When we tried to schedule our next meeting over the break, Critic Te Ārohi was imagining that the Proctor would decline it in favour of sipping piña coladas for a sacred few weeks. It was not the case. Instead, he was all too keen to get our ear, and give us some Proctorly advice.
If you’re new here, Proctology is the branch of medicine concerned with the anus and rectum. And, apparently, student life.
This Month In The Clinic
Firstly, the Proctor notes that we’re now halfway through the academic year. That might be scary – your exam results may not have gone as you might have liked. “It’s important to frame this as a turning point rather than a failure,” he says. The Proctor knows all, and sees all. That’s why he can guarantee that one semester doesn’t define your ability to succeed, or close off future opportunities. Your first choice might not be the right fit. “Courses can be changed, and career paths can be reshaped as interests and strengths become clearer.” If the Proctor says so, it must be true.
Secondly, the Proctor has some words for if you ever do come and meet with him. Firstly, if Campus Watch ever refers you to his office for some antics, cut back on any smart comments. “On occasion the invited student might have an audience, have some alcohol fuelled bravado when invited to meet is delivered,” the Proctor explains. Comments surrounding what the Proctor might and can do with himself, “including colourful descriptive words” are always fun to debrief at a later meeting with the student.
This final piece of advice is more specific, but stating that you’re a law student won’t help a situation when you’re in trouble. Without accompanying justification as to why being a law student is relevant to your actions, it won’t help your case. “I’ve spent 34 years dabbling in law. I could run rings around you. Why do you need to tell me that you’re a law student?” The Proctor compares such statements to “waving red at a bull.”
Overall, it’s important to stand on your own two feet when taking accountability. Don’t rely on alcohol, or your degree.
Proctor’s Prescription
If you’re feeling a little shaky after the last semester, there’s heaps of support available. Even if things didn’t turn out the way you expected, you’re still meant to be here – it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Go see the Careers Office Team in person (they’re located near UniCrew by Eastlane) or flick them an email at careers@otago.ac.nz. They can help recalibrate your career gameplan if your circumstances have changed. They’re friendly, creative and genuinely want you to succeed – that’s everything you want from someone helping you figure out what you could do once you leave uni.
Alternatively, the Student Development team (student.development@otago.ac.nz) can help you achieve your academic aspirations. Taking a collaborative approach, they can give you course advice and connect you with other academic support systems.
Lastly, if everything is going pearshaped, Te Pou Whirinaki Student Wellbeing Hub Hauora Connectors can link you up with all forms of support and guidance. Go see them in person (where the old campus shop used to be, near Disability Services) or flick them an email at wellbeinghub@otago.ac.nz.
