O-Week at UQ ready to launch

The University of Queensland is putting out the welcome mat for a substantial new cohort of students for the 2010 academic year.

The intake will include 3500 new undergraduates who have come directly from Year 12 plus an additional 2000 students who will be starting new undergraduate programs at UQ in 2010.

UQ is also preparing to welcome approximately 3000 new international students at all study levels.

New students are encouraged to take part in Orientation Week from February 22-26, to attend important information sessions, familiarise themselves with their campuses and participate in an array of social activities.

The free Market Days (Ipswich — February 23; St Lucia — February 24; Gatton — February 25) are popular events during O-Week.

Market Day is an opportunity for students to join one of the many UQ Union affiliated clubs and societies; find out about the clubs, adventure and recreational activities offered by UQ Sport, and to familiarise themselves with other services and facilities available to them. There will be plenty of freebies, fun activities, and inspiring performances.

UQ Student Centre Manager Ken Aberdeen said the aim of Orientation Week was to assist new students with the transition to University life and to access the information and services available to them.

These included workshops on study skills, Understanding the Timetable sessions, Discovering the UQ Library, Computer Help and Training sessions, Preparing for Success at University, Faculty welcomes and Academic Advising Sessions.

UQ Student Services learning hub senior manager Janey Saunders said Orientation week for 2010 provided a host of workshops run by Student Services, including academic skills, time management and preparing students more holistically for their transition into University.

“Many of these activities will evolve and continue beyond O-Week so that students can engage in them as integral components of their discipline areas,” she said.

“Most sessions are for all students but some are more tailored to specific groups such as Safety Down Under for international students and Mature Age Link Up for students who are not straight out of high school.

“The week certainly ensures a diverse range of sessions and activities that are targeted at preparing and enhancing the study experience for our newest members."

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 Ipswich — Tuesday, February 23, 11am-2pm
Market Day St Lucia — Wednesday, February 24, 10am-3pm
Market Day Gatton - Thursday, February 26, 12pm-2pm

Orientation week: www.uq.edu.au/orientation

Media: Jan King 0413 601 248