Editing University of Otago

{{Short description|Public university in New Zealand}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|Scarfie|Scarfe (disambiguation){{!}}Scarfe|Scarfies{{!}}Scarfies (film)}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = University of Otago
 | native_name            = {{Native name | mi | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka}}
 | native_name_lang       = mri
 | image_name             = Arms of the University of Otago.svg
 | image_size             = 
 | caption                = [[#Coat of arms|Coat of arms]]
 | latin_name             = Universitas Otagensis<ref>{{Cite book |last=Anderson |first=Peter John |author-link=Peter John Anderson |title=Record of the Celebration of the Quatercentenary of the University of Aberdeen: From 25th to 28th September, 1906 |date=1907 |publisher=Aberdeen University Press ([[University of Aberdeen]]) |isbn=9781363625079 |publication-place=[[Aberdeen]], [[United Kingdom]] |language=en-GB |asin=B001PK7B5G}}</ref>
 | other_name             = Otago University
 | motto                  = Sapere aude
 | motto_lang             = la
 | mottoeng               = Dare to be wise
 | established            = {{Start date and age|1869}}
 | type                   = [[public university|Public]] [[Research university|research]] [[collegiate university]]
 | endowment              = [[New Zealand Dollar|NZD]] $279.9 million (31 December 2021)<ref name="Otago Foundation Trust Report 2021">{{cite web |url= https://www.otago.ac.nz/alumni/otago228815.pdf |access-date= 1 December 2022|title=University of Otago Foundation Trust Annual Report 2021}}</ref>
 | budget                 = NZD $756.8 million (31 December 2020)<ref name="Otago Annual Report 2020">{{cite web|url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/otago828400.pdf|title=University of Otago Annual Report 2020|access-date=28 July 2021|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728054349/https://www.otago.ac.nz/otago828400.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
 | chancellor             = Trish Oakley
 | vice_chancellor        = [[Grant Robertson]]<ref name="Vice-Chancellor's office">{{cite web |title=Vice-Chancellor's office |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/council/committees/committees/slt/our-people |website=University of Otago |access-date=2 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
 | administrative_staff   = 2,246 (2019)<ref name="quickstats">{{cite web |url= http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#staff |title= Quick Statistics about the University of Otago |access-date= 23 October 2007 |archive-date= 9 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130209203943/http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#staff |url-status= live }}</ref>
 | academic_staff         = 1,744 (2019)<ref name="quickstats" />
 | students               = 21,240 (2019)<ref name="quickstats" />
 | undergrad              = 15,635 (2014)<ref name="quickstats" />
 | postgrad               = 4,378 (2014)<ref name="quickstats" />
 | doctoral               = 1,579 (2019)<ref name="quickstats" />
 | other                  = 
 | city                   = [[Dunedin]]
 | province               = [[Otago]]
 | country                = New Zealand (Māori: ''Ōtepoti, Ōtākou, Aotearoa'')
 | coor                   = {{Coord|45|51|56|S|170|30|50|E|region:NZ-OTA_type:edu|display=inline,title}}
 | campus                 = [[Urban area|Urban]]/[[College Town|University town]] <br /> {{convert|45|ha|acre|abbr=off}}
 | colours                = Dunedin Blue and Gold <br /> {{color box|#00508F}} {{color box|#f9c013}}
 | free_label             = Student Magazine
 | free                   = [[Critic (magazine)|''Critic'']]
 | affiliations           = [[Matariki Network of Universities|MNU]]
 | website                = [https://www.otago.ac.nz/ https://www.otago.ac.nz]
 | logo                   = University of Otago logo 2024.svg
}}

The '''University of Otago''' ({{langx|mi|Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tuakiritaka.otago.ac.nz/|title=Tō Tātou Tuakiritaka {{!}} Pride in our identity|publisher=University of Otago|date=1 May 2024}}</ref>) is a [[public university|public]] [[research university|research]] [[collegiate university]] based in [[Dunedin]], [[Otago]], New Zealand. Founded in 1869, Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and one of the oldest universities in [[Oceania]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://myglobaluni.com/university/university-of-otago | title=Study at University of Otago, New Zealand &#124; myglobaluni }}</ref>

The university was created by a committee led by [[Thomas Burns (minister, born 1796)|Thomas Burns]],<ref name=PenguinHistoryKing>{{cite book|title=Penguin History of New Zealand|last=King|first=Michael|page=209|isbn=0-14-301867-1|year=2003|publisher=Penguin Books }}</ref> and officially established by an ordinance of the [[Otago Provincial Council]] in 1869.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our History|url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/history/|website=www.otago.ac.nz|publisher=University of Otago|access-date=6 September 2016|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204161136/https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 1874 and 1961 the University of Otago was a part of the federal [[University of New Zealand]], and issued degrees in its name.<ref>{{Cite web |title=University of Otago, New Zealand |url=https://www.smc.edu/student-support/academic-support/transfer-center/articulation-agreements/international-schools/University-of-Otago.php |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=www.smc.edu |language=en}}</ref>

Otago is known for its vibrant student life, particularly its [[flatting]], which is often in old houses. Otago students have a long-standing tradition of naming their flats.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/discovering-stories-behind-flat-names|title=Discovering stories behind flat names|date=3 March 2014|first=Jonathan|last=Chilton-Towle|work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |access-date=19 August 2016|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226183347/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/discovering-stories-behind-flat-names|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dunedinflatnames.co.nz/about|title=Dunedin Flat Names Project|last=Gallagher|first=Sarah|date=2013|access-date=18 October 2021|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217231542/https://dunedinflatnames.co.nz/about/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Gallagher |first1=Sarah |last2=Chapman |first2=Ian |title=Scarfie Flats of Dunedin|date=2019 |publisher=Imagination Press |location=Auckland |isbn=9780995110441}}</ref> The nickname for Otago students, "Scarfie," comes from the habit of wearing a [[scarf]] during the cold southern winters.<ref name=TeAra_Scarfie_Flats>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/otago-places/7/2|title=Scarfie Flats|last=Secker, Nathan|encyclopedia=Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand|access-date=10 October 2012|archive-date=18 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218135702/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/otago-places/7/2|url-status=live}}</ref> The nickname "Scarfie" has morphed into the nickname "Breather" in recent years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where Did the Word "Breather" Come From? |url=http://www.critic.co.nz/culture/article/9139/where-did-the-word-breather-come-from |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Critic – Te Ārohi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Oscar |date=2021-03-16 |title=Once students were scarfies, now they're… 'breathers'? |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/16-03-2021/once-students-were-scarfies-now-theyre-breathers |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=[[The Spinoff]] |language=en}}</ref> The university's graduation song, ''Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus'' ("Let us rejoice, while we are young"), acknowledges students will continue to live up to the challenge, if not always in the way intended. The university's student magazine, ''[[Critic (magazine)|Critic]]'', is New Zealand's longest running student magazine.

==History==
[[File:University of Otago.jpg|thumb|The [[University of Otago Registry Building|Registry Building]] (Clocktower Building), looking east.]]
[[File:Clocktower Aurora at Midnight 3.jpg|thumb|222x222px|In the early hours of 2 January 2025, from about 1–3 am, the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) lit up the sky above the iconic Clocktower Building at University of Otago.]]
[[File:University of Otago in Dunedin, NZ.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of the Dunedin campus. The [[Water of Leith (New Zealand)|Water of Leith]] runs through in the centre.]]
[[File:University of Otago grounds in winter.jpg|thumb|Dunedin campus in winter]]
[[File:Aerial shot over the University of Otago 2024.jpg|thumb|218x218px|Aerial shot over the University of Otago, Dunedin. 2024]]
[[File:Logo of the University of Otago.svg|thumb|right|Logo of the University of Otago used until 2024]]

===19th century===
The [[Otago Association]]'s plan for the European settlement of southern New Zealand, conceived under the principles of [[Edward Gibbon Wakefield]] in the 1840s, envisaged a university.

Dunedin leaders [[Thomas Burns (minister, born 1796)|Thomas Burns]] and [[James Macandrew]] urged the [[Otago Provincial Council]] during the 1860s to set aside a land endowment for an institute of [[higher education]].<ref name=TeAra_Burns>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/B/BurnsThomas/BurnsThomas/en|title=Burns, Thomas|last=McLintock |first=Alexander
|year=1966|encyclopedia=[[Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]]|access-date=20 September 2008|archive-date=14 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314015658/http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/B/BurnsThomas/BurnsThomas/en|url-status=live}}</ref> An ordinance of the council established the university in 1869, giving it {{convert|100000|acre|km2}} of land and the power to grant degrees in Arts, Medicine, Law and Music.<ref name=UoO_History>{{cite web|url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/history.html|title=History of the University of Otago|publisher=University of Otago|access-date=20 September 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080411080217/http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/history.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 11 April 2008}}</ref> Burns was named Chancellor but he did not live to see the university open on 5 July 1871.<ref name=PenguinHistoryKing/><ref name=TeAra_Burns/>

The university conferred just one degree, to [[Alexander Watt Williamson]], before becoming an affiliated college of the federal [[University of New Zealand]] in 1874. With the dissolution of the University of New Zealand in 1961 and the passage of the University of Otago Amendment Act 1961, the university resumed its power to confer degrees.<ref name=UoO_History/>

Originally operating from [[William Mason (architect)|William Mason]]'s Post Office building on [[Princes Street, Dunedin|Princes Street]], it relocated to [[Maxwell Bury]]'s [[University of Otago Registry Building|Clocktower]] and Geology buildings in 1878 and 1879.<ref name=UoO_History/> This evolved into the [[University of Otago Clocktower complex|Clocktower complex]], a striking group of [[Gothic revival]] buildings at the heart of the campus. These buildings were inspired by the then-new main building at the [[University of Glasgow]] in Scotland.

