Unlike many involved in the coal industry, Nicholas Harris has chosen to work with software rather than larger-scale machines.

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) student is on an industry placement - as part of his degree - working as a coal chain analyst with Mackay-based Integrated Logistics Company Ptd Ltd.

CQUniversity's First-Year Experience Coordinator, Dr Gemma Mann recently visited the Emerald Campus to meet the prospective student mentors for 2011.

The day involved a meet and greet session accompanied by an afternoon tea shared by the staff at CQUniversity Emerald, Gemma and the candidates for the student mentor positions for 2011.

St Luke's Anglican School Year 10 Luke Chivers was a happy winner of our Bundaberg Campus Open Day prize of an iPad and intends to put it to good use.

Luke is interested in completing a course in CQUniversity's SUN (Start Uni Now) program during year 11.

The Bowen Basin is undergoing significant change and Mackay is due for an unusual geological event within weeks that will have a profound effect on the region for decades to come, say scientists.

Five hundred geologists, researchers and other international specialists are focusing on the epicentre: the Mackay Entertainment Centre.

CQUniversity's English Language Centre on Rockhampton Campus has hosted a large group of Japanese students keen to hone their English skills and learn about Aussie culture.

Outside the classroom, the Meikai University students spent time cruising the Keppel islands, exploring caves, visiting historic Mt Morgan and the Heritage Village, horse riding on a property and meeting native wildlife.

CQUniversity hosted the SmartWater board meeting at its Rockhampton campus recently.

Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman met with Chair of the SmartWater Board, Professor Joe Baker AO, OBE and Deputy Chair and Griffith University PVC Professor Sue Berners-Price at the meeting.

Ten final-year students from around Australia took part in a recent four-day residential school and field trip to Great Keppel Island as part of their third-year course Coastal Marine Resources.

According to course coordinator, Dr Bob Newby, this is a distinctive marine biology course in that as well as ecology it focuses on the sustainability and management issues of these important natural resources.

CQUniversity is partnering with Zonta to assemble and distribute up to 5000 birthing kits to third world countries.

This Friday and Saturday (Sept 24 and 25), our CQUniversity campuses will hold an assembly day, inviting students, staff and community members to attend and be a part of this truly worthwhile project.