First Years Welcome 2018

So this was the big get together on Monday, with BBQ, games, quizzes and awkward introductions. It was our job to make the events run smoothly and to get people interacting with each other. It was difficult as some students were chronically shy. There was one students that I couldn’t coerce into talking to others, it’s a huge shame and I wish she would try harder but I understand that the setting wasn’t really the best for her.

What went well

  • BBQ
  • Quiz
  • Tour

What didn’t go well

  • Ice breakers - we didn’t learn anyone’s names. It was awkward and not fun.
  • Leaders introducing themselves (dumb things were said)
  • Some students wouldn’t get involved
  • Tours. Too many groups in HQ. Too much information, not much useful stuff.

Games on the Lawn

This was cancelled due to weather. I bought some board games with me, as did Dazzy, and we set some games up for first years to play. Very successful given it was a last minute change of plans. There was a BBQ still.

What went well

  • Board Games
  • Quickly implemented plan B

What didn’t go well

  • Weather meant had to switch to board games

Pre Convocation / Convocation

Meet = Down in the Main Common Room

Eat = Delicious BBQ

Greet = Each other obv and also play some games!!

After a bit of fun we all get our Locals T-Shirts (LOCALS PRIDE!!!) and walk down the the Convocation ceremony as a cohort and show off the Locals shirts with the other colleges (who will be wearing their shirts, but we’ll look cooler!).

Also, a little birdie told me that our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, is the guest speaker this year!!

About the Convocation from the University:

All first-year students are invited to the Convocation Ceremony – a formal ceremony to welcome you to the University.

The Convocation Ceremony marks the start of the academic year and provides an opportunity for first-year Otago students to hear from the leaders of the University and the city.

Speakers include the Vice-Chancellor, the Mayor of Dunedin, and the Students’ Association President, along with a guest speaker.

What went well

  • All of it
  • Games
  • Food
  • Getting the know each other

Scavenger Hunt

Matt put all of this together, he spent ages making the clues and the envelopes.

What went well:

  • Students really got into it
  • Staggering the start times made it a lot easier

What didn’t go well:

  • Some of the clues didn’t make sense
  • One of the leaders was difficult to find
  • One of the leaders left with Maya’s keys

Pre Toga Party

What went well

  • Decorating
  • Students really got into it
  • Leader got really into it

What didn’t go well:

  • A bag was lost (my fault) and later found
  • Leaders didn’t all get involved with tying
  • Needed scissors to help cut togas