Abstract:

This presentation will explore creative approaches during course inductions to foster community and belonging. Through sharing recent practice and discussing future initiatives, this presentation will highlight how well-designed induction experiences can enhance student engagement, foster peer collaboration, and strengthen a sense of belonging from the very start of the student journey-an essential foundation for social learning.

For a lot of students, the move into higher education can be overwhelming. This is especially true of students from underrepresented groups. A strong sense of belonging and identity can play a huge part in developing student well-being and ultimately academic success. It’s therefore vital that programme teams use this critical period to help students feel integrated into academic life.

As essential as it is to offer information sessions during Freshers’ Week, we must consider how we deliver these sessions and make a lasting impact. While the more traditional information overload approach might be what we have come to expect-and perhaps might be easier to plan and deliver, maybe we can adopt more fun and creative ways to share this information and start to build relationships.

As an undergraduate programme leader, I have tried to shake things up and foster connections between tutors and students in the hopes of creating a common ground from which to grow a three-year relationship.

Within this presentation I would like to share examples of recent practice to encourage others to consider using creative approaches to help enhance the undergraduate learning experience from the start.

Keywords:

Creative approaches, belonging, social learning, experiences.