Postgraduates received a warm welcome at the Vice-Chancellor's annual Garden Party yesterday.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne has spent the past couple of weeks welcoming new and returning students, but saved “one of the most special” welcomes until last, she said yesterday.
Professor Hayne was addressing the attendees of her annual Garden Party, held to meet and greet new postgraduates to the University.
"We take for granted the outstanding level of teaching … the outstanding level of research, and also the amazing lifestyle available to students when they study with us."
She was aware many of those attending had “multiple choices” about where to carry out their postgraduate study, and said she was “extremely pleased” they had chosen Otago.
Professor Hayne noted that choice had been validated by the announcement last week that Otago had been awarded a five-star-plus rating by QS Stars.
In discussing the award with colleagues, she said it was easy to take for granted many of the attributes that resulted in the award.
“We take for granted the outstanding level of teaching … the outstanding level of research, and also the amazing lifestyle available to students when they study with us.”
She urged postgraduates to take advantage of the “out of classroom opportunities” at Otago. Graduates of Otago, no matter their level of study, were renowned for their independence, communication with others and teamwork, and while some of that was developed in research, it was also “part of living in the academic community we offer in Dunedin”.
The annual Garden Party was held at Abbey College, New Zealand's only postgraduate-exclusive residential college.