School Transitions Officer
Laura Heels, School of Computing Sciences
The School of Computing Sciences brought in a former undergraduate to act as a full-time Transitions Officer for the School. As part of this role Laura provides pastoral support for new undergraduates but also academic support including assistance in practicals and tutoring in academic skills. She organises social and icebreaker events in freshers week to help students settle in but also provides support across all stages of the undergraduate degree programme and, informally, for postgraduates too. She works closely with the Senior Tutor, the Head of School and the Student Wellbeing service to help students experiences difficulties, academic or personal. Laura also organises many of the widening participation events, visiting local schools to talk about studying Computing Science and encouraging, in particular, more women to consider studying these sorts of courses.
The School noticed that retention rates in the first year were lower than they would have liked. They realised that many students were dropping out or requesting extensions due to stress around the end of term exams and found that many felt unable to cope and, crucially, that they did not have some of the academic skills necessary to complete the course. The school decided that it would be necessary to bring in extra support in maths skills (a qualification in maths is not a requirement for the course but it can make up a significant amount of the teaching and assessment once students arrive) as well as offering help with academic skills more generally and with settling into University life.
Retention rates have increased year on year since Laura began her role. Students have reported feeling happier, more supported and more settled and informal feedback has indicated that both students and staff feel that the presence of a Transitions Officer is a very positive thing.The numbers of students requesting extensions and reporting issues with anxiety around exam and assessment time is reduced.
Transitions Officer
Student Induction, Student Engagement
Undergraduate (all Stages)
Computing Science
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Individual students
In response to issues