Enhancing transition for international students
On 14 November 2012, our recently appointed Student Experience Officers, responsible for supporting undergraduates, organised the first information session on adjusting to academic life here at the University for international students.
Designed specifically for first year Chinese students, this informative session provided students with a more detailed insight into the main differences between higher education in the UK and China. It was further supported with suggestions for how to adapt and integrate into University life including hints and tips on critical areas of study such as academic integrity and the importance of referencing.
Cath Haines, Student Experience Officer in the Faculty of Science, said:
‘We were pleased this first information session was so well attended. The students were very positive and seemed appreciative of our steps to support them in their transition here. We recognise how overwhelming it can be to arrive in a new city, experience and understand a completely different culture and make progress with a new programme of study.’
Leading on a significant strand of work looking at a range of new ways in which we can better support the first year student experience, Mark Ames, Head of Student Services, also commented on the information session:
‘I am delighted that we are getting events such as these underway now. Our new Student Experience Officers are fulfilling a key role in identifying new ways of enhancing students’ transition process and putting in place a series of mechanisms to support their first year more effectively. We will look to review and evaluate our activities to learn and inform next year’s activities.’
The Student Experience Officers from each Faculty and the School are working closely together to pool ideas, share good practice and co-ordinate activities that can benefit all first year students.
Further information:
Catherine Haines, Faculty of Science, ext 5335
Kate Hamilton, Faculty of Humanities & Social
Sciences, ext 6851
Sarah Stead, Faculty of Engineering & Design, ext
5422
Eliza Shaw, School of Management, ext 6128
Gemma Bridges, School of Management, ext 3165
