Oh! What a week is planned

First published 9 February 2012

New students will start streaming through the gates at James Cook University’s Townsville campus next week to get ready for uni, ‘learn about learning’ and hopefully have some fun at the same time.

JCU will start its official Orientation Week (O Week) program on Monday, February 13.

It is a week designed to let new students, who are starting studies in Semester 1, 2012, find out about their studies, accommodation and potential social activities while studying at JCU.

JCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding said participation in the Orientation Program was the best way to start the JCU experience.

“James Cook University is an exciting place to be, and many students will receive a taste of this during O Week,” Professor Harding said.

“Of course, this is an exciting time for new students. They’ll be focused on commencing and, ultimately, completing their chosen course of study.

“O Week is a great way to become more informed and more comfortable with the journey ahead, to start making new friends and to familiarise yourself with the University and the campus, accommodation, people and wonderful resources.”

Professor Harding said staff are on hand to help students reach their personal academic goals during their time at JCU and their professional goals once they graduated.

“The O Week program is designed to help you learn about JCU and all that it has to offer so that you can reap the full benefit of your university experience from the very first day.”

Events:

Enrolment help

7-9 February - A three-day Unistart course, to help with study techniques and processes

Information sessions for parents and partners of new students

Tailored help for international students

During O Week:

13 February - Welcome to University – an evening of entertainment

13-14 February - Introduction to students’ faculty and course

Week-long – Issuing of student ID cards

Week-long – International information sessions and workshops

Information sessions on studying at JCU, money matters, library and computing information, library orientation tours, computing workshops, support services, access to students mentors

Following O Week:

Library workshops

Blessing of the Academic Year

3 March - Essay skills workshops

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Monday 13 February – 2pm-5pm

Giant Games and other entertainment – Market Square – near Refectory

Tuesday 14 February – 7pm onwards

Toga Party @ The Club - The must-do event and the biggest night of the year. 18+ ID required

Toga Party @the pool – 5.30pm onwards - All ages event. No alcohol.

Wednesday 15 March – 10am to 2pm

Market Day Extravaganza - stalls, businesses, freebies, entertainment, JCU Clubs and Societies, JCU and JCU Student Association Services, fun and games

Wicked Wednesday at the gym – see what the JCU Fitness Centre has to offer

Cinema Under the Starts – outdoor movie night (alcohol free)

Thursday 15 February

Reef HQ trip – 12 noon to 4pm

Free BBQ lunch and entertainment – 11am-2pm – Market Square

Happy Night (with DJ) at the Uni Club – 18+ ID required

Friday 16 February

Billabong Sanctuary Trip – 12 noon – 5pm

Bludgers Bar @The Club – Live band - 18+ event.

Saturday 17 February

JCUSA O Week Music Festival – 1pm til late

Unique entertainment experience – 18+ event. The Club precinct.

JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175.