Guiding First-Year Students Through the Academic Transition
- In short
- For tutors, lecturers and student advisers in higher education
- Gain insight into the academic and social transition of first-year stu
- Focus on academic progress and wellbeing
- Practical activities for group sessions and one-to-one conversations
What is this workshop about?
The transition to higher education brings many changes for first-year students in a short period of time. They need to adapt to new ways of learning and studying, become more independent and take greater responsibility for their decisions. At the same time, they need to find their place in a new academic and social environment. These challenges can affect both their academic progress and their wellbeing.
As a tutor or student adviser, you play an important role in supporting students during this initial phase. But what exactly does this transition require of students? And how can you tailor your support to the different experiences and stages of development they go through during their first year?
In this workshop, you will explore the first-year experience, drawing on models from student development theory. You will examine the key challenges and themes that arise during the transition to higher education and consider when they are most relevant throughout the first year.
Through practical activities, you will learn how to address these themes in group sessions and one-to-one conversations. You will also explore ways to monitor students’ academic progress and wellbeing, and encourage them to support one another as they settle into their new academic and social environment. This will help you provide effective, targeted support while empowering students to take ownership of their own development.
What will you gain from this workshop?
By the end of this workshop, you will:
- understand the challenges students face during the transition to higher education and how these can affect their academic progress and wellbeing;
- recognise key themes in the academic transition and identify when they are most relevant during the first year;
- be familiar with practical activities and techniques you can use in group sessions and one-to-one conversations;
- be able to support students’ academic and social integration and encourage them to learn from and with one another.
Is this workshop right for me?
This workshop is designed for professionals who support first-year students as they develop and find their way in higher education, including:
- tutors;
- lecturers teaching first-year students;
- academic advisers;
- student counsellors;
- deans of students.
The workshop is particularly relevant if you want to gain a better understanding of the challenges students face during their first year and learn how to tailor your guidance and support to their needs.
How much does the workshop cost?
Participation is free of charge for Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht staff. For external participants, the fee is €240.
Incompany
We also offer this workshop in-house, tailored to the specific needs and challenges of your programme or organisation. Interested in exploring the possibilities? Get in touch with us at onderwijsadviesentraining@uu.nl. We would be happy to discuss the options with you.
When is the workshop?
Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
1 | Tuesday 26 January | 10:00 - 12:30 |
2 | Monday 12 April | 14:00 - 16:30 |
The workshop is offered on several dates. You can select your preferred date when registering.
Where does the workshop take place?
The workshop takes place at Utrecht Science Park, which is easily accessible by car and public transport.
Visit the Utrecht Science Park website for an overview of travel options and directions.
If you are travelling by car, you can also find information about paid parking options on the Utrecht University website.
How much time do I need to invest in this workshop?
No preparation is required for this workshop.
How does Utrecht University ensure that the workshop reflects current developments in my field?
The workshop draws on current insights from student development theories and research into the first-year experience. These insights are linked to real-world situations in higher education, as well as participants’ own professional experiences and practices.
Who are the trainers?
Our trainers at Utrecht University are experts in their fields and actively engaged in relevant, cutting-edge research. They combine academic expertise with a strong understanding of professional practice, enabling them to relate to the challenges and experiences of participants.
Our trainers are also highly skilled educators, with teaching approaches specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals: practical, interactive and directly applicable to their work. They place great value on collaboration and create a learning environment that encourages dialogue, knowledge sharing and co-creation.
Questions?
Do you have any questions? Please check the FAQ below first to see if your question has already been answered. If you cannot find the information you need, feel free to contact us at onderwijsadviesentraining@uu.nl or call +31 (0)30 253 2261.
About Educational Development & Training
Educational Development and training supports education professionals throughout their careers. We offer tailored solutions to educational challenges and provide expert advice to schools and educational programmes. By connecting academic research with educational practice, we help develop fresh perspectives and approaches to education.
Educational Consultancy & Professional Development is part of Utrecht University. All our services are subject to our payment and cancellation terms and conditions.
General enquiries about Professional Education
Do you have a general question about professional education at Utrecht University? Please email professionals@uu.nl or call us on +31 (0)30 253 1018 during working days.
Looking to broaden your knowledge, deepen your expertise or take your career in a new direction?
Get in touch with our education adviser, Afke van der Velden, at a.i.s.vandervelden@uu.nl to discuss your options.
Payment and cancellation terms and conditions
All services provided by Educational Development and Training are subject to our payment and cancellation terms and conditions
The registration deadline is 19 January.