UQ Orientation Week 2009 welcomes students

Student traffic is getting busier at The University of Queensland's campuses, as the 2009 academic year beckons.

New students are encouraged to take part in Orientation Week (OWeek), February 23-27, to attend important information sessions, familiarise themselves with their campuses and participate in an array of social activities.

A big attraction of the five-day annual event is the free Market Day (Wednesday, February 25) activities at the St Lucia Campus, Great Court, where students can enjoy live entertainment, giveaways, countless stalls, demonstrations and other fun festivities.

Students will also have the opportunity to join one of the many Union affiliated clubs or societies.

The week culminates in the Big O on tour at UQ, with acts including The Music, The Fratellis, Ben Lee, Bluejuice, Yves Klein Blue and the Cassette Kids, held at the The University of Queensland Amphitheatre, St Lucia Campus, on Saturday February 28.

UQ Student Services learning hub senior manager Janey Saunders said having a dedicated Orientation Week allowed students to access essential information about their courses and programs but also provide a heads-up on university life and expectations.

Ms Saunders said orientation was not just about OWeek but was really part of the overall transition into university, from enrolment and beyond.

"Workshops presented by Student Services throughout Oweek address writing, reading, studying, exam prep, time management and many other areas," she said.

"Whilst these workshops take place throughout Oweek they are also continued into the semester, where they are integrated into several academic courses.

"This approach takes into account the differences in student readiness to learn and enables students to engage in orientation and transition on a continuum."

The University's Faculties and Schools will hold information and introductory sessions for their various programs, and libraries on each campus will offer introductory courses and tours.

Students can access the Orientation Event planner at http://www.uq.edu.au/orientation/ to gather details of information sessions related to their areas of study.

Market Day St Lucia - Wednesday, February 25

> UQ Union Side Show Alley of Fun - free games and entertainment. Students can also receive their free UQ Union 2009 Student Diary.
> UQ Sport - Students can sign-up to one of the University's many recreational clubs, sports programs or outdoor activities.
> UQconnect - UQconnect will have a marquee in the Great Court for students to access information on available IT services as well as freebies.
> Others - Centrelink, RACQ, BCC Active Transport and Translink will also have stalls.

Market Day Ipswich - Tuesday, February 24, 10am-2pm Market Day Gatton - Thursday, February 26, 12pm-3pm

Media: Ms Saunders (3365 1237, j.saunders2@uq.edu.au) or Eliza Plant at UQ Communications (07 3365 2619)