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Orientation for online students

Orientation can be completed online, whether you start in Semester 1 or 2, or in another teaching period.

Essential Orientation activities

Orientation activities will help you learn all about your new university and what you'll need to know to succeed:

  • School Orientation Events are essential for all new students to attend as they will help you learn about ECU's support services, your new school, course specific information, and an opportunity to meet key staff.

Start online Orientation here

You can access our Canvas application any time to complete your online Orientation.

Online Orientation

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uni•speak

What does
that mean?
Here's a quick guide to some of the things we mention during the Orientation stage.

  • Canvas is your new best friend. It's an online suite of tools to enhance and extend your learning experience, as well as providing some efficiencies for our teaching staff. It contains unit outline documents and study information for the units you're enrolled in.

    Canvas sites will generally provide you with:

    • lecturer contact details
    • important announcements
    • unit outlines
    • lecture notes
    • assignment submission areas

    If you're studying a unit online, it provides you with all the materials you need for that unit, including completing tasks and assignments, using the discussion board, blogs, journals, wikis and ePortfolios.

  • If your course requires you to graduate with recognised working or practical experience, then you'll be required to complete a practicum placement.

    This is when you complete a practical, workplace experience as part of your studies.

    During your practicum placement, you're expected to meet the same work conditions as a normal member of staff. You won't be paid for your practicum work, but it's a great way to add to your CV and to build networks in your chosen field. It can also lead to employment after you graduate.

  • Your School Orientation is an event that provides you with specific information and study requirements for your course – including book lists, important dates, unit advice, practicum requirements (if applicable), as well as an opportunity to meet staff and students in your school.

    As a minimum, you're expected to attend your School Orientation event during Orientation. International students are also expected to attend the International Student Welcome.

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