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Ethos & Values
The Selwyn College Board has agreed a focus on the cultivation of: 1) a community of mutual care; 2) excellence in a broad education; and 3) personal well-being.
A Community of Mutual Care
At Selwyn, residents are encouraged to build an inclusive community in which we value the talents of all, and celebrate the contribution that each person makes to this place. In a manner that resonates well with a diverse range of cultures and religious backgrounds, students and staff share a common meal-time. In this setting students receive praise, advice and the occasional admonishment from peer and Warden alike. This community of mutual care is supported by a diverse team of senior students and staff. (You can read more about the role of the Welfare Team in the "People" and "Resources" sections.)
Excellence in a Broad Education
The College exists to support students in achieving educational excellence at University; we are also here to foster a full education in life. We run an extensive and highly popular in-house tutorial programme, about which you can read more in the "Resources" section. As well as offering additional educational provision, tutorials are also one of the many ways by which Selwyn integrates itself with the wider University and ex-resident communities. That said, some of the most valuable conversations had by students are those debating current affairs late into the night. A concern for life beyond the College and University have for more than a century marked the spirit of a true "Selwyn man".
Personal well-being
We aim to promote individual well-being in three senses: physical, spiritual and mental. First and foremost, Selwyn does food well; we spend more money on food per head than any other college at Otago. There is much to be said for having regular meals of a high quality, not least because mealtimes are the hub of our day-to-day life as a community. As previously noted, we have a strong connection with All Saints' Church. The Welfare Team are also trained in peer support: looking out for others, communication skills, referral, first aid and fire safety amongst other things.
These three pillars of community, education and well-being together prepare each individual well for their University experience.