More than 6000 commencing students will hit the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus next week to take part in the University's annual orientation program.

Orientation Week (O Week) is a program of activities designed to introduce new students to the social, cultural and academic aspects of the University.

Information sessions and workshops will be held across the campus to assist new students with program and course options, enrolments and registrations, faculty and library locations and study survival skills.

Student mentors will be on hand at all sessions to welcome new students, answer questions, show them around and help them settle in to University life.

Many of the first-year students mentored last year are returning to mentor this year's incoming students, with special sessions for recent school leavers and mature-age students returning to study.

University of Newcastle Deputy Academic Registrar Student Support Services, Ms Cathy Stone, said highlights of the week for many would be the Commencement Ceremony celebrating the start of the academic year and the 'Get Uni Ready' sessions.

"The Commencement Ceremony is one of the most important events of the University calendar," Ms Stone said.

"It is a formal welcome to students joining the University community for the first time, while the 'Get Uni Ready' sessions introduce students to the many sources of information, help and support on campus."

Orientation Week will run from Monday 23 February - Friday 27 February 2009. Details of O Week events and activities are available from http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/new/orientation-2009/

Photo opportunity: The Commencement Ceremony will be held at 10am on Tuesday 24 February 2009 in the Great Hall, Newcastle campus (at Callaghan). For more photo opportunities, contact Media and Public Relations on 02 4921 5351.