- The freedom you get as a student is unique – enjoy it

During the semester opening ceremony at Volda University College, the Minister of Research and Higher Education, Henrik Asheim, encouraged every student to appreciate the privilege of being a student. Both in terms of the social and academic aspects. 

This year the annual welcoming ceremony, where all new students were welcomed to campus, was conducted in a corona safe manner. Instead of a live show on stage several big screens had been placed around campus. 

Through these screens students were given a pre-recorded show, including a mini-tour on campus, a short introduction to Volda and welcoming speeches from minister Asheim, rector Johann Roppen, student parliament leader Trym Rimmen, Buddy Week officer Helena Heimer Rognstad and PR officer for the Buddy Week Ida Rindal.

Valuable knowledge

Minister Asheim was encouraging every student to seize the opportunity as a student, to enjoy themselves and to spend their time wisely to learn as much as possible. To put the freedom they possess into context, Mr Asheim mentioned that a 100 years ago people would’ve laughed if they had been told a quarter of a million Norwegians, in their prime age, could be free to read, study and self-realise. 

- The opportunities we have was a farfetched dream for them, which it still is for many people in the world today. I’m not among those who point fingers towards the students that do not spend their entire day in the library, nor those who party now and then. The freedom you get as a student is unique, so enjoy it. The same applies for your studies. You have access to immensely smart people. You can dive into an unlimited body of world class research and literature, Asheim said, and added:

- The last six months have shown us the importance of openness, both in a practical and academic sense. It has also shown us the importance of knowledge. Both in order to handle the pandemic, as well as, showing the way forward. Good luck with this academic year, both students and staff.

Volda = exciting jobs

Even though it was not a normal opening to the academic year, the rector Johann Roppen greeted the new students as he always does – in his recognisable, bright suit. - As you now have chosen Volda, it may also be assuring for you to know that many other students also have chosen Volda. The number of students is at an all time high, and after graduation most of you will find exciting jobs, Roppen said.

Along with the other speakers, Roppen reminded everyone to keep following the infection control measures to prevent a spread of the corona virus. To be able to handle the pandemic, and other big issues in the future, the rector stressed how important knowledge is. 

- The Corona-crisis is one of the major challenges to society in our time, together with challenges regarding the environment, inequality and peace building. The challenges can only be solved by us gaining, sharing and using knowledge. In this respect, handling the Corona crisis is not different from other challenges. This kind of relevant knowledge you can gain from the study programmes offered at Volda University College. Not only will you get a job after graduation, but you will also get knowledge for the future - you will be learning for life, Roppen said. 

Caring and praise

In his speech to his fellow students, Student Parliament leader Trym Rimmen shared three values with the audience. Rimmen encouraged the students to see and listen to each other, to ask ‘How are you?’ and also reply honestly when asked. 

- Give others compliments when they do something good and be generous to yourself and others, he said.

His second advice was to be proud of what makes you, you. He openly told the audience that he was a dyslectic and advised other students to not let anyone pre-judge someone. 

The third and last advice from Rimmen was to not be afraid to make a mistake. - Learning often comes from a mistake, not always from getting it right all the time.

- We are here for you

Caring for each other was the main theme during the entire opening ceremony, and the Buddy Week officers upheld the same one when speaking to their fellow students.Buddy Week officer Helena Heimer Rognstad, PR officer for the Buddy Week, Ida Rindal, and rest of the Buddy Week board have worked hard during the summer to make the Buddy Week as safe as possible. The work was worthwhile when they saw all the new students present in Volda. After their welcoming speech, they had an important message to all students:

- Remember to keep social distancing of one meter and wash your hands thoroughly. Stay at home if you are sick. This is to ensure we all get a safe start to the semester and that the Buddy Week will be conducted as safe as possible, Rognstad and Rindal said.  

To them the Buddy Week is all about getting to know fellow students and the town to get a smooth start to make you feel safe and included. 

- Don’t forget to take care of each other. The Buddy Week board and all the buddies are here for you. Don’t not hesitate to contact us if there is something you’d like to discuss. In Volda everyone’s welcome – also during the corona-crisis. We are so happy you have chosen to come here!

Follow the Buddy Week on social media at @faddervekaivolda, where it will be posted new photos and video daily. Perhaps you’ll find tips and tricks on how to get an extra nice start to your semester in Volda?