Our Members have now arrived and the academic year is off to a wonderful start!
Despite the fact that we are only one week into the academic year, there have already been many memories made and friendships formed. We are very fortunate to have an exceptional cohort of Members and look forward to spending the year ahead together.
Here is a rundown of some of the events and activities that our Members have been involved with over the last week.
Arrival Weekend
On Saturday morning we opened our doors to the incoming Class of 2020. There was a sense of excitement as Members met their College Leaders and were taken to their rooms.
Our Members' Executive ran social events throughout the weekend, from speed meeting in the Dining Hall to games in the Valentine Common Room and a walk around the Botanical Gardens.
We formally welcomed our Members and their families on Sunday afternoon at our annual Welcome Afternoon Tea and Family Barbecue. Members, families, Council Members, Fellows, and Staff all had the opportunity to meet one another and discuss the year ahead.
Convocation Ceremony
On Monday evening, Members were formally welcomed to the University of Otago at the Convocation Ceremony. Members were addressed by the Chancellor, Dr Royden Somerville, Mayor, Aaron Hawkins, Vice Chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne, and the 2020 OUSA President, Mr Jack Manning.
During her address, the Vice Chancellor gave our Members three challenges for their time at Otago - make unforgettable memories, be grateful for the opportunities that have and will be afforded to them, and to act like superheroes. We hope that this challenge will be accepted.
Inter-college Sports Day
On Tuesday, the College participated in the Inter-college Sports Day. Over 3500 students took part in this event, where teams of 6 competed in relay, football, touch, volleyball, and netball. There was a strong collegial spirit as the college’s chanted and wore their colours. It was a fantastic afternoon enjoyed by all.
Annual Community Project
This year we partnered with a local organisation, Our Seas Our Future, for our Annual Community Project held on Wednesday. The College collected over 1320 litres of refuse from the Dunedin Harbour foreshore, completing the largest clean up ever recorded for Our Seas Our Future. All Members were enthusiastically involved in this activity and we are proud of their work.
Toga Party
The Student Executive held many events over Orientation Week, but one of the most popular was the Toga Party on Wednesday evening. Following the annual Toga Photo and Roman Dinner, the Exec organised Roman Games in the Valentine Common Room, a paint fight on the Tennis Court, and a rave in our Study Centre.
Wellbeing and Resilience Talk
On Thursday evening, the College was lucky enough to have Adrienne Buckingham, a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Resilience and Wellbeing, provide a presentation on practical ways to protect and promote wellbeing for our new Members.
Beach Day
A large group of Members made their way to St Clair’s Beach on Sunday afternoon for an event organised by the Executive.
First Formal Dinner
Our very first formal dinner was held yesterday evening. We were lucky enough to be joined by Professor Ritchie Poulton (Director, Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit), Dr Sandhya Ramrakha (Senior Research Fellow and Research Manager, Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit), and Associate Professor Ben Daniel (Head of Department, Higher Education Development Centre). Members and guests were treated to an outstanding meal prepared by our kitchen and enjoyed the musical talents of the President and Vice President of our Student Executive.
