Wednesday 20 February 2019 11:15am
Otago University Students’ Association President James Heath addresses students during the University's convocation ceremony at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Monday night. Photo: Sharron Bennett.
More than 4,000 new first-year students were urged to make the most of their time at the University of Otago during the 2019 convocation ceremony at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Monday night, and were also told that if times got tough they were “not alone”.
Speakers, including University Chancellor Dr Royden Somerville QC, Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne, Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, and the 2019 Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) President James Heath, each told the audience to seize all opportunities – academic, social and voluntary.
But in a step away from convention, Mr Heath’s speech also focused on mental health.
Asking academics seated on the far sides of the main stage to the left and the right to raise their hands, with the rest seated somewhere between, he told the assembled students: “This is a spectrum.”
“This is mental health. You will all find yourselves somewhere along the spectrum at different times,” he said.
"This is mental health. You will all find yourselves somewhere along the spectrum at different times."
“University is a great journey but it can put a strain on your mental health. You could be homesick, worried, feel like you don’t fit in, stressed about an assignment. University is a stressful time and in the coming weeks, months and years you may struggle.
“But remember my words: This does not make you weak. This does not define you. You are not alone.”
He went on to describe the services the University and OUSA offer to support students through any difficulties they meet along the way – including OUSA Student Support which is “full of advocates” ready to help.
“You will never be a burden to OUSA.”
Alongside his very open and honest discussion of mental health he told the students that their time at Otago would, as the University’s old advertising slogan states, allow them to “take your place in the world”.
“High school is in the past, this is a clean slate.”
Dr Somerville congratulated the incoming students on choosing Otago, and spoke of the 150th anniversary celebrations being held this year.
He said the University’s centenary was celebrated in 1969 when he was a law student.
"But remember my words: This does not make you weak. This does not define you. You are not alone."
“In 1969 the roll was 5,000 students, and UniCol was opened as part of the celebrations. Now the roll is 21,000 students, there are 15 residential colleges and a thriving Locals programme.”
Like Mr Heath, as well as describing the wonderful, life-changing time ahead of them, he also encouraged the new students to take every advantage of the support and pastoral care offered to them.
Monday night’s convocation ceremony was the University’s fifth; the annual welcome was begun in 2015, aiming to mark the start of the academic year and provide an opportunity for first-year students to hear from the leaders of the University and the city.
While serious at times, the event was also inspiring and joyous.
Otago Music Graduate Lani Alo performed two songs in the middle of the ceremony, immediately winning the audience over with his relaxed and warm performance – and receiving a standing ovation.
Mayor Dave Cull welcomed the students to their “new home” and encouraged them to get out and experience all that Dunedin city has to offer – from museums to mountain bike tracks, wildlife to concerts – but told them to treat their new home “with the respect it deserves”.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne issued the incoming students with three challenges: to create great memories, be grateful, and act like a superhero – calling out bad behaviour that could hurt others' feelings.
Dr Somerville concluded the proceedings with humour, telling the group “in common parlance: you should have an awesome 2019.”
Check out some more photos from Convocation 2019, courtesy of Photographer Sharron Bennett.
