Orientation eases students into university life

Live music, free lunches and a range of social events are just some of the activities on the agenda for new and returning students participating in orientation beginning next week at Southern Cross University.

The jam-packed schedule of events will run from next Wednesday, February 16 to March 11 across the University’s three campuses in Coffs Harbour, Lismore and at the Gold Coast.

Southern Cross University orientation co-ordinator Ann-Maree Wilkinson said this was the biggest University-wide event of the year.

“It's not only a great opportunity for students to become familiar with their campus, local facilities and classmates, it’s also is a time to learn essential study skills to help them through their all-important first session,” said Ms Wilkinson.

“Orientation is a four-week schedule of events starting with course information and academic support sessions - and of course a varied social schedule - and ending with ‘Beat the Stress’ week which focuses on health and wellbeing.”

Orientation will kick off with an acknowledgement of the Traditional Custodians of the land, followed by a formal welcome at the Lismore campus to all students from Professor Peter Lee, Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor.

Students across all campuses are invited to course information sessions, library and campus tours, IT, computing and academic skills sessions as well as lots of sporting fixtures and fun activities to help them settle in and find their feet. There will be a variety of prizes and giveaways with a free e-reader up for grabs at each of the campuses for students participating in a library tour.

Distance education students have not been forgotten, with live information and question and answer sessions on academic support services and courses running throughout orientation via the online virtual classroom, Elluminate.

At the Lismore campus, orientation activities will include a smoking ceremony, a free picnic lunch and tea party, live music in Goodman Plaza, a trivia night, pancake breakfasts, night markets and a range of ‘come ‘n’ try’ mixed social sports including beach volleyball, touch football, netball, basketball and soccer.

Students at Coffs Harbour will be welcomed to the University by new head of campus, Professor David Lynch before enjoying free use of the gym and playing courts, free barbecues, ten pin bowling, a scavenger hunt and rock and roll dancing.

Gold Coast campus students will enjoy a cheese and wine night, a river cruise and free lunches and live music at the campus as well as reviving the traditional board game at a ‘Chocolates, Chat and Checkers’ morning tea.

The final week of the orientation program entitled ‘Beat the Stress Week’ will include activities with a health and wellbeing focus such as kite flying, healthy barbecues, free relaxation sessions and a free movie night held simultaneously across the three campuses on Monday, March 7.

Explore the full orientation schedule for all Southern Cross University campuses at
www.scu.edu.au/orientation

Photo: Members of last year's orientation team welcoming students to Southern Cross University(high resolution image available on request).