Abstract
Following the tragic undiscovered death of a student in a university college (or hall of residence) in New Zealand in 2019, a Pastoral Care Code was introduced to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Although much research has been conducted on pastoral care in higher education, little is known about pastoral care in colleges. Consequently, this research explored sub-warden and student perspectives of pastoral care and how it is implemented in colleges. A qualitative case study approach was conducted in colleges at the University of Otago, NZ. Data were collected through interviews and focus groups with six sub-wardens and nine students across six different colleges. Analysis was underpinned by Mason Durie's Te Whare Tapa Wh & amacr; wellbeing model, with themes developed using a general inductive approach. Key findings from the sub-wardens included not enacting a holistic approach to pastoral care, having difficulties setting professional boundaries, and desiring better training and support. Students valued accessible and approachable sub-wardens and wanted more pastoral care. A modified model applicable for college settings is presented and can be used in training so that sub-wardens can adopt a holistic definition of pastoral care and consider boundary setting. Sub-wardens also need ongoing supervision and support.