Chancellor's letter to the class of 2020

To the Year 12 Class of 2020

The global pandemic over the past year has tested our resilience as a nation and presented particular challenges to our graduating year 12 students.

Yet the Class of 2020 has shown remarkable determination to overcome adversity and complete your school studies.

Many of you are now seeking to build a foundation for your future by investing in the development of new skills and knowledge to achieve your potential, both professionally and personally.

The Australian National University (ANU) is one of the world's leading higher education institutions for providing the foundational skills and knowledge that our graduates need in a rapidly changing world.

ANU is our country's only national university, established by the federal government 75 years ago, to provide the highest quality research and teaching opportunities so that we could better tackle the national and global issues we faced.

It remains one of our nation's most important institutions.

This past year has demonstrated that the expertise we develop at ANU is of vital significance - whether it is the breakthroughs our scientists and researchers have been able to make, the public health advice that governments have followed or the economic and public policy responses that have had to evolve.

If you have been fortunate enough to be offered an opportunity to study at ANU, I hope you will be inspired to pursue your dreams by the work of our ANU family.

The on-campus student experience at ANU offers an incredible experience.

If you are currently concerned about the State and Territory border restrictions, you can be assured that they are temporary and that every effort is made to ensure that you will be safe at ANU.

Where and what you choose to study this year, will be a part of your life, long after a vaccine is rolled out and our border restrictions are lifted.

Your education is an investment in your personal success and future achievements as leaders of your family, community and nation.

ANU offers you an unparalleled opportunity to pursue your hopes, dreams and aspirations, whatever the future may hold.

Wishing you all the best for 2021

Julie Bishop

Chancellor

The Australian National University