O week kicks off at USQ Springfield

What do horizontal bungee jumping, library tours and financial survival seminars have in common?

They're just some of the activities on offer for first year students when O Week kicks off at USQ Springfield from Wednesday 28 February to Friday 2 March 2007.

USQ Springfield Director Doug Fraser said the week was about preparing new students for the journey ahead, as well as celebrating the start of University life.

'University can be a fairly daunting place when you first arrive so we've designed our student orientation program to make students feel as comfortable as possible, while arming them with all the information they'll need to get started,' he said.

'During the week, students will have a chance to meet faculty staff and fellow students, as well as get acquainted with campus facilities and the many support services available at USQ Springfield.

'We'll provide information about their study programs, including tips, tricks and strategies to start studies successfully, as well as a session on financial assistance, scholarships and housing.

'O Week is also an ideal time for students to join clubs and societies and importantly, have some fun!

'And the smaller size of our campus means students might just be going head to head with their lecturers for many of the fun activities planned!'

Mr Fraser said O Week's social program would include mechanical bull rides, gladiator games, a treasure hunt and trivia quiz, movie night, free morning tea and BBQ, dance classes and a Back to Uni party.

Various groups and businesses from the Springfield community would also be on hand to talk with students during O Week's Market Day, he said.

He said a highlight of this year's O Week program would be the first ever orientation session for parents.

'We believe family plays an important role in the success of any student, and this session will help parents understand what happens at University, what services are available to help, and how they can support their child to succeed.

'In another USQ Springfield first, second year students of the Faculty of Education have been invited to attend a special orientation session to provide them with important information for the year ahead.

'We'll also be running a special orientation evening for our post graduate students,' he said.

'Great efforts were made in our inaugural year to gain input from students, such as our First Year Experience Survey. In the light of this we believe we have an Orientation that meets students' collective needs, and balances preparation with fun team building activities.

'O Week will also see the commencement of four new Translink bus services to the Campus.'

Media are welcome to attend O Week activities at USQ.

Media Contact: Sam Ireland, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4117 or 0428 102 979

Alternative Contact: Amanda Daniel, USQ Springfield, +61 7 3470 4126