Academic Families Who are Academic Families? What do they do? What are the benefits? Where next? The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences

Who are Academic Families? Peer support system Families consist of 2-3 senior students and 10-20 new students All new students into BMS automatically assigned to a family Leaders must be trained by Student’s Association The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences

What do they do? The University of Edinburgh Initial contact is through a welcome letter in pre arrival information First meeting is during Welcome Week Then at least two further meetings per semester The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences 3

The University of Edinburgh Semester 1 Welcome Week Introduction to Academic Families Using MyEd and Learn Week 4 Uni life so far; settling in and time management Week 8 Exams and revision; how to cope Semester 2 Week 3 Making the most of semester 2 Week 7 Looking ahead; course choices and the years ahead The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences 4

What are the benefits? The University of Edinburgh Helps new students settle in quicker and find their feet Offers a safe and welcoming environment for students to meet their peers and ask questions Leaders gain skills in mentoring, planning, time management Leaders can use the Academic Families scheme to work towards the Edinburgh Award Personal Tutors can refer students to their Academic Family leaders as a source of support for example to relieve typical pre-arrival concerns Starts building communities within BMS The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences 5

“We hope the scheme allows first year students to feel more supported by Biomedical Sciences, as well as giving them the opportunity to meet people on their course and ask questions to students who’ve got experience of what they are going through” Roisin Ryan, 2015 Committee Member

“I believe that the work that all the leaders and families do is a vital part of building community within our Deanery. I was very proud to be part of the team which won the best peer student support group award last year and see this achievement as acknowledgement for all the hard work and dedication everyone involved with programme has contributed” Emily Wilson 2016 Committee Convenor

“Starting university, particularly in a new country, can be daunting and overwhelming. Overall, the Academic Family scheme aims to ensure the students feel supported during their first year and that they have someone to guide them and give them advice” Makis Tzioras 2016 Committee Convenor

Where next? The University of Edinburgh Student engagement from the leaders allows this scheme to be sustainable Academic Families are dynamic and adaptable to the needs of the user group New leaders have different ideas to develop the scheme and maintain student engagement For example one leader this year lead a yoga session for their family Another Impact Award? The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences 9

“I nominate the Biomedical Sciences Academic Family peer support committee and affiliated staff as a beacon of good practice in staff/student collaboration. This scheme is an example of genuine equal partnership to ensure the best possible outcomes for all new UG entrants into the Deanery of Biomedical Sciences” Impact Award nominator 2016-17

Impact Award Winners 2016 and 2017