Even in these unusual times, the start of the academic year did not pass unmarked. Lots of people put their heads together at all levels during the summer to figure out how to make it a successful start to the year. Despite the limitations, many also saw plenty of creative opportunities. The result was a fine example of teamwork and a warm welcome: both digitally and physically. Read on for a closer look.
Stadsschouwburg replaced by computer screen
In a first for the official opening of the academic year, the ceremony was held entirely online. Yet the familiar mix of speeches, music and culture remained. Between the video messages, journalist Ann De Bie moderated the round-table discussion with Herman Van Goethem (UAntwerp’s rector), Robert Voorhamme (president of the Antwerp University Association), Veerle Hendrickx (general director of Karel de Grote University College) and students Jens Matthé (UAntwerp) and Laura Remery (KdG).
Coronaproof welcome for first-years
Getting the first-year students onto campus and making sure they could meet other students at the start of the year – this was the aim of the Orientation Days and welcome activities. It was a serious challenge to get it all organised in a coronaproof way, but we managed it thanks to the efforts of lots of students and members of staff.
Students were welcomed by their faculties in smaller groups back in the week of 14 September. The Orientation Days were designed to fit in with the faculties’ welcome activities wherever possible. This year, the Orientation Days for first-year students at the Stadscampus took place in and around Antwerp instead of at De Hoge Rielen. Even in these corona times, one of the classic elements of the Orientation Days in Wilrijk kept its spot on the programme: the dance initiation with Davy Brocatus.
The students also used their creative sides to find alternatives to their traditional opening activities. ASK-Stuwer, the umbrella association for the outer campuses, organised a coronaproof Opening Day by spreading it out across the entire Drie Eiken campus. Unifac, the umbrella association for Stadscampus, followed Tomorrowland’s example and transformed the annual Students on Stage festival into a virtual edition featuring a line-up packed with DJs. You can (re-)watch the last two hours of their eight-hour set here.
Even the traditional service in Antwerp Cathedral was streamed live this year because fewer people were allowed to sit in the cathedral. The service was followed by a digital opening conference by Ivan Pecnik.
In-person welcome with an intro to solo dancing
It goes without saying that student life is totally different from ‘normal’ this year. Partying like crazy probably isn’t top of the list. That’s why we sent out our dance masters to give students on campus a quick intro to solo dancing and a warm welcome during the first week of the academic year.
A round of applause for you too
That warm welcome was also there for UAntwerp’s many members of staff. With a round of applause from their ‘kot’, Rector Herman Van Goethem and lots of other colleagues hoped to give you a boost for this unusual new year.