There was a hive of activity at CQU Emerald on Wednesday (March 1) as the incoming students were welcomed by campus staff and seven mentors.

Emerald Campus is building a reputation as a nursery for producing talent, with a high percentage of students being awarded a Golden Key Award for outstanding results, and two students being selected to teach in Korea.

This is impressive considering the Bachelor of Learning Management program was only introduced at the campus in 2004.

Under the guidance of Pat Moran, Sub-Dean and Campus Coordinator, CQU Emerald has grown to the extent that there are now first, second and final-year BLM students, STEPS students, and the ever increasing Business course, which has attracted 16 new students.

With such an influx of students, the seven volunteer mentors had their hands full directing students around the luscious surrounds of the Agriculture College, of which CQU is a resident.

Says sentimental Pat: "We allocate mentors to provide the students with support on their new journey and to enlighten the path which lays ahead. Starting university can be tough and our mentors will do a wonderful job of looking after my new babies, I'm sure of that".

With the rain tumbling down, students, lecturers and mentors, numbering more than 100, shared a meal and discussed what had passed and what the future held.

With formalities over, incoming students pursued their mentors for advice and knowledge of university life. As well, new staff members were welcomed to meet their prodigies and discuss desires and dreams.

As the day ended, exhausted and excited students departed realising that they were about to embark on a journey that could take them to new heights.

Photos: CQU Emearld Sub-Dean and Campus Coordinator Pat Moran and the students assigned as mentors to the first-year Bachelor of Learning Management (BLM) students.