During the mid-semester break, Auckland Uni hosted its Mānawa Mai open day for potential students, the first in-person one since 2019, before the pandemic began.
Despite being well into our degrees, Craccum visited different faculties at the event to see if students are keen to study in 2023, after domestic enrolments dropped across the country.
The Business School might be UoA’s resident ‘hot girl’, with future finance bros reportedly lining up to talk about their future.
“There was a massive uptake in our experiential sessions with people having to be turned away as so many turned up,” said Associate Dean Andrew Eberhard. “The Business School is open for business.”
“It was the busiest I had seen it in years,” said Marketing professional teaching fellow Nina Brosius. “Welcoming prospective students and their families to the amazing spaces in the Business School was such a welcome change to how we have all interacted over the past two years.”
Over at Education and Social Work, they took on open day doggie style.
“Our faculty mascot, Doggie, was a huge hit, (over?) enthusiastically responding to dance challenges, even losing a foot or a head in some instances. Ain’t no tune to get a doggie dancing like ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’,” said marketing advisor Tamarin Hart.
Hart said they had a blast, and that the event was a huge success, with the Huarahi Māori team strumming their guitars and serenading students with waiata in the Kōrero Corner.
“It was a high-energy (read: non-stop) day engaging with future students and showing them why EDSW is the best faculty of all.”
“We loved being able to shake the Zoom fatigue and engage with everyone in person. We’re stoked with how the day went, and can’t wait to see all the new faces on campus next year!”
Arts student Chuiyee Wong, who volunteered at the event said it was fun to have so many students at an in-person event for the first time in a long time.
“Having the majority of my degree online, it was a great refresher and I really felt the spirit of being within the University community again. It was nice providing my experience and help to some of the high school leavers.”
Content writer and coordinator, Josiah Brown said there was a lot of interest in what Arts has to offer.
“The Faculty of Arts showcased a range of subjects through interactive displays and performances, including a podcast booth which broadcasted a live stream, Pacific performances, and an authentic recreation of ancient Roman armour.”
“Seeing everyone on campus having a good time while considering their future pathways was fantastic.”
Events and conference planner Fern Insh says Creative Arts and Industries were excited to be able to feature students’ work and answer questions about university life.
“It was amazing to see our activation so busy, and to meet a future generation of creatives. We hope that prospective students left inspired and ready to embrace what the future holds in terms of their university journey.”
Engineering and Science are not included, because when Craccum asked them to comment on their experience at open day for an article, they thought we wanted to give feedback.
“The Faculty of Science would love to get your feedback on Mānawa Mai open day 2022 and also any suggestions which you may have for future open days. Please complete this survey to share your thoughts by 9 am, Monday 12 September.”
PHOTO: CREATIVE ARTS AND INDUSTRIES
