Case studies - the small things we do
During our last Transition Network Lunch, we asked colleagues to share the small things they do for new students, that makes a difference during their first few weeks here. We would now like to share these things with you! If you do anything during the transition period that really helps new students, please do let us know and we will be delighted to add this to the list.
Faculty of Business, Law and Art
Law
During induction, we use team building exercises which really help students get to know each other and their tutor. We also do a 'geographical survey' during welcome talks (i.e. hands up if you come from Asia) so that the diversity of the cohort is appreciated. Open doors ensure that students feel encouraged to ask if they are unsure about anything.
For more information, please contact Sarah Nield
Management
It helps to answer to Facebook messages or emails individually, instead of sending out generic emails addressed to all students. Students will feel like individuals, as you have made the effort of approaching them personally. 1st years also benefit from guidance on feedback, and how feedback on assignments differ to feedback received in school. We also found that it helps to tell students what happens with their work after they handed it into the student office- students will understand the time frames better. Students can also sign up for employability news early on, so that they can think about their career from an early stage.
For more information, please contact Emma Lester
Faculty of Health Sciences
Before a module starts, students are asked what they expect from the module. he outcomes are discussed halfway through the term, which allows for practicalities to be changed before the module comes to an end. Feedback of students influences the module instead of collating feedback just at the end.
For more information, please contact Kelly Wakefield or Julie Wintrup.
Faculty of Humanities
For new students who arrive in semester 2, we set up a lunch meeting so they can meet other students who started in semester 1 informally. We also make a point of following up queries in a timely fasion, so that students receive information they need as quickly as possible. Through clear signate and welcome talks, students get accustomed to the campus quickly.
For more information, please contact Rosalind Davies
Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences
Maths
1st year students are introcuded to 2nd and 3rd year students in workshops. They learn together, and meet students in other years. We also have small weekly assessments, which gets students used to the process early on. We also keep our doors open so that students are encouraged to drop by in case they have any questions.
For more information, please contact Vesna Perisic
Isolutions
If students appear lost, help them find their way on Campus. Buildings numbers are quite chaotic, and it takes time to get used to the different locations. Promote the app students can use, too, which has useful maps amongst many other helpful features.
For more information, please contact Bob Price.
Student Office
We installed tilting screens in our student office, which made a huge difference. If students are unsure what they should do in order to enrol, or they are stuck somewhere, we can tilt the screen, and they can show us there and then.