New and continuing CQU Bundaberg students have been dusting off the cobwebs at Uni Skills week in preparation for the beginning of a new year of tertiary education.

Uni Skills comprises a variety of workshops including academic writing skills, mathematics, science, study skills, library research skills and introductory computing.

Attending the Enabling Maths workshop, new students Pamela Edmunds and Naidine Wallace agree that even though they had just finished year 12, attending Uni Skills week has provided relief from any worries they had that their maths skills may not be adequate for tertiary studies.

“It’s refreshed a lot of stuff that I’d forgotten – my brain shut down after I finished school so it was good to come along, “ said Ms Wallace.

Mature-age student Greg Woods is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (Biology) after completing the CQU STEPS program in 2005.

“Uni skills week is really good – you gain a lot of background knowledge for your studies,” said Mr Woods.

After working for about 10 years in the boilermaking and motor mechanics industries, Mr Woods returned to university when his employer went out of business.

All students sang the praises of their mathematics tutor, Mrs Jinx Atherton, saying her teaching methods were effective.

“She’s great at explaining things so you can understand properly. Jinx is the bomb – she’s just the best!” said Ms Wallace.

“Enabling Maths helps to allay any fears students may have – they now know that with some hard work and finding the resources available through the Maths Learning Centre they can always find help when they need it while they’re doing their course,” Mrs Atherton said.

“It gives students a chance to meet others before O-week – many of them have started networking already".