
On 22 February 2011, the second day of the first semester, a devastating magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the city of Christchurch forcing the campus of the University of Canterbury to close for several weeks. Here, we report on the sudden curriculum and assessment overhaul that needed to be implemented using two large, first-year introductory courses as case studies. We discuss the reasoning and justifications behind these changes, as well as the logistics of this process. We draw conclusions based on student feedback and assessments and formulate lessons learnt.
Climate change and population growth will increase vulnerability to natural and human-made disasters or pandemics. Longitudinal research studies may be adversely impacted by a lack of access to study resources, inability to travel around the urban environment, reluctance of sample members to attend appointments, sample members moving residence and potentially also the destruction of research facilities. One of the key advantages of longitudinal research is the ability to assess associations between exposures and outcomes by limiting the influence of sample selection bias. However, ensuring the validity and reliability of findings in longitudinal research requires the recruitment and retention of respondents who are willing and able to be repeatedly assessed over an extended period of time. This study examined recruitment and retention strategies of 11 longitudinal cohort studies operating during the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake sequence which began in September 2010, including staff perceptions of the major impediments to study operations during/after the earthquakes and respondents’ barriers to participation. Successful strategies to assist recruitment and retention after a natural disaster are discussed. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, longitudinal studies are potentially encountering some of the issues highlighted in this paper including: closure of facilities, restricted movement of research staff and sample members, and reluctance of sample members to attend appointments. It is possible that suggestions in this paper may be implemented so that longitudinal studies can protect the operation of their research programmes.<br /><br />Key messages<br /><ul><li>Recruitment and retention of longitudinal study participants is challenging following a natural disaster.</li><br /><li>The long-lasting, global effects of the Covid 19 pandemic will increase this problem.</li><br /><li>Longitudinal study researchers should develop protocols to support retention before a disaster occurs.</li><br /><li>Researchers need to be pragmatic and flexible in the design and implementation of their studies.</li></ul>
The cartoon shows an arm clothed in a blue shirt which is covered with the printed names of all the people and organisations who have provided assistance to the people of Christchurch since the earthquake of 22 February 2011. The include 'neighbours', 'charities', 'communities', 'church groups etc. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A man reads about the Christchurch earthquake in the newspaper and although he can count on two months of warm weather he feels bad, suffering from survivors' guilt. His wife tells him that it will be raining for most of the time over the next couple of months, which makes him feel better. Context - The Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A policeman and his dog stop outside a house wrecked in the Christchurch earthquake and phone for assistance saying 'Have found signs of low-life' because he can see 'Christchurch looting in progress'. Context - on 22 February 2011 a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck in Christchurch, which has probably killed more than 200 people (at this point the number is still not known) and caused very severe damage. The courage, generosity and 'can do' attitude of the people has been wonderful apart from the antisocial behaviour of a few looters and others taking advantage of the situation. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Two men working on the cleanup after the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011 stop for a chat. One says 'Did I tell you my family was on the first ship!' and the other replies 'Blow that! - I got mine out on the first plane!' Context - the 22 February earthquake in Christchurch. The first man is talking about his ancestors coming to New Zealand in the 1940s and the second man is talking about sending his family out of Christchurch after the earthquake. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows the Christchurch Cathedral surrounded by rubble and with its steeple gone. The bell lies on the ground and pieces of broken stone form the word 'tragedy'. Context - The Christchurch earthquake 22 February 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
More than four years after the February 2011 earthquake devastated Christchurch's city centre, the rebuild in and around the iconic Cathedral Square has stalled.
A painting and the Univeristy of Canterbury Mace, are loaded into a car after being rescued from the Registry Building.
A graphic for an opinion piece on the two minutes' silence observed one week after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
New research suggests about half the Christchurch businesses which left the central city after the Canterbury earthquakes are unlikely to return.
Christchurch airport's annual profit has fallen 6 per cent after losing nearly half a million passengers following the earthquakes.
A support group is being credited for helping Cantabrians settle in Nelson after escaping the earthquakes.
An earthquake aftershock measuring five-point-one on the Richter Scale hit Christchurch this morning, just after six o'clock.
A huge team of engineers is in Christchurch to assess the state of buildings damaged but still standing after Tuesday's earthquake.
Meanwhile, the Government has made concessions on its Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority legislation after complaints from the Labour Party.
Richard Collins' food retail business was destroyed after the February earthquake in Christchurch. He has started a new life in Kakanui in Waitaki.
Businesses struggling after the Canterbury earthquake are vowing to keep up the pressure on the Government for more assistance.
The Problem Gambling Foundation says people in Christchurch are turning to gambling to combat stress after the city's major earthquakes.
Canterbury was shaken by a 5.1 earthquake just after 5.30 this morning.
Complaints about the response of emergency services after the February earthquake in Christchurch will be examined by a Coroner.
The Government will be asked to provide special funding to help save small Christchurch businesses facing ruin after the earthquake.
The Treasury expects rebuilding after the Canterbury earthquake will help economic growth next year and put upward pressure on inflation.
The incumbent mayor Bob Parker has been voted back in Christchurch with support apparently gained after Canterbury's devastating earthquake.
The Government is considering introducing a state of emergency after a series of powerful earthquakes in Christchurch this afternoon.
The worst of the exodus from Christchurch after last year's earthquakes is over, according to a group which studies population trends.
The vacant lot left after the demolition of the Churchills Club Tavern on the corner of Colombo and Battersea Streets.
The Manchester Securities House being demolished on Glouchester Street. Seen over a vacant site left after the demolition of a building.
Diggers working on an almost empty site after demolition of classrooms and other teaching facilities at Rangi Ruru Girls' High School.
The vacant lot left after the demolition of the Churchills Club Tavern on the corner of Colombo and Battersea Streets.