University of Queensland student Orientation programs will be held at the St Lucia and Ipswich campuses from Monday, February 15, to Friday, February 19, and at Gatton College campus on February 18 and 19.
The University of Queensland this year will have 28,500 students enrolled in 5000 subjects in 400 courses across the three campuses.
Orientation - O-Week - at St Lucia campus will include welcoming addresses from the University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hay, the University's Secretary and Registrar, Mr Douglas Porter, and the President of the University of Queensland Union, Mr Matthew Carter, in Mayne Hall at 9.15am on Wednesday, February 17.
The University's Dean of Students, Dr Lisa Gaffney, said Orientation activities were important for students to gain information about their courses, receive help and advice on choosing subjects and get an insight into university life.
"It is also an opportunity to meet other students and find out the services on campus such as the Library, clubs and social and sporting activities," Dr Gaffney said. "It gives new students a good start into university life. When they start classes, they know where they are going and they know their way around campus."
Throughout Orientation Week faculty members will describe courses students will be attending.
The Union will show new students the services it provides and organise entertainment including barbeques, treasure hunts, films, music and a "Big Gig" beside the lake. Market Day on February 17 is a day to celebrate UQ community life when the Union, clubs and societites will stage displays and entertainment in the Great Court from 10am to 3pm.
Gatton College Orientation will include information and displays on university and community activities, a market day, a lunch hosted by the Gatton College Student Association, and faculty welcomes and briefings.
The Ipswich campus Orientation program will include tours of the Student Centre and campus, a community event celebrating the arrival of the University of Queensland in Ipswich, a clubs and societies market day and an official welcome to UQ Ispwich from the City of Ipswich.
The Ipswich campus opens in February with its first student intake. The site, with a history dating back to 1878, contains 17 heritage-listed buildings which are being restored by the University. The Ipswich campus will have an emphasis on emerging technologies, aiming to become a high-tech "cyber-uni" for the 21st century.
A Parents' Day will be held at the St Lucia campus on Sunday, February 14, and a Parents' Evening will be held at the new Ipswich campus on Monday, February 15.
Invitations to Parents' Day will be included with Orientation material sent to new students at the end of January.
Parents or students seeking information about Orientation Week or Parents' Day can telephone 3365 7560.
