Student support

USQ Springfield offers the following support services: 

• Semester 1 2009 Orientation
• USQ Springfield student and campus guide
• Assignment cover sheet
• Academic learning support
• Elite athletes
• Child care facilities
• Library
• Student services
• International students
• International Friendship Program

Semester 1 2009 Orientation

Orientation for students commencing their studies at Springfield in 2009 will be held during the week Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February 2009. There will be a range of academic, informative and fun sessions to help new students settle into and succeed with their studies.

Orientation, or O'Week, provides students with a chance to:

• meet staff members and other students from their faculty
• best use out of library and university resources
• become acquainted with the assistance offered by Student Services and the Learning and Teaching Support Unit and
• sort out any administrative issues.

Further details, including a program of activities, will be available by the end of January 2009.

If you have any questions, please contact USQ Springfield Administration on 07 3470 4100 or email springfieldreception@usq.edu.au

USQ Springfield student and campus guide

USQ Springfield has produced a Student and Campus Guide (PDF * 697k) which provides new and visiting students with a broad introduction to the Springfield campus. Details are provided on a variety of issues such as campus facilities, student services, information and communication technology services, and local transportation to the campus.

Assignment cover sheet

Assignments must be submitted with a cover sheet. If you are unable to print the specific course cover sheets provided at USQAdmin, a generic cover sheet (PDF *116k) can be used. Please ensure that the declaration is signed and dated.

To print course cover sheets from USQAdmin:

• log one to USQConnect with your username and password
• click on USQAdmin
• click on Student Resources
• select Print Assignment Coversheets
• click on the current semester
• identify the correct course and assessment item
• click on Show Coversheet
• print the cover sheet and attach to the front of your assignment.

Academic learning support

All enrolled students are able to access academic support provided at the Springfield campus. Students can receive assistance with communication skills, including assignment writing and study strategies.

This assistance is provided by the Learning and Teaching Support Unit (LTSU) and is available in the form of lunchtime workshops and lectures (PDF* 29k) that are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Learning Centre on Level Three. These sessions are scheduled throughout the first 12 weeks of Semesters 1 and 2. There are also individual consultations (PDF* 24k) available every day if you require on-on-one assistance or if you were unable to attend the lunch hour sessions.

To make an inquiry or to register for a workshop, lecture or consultation, contact the Administration Officer on Level 3 on +61 7 3470 4400.

For further details about assistance or for information concerning online resources, online courses and specific course-based assistance available at Springfield, please contact the Learning and Teaching Support Coordinator directly or visit the online assistance available from the Learning and Teaching Support Unit.

Elite athletes

USQ provides a support service to elite athletes to help them balance their academic and sporting commitments.

Child care facilities

The ABC Learning Centre has opened a major child care facility within Education City for students and staff. Please contact ABC's enrolment centre on 1800 222 543 or complete the ABC Enquiry Form and ensure you mention that you are a USQ Springfield student or staff member.

Library

The Library houses many resources and services to support Springfield students, including online access to thousands of e-books and e-journals. The Library also provides group study rooms, quiet study spaces and a computer lab for student use. 

Student Services

The Springfield campus is also serviced by a branch of Student Services which provides a wide range of professional and personal support for students. These services are available free of charge to enrolled students and include:

• career guidance and employment services
• graduate employment program
• counselling, including personal, academic and clinical
• accommodation assistance
• Chaplaincy
• financial assistance for students
• international student support
• Centrelink information
• support and assistance for students with disabilities.

International students

In addition to the Academic Learning Support and Student Services, the following services are offered to international students.

Airport pick up

Arriving in Australia will bring new challenges and experiences, therefore a free airport reception and transfer service is available for international students arriving in Australia for the first time. The friendly and supportive staff at USQ will help international students adjust from their first day and throughout their time at USQ.

If you would like to use this service, contact USQ via email: s_arrivals@usq.edu.au.

Counselling

USQ is aware that many difficulties can unexpectedly arise while studying in Australia. Therefore, a fully qualified psychologist will be available to address any personal concerns international students may have while studying at USQ. Counselling services are free and meet Australian regulations regarding privacy and confidentiality.

Orientation program

Attending the USQ International Students Orientation is a must for international students to get the best possible start to their academic and social life at university. Each semester we plan a series of information sessions and fun activities to familiarise students with life at USQ and the Australian culture.

For Semester 2, 2008 an Orientation Day will be held on Tuesday 15 July commencing at 9.00am. The program (PDF *43k) also provides details of the additional welcome and information sessions held during the week beginning Monday 14 July.

If students arrive after the commencement or completion of the International Orientation program, they should call into International Support, Student Services on the Springfield Campus. We can provide them with an orientation and activate their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

International Friendship Program

USQ Springfield has a number of International students on campus from various countries around the world. The USQ International Friendship Program (IFP) introduces international students to local individuals and families. It is not a home-stay program or a dating service, but rather a forum for developing awareness of and understanding between people form different cultures. The benefits of this program for international students include providing a social and cultural outlet, assistance in adjusting to life in Australia and experiencing real Aussie lifestyles and culture firsthand. The benefits to local families include introduction to a new language, being exposed to a different culture, being part of a multicultural community, contributing to the local community and developing new friendships.

For more information about the IFP, please contact Student Services on +61 7 3470 4400 or via studentservicesspringfield@usq.edu.au.

*This file is in Portable Document Format (PDF) which requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy of Acrobat Reader may be obtained from Adobe. Users who are unable to access information in PDF should contact springfieldreception@usq.edu.au to obtain this information in an alternative format.