Students flock to O Week at JCU

Hundreds of students will take the first step on their academic journey at James Cook University, flocking to campus today for the start of O Week.

More than 2600 new students have enrolled for Teaching Period 1 so far this year, hitting the books either last month for the start of Trimester 1 or next week when Semester 1 officially begins.

They join more than 8200 students currently enrolled across both JCU’s Bebegu Yumba Campus in Townsville and Nguma-bada Campus in Cairns.

The new arrivals will be in for a busy time, with course introductions, a student lunch, networking night, market day, and an O Week breakfast among activities planned this week.

JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said it was an exciting atmosphere at both campuses as staff prepared to welcome new and returning students.

“O Week is a special time for our new students as they begin their JCU journey and experience campus life for the first time,” said Professor Biggs.

“It offers an ideal opportunity for new students to experience the best of what JCU has to offer, both academically and socially. Our staff will be on hand to offer any support and advice they need in what I am sure will be an unforgettable week.

“Our focus is to ensure our students are well prepared to succeed in the years ahead.”

Nursing, Medicine and Dentistry are among the top courses for new domestic students at JCU so far this year while a Masters degree in Marine Biology, Nursing and Medicine were some of the frontrunners for new international students.

“We are pleased to see continued strong domestic student demand across a range of courses at JCU, with an almost 24 per cent increase in new domestic enrolments across both Cairns and Townsville when compared to the same period last year,” Prof Biggs said.

“JCU is committed to providing a quality education as we usher in the next generation of northern Queensland’s workforce.”

O Week will conclude this Friday before classes for Semester 1 begin next week.