We have just managed to have our FIRST meeting with the current 2nd Year Entrants to discuss what we can do in the future to improve induction into the School of Media at BCU. After asking some initial questions there were soon lots of ideas flowing around most of which provide very achievable goals for next year. It was suggested that when students first joined the University tutor attitudes were a little disheartening towards them – perhaps because they had no knowledge of the skills students had having not taught them the previous year. It was suggested a bridge be built between the colleges and the University to ensure students had the appropriate support and encouragement as soon there modules started. Another area of communication that needs to be improved particularly concerns the Professional Studies element of the course. Things such as the amount of hours of work experience to complete whilst on the HND did not reflect the requirement at the School of Media. Issues were also raised between the difference in marking criteria. Students identified that although they had been doing really well on the HND were not achieving similar grades at University and could not understand why. To counter this it may be important to have a session where expectations are laid out, and the marking criteria is explained (section by section). Referencing and writing style was also another area of concern for students as again what was expected on the HND was different to what was expected at University. We feel a series of workshops would be beneficial in which students could opt to come along and learn skills that may be different now they are at University (this could also include technical skills such as using the Avid Suite, how to book a photography studio etc) Aside from the academic issues, students were concerned with the social element of University life. Students liked the idea of a Facebook page as a forum for discussion – that could be utilised both before students arrive and during term time. A social occasion was also discussed – that would be held on the pretence that it is a ‘Media Social’ so that everyone can get involved. Students felt this would give them a chance to lighten up, relax and maybe meet a few of their fellow 2nd years. Students were also very keen on going back to visit colleges themselves and perhaps given small talks on their own experiences. They said they would have found this very useful and it would have helped them be a little more confident. It was encouraging to hear the students display interest in becoming ‘buddies’ for future 2nd year entrants – just so there is a familiar face around campus and a point of call when they are unsure of something. Now that there are more and more 2nd year entrants joining BCU we think it may be beneficial to consider having a 2nd year entrant representative on the Student Council. Overall the outcome of the meeting was very successful and we have lots of ideas to work with! We are going to now liaise with Matt Grimes who is building the bridge between the School of Media and the colleges in a hope to formulate a more comprehensive plan of action for the coming year.

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