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UNE Open Day: visitors informed and entertained

September 12, 2006

Open06.thumb.JPGOpen Day at The University of New England, Friday 8 September, attracted around 1,200 visitors. They came from as far afield as southern Queensland, as well as from throughout NSW.

Most of the visitors actively sought information about courses and enrolment at UNE, while all of them left with a better understanding of the University’s teaching and research achievements and its unique living-and-learning environment.

The day began with breakfast at the residential colleges, followed by guided tours of the residences themselves. UNE’s Residential System Manager, Michael Maas, said it had been a “very positive experience” for the visitors. “They had a chance to have a good look around, and to appreciate that college life offers a lot more than just accommodation,” Mr Maas said.

On the academic campus, Lazenby Hall was alive with enthusiasm as a throng of visitors sought information of all kinds from staff members stationed beside – and beneath – a colourful array of banners, posters and display boards.

The hall’s foyer housed scientific demonstrations and displays, including chemistry experiments and geological and zoological specimens.

Elsewhere there were introductory lectures on fields (and individual topics) of study, as well as short drama presentations in the Drama Theatre and “legal proceedings” in the Moot Court. Entertaining outdoor activities included rides on a mechanical bull, and fun with “sumo suits” and “gladiator jousts”. A parents’ information session was particularly well attended.

Visitors entered a prize draw and, at the end of the day, the Vice-Chancellor of UNE, Professor Alan Pettigrew, drew the winning entry. This belonged to Lawrence Proctor from Macksville, who won a portable MP3 player.

Staff members and visitors felt the day had been a successful blend of entertainment and information, allowing people to experience something of the excitement surrounding the pursuit of knowledge at tertiary-education level, and the special nature of this experience at UNE.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at September 12, 2006 09:23 AM