Distance events are a roaring success… when students know about them

A recent report on student events shows that distance students are desperate for social connections, but the majority have no idea that online events are being held for them.  

The survey hosted by the Massey student association had over one thousand responses from distance students alone.  

The need for student-to-student connections placed ‘Social Events’ as the number one requested event, chosen by 249 people.  

The desire for academic connection was also apparent, with 99 requests for ‘Study Support’ centred events.  

The report provided insight as to why a handful of distance O-Week events held by the student association had record-breaking attendance numbers, while the majority had few to none.  

A lack of knowledge surrounding O-Week and distance events in general was identified as the leading cause of low attendance, with 76% of respondents saying they had “no idea” the events were happening. 

Te Tira Ahu Pae’s distance vice president, Flynn O’Hallahan said, “Distance events are an important part in levelling the playing field between us and internal campus offerings, while at the same time increasing our sense of community.” 

There was clear support for O-Week and other distance events held throughout the year, with 687 participants rating distance events as ‘Important’. 

One distance student told Massive, “Being able to study from home is great, but the downside is that I don’t connect with others like I would if I were studying internally.” 

“Growing up, my parents always said that uni was the best three years of their lives, and I feel robbed of that experience.” 

A Massey student association spokesperson said, “We’ll strive to include as much variety in our events program as we can throughout the year, and our chosen events will come from student request.” 

“More activity within the distance space will help students feel less isolated and more engaged, improving morale and mental health while increasing the sense of community”. 

Distance students looking for support should check out Massey@Distance and Te Tira Ahu Pae Massey Distance on Facebook.