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USC to welcome largest intake of students
The University of the Sunshine Coast will today officially welcome its largest group of new students to the start of the 2007 university year.
USC’s intake of new students this year will exceed 2000.
About 800-900 first-year students are expected to attend today's Orientation ceremony, starting at 10am at USC’s Innovation Centre, to gain an introduction to the campus and university life.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas AM will officially welcome the new students during the ceremony at which USC ambassador Tomas Passeggi will be Master of Ceremonies.
Today's program will include faculty information sessions for students, campus tours, a barbecue lunch and some faculty versus faculty fun and games.
Professor Thomas said the Orientation program had been designed to ensure new students, whether school leavers or mature age, made a smooth transition into university.
“University is still the most powerful passport to long-term career success,’’ he said. “It has a personal and academic value that endures for a lifetime if students become fully involved.
“Grasping all that is on offer – whether it is academic opportunities, work experience, or joining a social or sporting group – new students should be prepared to get involved.
“The students who benefit most from their time at university, and not only the highest academic achievers, are the ones who explore all aspects of university life and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.”
During this week, the Orientation timetable includes information sessions to help students find their way around the campus, use the library services, learn about scholarships, student support services, university computers, essay and report writing and find out how to get the most out of their university experience.
The timetable also includes some fun activities like several free lunches, where the emphasis is on meeting other new students, sporting and recreational events and the Great Court Race on Thursday 15 February at 12.30pm.
USC will run special Orientation bus tours of the Sunshine Coast on Friday 16 February for students who are new to the area.