During the 2009/10 Welcome Committee workshops, Student Services planned a series of initiatives for new and returning students based on needs identified through a study of the Student Lifecycle. Here in ALSS we have sought to carry this through on a more local level with our students to ensure that they have the support they need, whenever they need it!

We wish to make all our students feel welcome and the ALSS Late-Arrivals Induction and Dean's Lunch on 6 October captured a number of students who had missed the Freshers week Induction events.

Our new students were given talks and presentations by all the main student service providers including the Library, Student Union and Student Services and a warm welcome by the Dean, Professor Derrik Ferney and the Director of Research Degree Students, Professor Sarah Brown.

This was also a good social opportunity to meet fellow Undergraduate and Postgraduate students, as well as other ALSS academic staff and our Student Advisors. One Postgraduate student commented that it was so nice to meet people in this context, as by arriving late she had not really had much chance meet anyone yet.

Further social events are being organised in the context of the 'Long, Thin Induction' on both Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses, including an ALSS Refreshers Party and a Quiz night. We are also sending out 'Meet your Personal Tutor' reminders and providing study support sessions. In November and December, (in connection with Employability Week) we will be holding a Careers' Fair for Music and Performing Arts students, as well as one for Law students in both Cambridge and Chelmsford.

As part of this momentum there are new student societies being formed in ALSS which are supported by members of academic staff to ensure continuity. We are also planning to launch a Buddy Pilot Scheme for some of our pathways shortly, on the back of the very successful schemes implemented in the Faculty of Health and Social Care last year. These various initiatives and events are particularly aimed to enhance the student experience, but also to benefit our Customer Service Excellence.

Karen Sturt
Faculty Student Experience and Events Co-ordinator

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