GREFest is our induction programme for new and continuing students and this year we focused on helping students get ready to use technology and study online. It was split into three phases, which provided:
- An opportunity for new students to drop-in and speak to a member of staff and ask any questions they had about university and online learning.
- Preparing to Learn Online workshops covering how to use Microsoft 365, Teams and Apps as well as other university systems like Moodle, Turnitin, Studiosity and Panopto.
- A range of sessions which covered study skills, library skills and digital skills as well as an induction to university learning.
Recordings of the workshops have received more than 1,000 views to date. The recordings are available for all students to access or review for the rest of this term.
This was absolutely brilliant! I'm so glad - even though it's online, a lot of fun can still be had.
Student Feedback
GREFest has proven to be an effective way to engage students online. Students have expressed their support for the initiative and their desire for this support to continue throughout their studies:
- These sessions have been really helpful when trying to settle into uni life and the new technology that was going to be used.
- It's been more than 8 years since I last sat in the classroom, so these sessions will definitely help me with my academic skills and easy writing which am nervous about at the moment. So thanks for such help.
- A great support for new students.
- Loved the interactive sections - they helped me to learn and gain confidence.
Loved all the interactive bits of the session and the relaxed feel of the people presenting - felt more engaged as a result.
Academic Skills 2020/21
During this academic year, the Academic Support Team will be supporting students with a variety of initiatives, all informed and designed to follow-on from our work on GREFest.
Online 121s with Librarians and Tutors. Students can book 30 minute appointments with their subject librarian or an academic skills tutor to discuss their assignments and study skills.
LevelUp Plus is for students of all levels and builds on the LevelUp courses for new students. It is an online taught academic skills course with weekly sessions on library skills, study skills and digital skills.
The Academic Skills Hub on Teams. All LevelUp Plus taught sessions will be delivered on Microsoft Teams. Additionally, students will be able to access other resources and support such as:
- Later Online – late evening drop-in sessions to see a librarian or a tutor.
- Quick Stop Support – Drop in to see an academic skills tutor, or a wellbeing or faculty officer.
- Luna's Hangout Podcast – get a student's perspective of university's life.
Really helped to learn to use the portal and to be able to get advice as an mature student.
Find out more information on our Skills for Uni webpage.
