Extended Induction and Transition

Induction and transition is a dynamic process that extends well beyond induction week. Each student will make progress along their belonging and learning journeys at a different pace, and so careful consideration should be taken to ensure that all students feel individually supported as they advance beyond the first few weeks of term. The extended induction and transition period provides opportunities to strengthen students’ sense of belonging which course teams should factor into their planning.

Factors for consideration

• Recognising and supporting individual students’ needs are best achieved through personal tutoring sessions. The Personal Tutoring and Development Framework provides clear guidance for the delivery of effective personal tutoring. Regular short meetings are likely to be most effective. An example curriculum has been provided along with a tutor tool kit and an enterprise toolkit on the Personal Tutoring website. 

• There are points within the academic year that are particularly challenging for students. November is a difficult time, evidenced by high withdrawal rates, as are the periods leading up to assessment.  Academic staff should be particularly vigilant around these times by regularly checking student engagement (personal tutors will follow the SEAM process) and scheduling contact opportunities. Peer support programmes, such as buddying schemes, can be effective.

• Reduce assessment bunching by mapping assessments at the course/programme level. 

• Signpost students to local and central support services, all of which will be available for online and face-to-face consultations.

• Extended transition activities should aim to engage students with the full range of the Hallmarks of a Portsmouth Graduate, including their career readiness. Useful Personal Tutoring activities to support student’s transition into employment are provided in the Personal Tutor Toolkit - https://personaltutoring.port.ac.uk/developing-your-tutees 

• Plan opportunities for students to continue to build relationships and a sense of community - remember that some students will find this more difficult than others. Social/cultural activities (e.g. quizzes, film nights, online games, field trips) can provide opportunities for students to connect with their peers and academic staff.