Otago was the first university in Australasia to permit women to take a law degree.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/ethel-rebecca-benjamin|title=Ethel Rebecca Benjamin|publisher=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage|access-date=20 September 2008|archive-date=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811151546/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/ethel-rebecca-benjamin|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ethel Benjamin]] graduated LLB in 1897. Later that year she became the first woman in the [[British Empire]] to appear as counsel in court.<ref name=MayhewAddress>{{cite web|last=Mayhew|first=Judith|title=5th Annual Ethel Benjamin Commemorative Address|date=4 September 2001|url=http://lawyers.org.nz/wcg/files/Ethel%20Benjamin%20Address231001.htm|work=[[New Zealand Law Society]]|access-date=1 October 2007|archive-date=8 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208120947/http://lawyers.org.nz/wcg/files/Ethel%20Benjamin%20Address231001.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===20th century===
The University of Otago helped train medical personnel as part of the Otago University Medical Corps. They supplied or trained most of the [[New Zealand Army]]'s doctors and dentists during the [[World War I|First World War]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YGe4uAAACAAJ|title=The Territorials: The History of the Territorial and Volunteer Forces of New Zealand|last1=Cooke|first1=Peter D. F.|last2=Crawford|first2=John A. B.|date=2011|publisher=Random House|isbn=978-1-86979-446-0|pages=136–138|language=en|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306103538/https://books.google.com/books?id=YGe4uAAACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>

Professor [[Robert Jack (physicist)|Robert Jack]] made the first radio broadcast in New Zealand from the physics department on 17 November 1921.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/21143/dashing-heroes-a-harbour-crossing|title=Dashing heroes of a harbour crossing|date=6 September 2008|work=[[Otago Daily Times]]|access-date=20 September 2008|archive-date=17 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917183544/http://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/21143/dashing-heroes-a-harbour-crossing|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Queen Elizabeth II]] visited the university library with the [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke of Edinburgh]] on 18 March 1970. This was the first time the royals completed informal "walkabouts" to meet the public, and it was the first visit of [[Prince Charles]] (then 21 years old) and [[Princess Anne]] (19 years) to this country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://otago150years.wordpress.com/category/mystery-photographs/|title=mystery photographs – University of Otago 1869–2019|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202060647/https://otago150years.wordpress.com/category/mystery-photographs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===21st century===
In May 2010 the university joined the [[Matariki Network of Universities]] (MNU) together with [[Dartmouth College]] (US), [[Durham University]] (UK), [[Queen's University at Kingston|Queen's University]] (Canada), [[University of Tübingen]] (Germany), [[University of Western Australia]] (Australia) and [[Uppsala University]] (Sweden).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.matarikinetwork.com/members.html|title=Welcome to the Matariki Network of Universities|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=7 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207111119/http://www.matarikinetwork.com/members.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Beginning in 2015 university Vice-Chancellor Harlene Hayne and Pro-Vice-Chancellor [[Tony Ballantyne (historian)|Tony Ballantyne]] implemented cuts in academic and support staff which generated enduring controversy. In this context ''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'' characterised the university's 'climate' as one of top-down 'suppression and fear' for its employees. The  ''[[Otago Daily Times]]'' reported on 'demoralised teachers and researchers' who were 'locked in pain and anger at what their institution had become' and later opined that 'the university desperately needs a reset'.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-09 |title=Otago University's culture of control |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/otago-university-a-climate-of-suppression-and-fear-of-repercussions/5OGS7PGG4R2DHFHC66JBDRT3DY/ |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-06 |title=University reset required |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/university-reset-required |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Margot |date=2016-08-25 |title=400 protest humanities cuts |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/campus/university-of-otago/400-protest-humanities-cuts |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Elder |first=Vaughan |date=2017-02-22 |title=Vice-chancellor accused of intimidation |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/campus/university-of-otago/vice-chancellor-accused-intimidation |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-18 |title=Opinion: Toxic atmosphere at Otago Uni risks becoming 'chronic' |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion-toxic-atmosphere-otago-uni-risks-becoming-chronic |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-11 |title=The university's blues |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/university%E2%80%99s-blues |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2020 the University of Otago announced that Hayne would be leaving the university and that Ballantyne would be given a new role, namely, leading the Division of External Engagement to attend to alumni relations and liaising with secondary schools, among other matters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-08 |title=Harlene Hayne to leave University of Otago |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/university-of-otago/harlene-hayne-leave-university-otago |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=MacLean |first=Hamish |date=2020-10-14 |title=Ballantyne chosen for leading uni role |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/campus/university-of-otago/ballantyne-chosen-leading-uni-role |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2020, eight graduation ceremonies scheduled for that month were disrupted following threats to carry out a firearms and explosives attack on students attending graduation ceremonies scheduled for 7 and 8 December. On 18 December, a 22-year-old woman appeared in the Auckland District Court on charges of threatening harm to people or property. Court documents have described the threat as being of a "magnitude surpassing the [[Christchurch mosque shootings|15 March Christchurch mosque massacres]]."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hudson |first1=Daisy |title=University grad threats: Accused wanted to surpass mosque attacks – police |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/university-grad-threats-accused-wanted-surpass-mosque-attacks-police |access-date=20 December 2020 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=18 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218080944/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/university-grad-threats-accused-wanted-surpass-mosque-attacks-police |archive-date=18 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McNeilly |first1=Hamish |title=Otago uni graduation threat 'surpassed magnitude' of Christchurch terror attack |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/123751610/otago-uni-graduation-threat-surpassed-magnitude-of-christchurch-terror-attack |access-date=20 December 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=18 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218175818/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/123751610/otago-uni-graduation-threat-surpassed-magnitude-of-christchurch-terror-attack |archive-date=18 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 July 2021, the woman, who has interim name suppression, admitted to threatening to carry out a firearms and explosives attack against Otago students. Her lawyer applied for a discharge without conviction.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grey |first1=Edward |title=Woman admits explosives and firearms threat to Otago University graduation ceremony |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300356918/woman-admits-explosives-and-firearms-threat-to-otago-university-graduation-ceremony |access-date=16 July 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=14 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714165421/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300356918/woman-admits-explosives-and-firearms-threat-to-otago-university-graduation-ceremony |archive-date=14 July 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 May 2022, the woman was sentenced to five months community detention and nine months intensive supervision. According to the University Chancellor, the bomb threat and subsequent cancellation of eight graduation ceremonies caused the University NZ$1.3 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Otago Uni bomb threat: Woman sent hoax to hide failure from parents |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466985/otago-uni-bomb-threat-woman-sent-hoax-to-hide-failure-from-parents |access-date=21 May 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=12 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614230818/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466985/otago-uni-bomb-threat-woman-sent-hoax-to-hide-failure-from-parents |archive-date=14 June 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

