With the CQ Community Sports Centre refurbished and back in action, CQUniversity's Rockhampton Orientation Week will kick off in the large venue, so around 500 new students have the chance to mingle before splitting into smaller groups.

The Monday (Feb 22) program starts with formal welcomes and academic service briefings before students have the chance to wander around various info stalls in a market format. As always, their key activity will be linking with mentors who will be their lifeline until they are up to speed.

Tuesday (Feb 23) features the Student Association Market Day in the refectory, information tents on the library lawns, a rotating series of program-specific sessions and 'dine with the Dean' luncheons. Prizes will be up for grabs in the afternoon for those who have filled out their Orientation 'passport' stamps.

The rest of the week (Wed-Fri) continues the familiarisation and skill session opportunities to complete the learning curve.

Orientation caters for a broad range of participants, including school leavers, adult learners, parents and partners, on-campus students, distance and flex students, Indigenous students and international students. LINK to Parents and partners also welcome

Orientation coordinator Dr Gemma Mann says Orientation gives students the chance to meet key academics, program advisors and support staff and to find out what is important.

"We don't expect them to be able to do everything in the first week ... just to know what's important for them to find out," she said.

Comprehensive details including sessions timed to suit Flex students and a special online resource are available on the Orientation web page accessed via www.cqu.edu.au .