Pathseekers Programme

What is the Pathseekers Programme?

The Pathseekers Programme will be back in February 2027.

Pathseekers is an award-winning peer support programme where students can connect with each other and experienced volunteers. The Pathseekers Volunteers can help guide you on your path, advise you on support services, study tips, and on succeeding academically and socially at UC. Pathseekers exists in two forms: the first is 1:1 meetings and the other is a weekly Pathseekers Neurodivergent Study Café. There is more information on these formats in the sections below.

Pathseekers Study Café

Do you ever feel as though you just can’t get any study done unless someone is there with you? Do you struggle to clean your room unless your friend is sitting in the room? Do you want an opportunity to make friends and meet people?

Body doubling is where you have a buddy doing work alongside you to help you focus. They do not need to interact with you or be doing the same thing as you. They just need to be there to help you stay on task and doing the work you need to do. You may find this especially helpful if you are neurodivergent.

If you want to give body doubling a go, join the weekly Pathseekers Study Café! This is a 90 - minute body doubling study hall where you can get your study done in a friendly, supportive environment. This is accompanied by a social café which is an opportunity to enjoy free snacks and drinks while meeting fellow students and making friends. These sessions have been created with Neurodivergent students in mind but any UC student who feels they may benefit from it are welcome to attend. Just bring some study that you are needing to get done!

More information about what to expect, the time, date, and location will be available before the start of the Programme in Semester 1, 2027.

Pathseekers 1:1 Support

The Pathseekers Programme 1:1 is a peer support programme where knowledgeable students are catchup with students who are wanting support from a peer. Every student at UC is on a path to seek academic knowledge, self-development and skills that will improve their career prospects. The Pathseekers Programme 1:1 is for anyone who feels they would benefit from having a person to share part of this journey. Students who participate in the programme will have the opportunity to meet other students on a similar journey to learn and grow together. They can get advice on how to engage with UC support services, how to prepare for exams, how to communicate with academic staff and how to meet people on campus and make friends. Pathseekers will meet and discuss their paths 1:1 over a hot or cold non-alcoholic drink.

Information about how to book a 1:1 meeting will be made available before the start of the Programme in Semester 1, 2027.

Why should I join the Pathseekers Programme?

Students who want support from a peer, or be a Padawan to a Jedi.

  • Finally get some work done on that assignment/test study/exam prep/project/thesis;
  • Meet other students and make friends;
  • Have a go-to person who you can meet up with a few times during the semester;
  • Introduce you to ideas and approaches that the peers have found helpful;
  • Encourage you to value your strengths;
  • Build your self-esteem and confidence; and
  • Link you with other support services on campus that are helpful.

Volunteers who want to support a fellow student, or be the Jedi to a Padawan

  • Share your journey with someone who wants support;
  • Get a reference for applying for jobs after completing the year;
  • Gain experience helping people;
  • Work experience for your CV;
  • Receive training in helping and working with people;
  • Make friends and form connections; and
  • Volunteer in a supportive atmosphere.

How do I apply to be a volunteer?

We are looking for volunteers from any discipline who are second year or above if undergrad or if you are a postgrad have been a student at UC for at least one year. We welcome students from all backgrounds including internationals, students with disabilities, and those who belong to the rainbow community. Apply by emailing the following documents to pathseekers@ucsa.org.nz

  • Your CV
  • 200-500 words about why you would like to be a Pathseeker volunteer and what makes you a particularly good fit for the role.
  • A personal referee who is willing to write a statement on what you are like as a person. They need to be someone who is not a member of your family or a close friend. Ideally, they need to be someone of good standing in the community or a former employer who has known you for more than 6 months. They need to be able to talk about how you are as a person. The referee needs to email the reference directly to pathseekers@ucsa.org.nz.
  • Your internal transcript - You can access this by logging onto MyUC. This is so that we can get a wholistic view of your time as a student. There is no minimum GPA to apply.

Please also email pathseekers@ucsa.org.nz if you have any questions or want to know more.

Applications close Sunday the 18th of October at midnight.

Testimonials

 

"I was lucky enough to be a Pathseeker volunteer last year. This opportunity was unlike any other, it was a great learning experience and I really enjoyed all the connections I made with other students. Being able to support students was super rewarding".

-Makaia, Pathseeker volunteer 2024

"I enjoyed my experience with the Pathseekers program. It was incredibly rewarding to support students by providing insight into university life and witnessing their personal growth. The program helped me develop my skills in understanding people, communication, and creating a safe, supportive environment. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a meaningful initiative".

-Pathseeker volunteer 2024

"Pathseekers is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to gain experience in mentoring and leadership, but more importantly, to give back to the UC community. I was surprised about how much I had learned about university life and the amazing services UCSA offers over the years. It was an amazing feeling using this knowledge to help junior students navigating their early years of uni and get the most out of their uni degree".

-Finn, Pathseeker volunteer 2024

"Pathseekers helped me build my confidence and communication skills when meeting new people. Assisting first years or anyone needing help academically or their social life at uni is such a fulfilling experience, plus it looks good on the CV".

-Lucas, Pathseeker volunteer 2024