In mid-April 2023, Otago University reported that it was facing a NZ$60 million deficit due to declining student enrollments and a shortfall in government funding. In response, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor [[Helen Nicholson (medical academic)|Helen Nicholson]] stated that the university was considering laying off several hundred staff members including academics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kenny |first1=Lee |last2=McNeilly |first2=Hamish |title=Several hundred jobs to go at University of Otago as student numbers plunge |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/131827615/several-hundred-jobs-to-go-at-university-of-otago-as-student-numbers-plunge |access-date=29 May 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515112515/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/131827615/several-hundred-jobs-to-go-at-university-of-otago-as-student-numbers-plunge|archive-date=15 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-07 |title=A bright future tipped for the university |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/bright-future-tipped-university |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Otago Daily Times]] |language=en}}</ref> This marked the first time since its founding in 1878 that the university has faced a major debt crisis. According to the ''[[Otago Daily Times]]'', the university had only started borrowing in mid-December 2022, incurring a year-end debt of NZ$30 million. While the university was able to come out of debt in January 2023 following a regular injection of government funding, the university subsequently incurred more debt in 2023 due to its capital programme of refurbishing existing buildings and building new buildings.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Mary |title=Looming uni debt plight 'considerable' |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/looming-uni-debt-plight-%E2%80%98considerable%E2%80%99 |access-date=29 May 2023 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=27 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527010921/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/looming-uni-debt-plight-%E2%80%98considerable%E2%80%99|archive-date=27 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, students staged a protest against the proposed cuts. [[Otago University Students Association]] president Quintin Jane also called on [[Minister of Education (New Zealand)|Education Minister]] [[Jan Tinetti]] to increase funding for universities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiliams |first1=Mary |title='Frustrated' students march against cuts |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/%E2%80%98frustrated%E2%80%99-students-march-against-cuts |access-date=29 May 2023 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=10 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525130813/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/%E2%80%98frustrated%E2%80%99-students-march-against-cuts|archive-date=25 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In late May 2023, the ''[[Otago Daily Times]]'' reported that the university had declined to inform staff of its NZ$60 million budget shortfall in November 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Mary |title=Investigation: Uni budget gap deliberately omitted |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/investigation-uni-budget-gap-deliberately-omitted |access-date=29 May 2023 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=25 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525044445/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/investigation-uni-budget-gap-deliberately-omitted|archive-date=25 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In late June 2023, the Government announced a NZ$128 million funding injection for degree-level and postgraduate programmes for New Zealand universities and other tertiary institutions. In response, acting Vice-Chancellor Nicholson stated that the university would still proceed with job cuts since the funding would only come into effect from 2024 onwards.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gerritsen |first1=John |title=Big job losses at Victoria and Otago universities to go ahead despite more government funding |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/492739/big-job-losses-at-victoria-and-otago-universities-to-go-ahead-despite-more-government-funding |access-date=28 June 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627091632/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/492739/big-job-losses-at-victoria-and-otago-universities-to-go-ahead-despite-more-government-funding |archive-date=27 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2024, [[Grant Robertson]] was designated as the next Vice-Chancellor, commencing July 2024.<ref name=VCnotnewface>{{Cite web |last=Littlewood |first=Matthew |date=20 March 2024 |title=Vice-chancellor won't be only new face |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/vice-chancellor-won%E2%80%99t-be-only-new-face |access-date=28 March 2024 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404072631/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/vice-chancellor-won%E2%80%99t-be-only-new-face|archive-date=4 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> This announcement was accompanied by a 'major' 'almost wholesale' replacement of the university leadership.<ref name=VCnotnewface/> While University Chancellor Stephen Higgs and the university council supported Robertson's appointment, there was mixed reception from donors. While some were supportive, several objected to appointing a former politician due to his non-academic background and record as Finance Minister. Several alumni also withheld donations and funding to Otago University following Robertson's appointment.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNeilly |first1=Hamish |title='Shame on you': Emails show not everyone happy with Grant Robertson's appointment to Otago Uni's top job |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350251587/shame-you-emails-show-not-everyone-happy-grant-robertsons-appointment-otago-unis |access-date=24 April 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=22 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422042455/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350251587/shame-you-emails-show-not-everyone-happy-grant-robertsons-appointment-otago-unis |archive-date=22 April 2024}}</ref> In mid May 2024, the ''[[Otago Daily Times]]'' reported that donations to the University's Foundation Trust had declined from NZ$12.25 million in 2022 to NZ$7.09m in 2023. University development and alumni relations office director Shelagh Murray attributed the decline in donor funding to the ongoing impact of [[Covid-19]], the economic recession and the cost-of-living crisis on individuals and businesses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Littlewood |first1=Matthew |title=Otago Uni trust donations plummet |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/drop-funds-no-surprise-university |access-date=19 May 2024 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516232304/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/drop-funds-no-surprise-university |archive-date=16 May 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

==Campuses and facilities==
{{Wide image|Dunedin Panorama.jpg|1200px|180° view of Dunedin shot from the hills on the west. The University can be seen in front of the large hill to the left.}}

=== Campuses ===
The University of Otago's main campus is in Dunedin, which hosts the Central Administration as well as its Health Sciences, Humanities, Business School, and Sciences divisions.<ref name="Campuses and maps"/> The architectural grandeur and accompanying gardens of the main campus in Dunedin led to its being ranked as one of the world's most beautiful university campuses by the British newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' and American online news website ''[[The Huffington Post]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/education-and-family/beautiful-universities-around-the-world/otago-university-in-new-zealand/|title=Otago University in New Zealand – Beautiful universities around the world|work=The Daily Telegraph (UK)|date=16 August 2012|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311131554/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/education-and-family/beautiful-universities-around-the-world/otago-university-in-new-zealand/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/11/worlds-most-beautiful-universities_n_3578402.html#slide=2682402|title=World's most beautiful universities|work=[[Huffington Post]] (UK)|date=2012|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-date=3 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403200227/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/11/worlds-most-beautiful-universities_n_3578402.html#slide=2682402|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, the university has four satellite campuses in [[Auckland]], [[Wellington]], [[Christchurch]], and [[Invercargill]].<ref name="Campuses and maps">{{cite web |title=University of Otago campuses and maps |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/campuses.html |publisher=University of Otago |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331094145/https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/campuses.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

#[[File:Clocktower, University of Otago, Dunedin 2024.jpg|thumb|402x402px|Clocktower, University of Otago, Dunedin 2024]]The [[University of Otago, Christchurch|Christchurch campus]] is based at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Science. It also provides medical and physiotherapy clinical training programs, research, distance education, and postgraduate programs.<ref name="Campuses and maps" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Murdoch |first1=David |title=About the University of Otago, Christchurch |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/about/index.html |publisher=University of Otago, Christchurch |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331162753/https://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/about/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
#The [[University of Otago, Wellington|Wellington campus]] is based at the Wellington School of Medicine and Health Science. It also provides medical and physiotherapy clinical training programs, research, distance education, and postgraduate programs.<ref name="Campuses and maps" /><ref>{{cite web |title=About the University of Otago, Wellington |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/about/index.html |publisher=University of Otago |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331182712/https://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/about/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
#The Auckland campus is based at the Auckland Centre on Queen. The Auckland Centre provides various teaching and distance learning courses and serves as a liaison with the wider Auckland community and alumni.<ref>{{cite web |title=Auckland Centre Home |date=7 June 2017 |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/auckland-centre/index.html |publisher=University of Otago Auckland Centre |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331162747/https://www.otago.ac.nz/auckland-centre/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
#The Southland Campus (''Ahuahu Te Mātauranga'') is a branch of the [[University of Otago College of Education]]. The campus provides a range of early childhood, primary, primary bilingual, and secondary teacher education programs.<ref name="Campuses and maps" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Campuses of the College of Education |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/education/about/otago022565.html |publisher=University of Otago |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331182715/https://www.otago.ac.nz/education/about/otago022565.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
#The University of Otago's Department of Marine Science also operates the [[Portobello Marine Laboratory]] in the [[Otago peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Portobello Marine Laboratory Facilities |date=8 May 2018 |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/about/facilities/otago045221.html |publisher=University of Otago |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331162750/https://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/about/facilities/otago045221.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Libraries ===
[[File:University of Otago New Library (inside).jpg|thumb|Interior of the Central Library]]
The University of Otago has nine libraries: six based in Dunedin on the main university campus, the education library in Southland, plus two medical libraries in Wellington and Christchurch.<ref name="Library locations">{{cite web |url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/library/locations/ |title=Library Locations |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=University of Otago website |access-date=25 September 2013 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308145926/https://www.otago.ac.nz/library/locations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> All libraries have wireless access.<ref name="About the Library">{{cite web |url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/library/about/ |title=About the University of Otago Library |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=University of Otago website |access-date=25 September 2013 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308145956/https://www.otago.ac.nz/library/about/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Central Library ====
The Central Library is part of the Information Services Building and has over 2000 study spaces, 130 computer terminals, and laptop connections at 500 desks. It has Te Aka a Tāwhaki, a collection of Māori resources,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/library/hocken/otago085632.html |title=Māori services |publisher=University of Otago Library |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093353/https://www.otago.ac.nz/library/hocken/otago085632.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Special Collections consisting of about 9,000 books printed before 1801. In total, the Central Library has over 800,000 print and electronic materials relating to the arts and humanities, commerce, education, physical education, social sciences, and technology.<ref name="University Tour">Marketing and Communications, ''University Tour: A Visitor's Guide to the University of Otago,'' (Dunedin: University of Otago, 2011)</ref> It was designed by the American architecture firm [[Hugh Hardy|Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer]] and opened in 2001, replacing what was previously a 1960s-era modernist building.

