Monte Carl-O-Week races toward success

Disco night

Welcome Saturday marked the start of O-Week, with a packed day of new student arrivals. It was wonderful to see our dedicated and enthusiastic student leaders welcome our biggest ever cohort of new residents to the College. It was a busy day full of colour, movement and good spirits (and a few teary goodbyes), hopefully making it an easy first foray into college life. The new students were provided with a full program of training, information sessions and events designed to help them make friends and settle in, as well as orient them into college life, living in Melbourne, and of course, starting their higher education journey.

New students attended sessions on keeping safe in the community (run by Victoria Police), mental health, respectful relationships, wellbeing and living in the UC Community, which dealt with the care and support available at UC, as well as community resources and expectations. There was also a half-day dedicated to academic mentoring and support, plus a library induction, run by the Dean of Studies, Resident Tutors and Librarian.

Then there was the FUN! Students had a ‘Survivor’ night where they competed in various events around College, an

Amazing Race through the city of Melbourne, a silent disco, laser tag, bubble soccer, shopping in Brunswick, bush dancing, a movie night, and a Monte Carl-O themed party. Every event was designed to help students establish a foundation for new relationships and their new life at UC.

We are very proud of our O-Week leaders who incorporated their training into their activities for the week and lived their leadership values. They did a wonderful job taking care of their teams and running social events and activities, safely and successfully.

By the end of February, our remaining returning students made their way back to UC, joining with first year students and leaders to complete our 2023 University College resident body. It is always wonderful to have our whole community onsite for the first time, as each year, and each new cohort of students, brings a new energy and promise for what lies ahead.

On the evening of Wednesday, 1 March, residents and staff gathered in the Giblin Courtyard for a pre-dinner Commencement Reception in order to celebrate and officially mark the start of the academic and college year. The Head of College, Dr Jennifer McDonald, opened the event and introduced Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson, to give a Welcome to Country. It was a privilege to be invited to ‘come with purpose’ (wominjeka) onto Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung land and to witness Uncle Bill’s connection to country and his passion for his people and culture.

Student Club President, Helena Haldane, then followed with an address to the student body, and after a Tribute to UC toast given by Vice-President, Peter Bowles, guests were invited to move to the Syme Dining Hall for dinner.

This part of the evening was particularly special as it was the first time since 2020 that we were able to hold a

Commencement Dinner in the Dining Hall. As everyone found their tables and took their seats, the Executive Chef and his team delighted guests by pouring scented water over dry ice cradled in vases of greenery at the end of each table. This visual and aromatic display created a delightful atmosphere that was matched by the excellent menu and service that followed. Overall, it was a wonderfully cohesive, collegial, and delightful night, that has proven to be auspicious for the year to date.

Liz Agostino Dean of Students