New year, new students, new start

Bands, barbeques and a bundle of brochures - what more could a first-year student need?

While the traditional "O-Week" experience plays an important role in welcoming new students to the University community, social activities are only part of the transition experience for first-year students. Contact with discipline-based staff and program-specific activities are also key factors in enhancing the first-year experience.

With this in mind, the 2007 UniSA orientation program has an increased focus on helping first-year students make a successful transition to all aspects of university life.

Academic staff are involved in planning and coordinating information and activity-based learning sessions that focus on the specific academic needs of their students.

Each campus will host a variety of events leading up to the start of the study period, including campus tours, information sessions, preparation workshops and social events.

BBQ and pizza lunches and discipline-based fun activities have been organised by schools at Mawson Lakes and City East.

Students within the Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences are invited to attend an "O-day" at Magill campus with music, stalls and information sessions.

Business students across the University and all students at the City West campus can attend Ignite 2007 - an opportunity to "Fire-Up Your Studies" with free entertainment and bar facilities.

In addition, welcome sessions will be held across campuses for international, rural, interstate and mature-age students.

UniSA recognises that the transition needs of new students extend beyond the traditional "O-Week" period. For a number of programs, First six weeks websites gradually deliver important information to help avoid early information overload.

More information about orientation activities can be found at the New Students website, www.unisa.edu.au/newstudents