From the Vice-Chancellor: Showcasing our strengths

Vice-Chancellor

"Open Day allowed me to explore the campus, talk to lecturers and get a feel for what uni will be like. Now I feel really confident about my decision to study next year and what direction my career might take."

This remark, from a prospective student last year, encapsulates the essence of our annual Open Day which is undoubtedly one of the highlights on the University calendar.

While the University is open to the public every day, as a pivotal part of the City of Adelaide, Open Day provides the perfect occasion to really showcase our strengths in teaching, research, arts and cultural activity and enterprise.

For those attending Open Day (on Sunday 21 August), it may be the very first time that they have ventured past the North Terrace entrance or it may have been some years since their last visit. Regardless, the day is dedicated to welcoming all members of the community and especially those looking to further their education.

The transition to university is one of the most defining steps in a person's life - from both an academic and personal perspective. This is particularly relevant for young people and their parents. Spending time at the University, speaking to staff and current students and visiting the more than 315 buildings is an immensely valuable orientation and helps to confirm plans for post-secondary school.

While Open Day is always popular with prospective students and their families, it is also a wonderful opportunity for the alumni community to reconnect with their alma mater. It is astonishing to see the number of former students who relish the chance to relive their University of Adelaide experiences on Open Day, exploring parts of the campus that hold special memories, reflecting on academic achievements, friendships formed and moments that helped to shape their life journey.

This reinforces the notion that university is so much more than lectures and libraries. Campus life today is filled with a rich blend of traditional university activities, including a myriad of clubs, associations and events, and the latest technology which will be featured on Open Day in addition to hundreds of talks and presentations.

Visitors will also be able to see the progress of our capital works as part of the development of the North Terrace Campus. With the Learning Hub nearing completion and scheduled to open in September, those attending Open Day will be among the first to preview the facility and its services for students. In addition, a life-size montage on the front of Elder Hall cleverly marks the current restoration of the building, replacing deteriorating stonework with new, colour-matched stone sourced from local quarries. The montage is the first of its kind in South Australia and will help concert patrons feel like they are entering Elder Hall, and not a building site.

Open Day is a particularly special day for our current staff and students who can be justifiably proud of their endeavours and accomplishments. Sharing their success with the wider community and inviting prospective students to become a part of our unique University experience is exactly what Open Day is all about.

I look forward to seeing you there.

PROFESSOR JAMES A. McWHA
Vice-Chancellor and President