School Welcome Talk template (2015) Abby Shovlin Academic Transitions Advisor Institute for Academic...
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Transcript of School Welcome Talk template (2015) Abby Shovlin Academic Transitions Advisor Institute for Academic...
School Welcome Talk template
(2015)Abby Shovlin
Academic Transitions AdvisorInstitute for Academic Development
Plan for today/session aim
In today’s talk, we will cover:
• Who you are• Who we are• Brief introduction to the School• Main points to get you started with your studies• Who to contact if you have any questions
Who we are
School of x
• Head of School- School structure/organigram • Members of staff/students giving talk• Introduce key staff members new students should
know: e.g. Personal Tutors, Student Support Officers/Student Experience Officers
School of xWhat we do here, what you can do here
• Some short snapshots of research interests of staff and current projects in the School and opportunities for new students to find out more/engage with this research• Students from this School have gone on to . . .
Introduction to programme of study
Key features of programme of study
• Highlight the most important points for new students in this talk and refer students to key sections of the course handbook/Learn/School webpages for further info (show students how to access these in a demo)
More information on my programme of study
Core courses and option course information:
• PATH (ease Access), Academic Fair (in Welcome Week) and
Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study (DRPS)
Path programme builder screenshot
Managing expectations/ academic contract/ partnership/ getting to know each other/ student contract
Student Contract covers:
• What students can expect from the University• What we expect of students
What’s it like studying at university?
It’s a journey/process: don’t expect to understand everything right away
• Whilst some course content may be familiar, other content will be new and will take some time to understand/process.• Give yourself time• Problems/not understanding something are all
important parts of the learning process
What’s it like studying at university?• Advice from previous first years/older students e.g.“My one piece of advice to new students would be to seek out tutors and use the office hours that they have given. They’re really useful to seek clarification on things within the course, as well as with any issues with feedback you don’t understand what they have written or you want it clarified what you should be doing. That’s really helpful."
What’s it like studying at universityScottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) 12 levels, 5 characteristics: • Knowledge and understanding,• Practice, applied knowledge, skills and understanding• Generic cognitive skills • Communication, ICT and numeracy skills• Autonomy, accountability and working withy others• First year University = level 8(NB this slide is not for Welcome talk, but suggested follow up content for group meetings/course specific workshops)
What’s it like studying at university?
Characteristic Three: generic cognitive skillsSCQF Indicator: Undertake critical analysis, evaluation and/or synthesis of ideas, concepts, information and issues that are within the common understandings in a subject/ discipline/sector.Think about your existing skills in this area and those that you would like to develop Discussion around what ‘critical thinking’ means in your subject(NB this slide is not for Welcome talk, but suggested follow up content for group meetings/course specific workshops)
How the School of x can help you to develop as a student
• Staff e.g. Student Support Officers, Student Experience Officers, PTs• School resources e.g. study skills materials on Learn
or School workshops• School Events• Peer Support e.g. PALS
Other ways to develop my skills
Institute for Academic Development
• Website with study advice, Learn Better (online study skills course) and workshops • ‘How to Succeed at University’ workshops in Welcome
Week and week one specifically for new first years UGs • New student one-to-one consultations in week one and
week two
(self-book workshops/consultations via the University Events Booking System using your EASE log-in)
Is it all about studying?
Extra curricular and co-curricular activities play a key role in your student experience.
Use them as opportunities to:• Make new friends, enjoy yourself, relax and have fun• Try new things• Gain valuable work experience• Societies fair (in Welcome Week), 270+ societies• Download the UoE app to view all Welcome Week
events and make your own programme
Who can I speak to if I have questions/need help?
Library
Institute for Academic Development
Edinburgh University Students' Association
English Language Teaching Centre
Student Information Point
Information Services Helpdesk
Student Disability Service
Careers ServiceAccommodation Services Student Counselling
International Office
Chaplaincy My
peersMe
Personal Tutor and School
Support Staff
My tutors and lecturers
Peer Support in my School
e.g. PALS