Issue 731

Southern Cross University's Open Day 2001

What's on at SCU for Open Day

Southern Cross University opens its doors to the public for its annual Open Day next Saturday, August 18, at the East Lismore campus from 10am-3pm.

Interested people and prospective students can explore the grounds throughout the day and get a feel for the campus. Most blocks will be open for inspection and some departments such as the Environment Science and Naturopathy sections will open their laboratories for the day.

Current students and staff will be available to answer general questions about the University and provide comprehensive information on different courses available.

'It's a chance for prospective students and their families to get all the information they need, as well as a feel for the campus, including the Residential Colleges,' SCU's public relations officer, Robin Osborne, said.

'Open Day is a real community event and people not only have fun but are often pleasantly surprised by what our courses can offer them.'

Some things to look out for during the Open Day include the Inter-High School Mooting Competition (mock trial) at the Law faculty (L Block). The competition will run throughout the day – round one at 9.30am, round two at 11am, the semi-final at 12.30pm and the final at 2pm. Tomorrow's lawyers will do battle with words!

People travelling to the area to attend university can go on guided tours of the residential college, Richmond College, and get information about residential packages and residential scholarships on the day. Bus tours depart from the carpark north of Goodman Plaza every half hour from 10am. People can also get information on Austudy, Abstudy and HECS requirements from the Student Administration building in the Plaza.

Students thinking of working or travelling overseas for future study can find out details of the university's international programs and exchange opportunities as well as have a chat to international students at the Plaza all day.

Anyone considering post graduate study are also welcome to have questions answered.

Parents returning to study can bring their younger children along on the day, with activities like story telling and face painting in the Education department (B Block) from 11am-2pm. The Southern Cross University Childcare Centre will also celebrate its 10th anniversary on the day with a mini Open Day from 10am-3pm. As well as information about the service itself, there will be face painting, a jelly bean count, second hand toys and books for the kids.

Special video screenings will be held for mature age students. Any adults thinking of studying next year are encouraged to go along, hourly from 10.30am at Social Science (B Block).

Music lovers can enjoy student band performances at Contemporary Music (D Block) from 1-1.30pm while fitness fanatics are invited to test their physical prowess at the Mini Olympiad at Exercise, Science and Sport Management (P Block) all day.

People planning to undertake SCU's comprehensive four-year naturopathy course are encouraged to go on one of the medicinal herb garden/massage room tours, held every half hour (Z Block).

Lots of other tours and activities are happening at the campus throughout the day. For the full SCU Open Day program check out The Echo's website at www.echonews.com.

Entertainment

While the university has state-of-the art learning and sport facilities, they also have a fully equipped Union bar with pool tables, a television, cafeteria, bar and outside verandah that is the hub of social life on campus. Open Day features a special welcome function for all SCU graduates from 11.30am-1pm in the Union.

Visitors are welcome to relax in the Plaza and enjoy the free entertainment provided by students.

Entertainment starts with local band Happee Hour from 10.30am followed by a health and fitness display at 11.30am. Local singer Simon Chate will perform at 12pm before joining his singing group, Isabella Acappella, for a performance at 12.30pm.

There will be another performance by Isabella Acappella at 1.30pm, with the band Happee Hour back for another gig at 2pm.

For more information on entertainment, Union or Plaza activities check out the program or phone 6620 3000.

SCU scholarships close soon

SCU staff member Craig Stone with former student Christina Papadopolous and Tweed College senior resident, Nelly Lenton.

SCU offers students now studying the HSC or equivalent a number of Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, each to the value of $15,000 for a normal degree program ($5,000 per year for three years of full-time study).

In partnership with a range of local businesses and organisations it also offers Industry-funded Scholarships, valued at between $6,000 and $15,000 ($2000 to $5000 pa for three years).

Up to 50 Residential Scholarships will be available to new students. These are worth more than $3000 and cover the year's full accommodation charges as well as electricity and the Residential Club fees.

SCU's Scholarships are available to final year students studying an Australian HSC/Senior Certificate (or equivalent) applying to enrol in a full-time course of study at Southern Cross University.

Normally applicants should have nominated a SCU course preference on the UAC/QTAC application form. The closing date is October 31.

Selection criteria include academic achievement, personal maturity and social responsibility as evidenced by contributions to school/college and community life, the comments of the School/ College Principal or nominee, and of personal referees, and any evidence of meritorious performance under conditions of disadvantage.

Details from SCU Marketing on 6620 3975 or www.scu.edu.au.

Big book sale offers more savings

The Co-Op Bookshop, located at Southern Cross University's Lismore campus, begin their annual Book Sale next Friday, just in time for Open Day. Pictured is the bookshop's manager, Frances Eliott (right) and sales assistant, Lisa Batholomew.

The University Co-op Bookshop's annual Book Sale is on from next Friday, August 17, until Thursday, August 30. Anyone at the SCU Open Day should grab the chance to enjoy genuine savings on a wide range of quality books.

There's a comprehensive range of undergraduate textbooks, academic and professional reference and research titles, works of fiction and non-fiction, software and stationery.

The Co-op Bookshop also carries titles in a variety of specialist areas and its search service provides access to over one million titles.

If it's in print, the friendly staff at the Co-op will find it for you!

Australian-owned and independent, the Co-op is the second largest book retailing chain in Australia and has the largest number of members of any co-operative in Australia.

Lifetime membership to the Co-op costs only $20 and entitles you to a variety of benefits. Anyone may buy at the Co-op, however discounts are restricted to members. The good news is anyone can be a member!

The Book Sale is being held at The Co-op Bookshop, in the Goodman Plaza at Southern Cross University's Lismore Campus. The bookshop is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Phone 6621 4484.

Women in IT...

Women in Information Technology coordinator, Helen Jewell with final year IT students Lynne Thorngaard and Robyn Maish-Simpson.

An ongoing program for SCU students is contributing to an increase in the numbers of women employed in the Information Technology industry – an area in which women have traditionally been under-represented.

The Women in Information Technology (WIT) program involves peer mentoring and tutors for first-year women Information Technology students.

Lynne Thorngaard is a final-year IT student who has been involved as both a student and a mentor in the WIT program.

'I found my mentor was an angel in disguise, pointing me in the right direction and being more familiar with the right way to do things such as approaching lecturers, finding the appropriate support groups, exam techniques and coping with other crucial factors,' she said.

'During my second year I became a mentor myself, assisting a lady who suffers from a disability, and I found it be a most rewarding and challenging experience.'

Another final-year IT student, Robyn Maish-Simpson, said the support for female IT students made a big difference.

'The work can seem an impossible task to a first year undergraduate student – I was fortunate to be assigned a third year student as my mentor and there was a sense of support behind me,' she said.

For more details about the WIT program, see SCU's Multimedia and Information Technology staff at Open Day.