==== Robert Stout Law Library ====
The [[Robert Stout Law Library]] is the university's law library and is based in the Richardson Building.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/law/undergraduate/library/ |title=Law Library, Faculty of Law, University of Otago |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=University of Otago website |access-date=25 September 2013 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217164431/https://www.otago.ac.nz/law/undergraduate/library/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Health Sciences Library ====
The Health Sciences Library<ref name="Library locations" /> is in the Sayers Building, opposite the main entrance to [[Dunedin Hospital]]. The Health Sciences Library book collection only includes the last 10 years of content, but does have over 150,000 volumes, the vast majority of which are in storage. There is seating for over 400.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

==== Science Library ====
The Science Library<ref name="Library locations" /> is at the north end of the campus in the Science III building, with seating for approximately 500.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

==== Hocken Collections ====
The [[Hocken Collections]] is a research library, archive, and art gallery of national significance which is administered by the University of Otago. The library's specialist areas include items relating to the history of New Zealand and the Pacific, with specific emphasis on the [[Otago]] and [[Southland, New Zealand|Southland]] regions. The Hocken Collections was established in 1910 when Dunedin philanthropist [[Thomas Hocken]] donated his entire private collection to the University of Otago. It currently houses over 8,000 linear metres of archives and manuscripts. It is currently situated at the site of the former Otago Co-operative Dairy Company factory on Anzac Avenue, east of the main campus.<ref name="University Tour" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/library/hocken/index.html |title=Hocken Collections, University of Otago |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=University of Otago website |access-date=25 September 2013 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308145942/https://www.otago.ac.nz/library/hocken/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Robertson Library ====
The [[Robertson Library]] is the university's education library and is jointly run by the University of Otago's [[University of Otago College of Education|College of Education]] and [[Otago Polytechnic]], which is also located near the university's Dunedin campus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/library/robertson/ |title=The Robertson Library, Dunedin |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=University of Otago website |access-date=25 September 2013 |archive-date=29 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729024306/http://www.otago.ac.nz/library/robertson/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Other libraries ====
The Wellington Medical and Health Sciences Library and the Canterbury Medical Library provide services to University of Otago students and staff, and the staff of the local District Health Boards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wellington Medical and Health Sciences Library |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/library/ |publisher=University of Otago Wellington |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331071402/https://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/library/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Canterbury Medical Library |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/library/ |publisher=University of Otago Canterbury |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401063952/https://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/library/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The university's Southland Campus also has a library.<ref name="Library locations" />

==Organisation and administration==
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2023}}

=== Organisation ===
[[File:Otago University Medical School.jpg|thumb|The Lindo Ferguson Building, home to the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology]]
[[File:Polaris II University of Otago.jpg|thumb|The university's research vessel Polaris II entering [[Otago Harbour]]]]
The university is divided into four academic divisions:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/departments |title=Departments and schools |website=University of Otago |access-date=2024-09-09 |quote=Academic departments and schools at the University of Otago are divided into four academic divisions.}}</ref>
* Division of Humanities
* Division of Health Sciences
* Division of Sciences
* [[Otago Business School]] (Division of Commerce)
For external and marketing purposes, the Division of Commerce is known as the Otago Business School, as that is the term commonly used for its equivalent in North America.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} Historically, there were a number of schools and faculties, which have now been grouped with stand alone departments to form these divisions.

In addition to the usual university disciplines, the [[University of Otago Medical School]] (founded 1875) is one of only two medical schools in New Zealand (with component schools in [[Dunedin School of Medicine|Dunedin]], [[University of Otago, Christchurch|Christchurch]] and [[University of Otago, Wellington|Wellington]]); and Otago is the only university in the country to offer training in Dentistry. Other professional schools and faculties not found in all New Zealand universities include Pharmacy, Physical Education, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, and Surveying. It was also home to the School of Mines, until this was transferred to the [[University of Auckland]] in 1987. Theology is also offered, traditionally in conjunction with the [[Knox College, Otago|School of Ministry, Knox College]], and [[Holy Cross College (New Zealand)|Holy Cross College, Mosgiel]].

There are also a number of service divisions including:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/service_divisions |title=Service divisions |website=University of Otago |access-date=2024-09-09}}</ref>
* External Engagement Division
* Financial Services Division
* Human Resources Division
* Information Technology Services Division
* Property Services Division
* Research Division
* Student and Academic Services Division
* Operations Division
* Campus Development Division
* Campus and Collegiate Life Services Division
* Academic Division
* Health, Safety and Wellbeing

===Merger with Dunedin College of Education===
The University of Otago and the [[University of Otago College of Education|Dunedin College of Education]] (a specialist teacher training institution) merged on 1 January 2007. The [[University of Otago College of Education]] is now based on the college site, and includes the college's campuses in [[Invercargill]] and [[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]]. Staff of the university's Faculty of Education relocated to the college site. A merger had been considered before, however the present talks progressed further, and more amicably, than previously.

=== Residential colleges ===
{{Main|Colleges of the University of Otago}}{{Anchor|Residential Colleges}}[[File:St Margarets College University of Otago.jpg|thumb|[[St Margaret's College, Otago|St Margaret's College]]]]
[[File:Selwyn College, Otago.jpg|thumb|[[Selwyn College, Otago|Selwyn College]]]]
The University of Otago owns, or is in affiliation with, fourteen [[residential college]]s, which provide food, accommodation, social and welfare services. Most of these cater primarily for first year students, though some have a sizable number of second and higher year undergraduates, as well as occasionally a significant postgraduate population. While some teaching is normally undertaken at a college, this generally represents a small percentage of a resident's formal tuition.

Most colleges actively seek to foster a sense of community and academic achievement amongst their members through, variously, [[intercollegiate competitions]], communal dining, apartment groups, traditionalism, independent students' clubs, college events and internal sporting and cultural societies.

The colleges are geographically spread over the Dunedin urban area:

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Aquinas College, Otago|Aquinas College]]
* [[Arana College]]
* [[Caroline Freeman College, Otago|Caroline Freeman College]]
* [[Carrington College, Otago|Carrington College]]
* [[192 Castle College]]
* [[Cumberland College, Otago|Cumberland College]]
* Hayward College
* [[Knox College, Otago|Knox College]]
* [[Salmond College]]
* [[Selwyn College, Otago|Selwyn College]]
* [[St Margaret's College, Otago|St Margaret's College]]
* [[Studholme College]]
* [[Te Rangihīroa College]]
* [[Toroa College, Otago|Toroa College]]
* [[University College, Otago|University College]]
{{div col end}}

In mid October 2019, the University of Otago announced that it would be building a new 450-room residential college called Te Rangi Hiroa, which will replace the current Te Rangi Hiroa College along Cumberland Street. The new college is estimated to cost NZ$90 million and is located on the corner of Albany and Forth Streets near the Dunedin campus.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 October 2019 |title=New 450-bed residential college proposed for University of Otago |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/116804946/university-of-otago-unveils-plans-for-90m-residential-college |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023162406/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/116804946/university-of-otago-unveils-plans-for-90m-residential-college |archive-date=23 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 October 2019 |title=Otago Uni to build $90m residential hall |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/university-of-otago/otago-uni-build-90m-residential-hall |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025042246/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/university-of-otago/otago-uni-build-90m-residential-hall |archive-date=25 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]]}}</ref>

=== Coat of arms ===
{{Infobox COA wide
|name = the University of Otago
|image = Arms of the University of Otago.svg
|imagesize = 
|bannerimage = 
|badgeimage = 
|notes = The Arms of the University of Otago were granted by the Lord Lyon on 21 January 1948 and based on the unauthorised arms used on the University's seal since 1870<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of the University of Otago|url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/history/|access-date=2022-01-31|website=www.otago.ac.nz|date=7 August 2019 |language=en-nz}}</ref>
|year_adopted =
|crest = 
|torse = 
|helm = 
|escutcheon = Azure, on a saltire cantoned between four mullets of six points Or, a book, gilt-edged and bound in a cover Gules charged with a mullet of six points of the second and a book-marker of the third issuance from the page-foot
|supporters = 
|compartment = 
|motto = Sapere Aude ('dare to be wise' or 'have courage to be wise')
|orders = 
|other_elements = 
|banner = 
|badge = 
|symbolism = 
|previous_versions = 
}}

In mid-March 2023, the university unveiled a new proposed logo replacing the traditional coat of arms with a symbol and a new [[Māori language|Māori]] name for the institution as part of its Vision 2040 strategy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tuakiritaka |url=https://tuakiritaka.otago.ac.nz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329003140/https://tuakiritaka.otago.ac.nz/ |archive-date=29 March 2023 |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=www.otago.ac.nz |language=en-nz}}</ref> The process was spearheaded by [[Tony Ballantyne (historian)|Tony Ballantyne]] and the university's Division of External Engagement. The proposed symbol is intended to symbolise the Otakou channel in Otago harbour while the coat of arms will be retained for ceremonial settings such as graduation events. The proposal also involves changing the current Māori name from ''Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo'' to ''Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka'' ("A Place of Many Firsts"). Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Nicholson stated that the proposed logo and name change was intended to create a visual identity that reflected modern Aotearoa New Zealand. The university also launched a consultation process for staff, students and alumni that will conclude on 16 April 2023.<ref>{{cite news |date=15 March 2023 |title=Otago University unveils proposed new logo |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/otago-university-unveils-proposed-new-logo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318030509/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/otago-university-unveils-proposed-new-logo |archive-date=18 March 2023 |access-date=9 April 2023 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |publisher=[[Allied Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=15 March 2023 |title=New Māori name and symbol proposed for the University of Otago |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/131505542/new-mori-name-and-symbol-proposed-for-the-university-of-otago |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315063447/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/131505542/new-mori-name-and-symbol-proposed-for-the-university-of-otago |archive-date=15 March 2023 |access-date=9 April 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref> On 17 March 2023, an ''[[Otago Daily Times]]'' survey found that 77% (1,908) of 2,479 respondents opposed the proposed logo change.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ellis |first1=Fiona |date=17 March 2023 |title=Majority oppose university logo change |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/majority-oppose-university-logo-change |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324051027/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/majority-oppose-university-logo-change |archive-date=24 March 2023 |access-date=9 April 2023 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |publisher=[[Allied Press]]}}</ref> The process was also criticised for costing about $700,000 whilst large numbers of academic staff were made redundant on the grounds of budgetary shortfalls.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Mary |date=6 May 2023 |title='The 'perfect storm' facing the University of Otago' |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/perfect-storm-facing-university-otago |access-date=27 June 2023 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=John |date=6 May 2023 |title=University delays decision on logo |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/university-delays-decision-logo#:~:text=The%20University%20of%20Otago%20has,M%C4%81ori%20name%20for%20the%20institution. |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref>

