10 March 2000 'O' for Orientation, 'S' for Superb

Kiwis of all ages seem to be embracing the "knowledge economy" model for New Zealand's future judging by enrolment enthusiasm at Lincoln University, says University Marketing Manager Dave Hawkey.

"With the youngest student on our books aged 12, we have at the other end of the spectrum a substantial number of students starting tertiary education for the first time, or returning to study, in their 40's and 50's.

"For these mature students the University runs a special 'New Start' orientation session and this year's programme attracted 43 participants who proved to be a very enthusiastic group."

The students, who ranged in age from 22 to 55, attended sessions on adapting to university life, course planning and timetables, and managing finances. At the end of their orientation they were surveyed on their impressions of the day and more than 80 percent ranked it as either Excellent or Very Good. Many said it was a real confidence booster and a good way to start networking with other mature students.

Overall the programme fitted into a package of orientation sessions run over the first fortnight of Semester One, with more than 300 first year students attending the "What Every Student Needs To Know" sessions.

These free orientation sessions, coordinated by the University's Strategic Communications Centre, included presentations on lecture styles, the Students' Association, Student Health Services, the Library, the Recreation Centre and the Student Learning Centre. Campus tours led by current students were also available.

Matching these academically focused orientation sessions was the social and entertainment atmosphere of O’Week 2000 organised by the Lincoln University Students' Association. Music, food, craft stalls, guest speakers, club displays and a market day were all on offer.

"The President of the Students' Association, Kerry Armstrong, and her team are to be congratulated for the contribution they are making to student life at the University," said Vice-Chancellor Dr Frank Wood at this month's meeting of the University Council.

"Orientation has been widely acclaimed for its approach this year," he said. "LUSA has achieved a balance of fun and information in introducing students to the new academic year. Orientation Week was superbly organised."

The Vice-Chancellor also had praise for Lincoln's enrolment and registration staff for the proactive way they anticipated problems with student loans and allowances and developed a contingency plan for dealing with them in a "sensible way".

At Lincoln University students could sign a declaration that an application had been lodged with WINZ and had been acknowledged by them and that processing was in-train. On this basis registration was able to proceed.

Dr Wood said that Lincoln staff had attempted to work constructively with WINZ staff to resolve individual students' difficulties and had been successful in assisting students to resolve problems with WINZ.

"It was a little sad that this positive approach to a difficult situation failed to get media coverage," said Dr Wood. He pointed out, however, that Lincoln's efforts had been noted in Parliament where Tertiary Education Minister Steve Maharey commented that Lincoln University had got around the issue in the interests of students.