Fun, frivolity gets the ball rolling on 2014
WELCOME to another issue of The Ashes. I trust everyone has had a fun and prosperous start to the year. In this issue we reflect on the fun and frivolity had at the Phoenix Carnival and look at upcoming events. We also continue with our “getting to know USQ staff� feature and look at recent changes made at USQ Fraser Coast. Also, be sure to check out the article submitted by Sally Cripps, a first-year student, about the journey from acceptance to starting on campus. If any other students would like to contribute to The Ashes, please submit your articles at Phoenix Central or email to FraserCoast.SRC@usq.edu.au. Till next time, Colin Matthias, Editor.
This publication does not necessarily represent the views of University of Southern Queensland
FRANK Benn entertains the crowd during the lunch break. INSET: Kacey Groundwater masters the mechanical bull.
O, what a week! MORE than 160 students were welcomed to USQ Fraser Coast on Monday February 24 during the O Week celebrations. The focus of Orientation was to prepare new students for the coming year administratively, academically and socially before beginning their studies. Information stands, a range of market stalls and free snow cones were available during the lunch break when students could also enjoy a healthy lunch and live entertainment from Frank Benn. On the Tuesday, students met their academics staff and fellow students and were given a detailed introduction to their studies. Orientation finished with a bang with the annual Phoenix Carnival on March 4. New and returning students celebrated the new academic year with games, live music, food stalls, rides and introductions to student services programs.
TOP: Head Start student Hannah Pattemore has her photo taken for her USQ ID card. ABOVE: Matthew Hartvigsen has his face painted by Leanne Hodges. RIGHT ABOVE: Framed and ready for fun are Jasmin Rai (left), Hannah McRoberts and Ashleigh Emblem. RIGHT BELOW: Jessica Woodman (left), Goomblar Wylo and Dimity Shillingsworth attend the Indigenous Orientation event. FRONT PAGE: Maddison Stead tries out the Zorb Balls assisted by David Scott.
This publication does not necessarily represent the views of University of Southern Queensland
Mixed emotions on new journey By Sally Cripps “CONGRATULATIONS”…… the first words that jump out of the page of your acceptance letter from the University. Inhale, exhale, more deep breathing and excitement mingled together, a faster heartbeat, and a catch of the breath. Thoughts rampage through your head from “I did it, I got in,” to “Oh my God what have I done? Reasoning with oneself in the form of, “It’s ok, I can do this, I deserve this educational journey,” to “Am I mad, when will I fit this in?” A half-hearted laugh goes with those thoughts, and a resigned, knowing sort of acknowledgement that I will indeed do it, succeed and deserve to as well. Upon getting to Orientation Week I heard a lot of reflective conversations around this topic, and decided then and there that I was going to be positive and not let the early days of confusion, frustration and overwhelming information overloads get to me. I decided to be on top of it all, and be informed, by asking the right people the right questions.
Whether I have achieved that remains to be seen, however, I made it through the week looking forward to the beginning of next week. That’s when the journey really started. I also was privileged to be able to help at Indigenous Orientation and witness all the same feelings and nervousness of students being dissipated by the staff and Elders there on that day to help. Our life and learning journeys will be side by side, and I welcome that. Thanks to all the USQ staff who really went out of their way to make us all feel welcome, heard and helped. I have made new friends already, and have shelved the negative thoughts, I am ready to start learning, and have appropriately set myself up to achieve in my academic endeavours! As a new student I welcome the assistance and guidance you are all prepared to give so that I may learn. I trust I will give you back as much as you have already given me. Good luck to all the students new and returning, may we all enjoy great successes. Onwards, 2014!
How to make a difference DO YOU feel like you have something to offer your fellow students? Are you involved? Do you want to make a difference? What do you want to see done to improve USQ Fraser Coast? If you have answers to these questions, there is exciting news for you. This is your chance to join the
Contact The Ashes For enquiries and newsletter contributions, email to FraserCoast.SRC@usq.edu.au
Fraser Coast Student Representative Council (SRC). Get involved in the student experience and make your time and others at USQ Fraser Coast more enjoyable. Further information about the SRC can be found on the USQ website: http://www.usq.edu.au/frasercoast/ lifeat-fraser-coast/rep-committee Alternatively, email PhoenixCentral. FC@usq.edu.au
Feedback
IF YOU have any feedback on nonacademic issues such as parking, printing and amenities, the SRC is here to help.
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Jeff Hughes
Position: Student Counsellor and Disability Support Coordinator. Tell us about your position: The position provides for brief, solution-focussed counselling about study and university related issues. The disability side of the role is about providing material support for students with disabilities. A lot of students don’t realise that disability is a really broad topic and so they never apply for support. It includes disabilities such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar, mood disorder and schizophrenia. It even includes learning disability. This means that for students who struggle with reading and writing, we can provide them with practical support to help them with their studies. How long have you worked for USQ Fraser Coast? I celebrated my 5th anniversary with USQ on March 16. During my five years here I have registered almost 250 students. Hobbies: Golf, fishing, boating, singing and song writing, sound engineering and music production. What would your superpower be? To bestow superpowers on others! Tell us a joke: How many counsellors does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but the light bulb has to be committed to changing! (lol) How you can contact Jeff: Student Hub Reception is the best bet - 41943125.
This publication does not necessarily represent the views of University of Southern Queensland
Gazebo with a view...
Coming Event Trending Tuesday
April 29, Noon to 1pm Room A126, Phoenix Central
GRAB a group of friends or come and join in on the fun. Play board games, “just dance” with the Nintendo Wii or watch on and enjoy a snack in Phoenix Central.
AS PART of a healthier lifestyle initiative, USQ Fraser Coast is becoming a smoke-free campus. The new gazebo overlooking the lake will be the only on-campus Designated Outdoor Smoking Area (DOSA). This addition is designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of all current and future students.
NURSING students Deb Murray and Dee Woodgate joined forces to raise more than $1700 in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave campaign.
Competition Corner WIN A $30 WOOLWORTHS VOUCHER
Stumped for the answers to last month’s crossword? Here they are:
SIMPLY answer this question: What three items would you spend your $30 voucher on if a meteor was going to collide with Earth? Email your answer to FraserCoast.SRC@usq.edu.au.
THE USQ bookshop was entered in the Striped Up Stores competition being run by Stabilo Australia and many students received free stabile pens as part of the promotion. These pens came with a code to enter for a chance to win a prize. For more information visit www.facebook.com/StabiloAustralia.
This publication does not necessarily represent the views of University of Southern Queensland