Jisc Change Agents' Network Conference 2024

This interactive workshop will focus on supporting the generation of ideas and draft plans for improving the Welcome Week (or induction) experience of international students, aimed at improving availability of information, providing engaging activities, promoting belonging from the outset and supporting a fuller understanding of expectations. The Induction, Transition, Integration and Beyond area of specific responsibilities (QAA, 2023) will provide the contextual frame for the workshop. The workshop will be centred on participants' experiences in their respective institutions and include:

• Introduction: The legal and moral significance of getting induction activities right (transitions, culture, belonging and the link to wellbeing, etc.) (7 minutes)

• Activity 1 (In-group sharing and recording): Welcome week visions - what they should be (6 minutes)

• Activity 2 (Reflecting, in-group sharing and recording): The value of existing welcome week activities (7 minutes)

• Activity 3: (Small group discussion and recording): Draft action plans for new/additional Welcome week activities from September 2024 (10 minutes)

• Activity 4: Groups sharing key points from draft plans and next steps (10 minutes)

• Closing: Feedback on key takeaway (5 minutes)

Participants will be provided with a workbook, allowing them to record visions, ideas and draft plans, which will prove useful in their discussions with stakeholders on their return to their respective institutions The workbook will also include sections on the six other areas of specific responsibilities relating to international students, enabling participants to record pertinent information both during and after the workshop on related topics.

Literature and anecdotal evidence to support the workshop will include articles and information on roles and responsibilities, student partnerships, SU support, transitions, international students' sense of belonging, culture, staff training and inclusive practice.