Orientation

This self-paced module provides essential information to help you prepare for study at Southern Cross University. It covers topics including enrolment, technology, course information, student support services and Orientation activities.

You can access the New to SCU Module through MySCU (Blackboard).

If you cannot attend an Orientation session, recordings and alternative sessions are usually available.

Many live Orientation workshops are recorded and uploaded to the New to SCU Module shortly after the event. If you cannot attend an on-campus Orientation, you can participate in the Online Orientation, which covers key information for new students.

International students should check whether attendance requirements apply to their Orientation activities.

The most common reason for not receiving an Orientation confirmation email is an incorrect email address entered during registration.

Confirmation emails are sent to the email address used when you register. Check your junk or spam folder first. If the email is not there, review the address you entered for typing errors such as missing characters, incorrect punctuation or an incomplete student email address.

Southern Cross University student email addresses typically follow this format:

firstinitial.lastname.number@student.scu.edu.au

For example:

j.smith.10@student.scu.edu.au

If your email address was entered incorrectly, you may need to register again or contact the Orientation team for assistance.

All online sessions are scheduled in New South Wales (NSW) time.

Southern Cross University operates across multiple campuses and time zones. While on-campus activities are delivered in local campus time, all online Orientation sessions and most online workshops are scheduled using NSW time. Students studying outside NSW should convert the session time to their local time zone before attending.

The University Glossary is the best place to find definitions of Southern Cross University terms and common student terminology.

Universities often use specialised terms that may be unfamiliar or have different meanings from those used outside higher education. Definitions can vary between universities too. The University Glossary explains common terms used throughout your studies. 

Bring comfortable clothing, enclosed shoes, a water bottle and any materials you may need to take notes.

Before attending, make sure you register for Orientation. On the day, wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes, as some campus tours may include laboratory areas. You may also find it helpful to bring:

• A notebook and pen
• A tote bag or backpack
• A water bottle

Most importantly, come ready to meet other new students and learn about university life.

Yes, students and staff attending the Lismore or Gold Coast campuses must display a valid parking permit while on campus.

If you study at Lismore or Gold Coast, you can obtain your parking permit during Orientation by following the instructions on the Parking Permit webpage. Students at the Coffs Harbour campus do not need a parking permit but must park in designated student parking areas. 

You can apply for a Student ID card online through MyEnrolment.

To request a Student ID card:

1. Log in to MyEnrolment.
2. Open the Forms tile.
3. Select Student ID Card Request Form.
4. Complete and submit the form.

Visit the Student ID Cards webpage for detailed instructions and requirements.

If you need help enrolling, support is available from Southern Cross University's student support team.

Step-by-step enrolment instructions are available on the Accept Your Offer and Enrol webpages. If you need additional assistance, contact Student Services for help with any questions about the enrolment process.

Your timetable will show a room code that identifies the building, level and room number.

For example, the room code M.G.13 means:

• M = Building or block
• G = Level (such as lower ground, ground floor or upper levels)
• 13 = Room or door number

You can use campus maps to locate your classroom. Visit the Campus Maps and Timetables webpages for more information.

You can connect with other Southern Cross University students through university groups, events, online communities, and your study units.

The New to SCU Facebook group offers a way of connecting with other students online. The Orientation social activities webpage contains information about Student Associations, who host events, giveaways and activities. The What's On page has information about upcoming events, and Unilife provide sport and recreation opportunities. Within each unit on MySCU (Blackboard), discussion boards provide a space to interact with classmates and ask questions.

Southern Cross University provides a range of health, wellbeing and support services for students.

You can access academic, personal and wellbeing support through the university's support services. Information about available services can be found in the Support Services section of the New to SCU Module and on the Services and Support webpage.

Students can also participate in health and wellbeing programs and access student membership rates at university fitness facilities.

Student Associations and Unilife also offer health, wellbeing and support activities.

International students under 18 receive additional support to help them settle into university and meet their welfare requirements.

Before you begin your studies, an International Student Adviser will contact you and provide orientation information. If you are not living with a parent or guardian, the adviser will meet with you every two weeks until you turn 18 to support your wellbeing, safety and academic progress.

International students can contact the International Student Support team for assistance before and during their studies.

If you missed Orientation, have questions, or need support, contact:

• Email: ioadviser-gc@scu.edu.au
• Phone: +61 2 6620 3876
• After-hours support: 1300 782 676
• SMS: 0477 751 363

Visit the International Student Support webpage for more information.