātauraka
The Māori Centre provides encouragement with academic, cultural and social support to students of iwi descent to help them succeed at Otago. You can contact them at maori-centre@otago.ac.nz.
Pacific at Otago
The University of Otago is strongly committed to Pacific student achievement and meeting the needs of Pacific Peoples as demonstrated in the Pacific Strategic Framework.
Contact the Pacific Development Office for more information.
Pacific Islands Centre
The Pacific Islands Centre provides academic support to all Pacific students. It offers assistance and cultural advice to university staff and students dealing with Pacific issues or research.
Policy Library
All policies can be found in the policy library. You should contact your hiring manager to discuss any relevant policies for your role and work area.
All staff should be aware of these policies:
Official Documents
Our vision statement: A research-led University with an international reputation for excellence.
He Whare Wānanga aronui ana ki te rangahau, e rongonui ana i ngā tōpito o te ao i āna tutukinga ikeike.
Among our key documents are the memorandum of understanding with Ngāi Tahu, strategic frameworks, Vision 2040, and the Dunedin Campus 25-year plan.
Find our official documents here.
Publications (online and in print)
The Otago Bulletin provides community news for staff and postgraduate students. Find all the news, personalities, research and notices that matter to Otago’s internal audiences.
You can find out more about University of Otago news, including our newsroom and magazine, through our Communications Office.
Staff Awards
The University of Otago Awards for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff have been instituted as a means of recognising and rewarding members of the professional staff who have made an outstanding contribution to the University of Otago.
Key contact: hrtraining@otago.ac.nz
Diversity Works NZ
The University of Otago is a member of Diversity Works NZ (formerly the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust).
Net Carbon Zero 2030
Climate change is a real threat to humanity. Together, we must all play a part in changing the world and making it a better place for future generations to come. The University of Otago is committed to reaching reducing all Green House Gas emissions and/or offsetting what has not been eliminated.
Learn more about Sustainability at Otago.
Key contact: netcarbonzero@otago.ac.nz
University Jargon
Every organisation has its own language – whether its terminology, expressions or just a mountain of acronyms. It can feel overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be throwing around BUGS and BOGS with the best of them!
First, let’s start with terms and abbreviations. Our University of Otago Terminology page lists terms used frequently within the University; it’s extensive but you will become familiar with them quickly.
And secondly, no one loves an acronym more than a university. You’ll find our most commonly used acronyms in our acronym finder.