New students will get the chance to branch out into tertiary studies, thanks to a 'Be Green Be Diverse' themed* Orientation Week (starting Monday, Feb 22) at CQUniversity Mackay.

Program coordinators have sprinkled the week with headings about 'species wellbeing', 'habitat help' and 'campus wildlife tour' and many others covering the various familiarisations, program briefings and skill sessions.

As always, a key activity for students will be linking with mentors who will be their lifeline until they are up to speed. Participants can enjoy free food, entertainment and competitions.

Other highlights include:

- A launch for the campus blood bank club, with Red Cross collectors visiting to start a faculty-versus-faculty donations tally;

- Students will be entertained by Conservatorium students at social events throughout the week.

- Uni Mart is being coordinated by the Student Association. Local businesses and organisations are setting up stalls to show students what is available to them.

- The campus is coordinating a can recycling program through the Lions Club and the initiative will be launched during Orientation.

CQUniversity 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 .

* The theme of 'Be Green Be Diverse' stems from this year being the ‘International year of biodiversity'.