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USC to welcome 2,453 new students
The University of the Sunshine Coast will today officially welcome almost 2,500 new students.
USC’s record intake of 2,453 new students – which is up 7.6 percent on last year – will push the University’s total student population to almost 6,000.
A crowd of 1,500 students is expected to attend today’s Official Welcome ceremony in the USC Sports Stadium from 11am-noon and take part in a range of academic and social activities tomorrow and throughout Orientation Week.
Other Orientation activities for students will include information sessions, campus tours, free lunches, fun and games, bus trips to tourism attractions like Kondalilla Falls, and a social weekend camp on Fraser Island.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas AM said he was looking forward to welcoming the new students today.
He said their decision to gain a university education was an important one that would stand them in good stead well into the future.
“The deepening international financial crisis will mean many fewer jobs, but the opportunities for employment will be greatest for those with a degree,” Professor Thomas said.
“The recent Bradley Review of higher education has come out strongly in favour of enhanced financial support for students, signalling an easing of student debt, as well as the government’s call for more educated graduates.”
Today will be the biggest day of Orientation Week, with markets, fun activities and live entertainment – including a performance by electro-acoustic fusion band Little Grin – from 11am to 3pm.
Tomorrow will see first-year students line up to compete in the annual Great Court Race from 12.15pm. This is a serious event for serious runners, with prizemoney for the top place-getters.
— Terry Walsh