[Events] First Seven Weeks

[karen.mcgrath]

To all faculty and staff

 

A group of faculty and staff formed the 'first seven weeks' project task
force last November to discuss ways in which we could make sure that the
early experience of our newest students is as positive and coherent as
possible. 

 

The task force was set up in response to the following range of issues:

 

a)     Student attendance at lectures and tutorials has been falling. 

b)      Despite positive experiences students report about the
orientation process,  early students often remain overwhelmed during the
early weeks of their time at UL

c)      Many new students are not aware of the supports and facilities
available to them, and early arrivals are exactly the students who could
benefit most from these supports

d)      Establishing good habits and orientations at the start will reap
many benefits individually and among cohorts of students

e)      Getting early low-stakes feedback and advice helps students to
improve their engagement and performance within their programme of study

 

These are the issues that the task force has been discussing over the
last few months, and the following are some of the ways in which we are
planning to mobilise our existing resources and expertise within UL to
provide a 'first seven weeks' experience that will enhance the short
term and longer term experiences of our students:

 

1.      Introduce a new award for faculty teaching new students, and
advisors focusing particularly on retention, engagement and feedback and
showcasing early interventions that can enhance the student experience.

2.      Focus on a series of weekly themes that raise awareness and
engagement by students and provide information and help develop positive
student orientations. 

3.      Increase and enhance communication to early students - e.g. 

a.       introduce a daily blog to highlight key themes and issues that
they need to consider, 

b.      improve signage, 

c.       hold weekly study forums for early students to attend.

4.      Engage existing students to help new students adjust to and get
to know the campus.

5.      Highlight existing learner supports and help students to
appreciate how and when these supports are most likely to be of use to
them.

6.      Help students to see the benefits of attendance from the very
start.

7.      Ensure we avail of opportunities to make the UL campus and
culture as positive, welcoming and supportive to new students as
possible.

 

The first seven weeks task force will continue to meet regularly with a
view to piloting these ideas for the incoming cohort of students this
autumn. 

 

We also know that there are many more specific ideas that could work at
a more local level to enhance the early experience of students in
certain disciplines or on certain programmes.

 

If you have ideas that could support the first seven weeks project from
your perspective, or you would like to get involved, please don't
hesitate to make contact. Send your emails to Karen McGrath at the
Centre for Teaching and Learning. 

 

We will be sending regular updates and holding briefing meetings over
the coming months, and look forward to your inputs and participation.

 

Best wishes

 

Prof Sarah Moore

Associate VP, Academic

 

On behalf of the first seven weeks project team:

Aoife.Geraghty; Bernadette.Walsh; Derek.Daly; Fiona.Farr; George.Hayes;
John.Heneghan; Karen McGrath; Liz.Kingston; Maura.Murphy;
Neasa.O'Donnell; Pat.McMahon; Roger.Santer; Sandra.Joyce; Sean.Reidy

 

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