No fear factor for orientation week at Southern Cross University

As thousands of new students descend on Southern Cross University for orientation activities, volunteer student orientation leaders have been working overtime to ensure there is no ‘fear factor’ for first year students.

Student volunteer Scout Symons will be helping those at the Lismore campus find their feet. Other volunteers will be on hand at the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses.

“Orientation at SCU is important because it shows students there are lots of people around to help them out. We show new students around so they are confident they can find their classes without getting lost,” the Bachelor of Laws and Social Science student said.

“When I went to orientation, I found it really, really great! I met someone on the first day who was also doing Social Science and we became good friends. It was nice to have a friendly face when we started classes.”

Southern Cross University orientation co-ordinator, Ann-Maree Wilkinson said this was one of the biggest events on the University calendar.

"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," Ms Wilkinson said.

"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."

The course information sessions are essential for new students who are also encouraged to attend academic workshops to find out what will be expected of them in the coming years. There are also specialised workshops on information technology and referencing.

At the Lismore campus, some of the standout social activities include a pool party, a pool playing competition, various sporting activities, a ceremonial smoking session and trivia nights.

The Coffs Harbour campus will welcome new students with a pancake breakfast and have arranged a host of social activities throughout the first week, including themed dress-up parties.

Activities at the Gold Coast campus will include a Chocolate and Chat with library staff, free yoga, live music entertainment and some free lunches in their program of events.

For the full listing of events for each campus go to www.scu.edu.au/orientation

Photo: Volunteer student orientation leaders at the Lismore campus.