On 11 July 2023, the University council voted to proceed with the logo and alternate Māori name change following a consultation process with staff, students, and alumni. Three quarters of respondents voted to replace the coat of arms with the O-shaped symbol while two thirds voted to change the Māori name from ''Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo'' to ''Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka'' ("A Place of Many Firsts"). The new logo will be rolled out from March 2024 over a 12-month period at a cost of NZ$1.3 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ellis |first1=Fiona |date=11 July 2023 |title=University to go ahead with logo change |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/university-go-ahead-logo-change |access-date=13 July 2023 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=11 July 2023 |title=Otago University adopts new logo and Maori name |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/07/11/otago-university-adopts-new-logo-and-maori-name/ |access-date=13 July 2023 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]]}}</ref>

==Academic profile==
===Distinctions===
{{more citations needed section|date= October 2017}}
Many Fellowships add to the diversity of the people associated with "Otago". They include:
* [[Robert Burns Fellowship]] (literature)
* Caroline Plummer Fellowship in Community Dance
* Charles Hercus Fellowship
* Claude McCarthy Fellowship
* Foxley Fellowship
* [[Frances Hodgkins Fellowship]] (art)
* Henry Lang Fellowship
* Hocken Fellowship
* [[Mozart Fellowship]] (music)
* THB Symons Fellowship
* William Evans Visiting Fellowship

In 1998, the physics department gained some fame for making the first [[Bose–Einstein condensate]] in the [[Southern Hemisphere]].

The 2006 Government investigation into research quality (to serve as a basis for future funding) ranked Otago the top University in New Zealand overall, taking into account the quality of its staff and research produced. It was also ranked first in the categories of Clinical Medicine, Biomedical Science, Law, English Literature and Language, History and Earth Science. The Department of Philosophy received the highest score for any nominated academic unit. Otago had been ranked fourth in the 2004 assessment.

In 2006, a report released by the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology found that Otago was the most research intensive university in New Zealand, with 40% of staff time devoted to research and development.<ref name="morst">[http://www.morst.govt.nz/Documents/publications/statistics/Decade-In-Review-Full-Report.pdf Research and Development in New Zealand: A Decade in Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513175117/http://morst.govt.nz/Documents/publications/statistics/Decade-In-Review-Full-Report.pdf|date=13 May 2010}}. (2006) Ministry of Research, Science and Technology.</ref>

Journal "Science" has recommended worldwide study of Otago's Biochemistry database "[[Transterm]]", which has [[Genomics|genomic]] data on 40,000 species.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://osms.otago.ac.nz/news/om0502_brown.html |title=Otago Database Internationally Recognised |date=February 2005 |work=Otago Magazine |publisher=University of Otago |access-date=6 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014041726/http://osms.otago.ac.nz/news/om0502_brown.html |archive-date=14 October 2008 }}</ref>

=== Academic reputation ===
{{Infobox Australian university ranking|QS_W=214|USNWR_W=285|ARWU_W=401-500|type=University|ARWU_W_year=2024|CWTS_W=390{{efn|name=a}}|CWTS_W_year=2024|QS_W_year=2025|USNWR_W_year=24/25|ARWU_N=2-4|ARWU_N_year=2024|CWTS_N=2{{efn|name=a}}|CWTS_N_year=2024|QS_N=2|QS_N_year=2025|THE_N=2|THE_N_year=2025|USNWR_N=2|USNWR_N_year=24/25|THE_W_year=2025|THE_W=351–400}}
In the 2024 ''Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities'', which measures aggregate performance across the QS, THE and ARWU rankings, the university attained a position of #279 (2nd nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=University Results |url=https://research.unsw.edu.au/artu/artu-results |website=Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities |publisher=[[University of New South Wales]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]]}}</ref>

In the 2025 ''[[QS World University Rankings|Quacquarelli Symonds]]'' [[QS World University Rankings|World University Rankings]] (published 2024), the university attained a position of #214 (2nd nationally).<ref>{{cite web |title=QS World University Rankings 2025: Top Global Universities |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings |website=[[QS World University Rankings]] |publisher=[[Quacquarelli Symonds]] |language=en-GB |publication-place=[[London]], [[United Kingdom]]}}</ref>

In the [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings|''Times Higher Education'' World University Rankings]] 2025 (published 2024), the university attained a position of #351-400 (2nd nationally).<ref>{{cite web |title=World University Rankings |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings |work=[[Times Higher Education]] |publisher=Inflexion |language=en-GB |publication-place=[[London]], [[United Kingdom]]}}</ref>

In the 2024 [[Academic Ranking of World Universities|''Academic Ranking of World Universities'']], the university attained a position of #401-500 (tied 2-4th nationally).<ref name="ARWU Rankings2">{{cite web |title=ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities |url=https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings |website=[[Academic Ranking of World Universities]] |publisher=Shanghai Ranking Consultancy |language=en |publication-place=[[Shanghai]], [[China]]}}</ref>

In the 2024–2025 [[U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking|''U.S. News & World Report'' Best Global Universities]], the university attained a position of #285 (2nd nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Global Universities Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings |website=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |language=en-US |publication-place=[[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States]]}}</ref>

In the [[CWTS Leiden Ranking|''CWTS Leiden Ranking'']] 2024,{{efn|The [[CWTS Leiden Ranking]] is based on P (top 10%).|name=a}} the university attained a position of #390 (2nd nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=CWTS Leiden Ranking |url=https://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2024/list |website=[[CWTS Leiden Ranking]] (Centre for Science and Technology Studies) |publisher=[[Leiden University]] |language=en |publication-place=[[Leiden]], [[Netherlands]]}}</ref>

==Student life==
===O-Week===
[[File:Otago clocktower race.jpg|thumb|Participants in the annual clocktower race lining up, ready to go.]]

'O-Week' or ''Orientation Week'' is the Otago equivalent of [[Freshers' Week]]. New students are most commonly known by their seniors as 'freshers' or simply as 'first-years'. O-week is organised by the [[Otago University Students' Association]] and involves competitions such as 'Fresher of the Year' whereby several students volunteer to carry out a series of tasks throughout the week before being voted to win. Other competitions include that of different faculties facing off with each other. The OUSA also organises events each night including various concerts, a comedy night, hypnotist plus bigger events at [[Forsyth Barr Stadium]]. Typically there is a Highlanders rugby game scheduled during the week. Local bars organise events also with a range of live music and promotional deals. Historically events have included the Cookathon and a Miss O-Week competition hosted by The Outback.<ref name="http://www.seenindunedin.co.nz/events/student/oweek_2005.html">{{Cite web |url=http://www.seenindunedin.co.nz/events/student/oweek_2005.html |title=Seen in Dunedin |access-date=25 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021154842/http://seenindunedin.co.nz/events/student/oweek_2005.html |archive-date=21 October 2008 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The Cookathon was held by a local pub (the Cook) with the premise that your first drink costs you about $20 which gives you a t-shirt, three meal vouchers and reduced price on drinks then you spend the rest of the day binge drinking and 'telephoning' the occasional jug with mates.<ref name="http://www.varsity.co.nz/blog/orientation-otago.html">{{Cite web |url=http://www.varsity.co.nz/blog/orientation-otago.html |title=varsity.co.nz:A Student aimed webpage |access-date=25 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016224744/http://www.varsity.co.nz/blog/orientation-otago.html |archive-date=16 October 2007 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
;Traditions
Each year the first years are encouraged to attend the [[toga parade]] and party dressed in white sheets wrapped as togas. Retailers called for an end of the parade after property damage and disorder during the 2009 event.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10558836|title=Call for end of toga parade after rampage|date=26 February 2009|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=26 February 2009|archive-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111081401/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Gallagher |first1=Sarah |title="The Debacle" in Scarfie Flats of Dunedin|date=2019 |publisher=Imagination Press |location=Auckland |isbn=9780995110441 |pages=166–169|language=en}}</ref> However, the OUSA took it upon themselves to reintroduce this tradition, with a festival like event taking place at the stadium. 2012 Toga Party saw an unofficial world record. A clocktower race also occurs, in the style of ''[[Chariots of Fire]]''. Students must race round the tower and attached building, beginning on the first chime of the clock at noon and completing before the chimes cease. Unlike ''Chariots of Fire'', the task is possible with a couple of students completing each year.

===Behavioural issues===
Student behaviour is a major concern for both the university administration and Dunedin residents in general. Concerns over student behaviour prompted the university to introduce a Code of Conduct (CoC) which its students must abide by in 2007. The introduction of the CoC was accompanied by the establishment of the dedicated 'Campus Watch' security force to keep tabs on crime and anti-social behaviour on campus and in the student neighbourhoods nearby. Campus Watch reports directly to the university's Proctor.

