Tomorrow we start our induction programme. We meet all of our
first years. A colleague and I talked about it on Friday.
“It’s a slightly scary time. First impressions count,” he
said. “What if we give them the wrong impression? What if it seems chaotic?”
I can remember my “Freshers’ Week” all those years ago. I
was slightly overwhelmed – not so much by what I was about to face – that was
all as I expected it to be - but by the complexity of the week’s programme. It
did all work, of course.
Meet and Greet
We’re starting off with an introduction to all of the
English staff. We were a little concerned last year that all the students did
on the first day was “check in.” This isn’t registration – they do that on-line
anyway. We felt they needed to meet some staff. We offered a drop in. The
problem was they all came at once and we could hardly fit them in the room. We’d
expected them to come with questions. Instead, they seemed to expect some sort
to talk.
We used to offer a breakfast on the second day and introduce
ourselves then. Instead we’re offering pastries and coffee on the first day. We’ll
just say “Hi” and introduce ourselves a little bit.
They’ll also meet a representative from the Students’ union.
Programme session
I’ll be talking to them about the differences between studying
at university and at school. I’ll be giving them the good news that some things
that don’t seem like work actually are work.
This includes going to the theatre, watching the TV, reading a good book
or people-watching. I’ll emphasize the
importance of keeping in touch. I’ll tell them that they MUST use their student
email account. I’ll explain how they can contact us.
I’ll also introduce them to Blackboard, our Virtual Learning
Environment. This is so important. I really have to get this right. I feel that
it’s a key issue for continuation and retention.
Taster sessions
We offer these in Creative Writing, Drama, Language and
Literature. As well as giving students a taste of what is to come it helps them
to find their way around the buildings. This us particularly important in the
building in which I teach a lot this year and in which I have my office; the
Adelphi Building is notoriously difficult to navigate.
Personal Academic Tutors
As the younger students have come from an environment where
the personal academic tutor plays a key role this also becomes an important role
at university. We’re there to support them on all things academic. There are
key points in the year when they may need extra support – just before assignments,
when they’re making option choices for the following year and just after Christmas,
for example. The Personal Academic Tutor plays a crucial role here. I’d even go as far as saying that missing a meeting
with a PAT is more of a crime than missing a regular class.
We can also advise on personal, welfare and financial matters.
We tend for these, however, to refer them to Student Life and Ask Us, which form
our support system for students.
Freshers’ Fiesta
This also takes place on our Adelphi campus on the Friday of
Induction Week. It had quite a carnival atmosphere last year. There will be
lots of creative industry stalls, and food and drink will be sold by local suppliers.
The School’s music department will be supplying live music.
I’m offering a drop-in session for returning second and
third years and particularly encouraging to come along any one transferring into
the second or third year from another university, anyone returning form exchange,
anyone with an incomplete timetable and anyone having to repeat a year. All,
however are welcome. And there will be some freebies!
Let’s hope we get this all important week right.
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