High schoolers at Palmy Open Day confused by campus layout and... Fergus the Ram

Despite the free food and glossy marketing, the maze-like layout left some scratching their heads on August 6th.

For prospective students already weighing decisions about courses, costs and careers, the best freebie could have been a clearer map.  

Jaron, a year 13 student from Palmerston North Boys’ High was visiting Massey for the first time. He appreciated the welcoming atmosphere but found the campus layout confusing.  

“I didn't expect so many different rooms though. When you walk into the orientation space, it's like, where are we meant to go?” 

The day was designed to give future students and their parents a taste of university life with tours, information booths and activities spread across the campus.  

But many were confused by the ‘weird animal thing’ — aka mascot Fergus the Ram.  

High schooler Eric is a familiar face on campus thanks to sports activities, and was keen to check out the recreation center during Open Day.  

“The mascot confused us a little bit, but overall, I liked seeing the rec center,” he said.  

From Mana Tamariki, Kay and Angel felt good on campus, however, were surprised by the number of people and the size.  

“We weren't expecting this many people here. The campus is huge and finding the right course information booth was a bit confusing,” they said.  

They also found the university mascot, “the sheep”, unexpectedly memorable. 

Lucas, a Year 13 student from Kuranui College, was struck by the campus size and generous freebies. “I just wanted to see what the university was about and I didn't expect there to be so much free stuff.”  

He admitted getting a bit lost, but liked all the green spaces. 

He is thinking about studying Sports Science or Business and said the Open Day made him consider Massey more seriously.  

“Navigation could have been better, but it was an 8 out of 10 overall experience.”  

Rebecca Williams, a parent of a prospective student, attended Open Day hoping to find out more information about Massey’s course options to help guide her daughter.  

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While the event included a presentation on scholarships and StudyLink, and had in the library with information all day, the confusing layout meant parent Rebecca didn’t see anything about it.  

“I didn't see a single booth about finances or scholarships, which worried me.” 

The rising cost of tuition and living expenses weighed heavily on their family decisions. “Rent, tuition and food expenses are going up every day and I can't cover it all alone.”  

Recent course cuts at Massey have shaken her confidence and the stability of her daughter's study plans. “If her course got cut midway, she would have to transfer and waste time and money, something we want to avoid.”  

She said her confidence would grow if Massy could guarantee courses would be available throughout her daughter’s studies.  

Rebecca also felt Massey could improve communication about job prospects after graduation. “For some degrees, where graduates end up working is unclear. It would be good to know the possible career paths.” 

When it came to Palmerston North, Rebecca felt her daughter would be safe in the tight knit community. 

A Massey spokesperson said they were pleased with how Open Day went, and had received good feedback.    

They said each year surveys are put out to gather feedback on Open Day, as they are committed to improving the experience.