School Welcome Talk template

(2015)Abby Shovlin

Academic Transitions AdvisorInstitute for Academic Development

abby.shovlin@ed.ac.uk

Welcome new students!

• to the University of Edinburgh• and the School of x

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 you are

Demographics of the roome.g. :• Student numbers• Age range• Gender• Nationality etc.

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

Good luck!

• Thank you and good luck with your studies. Enjoy your time here, we’re very happy to have you with us.• Next today is: . . .