Orientation heralds start of academic year
Hundreds of students will start their life at university when they attend Orientation from Monday to Thursday (25-28 February) at Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Casuarina campus.
One of the messages the new and returning students from across Australia and overseas will receive during Orientation is around the university’s commitment to Respect. Now. Always. (RNA) – a campaign by Australian universities to ensure that students, staff and visitors are free from sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Engagement and Success Professor Philip Seltsikas said the RNA campaign was about raising awareness among students and staff that sexual assault and harassment were unacceptable, and to show the clear avenues to support for those who needed it.
“It’s important that at the start of the academic year everyone is reminded that sexual assault or harassment will not be tolerated by the university,” Professor Seltsikas said.
The Orientation program includes a mix of academic and social activities.
Activities will include “Academic Readiness” sessions, campus tours, yoga, a market day, and sporting and cultural events.
Orientation Project Lead Katrina Jenkins said this year online students could better engage in Orientation.
“Our online students can live-stream the Academic Readiness sessions to learn more about their courses and meet their lecturers,” she said.
“More than 70 per cent of CDU students study online and it’s important they can interact in the same way as if they were attending in person. It’s a great start to help students prepare for academic life.”
CDU Students' Association (CDUSA) President Benjamin Poveda said his team has been actively involved in organising this year’s event.
“As existing students, we’re in an excellent position to support and add to the experience for new students. We’ve been there and we’re here to help them adjust and have the best time possible,” Benjamin said.
He said CDUSA has added an extra two days to the official two-day Orientation program with the focus on promoting a healthy study/life balance.
“Wednesday is sports day where students can get involved in cricket, basketball, table tennis, and futsal – or simply come and cheer on the players,” he said.
"On Thursday we want it to be more social, with speed-friending, cultural performances and food, and an evening of live music, student discounts and fun at a nearby establishment."
For more information, visit W: https://oweek.cdu.edu.au