Busy UQ Orientation Program for new students

First-year students will sample University life at Orientation Program activities at The University of Queensland's St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton campuses in the second week of February.

The University of Queensland this year will have about 10,800 new students among 29,500 students enrolled in 5000 subjects in 400 courses across the three campuses.

Orientation will include welcoming addresses from The University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hay; the University's Secretary and Registrar, Douglas Porter; and the President of the University of Queensland Union, Sarah McBratney, at UQ Ipswich on Tuesday February 8 and UQ St Lucia on Wednesday February 9.

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ted Brown, Acting Faculty Executive Dean Professor Richard Williams and Gatton Student Association president Barbara Featherstone will welcome UQ Gatton students on Thursday, February 10.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Ted Brown said Orientation and Pre-Orientation activities were important for students to gain information about their courses, receive help and advice on choosing subjects and gain insights into university life.

"It is also an opportunity to meet other students and find out the services on campus such as the Library, clubs and social and sporting activities," he said.

"It gives new students a good start into university life. When they start classes, they know where they are going and they know their way around campus."

All campuses will feature free AskIT computing help and training and Library tours with the lure of free coffee or ice-cream.

UQ Ipswich Orientation program will include Market Day on February 8, tours of the Student Centre and campus, a community event at UQ Ipswich, and a music festival.

UQ St Lucia activities will include Market Day on February 9, a free barbecue, treasure hunt, films, music, a black comedy, Big Hair in America, and a "Big Gig" beside the lake on February 11.

UQ Gatton Orientation will include information and displays on university and community activities, a Market Day on February 10 and a free Faculty lunch on February 11.

The University will hold a separate program for parents, partners and friends of students, at each of the three main campuses.

Details of Orientation Week activities will be mailed to students this month, and also available at the UQ Web site: http://www.uq.edu.au/o-week/

Further information: Meredith Jackson, Office of Marketing and Communications, telephone 3365 6060.