1. School Welcome Talk template (2015) Abby Shovlin Academic Transitions Advisor Institute for Academic Development abby.shovlin@ed.ac.uk

2. Welcome new students! to the University of Edinburgh and the School of x

3. 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

4. Who you are Demographics of the room e.g. : Student numbers Age range Gender Nationality etc.

5. 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

6. School of x  What 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...

7. 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)

8. More information on my programme of study Core courses and option course information: PATH (ease Access), Academic Fair (in Welcome Week) and PATHAcademic Fair Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study (DRPS) Path programme builder screenshot

9. Managing expectations/ academic contract/ partnership/ getting to know each other/ student contract  Student Contract covers: Student Contract What students can expect from the University What we expect of students

10. 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

11. 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."

12. What’s it like studying at university  Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework 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)

13. What’s it like studying at university?  Characteristic Three: generic cognitive skills SCQF 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)

14. 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

15. Other ways to develop my skills  Institute for Academic Development Website with study advice, Learn Better (online study skills course) and workshops Website ‘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)

16. 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 Societies fair Download the UoE app to view all Welcome Week events and make your own programmeUoE app

17. 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 Service Accommodation Services Student Counselling International Office Chaplaincy My peers Me Personal Tutor and School Support Staff My tutors and lecturers Peer Support in my School e.g. PALS

18. 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:...