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Plenty of twists for mid-year Orientation
The University of the Sunshine Coast is delivering plenty of orientation fun along with a commitment to give the latest intake of 1,500 students a top-quality, personalised education.
From a giant Twister game to a great debate about Facebook, from barbecue snags and live music to computer tutorials, many of the 1,100 domestic and 400 international students enjoyed the official start of mid-year Orientation today.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill welcomed the mostly mature-aged students and outlined USC’s focus on learning and teaching, research, regional engagement and sustainability.
“USC prides itself on the quality of its teaching and we aim to give you greater access to staff,” he told the crowd.
He encouraged the students to join USC flagship programs such as Work Integrated Learning, Global Opportunities (where students do a semester overseas) and the award-winning Mentorships.
Professor Hill said a recent focus on research, which generated $2.5million in income last year, also benefited students as lecturers put the results into the curriculum.
“Education is empowering and enlightening,” he said. “Don’t focus solely on job readiness – become a more rounded person too.”
Vibrant academic personalities were unmasked at the Faculty of Business inaugural Orientation debate, “That Facebook is better than face-to-face communication”.
The affirmative side backed technology’s immediacy and ability to control a person’s image and profile, enhancing both work and intimate relationships.
But the negative side won the trophy after light-heartedly describing Facebook users as “phony people who have phony communications with phony friends” and highlighting the real benefits of real interaction with others.
USC Orientation activities continue this week with tours, tutorials, free pizza lunch and movie night, workshops, a soccer challenge and educational sessions.
On Friday students will attend a weekend camp at the USC’s environmental education facility on Fraser Island.
– Julie Gatehouse