Noel-Ann BradshawNew Arrivals Group

Transition & New Arrivals - reviewing activities for 2011 students

Outline

Intro to guidelines and policyStudents’ statement of entitlementGood practiceDiscussion in groupsFeedbackConclusion

Background to policy changes

With the 2009 Policy Framework the university formed a central steering group to identify ways in which to improve the transition to university for all students.

From this process a New Arrivals group was convened and, following consultation, the ‘New Students’ entitlement’ was devised and implemented.

ESSENTIAL

Before arrivalPrimarily focussed on information

Before and/or on arrivalWelcome, introductions, expectations, processes

On arrival in the first week, and ongoingGetting to know staff, students,

universityActivities – social and academic

New students’ entitlement, before and on arrival:

“Induction” “Transition”

“Induction” = Week 0(in the university calendar)

Replaced by

“Week One” = Start of Term

Key

messages

to students

and to

Staff ......... “Be here!”

Freshers’ view

Fun, Friendship, Fitting in

Activities that create a forum for the above.

Some introduction to academic practice.Not all info given in 1st week.On-going activities and information

Good practice

Business School treasure hunt – international / PG students

Science – WristbandsPsychology – research social eveningCMS – mentoring links to project workReview week – engineering and CMSFlying Start – CMS and Law

Discussion

Groups of 4What works:

Pre-arrivalWeek 1 activitiesOn-going activities

Post it notesWorksheets

Useful links

New Students’ Communications Checklist (uni website)http://www2.gre.ac.uk/students/new

Acceptors’ Portal ‘What do I need to do?’ channel.

PortalStaff development tab

Further reading

Trowler, Trowler, (2010) Student engagement evidence summary, HEA says:

‘interacting with staff has been shown to have a powerful impact on learning, especially when it takes place outside of the classroom and responds to individual student needs’

Foster, (2010) Why is Friendship Important, Student Transitions Conference,