Douglas Jackson hopes by becoming a student mentor he can help new university students hit the ground running when lectures begin in March.Third-year biomedical science student Douglas Jackson knows first hand how daunting going to university for the first time can be.

"Where do I go, who are my lecturers, what are they like, where do I go when I need help?" It is these sorts of questions that first-year university students face every year.

As a CQU student mentor, Douglas hopes to help new students feel at home at CQU and will provide support during their first year of study.

"Your student mentor is someone you can feel comfortable asking for help from whether it be about your course or about the university in general," Douglas explained.

"Student mentors are there to help first-year students to find their feet."

Each first year student beginning at CQU has the opportunity to be linked with a student mentor during Orientation Week (O Week).

"It's very important to attend orientation to find out where things are, understand the services that are available to you, and to link up with other students studying your program."

CQU Rockhampton's orientation program kicks off on Monday February 18 until Friday February 22 with Uni Skills Workshops in maths, health science, computing, assignment writing and research.

As many as 600 new students will be able to participate in the official Orientation Week (O Week) activities.

Orientation helps everyone pull together for the new year

On-campus orientation begins Tuesday February 26 until Thursday February 28. Distance education orientation is planned for Saturday and Sunday February 23 and 24.  Part-time students are encouraged to come to either the on-campus or distance education orientation.

Students will meet their student mentor, attend faculty meetings, tour the library and take part in other activities aimed at preparing students for the year ahead.

There will be information on Commonwealth Learning Scholarships, how to use the computer labs, and a session on the student journey. A session will also be held on study, employment and scholarship opportunities in Japan.

A Parents and Partners Information Evening will be held on Monday evening (February 25) from 7pm.

All students are invited to take part in an inter-faculty challenge at the Sports Centre at Tuesday lunchtime, and the O Week Festival on the library lawn, on Thursday from 1pm, where there will be a treasure chest auction, markets, live music, free food and give-aways.

Also on the social calendar is a Student Association Theme Party at O'Dowds on Friday evening.

A full program can be accessed via: http://www.cqu.edu.au/orientation .

More information on Gladstone Orientation can be found here.

More information on Bundaberg Orientation can be found here.