Monash O-WEEK attendance set to break records

Monash University will welcome a record number of attendees across four Australian campuses as O-Week kicks off today. Last year, more than 100,000 people attended O-Week events, setting a Monash record, however with the highly anticipated return of international students, it is expected that figure will be surpassed. The 2023 Monash O-Week experience will include a headlining series of curated events that will welcome students to campus and immerse them in the colour and vibrancy of campus life. Professor Sharon Pickering, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-President (Education), says the bumper O-Week program is designed to strengthen our new students' sense of belonging and bring the vast Monash community together. "The full Monash University experience extends beyond study. In 2023, our O-Week program will offer students welcome events, critical course and faculty information, campus tours, fun after-hours activities and more, allowing students to connect with their peers and the Monash community in-person and virtually – and feel safe and supported, have fun, and excited for the opportunities ahead," Professor Pickering says. Monash will host more than 500 online and in-person events during O-Week including signature experiences – Go Global and Future Ready – going out with a bang with the major music event at the Block Party. This year's Future Ready guest speakers include AFL icon Adam Goodes on finding his voice to call out racism, five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe AM on LGBTIQA+ advocacy and industry leaders like Keep Cup founder Abigail Forsythe discussing sustainable entrepreneurship. "This year's O-Week is going to be bigger and better than ever. We have worked hard to create a really exciting schedule of events that capture the spirit of Monash and celebrate the students' return to campus and campus life," Professor Pickering says. "Our students have responded enthusiastically to every opportunity to be together and create shared excitement about the year ahead. I am especially proud of our official welcome event Wominjeka Monash and our inaugural 'Show Your Pride March' to celebrate World Pride." For the full program of activities, visit monash.edu/orientation.