The beginning of the new academic year is a very exciting time. One of the reasons that I became a professor (and ultimately a Vice-Chancellor) is that I have always been hooked on that “back to university” feeling. I love everything about this time of year - the renewed energy in town, crisp new stationery, - but mostly the sense that absolutely anything is possible. As I have made my way around campus this week, I can see that “back to university” feeling reflected in your eyes as well. From my vantage point, it looks as if each and every one of you is holding a brightly wrapped package that you can’t wait to open.
As the new academic year begins, I would like to issue three challenges. First, I challenge you to be the best student you can possibly be. Our goal at the University of Otago is to push you farther than you have ever been pushed before. Your obligation is to work harder and learn more than you ever thought possible.
Second, I challenge you to be the best person you can be. A university education is about much more than what happens in the classroom - it is also about all the other life lessons you learn along the way.
During this year, I challenge you to stretch your wings in non-academic ways. Pursue an old sport or pick up a new one - join a club, or volunteer your time to help someone who needs you. I also challenge you to make new friends and to actively seek out people who are different from you. During the course of this year, find someone with religious views, or political views that are different from your own; meet someone from another country. Have a cup of coffee with them and listen to their perspective on the world.
Finally, I challenge you to be the best citizen you can be. Help us in our efforts to make this campus more environmentally friendly. Turn off lights when you aren’t using them, print double-sided, and remember to recycle.
Some of you have just arrived in Dunedin; others of you have lived here for a long time. Either way, we want you to treat this city like your home. Please take advantage of all of the wonderful things that Dunedin has to offer, and while you are doing so, remember that you shouldn’t do anything here that you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing on your own front doorstep.
You are about to embark on a new year in one of the greatest journeys of your lifetime. I am pleased and honoured that your journey takes place here. I wish each and every one of you an outstanding year.
Welcome to the University of Otago.
VC's Letter
