Rate My Professor Maya Pitcon

Maya Pitcon (she/her) is the Manager of the Locals Programme at the University of Otago. She oversees all aspects of the Locals Programme, a student-centered service led by the Manager, Deputy Manager, and volunteer Leaders. Pitcon started in the Locals Programme as a first-year student in 2013 and has held every role in Locals, giving her a unique understanding of all aspects. She works beside volunteer leaders to organise and run events, and with the wider university community to organise academic support. She provides pastoral care, academic support, and programme feedback. Previously noted as Deputy Head in 2022 and Head on parental leave, she has progressed to her current managerial position.

Pitcon graduated in 2016 with an Honours degree in Anthropology (with a focus on Biological Anthropology and the ethics of introducing new technologies) after completing her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Archaeology in 2015, both from the University of Otago. Born and living in Dunedin as a former Queen's High School pupil, she understands the challenges first-year local students face and is passionate about supporting them to have the best university experience. Her leadership has contributed to community events such as a bake sale raising funds for Relay for Life in 2023 with Porourangi Templeton, Abigail Clark, Jessie Manning, and herself; a mullet-growing fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation in 2022 aiming to surpass previous efforts; and initiatives promoting the programme to all students beyond locals, as covered in university news in 2023, 2025, and the Otago Daily Times. Pitcon loves meeting local students and talking to staff about supporting the locals community, having been part of Locals for her whole adult life.