Green Man goes to University

UCLAN welcomes freshers with quite a party, with entertainers, live music, a procession and a test fire drill, a range of stalls and information tables, all aimed at ensuring they have the best possible start.

I have been a student twice. Once was when straight out of A levels in the mid 80's when I started a teaching degree and was kicked out at the end of the year. Then as a mature student in the 1990's I completed a four year Environmental Health degree, enjoying it a lot but not becoming an Environmental Health Professional afterwards.... I went self-employed as an entertainer. With each of these experiences, I don't think the level of support I was given was as comrehensive as what UCLAN offers. Not only does UCLAN have a welcome party, with information about the Student Union, crime prevention, insurance, buying a TV licence and more, but there's explainations about the wide range of services UCLAN itself offers.

Central to improving the student experience, increasing retention (reducing numbers leaving their course), increasing numbers graduating and improving the employability of graduates are a 'one-stop-shop' building known as the ' i ', and Student Liason Officers (SLO's). Employed by UCLAN for up to 2 years, SLO's are graduates or placement year students whose roles are to provide information for students in educational and personal matters, to be the first point of contact for any issue. SLO's also report back to UCLAN on issues concerning students through a committee system, and are regarded 'the voice of the students'.

UCLAN's ' i ' provides many student services, including financial, disability, careers, multi-faith, accommodation, health, counselling, plus 'WISER' - Walk In Study Enhancement by Review, offering a drop-in or appointment service for academic help, such as understanding briefs. There is a 'M and M Mentoring scheme', a peer-support or buddy scheme which aims to prevent students developing the need for counselling. There's more in the pipeline, a pilot 'Mentorprise' scheme, concerning employability, looks likely to become the latest in the long list of student services.

I was impressed by this level of care, and the approach is reflected in the measured levels of student satisfaction and a Times Higher Award for looking after their international students.

My 'Green Tip Of The Week' is to do a course, evening class or some other learning experience yourself. No-one is ever too old to learn something new, and gaining a new skill, whatever it is, helps improve your quality of life, a key aspect of sustainability. I intend to report on a course I hope to attend later this Autumn, which ought to help improve my parenting skills. Why don't you contact Community Care and tell them about what you are learning, or what you'd like to learn?