;Riots
Riots took place in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 related to events surrounding the [[Undie 500]] car rally organised by students from Canterbury University. Other student social events during the year such as the Toga Parade and the Hyde Street Keg Race are also notable for attracting police attention, but not to the scale of the Undie riots. In 2012 there were 80 people treated by emergency services and 15 arrests by police after the [[Hyde Street party]] went out of control.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10794685 |title=Dunedin landlords call for Hyde St keg party ban |first=Debbie |last=Porteous |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=26 March 2012 |access-date=23 April 2012 |archive-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111081401/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6633709/Cops-control-keg-party |title=Cops Control Dunedin Keg Party |work=[[The Press]] |date=25 March 2012 |access-date=23 April 2012 |archive-date=15 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615193043/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6633709/Cops-control-keg-party |url-status=live }}</ref>

;Protest
Otago students are notable for protesting over contentious political issues in nearly every decade. In the 1960s students at Otago who were involved with the Progressive Youth Movement led protests against the [[Vietnam War]]. In the 1960s mixed flatting (males and females were prohibited from sharing housing up to that time) was contested in various creative ways by Otago students.<ref>{{cite web|title=Graduation Address 16 December 2006 |url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/alumni/graduation/16december2006/address.html |date=16 December 2006 |work=M.J. Grant |access-date=20 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223211703/http://www.otago.ac.nz/alumni/graduation/16december2006/address.html |archive-date=23 December 2007 }}</ref> On 28 September 1993 Otago students protested against a fee increase at the University Registry (Clocktower Building), which ended in a violent clash with police.<ref>{{cite thesis |title=Dissertation of Kyle Matthews |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6qFTrpjISImaS1idTJEWUZ4VlE/edit?usp=sharing |date=5 December 2000 |work=University of Otago |access-date=31 October 2013 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308151623/https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6qFTrpjISImaS1idTJEWUZ4VlE/edit?usp=sharing |url-status=live }}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=January 2024|reason=This thesis is not jounral-published and is not peer-reviewed|certain=yes}} In the lead up to the [[1996 New Zealand general election|1996 general election]] students trying to stop a 25% fee increase occupied the University Registry (Clocktower Building) for over a week (which was followed by similar occupations at campuses around the country), fee increases were limited to 17%.<ref>P31, Students and the Education Factory: A Marxist analysis of the education crisis, David Colyer</ref> Since 2004, the [[Otago University NORML]] club, led by [[Abe Gray]],<ref name="stuff.co.nz">{{Cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/cannabis-referendum/123184117/how-abe-gray-became-new-zealands-gandalf-of-weed |title=How Abe Gray became New Zealand's 'Gandalf of Weed' |date=23 October 2020 |access-date=22 February 2021 |archive-date=6 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306193628/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/cannabis-referendum/123184117/how-abe-gray-became-new-zealands-gandalf-of-weed |url-status=live }}</ref> met weekly on the Otago campus to protest by smoking cannabis in defiance of New Zealand's cannabis laws. In 2008, several members were arrested and issued with trespass notices banning them from the Union Lawn.<ref>{{
cite web
 |title       = Norml Disappointed At University's Change of Heart
 |url         = http://www.ch9.co.nz/content/norml-dissapointed-university%2526%2523039%3Bs-change-heart
 |date        = 25 July 2007
 |work        = Channel 9 Television
 |location    = Dunedin
 |access-date  = 23 May 2010
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090313074458/http://www.ch9.co.nz/content/norml-dissapointed-university%2526%2523039%3Bs-change-heart
 |archive-date = 13 March 2009
 |df          = dmy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.odt.co.nz/on-campus/university-otago/14019/university-stays-mum-over-trespass-orders
 |title        = University stays mum over trespass orders
 |last         = Rudd
 |first        = Allison
 |date         = 19 July 2008
 |work         = [[Otago Daily Times]]
 |publisher    = Allied Press
 |access-date  = 23 May 2010
 |archive-date = 3 March 2016
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201646/http://www.odt.co.nz/on-campus/university-otago/14019/university-stays-mum-over-trespass-orders
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 | url=http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/73731/fifth-anniversary-420-protests
 | title=Fifth anniversary of 4:20 protests
 | last=Gibb
 | first=John
 | date=12 September 2009
 | work=[[Otago Daily Times]]
 | publisher=Allied Press
 | access-date=23 May 2010
 | archive-date=4 March 2016
 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062345/http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/73731/fifth-anniversary-420-protests
 | url-status=live
 }}</ref>

==Student body==
{{overly detailed|section|date=September 2020}}

=== Admissions Statistics ===
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
! Enrolment By Qualification Type<ref name="http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#student">{{cite web |title=Quick Statistics, University of Otago |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410010158/https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#3 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref>
! 2019
! 2018
! 2017
! 2016
! 2015
! 2014
! 2013
! 2012
! 2011
! 2010
! 2009
! 2008
! 2007
! 2006
! 2005
! 2004
! 2003
|-
| Doctoral
| 1,579
| 1,541
| 1,501
| 1,411
| 1,387
| 1,389
| 1,361
| 1,377
| 1,259
| 1,258
| 1,206
| 1,104
| 1,048
| 935
| 829
| 755
| 723
|-
|Masters'
| 1,469
| 1,360
| 1,261
| 1,287
| 1,224
| 1,214
| 1,216
| 1,281
| 969
| 979
| 921
| 874
| 838
| 1,052
| 1,108
| 1,060
| 994
|-
|Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates
| 1,591
| 1,691
| 1,762
| 1,654
| 1,542
| 1,388
| 1,383
| 1,477
| 1,541
| 1,660
| 1,620
| 1,566
| 1,435
| 1,507
| 1,378
| 1,353
| 1,345
|-
|Graduate Diplomas
| 192
| 215
| 243
| 294
| 314
| 388
| 416
| 426
| 475
| 487
| 405
| 317
| 494
| 204
| 392
| 314
| 298
|-
|Bachelor's with Honours
| 396
| 404
| 366
| 385
| 451
| 434
| 460
| 524
| 873
| 854
| 843
| 723
| 750
| 736
| 769
| 771
| 763
|-
|Bachelor's Ordinary
| 14,728
| 14,677
| 14,448
| 14,598
| 14,559
| 15,136
| 15,489
| 15,762
| 15,593
| 15,780
| 15,359
| 13,347
| 13,136
| 12,868
| 12,939
| 12,711
| 12,186
|-
|Undergraduate Diplomas and Certificates
| 14
| 17
| 20
| 29
| 39
| 65
| 73
| 92
| 116
| 152
| 169
| 133
| 265
| 216
| 239
| 318
| 344
|-
|Certificate of Proficiency
| 1,576
| 1,455
| 1,492
| 1,493
| 1,442
| 1,284
| 1,228
| 1,171
| 1,326
| 1,450
| 1,419
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
|-
|Interest Only
| 13
| 5
| 11
| 1
| 4
| 10
| 0
| 0
| ?
| 223
| 150
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
|-
| Foundation Studies
| 263
| 298
| 305
| 292
| 316
| 300
| 303
| 266
| 254
| 273
| 282
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
|-
| Total
| 21,240
| 21,108
| 20,838
| 20,814
| 20,601
| 20,942
| 21,113
| 21,416
| 21,728
| 22,139
| 21,507
| 20,752
| 20,665
| 19,853
| 20,057
| 19,674
| 18,844
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
! Gender of Students<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quick Statistics |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410010158/https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#4 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |access-date=18 March 2021 |website=www.otago.ac.nz |language=en-nz}}</ref>
! 2019
! 2018
! 2017
! 2016
! 2015
|-
| Female
| 12,711
| 12,588
| 12,272
| 12,147
| 11,879
|- 
| Male 
| 8,510
| 8,519
| 8,565
| 8,665
| 8,720
|- 
| Gender diverse
| 19
| 1
| 1
| 2
| 2
|-
| Total
| 21,240
| 21,108
| 20,838
| 20,814
| 20,601
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
! Ethnicity of Students<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quick Statistics |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410010158/https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/quickstats.html#6 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |access-date=18 March 2021 |website=www.otago.ac.nz |language=en-nz}}</ref>
! 2019
! 2018
! 2017
! 2016
! 2015
! 2014
! 2013
! 2012
! 2011
! 2010
! 2009
! 2008
! 2007
! 2006
! 2005
! 2004
|-
| European/[[Pākehā]]
| 71.5%
| 71.4%
| 72.4%
| 73.1%
| 73.4%
| 74.3%
| 74.3%
| 74.8%
| 75.0% 
| 75.6%
| 75.7%
| 76.8%
| 68.4%
| 68.3%
| 69.1%
| 69.5%
|-
| [[Māori people|Māori]]
| 10.3%
| 9.9%
| 9.3%
| 8.9%
| 8.5%
| 8.5%
| 8.0%
| 7.8%
| 7.6%
| 7.6%
| 7.5%
| 7.3%
| 6.9%
| 6.4%
| 6.2%
| 6.1%
|-
| Asian
| 20.3%
| 20.5%
| 19.8%
| 19.2%
| 18.8%
| 18.3%
| 18.6%
| 18.3%
| 17.9%
| 17.2%
| 16.9%
| 16.0%
| 15.6%
| 16.5%
| 16.1%
| 15.2%
|-
| Pacific Islanders
| 5.0%
| 4.7%
| 4.5%
| 4.2%
| 3.9%
| 3.6%
| 3.2%
| 3.1%
| 3.1%
| 3.1%
| 3.0%
| 2.8%
| 2.6%
| 2.6%
| 2.5%
| 2.5%
|-
| Middle Eastern / Latin American / African 
| 3.7%
| 3.6%
| 3.4%
| 3.4%
| 3.6%
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
| ?
|-
| Other / unknown
| 3.8%
| 3.7%
| 3.9%
| 3.7%
| 3.6%
| 3.2%
| 3.3%
| 2.9%
| 2.9%
| 2.5%
| 5.3%
| 4.4%
| 6.5%
| 6.2%
| 6.1%
| 6.6%
|}

