Misconduct warning as O Week gets in full swing

The annual migration of students to Dunedin is in full swing and the small minority who take  Orientation Week celebrations too far have been warned of tough consequences.

The city was packed over the weekend as students, some with their parents in tow, enrolled in halls of residence or moved into flats.

Celebrations, which for some started last week with the emergence of "Flo Week", will get into full swing today as Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) puts on a full schedule of events for O Week, which vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne called "second to none".

Proctor Dave Scott said that as usual he expected the "vast majority" of students would enjoy the festivities without getting into trouble.

But he warned students that misbehaviour would not be tolerated.

"Antisocial or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated, with such behaviour being proactively addressed through the code of student conduct.

"Among the code’s penalties are exclusion from university ... fines to varying degrees, reparation and university-based community work."

Mr Scott also talked about the new phenomenon labelled "Flo Week", short for Flat Orientation Week. 

"This is a fairly new phenomenon where historically students have come to town [last] week to stand in queues to register for courses and pay fees.

"This is all now done online, meaning students have a free week leading into O Week."

Halfway through last week, apart from some rubbish and broken glass being left on some streets, behaviour during Flo Week had been relatively good.

One issue university had trouble combating was the growing numbers of non-students living in the campus area.

Non-students and secondary school pupils who came into the area at the start of the year had "largely" been responsible for the issues in recent weeks, he said.

Senior Sergeant Brian Benn  said police attended several "minor matters" in the student area over the weekend, which mainly were related to disorder, intoxication and noise complaints. There were two arrests in the area overnight on Saturday and Sunday, but neither were thought to involve university students, Snr Sgt Benn said.

He encouraged people celebrating during the week to "stay safe".

"If you do choose to drink, please do so in a responsible, safe and sensible way."

vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz

Comments

Sgt Benn encouraged people celebrating during the week to "stay safe".
a. What are they celebrating- they haven't achieved anything yet
b. The locals want to 'stay safe' too.
Students are temporary visitors and should not trash our city or make us unhappy with their drunken behaviour. 'University life' is about education in every sense and that includes how to behave as an adult in any society. Respect the people and their home please.

 

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