The Ceremony will take place on the lawns of Booloominbah at UNE’s Armidale campus, weather permitting, and will be live streamed for students unable to attend in person.
“The majority of UNE staff are in the process of returning to work and all of our locations across the state are open,” Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Brigid Heywood said.
“Students have been engaging with us and planning the start of their new academic journey and I look forward to welcoming them to their location of choice.”
The UNE Welcome Ceremony has its historical roots in the traditional Matriculation ceremonies which celebrated a commencing students’ entry into university with their names being entered into the matricula, or roll, of university members.
This year, the event will feature a smoking ceremony as well as an academic procession. The Chair of the Academic Board, Professor Robyn Bartel, will formally welcome new students to UNE as they start their academic journey.
UNE alumnus and lecturer in Education, Dr Martin Schmude, will offer the keynote address.
The formal Welcome Ceremony also marks the start of Orientation – a series of online and on-campus events designed to foster belonging, partnership and student engagement. New students will have the opportunity to meet their lecturers, network with peers, and learn how to access the extensive support services available to them – both online and on-campus.
While UNE is returning to business as usual, Covid-19 is still a risk to be managed.
“All activities will be run in accordance with the University’s Covid Safe Plan, which is based on NSW Health Orders, and provides clear guidance and support to staff and students as we resume our on-campus activities,” Professor Heywood said.
The Welcome Ceremony will be held from 3.30pm to 4.35pm on Monday, 21 February on the lawns of Booloominbah. A commemorative group photograph will be taken after the event.