==Notable people==
===Chancellors===
The following is a list of [[Chancellor (education)|chancellors]] of the University of Otago.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/council/membership/roleofchancellor/index.html |title=Role of chancellor |publisher=University of Otago |access-date=8 August 2020 |archive-date=10 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810085734/https://www.otago.ac.nz/council/membership/roleofchancellor/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" 
!
!Name
!Portrait
!Term
|-
| 1 || [[Thomas Burns (minister, born 1796)|Thomas Burns]] || [[File:Thomas Burns.jpg|60px]] || 1869–1871
|-
| 2 || [[John Richardson (New Zealand politician)|John Richardson]] || [[File:Painting Major Sir John Larkins Cheese Otago.jpg|60px]] || 1871–1876
|-
| 3 || [[Henry Samuel Chapman]] || [[File:Henry Samuel Chapman00.jpg|60px]] || 1876–1879
|-
| 4 || [[Donald Stuart (minister)|Donald Stuart]] || [[File:Rev Donald McNaughton Stuart.jpg|60px]] || 1879–1894
|-
| 5 || [[Joshua Williams (lawyer)|Joshua Williams]] || [[File:Judge Joshua Williams.jpg|60px]] || 1894–1909
|-
| 6 || [[James Allen (New Zealand politician)|James Allen]] || [[File:James Allen portrait.jpg|60px]] || 1909–1912
|-
| 7 || [[Andrew Cameron (Presbyterian minister)|Andrew Cameron]] || [[File:Rev Andrew Cameron 1913 (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 1912–1925
|-
| 8 || [[Thomas Sidey]] || [[File:Thomas Kay Sidey.jpg|60px]] || 1925–1933
|-
| 9 || [[William John Morrell]] || [[File:William John Morrell (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 1933–1945
|-
| 10 || [[David Herron (Presbyterian minister)|David Herron]] || [[File:David Craig Herron circa 1940 (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 1946–1955
|-
| 11 || [[Hubert Ryburn]] || [[File:Hubert Ryburn 1929 (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 1955–1970
|-
| 12 || [[Stuart Sidey]] || [[File:Stuart Sidey, 1953.jpg|60px]] || 1970–1976
|-
| 13 || [[Jack Somerville]] || [[File:Jack Somerville 1948 (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 1976–1982
|-
| 14 || [[Jim Valentine (businessman)|Jim Valentine]] ||  || 1982–1992
|-
| 15 || [[Judith Medlicott]] ||  || 1993–1998
|-
| 16 || [[Eion Edgar]] || [[File:Eion Edgar (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 1999–2003
|-
| 17 || [[Lindsay Brown (accountant)|Lindsay Brown]] || [[File:Lindsay Brown MNZM (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 2004–2008
|-
| 18 || [[John Ward (accountant)|John Ward]] || [[File:John Ward, University of Otago, 2016 (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 2009–2017
|-
| 19 || [[Royden Somerville]] || [[File:Royden Somerville (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 2018–2022
|-
| 20 || [[Stephen Higgs]] || [[File:Stephen Higgs (cropped).jpg|60px]] || 2022–2024
|-
| 21 || [[Trish Oakley]] || 
|| 2024–present
|}

The following is a list of vice-chancellors of the university.<ref>{{Cite Q|Q107426622}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Name
!Portrait
!Term
|-
|1
|[[Robert Aitken (university administrator)|Robert Aitken]]
|
|1948–1953
|-
|2
|Frederick Soper
|
|1953–1963
|-
|3
|Arthur Beacham
|
|1964–1966
|-
|4
|[[Robin Williams (mathematician)|Robin Williams]]
|
|1967–1973
|-
|5
|Robin Irvine
|
|1973–1993
|-
|6
|Graeme Fogelberg
|
|1994–2004
|-
|7
|[[David Skegg]]
|[[File:David Skegg.jpg|60px]]
|2004–2011
|-
|8
|[[Harlene Hayne]]
|[[File:Harlene Hayne (cropped).jpg|60px]]
|2011–2021
|-
|9
|[[David Murdoch (academic)|David Murdoch]]
|
|2022–2023<ref name="NZH 14 June 2023">{{cite news |title=Otago University Vice-Chancellor David Murdoch steps down |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/otago-university-vice-chancellor-david-murdoch-steps-down/KOUQ4BDTNJA2XCB2RXRJOGXJUE/ |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=14 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616000748/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/otago-university-vice-chancellor-david-murdoch-steps-down/KOUQ4BDTNJA2XCB2RXRJOGXJUE/ |archive-date=16 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|−
|[[Helen Nicholson (medical academic)|Helen Nicholson]] (acting)<ref name="NZH 14 June 2023" />
|
|2023–2024
|-
|10
|[[Grant Robertson]]<ref name="Vice-Chancellor's office">{{cite web |title=Vice-Chancellor's office |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/council/committees/committees/slt/our-people |website=University of Otago |access-date=2 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
|[[File:Grant Robertson (cropped).jpg|60px]]
|2024–present 
|}

===Faculty===
{{main category|Academic staff of the University of Otago}}
[[File:Portrait of A.M.Copping Wellcome L0017184.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Alice Copping]]]]

{{div col|colwidth=35em}}
*[[Muriel Bell]], nutritionist and medical researcher
*[[Agnes Blackie]], first female physics academic
*[[Robert J. T. Bell]], mathematician
*[[Noel Benson]], geologist
*[[Carolyn Burns]], [[Marsden Medal]] winning zoologist
*[[Jennie Connor]] Medicine
*[[Alice Copping]], nutritionist
*[[Alison Cree]], herpetologist
*[[Marie Crowe]], psychotherapy academic
*[[John Crump]], infectious diseases specialist
*[[Michael Cullen (politician)|Michael Cullen]], politician
*[[Catherine Day (biochemist)|Catherine Day]], biochemist
*[[Sarah Derrett]], injury prevention specialist
*[[John Carew Eccles]], medical researcher
*[[Norman Lowther Edson]], biochemistry
*[[Solomon Faine]], microbiologist
*[[J.N. Findlay]], philosopher
*[[Jim Flynn (academic)|Jim Flynn]], intelligence researcher and political philosopher
*[[Abe Gray]], founder of the [[Whakamana Cannabis Museum]], high-profile cannabis activist and protester for almost two decades<ref name="stuff.co.nz"/>
*[[David Harris (software developer)|David Harris]], software developer
*[[Jocelyn Harris]], Professor of English
*[[Janet Hoek]], public health
*[[Christina Hulbe]], Antarctic researcher, glaciologist
*[[Keith Hunter (chemist)|Keith Hunter]], [[Marsden Medal]] winning marine chemist
*[[Robert Jack (physicist)|Robert Jack]], physicist
*[[Leopold Kirschner]], bacteriologist 
*[[Pat Langhorne]], physicist
*[[Raechel Laing]], clothing and textiles researcher
*[[J. L. Mackie]], philosopher
*[[Brian John Marples]] (1907–1967), Professor of Zoology 1937–1967<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/publications/reports/yearbooks/year2000/obituaries/brian-marples/ |title=Brian John Marples BA MA MSc FRSNZ FAZ |access-date=28 May 2014 |work=2000 Academy Yearbook |first=Evan |last=Fordyce |publisher=Royal Society of New Zealand |year=2012 |archive-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529054534/http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/publications/reports/yearbooks/year2000/obituaries/brian-marples/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Alan Musgrave]], philosopher of science
*[[Lisa Matisoo-Smith]], Professor of Biological Anthropology and Head of the Department of Anatomy
*[[Pauline Norris]], pharmacy professor
*[[Patricia Priest]], epidemiologist and professor of public health
*[[Elaine Reese]], psychology professor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1212/S00129/otago-announces-professorial-promotions.htm |title=Otago announces professorial promotions &#124; Scoop News |publisher=Scoop.co.nz |date=20 December 2012 |accessdate=27 January 2018}}</ref>
*[[Christina Riesselman]], [[Paleoceanography|paleoceanographer]]
*[[Bridget Robinson]], Mackenzie Chair in Cancer Medicine
*[[Angus Ross (historian)|Angus Ross]], professor of history
*[[Abigail Smith]], professor in marine sciences<ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/staff/abigailsmith.html |title=Professor Abigail Smith, Our people, Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, New Zealand |publisher=Otago.ac.nz |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=14 October 2017 |archive-date=14 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014184904/http://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/staff/abigailsmith.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[David Skegg]], epidemiologist
*[[Rachael Taylor (academic)|Rachael Taylor]]
*[[Virginia Toy]], geology
*[[Gillian Whalley]], medical research
{{div col end}}

