UQ’s 2003 Orientation in February will be packed with new and exciting activities to help students settle in to University life.
The University’s Student Centre Manager Eril McNamara said the program would include a new mentoring session at the Gatton campus, a program transferring session at St Lucia and UQ Ipswich, as well as social activities such as Market Day and the UQ Union’s Big Gig concert. Acts will include Motor Ace, Endorphin and Waikiki.
“The social experience and making new friends is a big part of the University experience,” Ms McNamara said.
The invaluable Library/Cybrary tour sessions will also be an important part of the orientation program, with those students who attend receiving a free coffee or ice cream.
Ms McNamara said the Orientation program would give students the chance to get to know each other and find out about University services and facilities.
“Research has shown that if students can connect with other students in the first five weeks at university, their chance of success will be much higher,” Ms McNamara said.
A new mentoring program at UQ Gatton will allow new students studying for certificates to meet regularly with more experienced second or third year students who can talk about their university experiences.
Transferring programs sessions will be held at the St Lucia and Ipswich campuses. They will give new and continuing students wanting to transfer into a different program in 2004 an overview of application requirements and ways to improve entry ranks.
Ms McNamara said a new event at St Lucia would be the Part-time Students’ Orientation on Sunday, February 23. This will give students who work during the week the chance to visit the campus, together with relatives and friends, so they can attend information sessions, find out how the University works and have their questions addressed.
“Orientation sessions will provide new students with training to use email, access information through the Web and utilise computers. Other sessions will introduce them to the variety of services to ensure they know where to go and who to see when they need assistance,” Ms McNamara said.
A free UQ Orientation Guide has been produced with information about all activities, including academic advising sessions and Library/Cybrary services. Students can also find out about Orientation activities by logging on to www.uq.edu.au/orientation.
Most of the social events will take place during the week beginning Monday, February 24. The UQ Sport Expo and Market Day will be held on Wednesday, February 26 at St Lucia and on Thursday, February 27 at the Ipswich and Gatton campuses. The week will come to a climax on Friday, February 28 when the UQ Union hosts the Big Gig concert featuring 10 live bands on 2 stages.
Media: For more information, contact Student Centre Manager Eril McNamara (telephone 07 3365 6151, email: e.mcnamara@admin.uq.edu.au) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 3367, email: communications@uq.edu.au).
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