International Conference on Enhancement and Innovation in Higher Education Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow 9-11 June 2015 Welcome

Dr Tom Cunningham Not Getting Lost in Articulation Transitions Officer, University of Dundee, Based in Student Services; supporting student transition from HN study at College to University. Detailed student questionnaires used to start the process of capturing and conceptualising the student experience of articulation to Dundee. The responses considered are from students at College 14/15, due to enter Year 2 at the University in September 2015.

Articulation Routes to Dundee The University offers two special articulation routes: Additionally Funded Places – 40 places at Dundee & Angus College, 10 places at Fife College Co-curriculum Widening Access – 45 places at Dundee & Angus College Students on these both routes receive additional support from the University during their time at College: University ID cards, internet and accounts Access to Student Association and Sports facilities Subject specific support: classes, online modules, visit days etc. Advice, guidance and one to one support from the Transitions Officer

Academic Concerns Missing out on something important ‘I often feel that having missed out on the first year at University that I have perhaps missed a lot and may struggle to catch up to be on par with the rest of the second year students’ The workload difference between College and University ‘I’m concerned about how much harder second year of University will be in comparison to College.’

Social Concerns The ‘stigma’ of coming from College – even from the students! ‘I had a certain stigma about College, I expected that it was going to be filled with high school dropouts and rebels.’ Making new friends at University ‘I am also worried about meeting people on my course as I would assume most of the people have already met and made friendship groups. We will be the ‘college ones’.’ Time away from study ‘I am slightly concerned too much of my time will be dedicated to University, and that I’ll have little time to be with friends.’

Administrative Concerns Making sure funding is properly in place ‘I did initially have problems when applying to SAAS, knowing which institution I had to apply under as. However it was dealt with very quickly and easily.’ Communication between the College and University ‘[We have] done more advanced things at University before we have learnt the basics at College’ ‘none of the lecturers were aware of my enrolment in the University’s online modules unless I mentioned it to them.’

Value of Support? Awareness of the support’s available not uniform, but most knew that ‘that there is always somebody to help’ when needed. Engagement with the University was very well received. ‘I have used the online library offered by the University to help out with both academic and personal studies.’ ‘group projects at University that helped getting to know students outside College’. ‘Completing the LearningXtra modules alongside college work has also helped me to understand the importance of time management – a skill that I think most 1 st year students need.’ ‘I already feel more like a uni student than a college student.’

Conclusions? Articulation students have a range of concerns over their academic preparedness for, and ability to integrate with, University life. Anything that helps to demystify the experience is welcome. The support the University is providing are helping, but more can be done. The initial data suggests that those students who have more interaction with the University while at College (modules, classes, visit days, meetings) are likely to feel more confident about the transition, and have a sense of ‘belonging’ to the University. Physically being on campus seems also to make a difference. The University is tracking these cohorts of students through their studies, for retention, progression and attainment.