Hello everyone,
A HUGE welcome to all of our new students commencing their studies at ANU this week.
The campus is full of energy again with so many great O-Week events this week and I hope you've managed to make the most of these activities. Check out these hot tips from our students about how to make the most of your year.
I was delighted to see so many new students attend the Commencement Address. We had some impressive speeches including a heartfelt address by one of our graduates, Jessa Rogers. Jessa spoke about her personal journey to ANU and reminded us all that there are no limits or boundaries to achievement and, regardless of your circumstances, if you are committed, passionate and work hard, you can achieve your greatest potential at ANU. She encouraged us to seek out mentors and surround ourselves with people who inspire us. A really great speech from a true trailblazer. You can listen to it here.
I'd like to say a big hello to our new international students, who have made the exciting decision to move across the world to pursue their education at ANU. I remember moving to Australia and the challenges and excitement that I faced in those first few weeks. You may be feeling a little lost at the moment but let me reassure you that there are excellent support services available to help you find your way around. Make sure you get out and about to meet new people, join the International Students' Department, and attend the many welcome events on offer.
And just in case there wasn't enough on offer this week we are joining together with our Chinese community tomorrow to celebrate Chinese New Year! There's heaps of great events happening around campus and if you're free at lunchtime you may like to come across to the Chancelry to take part in a special Chinese dragon dance procession. The procession will lead off from the Chancelry to the Pop-Up Village and on to the ANU College of Business and Economics for a kung-fu performance. We are a truly multicultural university and having such a diverse tapestry of cultures across the campus enriches our lives every day.
ANU has a long and proud history of independent research and expertise on China and this week we reaffirmed our global leadership with a series of changes to China studies at ANU. These changes include investment in four new senior academic positions to lead the study of Chinese Elite Politics, Modern Chinese History, Culture/Film/Media Studies, and Contemporary Chinese Society. We will also reshape The Australian Centre on China in the World (CIW) to become a central hub for cross institutional research. The improvements will ensure ANU remains the preeminent independent centre for the study of China as it continues to rise as a global player on the world stage.
On behalf of ANU, I wish you good fortune this Chinese New Year and for a successful year ahead.
Brian
