New students to go Tropp-O this year at JCU

New students to go Tropp-O this year at JCU

New students at James Cook University are ready to go troppo with a dive-in movie night featuring an inflatable movie screen and plenty of other activities as part of the university’s Orientation Week next week.

JCU will start its official Orientation Week (or O Week) program in Townsville on Monday, February 17.

O Week is a university-wide, week-long celebration to help new students find out about their studies, accommodation, student services and other activities while studying at JCU.

JCU Student Life officer, Elizabeth Gilson said participation in the Orientation Program was a fantastic beginning to the JCU experience.

“James Cook University is a great place to be, and many students will receive a taste of this during O Week,” Ms Gilson said.

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

“O Week is a good 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.”

In 2014, approximately 2800 domestic students are expected to enrol at JCU’s Townsville campus, and a further 450 international students.

New students are urged to make the most of the tours, workshops and presentations to help students succeed in their studies.

Activities on campus include:

• Course and faculty welcomes

• Campus tours

• Meeting student mentors

• Workshops to help the transition to academic studies

• Discovering the Library and online resources

• Getting a student ID card

• Sorting out timetables

• Fun events and activities to help new students meet and make friends with fellow students.

For the Student Association activities, the theme this year is ‘Tropp-O Week’, with plenty of tropical-themed activities planned.

Activities include a dive-in movie night on the inflatable movie screen, the traditional and ever-popular Toga Party, Market Day Extravaganza, Wicked Wednesday at the Gym, Casino Royale at The Club, an Over-25s Breakfast for mature aged students and more.

Sport and Recreation Mega Fair, free hot dog lunch and games, the O-Mazing Race, a free and exciting competition that uncovers beautiful Townsville, Billabong Sanctuary Tours and more.

Ms Gilson said staff would be on hand to help students navigate their way in terms of starting their new studies and the University generally.

“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.”

“New students will receive their first taste of university life in a social sense as well, with plenty of activities on offer.”

O Week events and best media opportunities (Townsville):

MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY

12.00pm – 2.00pm Welcome Lunch: Free lunch and live entertainment Market Square (near Refectory)

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY

12.00pm - 2.00pm Welcome Lunch: Free lunch and live entertainment Market Square

5.30pm - onwards Dive-in movie night: Come and enjoy a movie on the inflatable movie screen. Food, mocktails, DJ and prizes galore (open age event) - JCU Pool (Western Campus)

7.00pm - onwards Toga Party: This is a MUST do event and biggest night of the year! 18+ event (ID required) - Uni Club

WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY

10.00am – 2.00pm Market Day Extravaganza: Free BBQ, stalls, businesses, freebies. Also sign up for Clubs & Societies - Market Square

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

Date issued: February 13, 2014