===Alumni===
{{main category|University of Otago alumni}} (with residential college, if any, in parentheses where known)

[[File:Nathan Cohen rowing.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Nathan Cohen (rower)|Nathan Cohen]]]]
[[File:Robert Stout, ca 1919.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Robert Stout]], 13th Premier]]
*[[Arthur Henry Adams]], journalist and writer
*[[Barbara Anderson (writer)|Barbara Anderson]], novelist
*[[Rui Maria de Araújo]], Prime Minister of Timor-Leste
*[[Annette Baier]], moral philosopher
*[[Rayyanah Barnawi]], Saudi astronaut
*[[Muriel Bell]], nutritionist and medical researcher
*[[David Benson-Pope]], politician
*[[W. D. Borrie]], demographer
*[[Christine Jensen Burke]], mountain climber
*Dame [[Silvia Cartwright]], [[Governor-General of New Zealand|Governor General]]
*[[Brian Christie (neuroscientist)|Brian Christie]], neuroscientist
*[[Nathan Cohen (rower)|Nathan Cohen]], world champion and Olympic champion rower
*[[John Coverdale]], academic psychiatrist
*[[John Crump]], infectious diseases specialist
*[[David Cunliffe]] (Carrington), politician
*[[Helen Danesh-Meyer]], ophthalmology academic
*[[Tom Davis (Cook Islands)|Thomas Davis]], politician, diplomat and researcher
*[[Glen Denham]], [[Tall Black]]
*[[Derek Denny-Brown]]
*[[Sarah Derrett]], injury prevention specialist
*[[Archibald Durward]] [[FRSE]], anatomist
*[[Marc Ellis (rugby)|Marc Ellis]] (University College), [[All Black]]
[[File:Bill English November 2016.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Bill English]], 39th Prime Minister]]
*[[Bill English]] (Selwyn), 39th [[Prime Minister of New Zealand]]
*[[Solomon Faine]], microbiologist
*[[Janet Frame]], writer
*[[Ian Fraser (broadcaster)|Ian Fraser]], broadcaster
*[[Caroline Freeman]], first female graduate of the University of Otago
*[[William Fyfe (geochemist)|William Fyfe]], geochemist
*[[Jon Gadsby]], comedian and actor
*[[John Gallas]], poet and educator
*[[Abe Gray]], founder of the [[Whakamana Cannabis Museum]], high-profile cannabis activist and protester for almost two decades<ref name="stuff.co.nz"/>
*Sir [[Harold Delf Gillies]], plastic surgeon
*Sir [[Malcolm Grant]] (Selwyn), lawyer and Vice-Chancellor of [[University College London]] (2003–13); subsequently Chairman of [[NHS England]] and Chancellor of the [[University of York]]
*[[Stephen Guest]], legal academic
*[[Geoffrey Harding]] [[Order of Australia|OAM]], medical practitioner
*[[Graeme Hart]], businessman
*[[Volker Heine]], physicist
*[[Jan Hellriegel]], singer/songwriter
*[[Greg Henderson]], cyclist
*[[Te Rangi Hiroa|Sir Peter Buck]], doctor, military leader, health administrator, politician, anthropologist and museum director.
*[[Brent Hodge]] (Cumberland), director
[[File:Fergus Hume.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Fergus Hume]], novelist]]
[[File:Tania Lineham 2016.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Tania Lineham]]]]
*[[Fergus Hume]], novelist
*[[Ludwig Keke]], Nauruan politician<ref>{{Cite journal |last=|first=|date=1 August 1981|title=People|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-342060542/view?sectionId=nla.obj-345539660&partId=nla.obj-342088932#page/n34/mode/1up|journal=[[Pacific Islands Monthly]]|issue=10|pages=35–36}}</ref>
*[[David Kirk]] (Selwyn), [[All Black]] captain and businessman
*[[Josh Kronfeld]] (Aquinas College), All Black
*[[Chris Laidlaw]], All Black and politician
*[[Samuelu Laloniu]], Permanent Representative of [[Tuvalu]] to the United Nations
*[[Michael Laws]], (Arana) politician, writer, broadcaster
*[[Tania Lineham]], science teacher, winner of the Prime Minister's Science Teacher Prize, 2015
*[[Bridie Lonie]], artist and art academic
*[[Jack Lovelock|John Edward "Jack" Lovelock]], athlete
*[[Chris Mahony]], [[World Bank]] professional, [[University of Oxford]] doctorate, athlete
*[[Dee Mangin]], David Braley Nancy Gordon Chair in Family Medicine at [[McMaster University]]
*[[Kamisese Mara]] (Knox), politician
*[[Diana Martin (scientist)|Diana Martin]], microbiologist in New Zealand (1942–2019)
*[[Stella Maxwell]], fashion model
*[[Judith Mayhew|Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas]], businesswoman
*[[Archibald McIndoe]], plastic surgeon
*[[Joseph William Mellor]], chemist
*[[James Milne (mathematician)|James S. Milne]], mathematician
*[[Arnold Nordmeyer]], politician
*[[Christopher Norton]], composer
*[[Anton Oliver]] (University College), Captain of the [[All blacks|All Blacks]]
*[[Mazlan Othman]], astrophysicist, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
[[File:Arthur Porritt 1923.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Arthur Porritt, Baron Porritt|Lord Porritt]], athlete, physician and [[List of Governors-General of New Zealand|11th Governor-General]]]]
*[[Lan Pham]], politician and ecologist
*[[Arthur Porritt, Baron Porritt|Lord Porritt]] (Selwyn), Olympian, physician to the Queen and [[Governor-General of New Zealand|Governor General]]
*[[Arthur Prior]], philosopher
*[[Lauren Kim Roche]], physician and author
*[[Emily Siedeberg]], first female medical graduate
*[[Penny Simmonds]], politician
*[[Robert Stout]] (Aquinas), Prime Minister of New Zealand
*[[Sulaiman Daud]], politician
*[[Sione Tapa]], Tongan Minister of Health
*[[Peter Tapsell (New Zealand politician)|Peter Tapsell]], politician
*[[Robert Wade (scholar)|Pobert H Wade]] LSE Professor
*[[Jeremy Waldron]], legal philosopher
*[[Murray Webb]], cricketer and caricaturist
*[[Bridget Williams]], publisher
*[[Allan Wilson (biologist)|Allan Wilson]], molecular biologist

===Rhodes Scholars===
<!-- many Rhodes Scholars are not notable -->
list of [[Rhodes Scholarship|Rhodes Scholars]]:
[[File:Jack Lovelock 1936b.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Jack Lovelock]], athlete]]
(College at Oxford in brackets)(Source: [http://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/files/u12/New%20Zealand%20Rhodes%20Scholars%20Since%201904_0.pdf List of NZ Rhodes Scholars])
{{div col|content=
*1907 d [[Colin Gilray|Colin Macdonald Gilray]] (University)
*1923 d [[Arthur Porritt|Rt Hon. Lord Arthur Espie Porritt]] (Magdalen)
*1931 d [[Jack Lovelock|Dr John Edward (Jack) Lovelock]] (Exeter)
*1932 d [[Geoffrey Cox (journalist)|Sir Geoffrey Sandford Cox]] (Oriel)
*1934 d [[Norman Davis (academic)|Norman Davis]] (Merton)
*1936 d [[Dan Davin|Daniel Marcus Davin]]<ref>Two of Dan Davin's novels are set at the University.</ref> (Balliol)
*1952 [[Hugh Templeton|Hon. Hugh Templeton]] (Balliol)
*1960 Dr [[James Julian Bennett Jack]] (Magdalen)
*1968 [[Chris Laidlaw|Christopher Robert Laidlaw]] (Merton)
*1985 [[David Kirk|Dr David Kirk]] (Worcester)
*1988 [[Ceri Evans|Dr Ceri Lee Evans]] (Worcester)
*2007 [[Holly Walker]] (University)
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|New Zealand}}
*[[University of Otago School of Performing Arts]] and [[Allen Hall Theatre]]
*[[List of Honorary Doctors of the University of Otago]]
*[[Scarfies]]

== Footnotes ==
{{reflist|group=Note}}
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [https://www.otago.ac.nz/ University of Otago homepage]
* [http://www.ousa.org.nz/ Otago University Students' Association]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060421195604/http://www.clubsandsocieties.co.nz/ OUSA Clubs and Societies Centre]
* [http://www.forbar.co.nz/downloads/{990E1EB2-7260-4017-B0B8-31FA3F4035E5}.pdf General outline of Burns, Hodgkins, and Mozart Fellowships]
* [http://quantum.otago.ac.nz/condensate.html About the Bose–Einstein Condensate]
* [https://www.otago.ac.nz/alumni/people/ University of Otago alumni profiles]

{{University of Otago}}
{{Matariki Network}}
{{New Zealand universities}}
{{Science and Research in New Zealand}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:University of Otago}}
[[Category:University of Otago| ]]
[[Category:1869 establishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1869|Otago, University of]]
[[Category:Education in Dunedin]]
[[Category:1860s in Dunedin]]