Building Bridges: Connecting student development and wellbeing Dr Catherine Mann Manager, Student Connect Program Mr Daniel Persaud Associate Director, Wellbeing Factors in wellbeing Student Development Wellbeing And factors that increase isolation – technology, online delivery, widening participation, demands of part-time work and financial need, living off campus Principles As a university we agree on: Commitment to excellence in Student Services Student taking responsibility for self Student self-service (70-20-10) Wellbeing and allied services Holistic Flexible, acknowledging that needs can change Focused on student’s needs Streamlined A network of services delivering support that is Appropriately tailored Navigable Integrated Wellbeing and Support Services Student • Chaplaincy • Safer Community Program • Counselling Service • Health Service • Children’s Services • Student Support • Disability Liaison • Student Equity Officers • Student Connect Delivery to students Web-based delivery Smart phone applications Podcasts and downloads Information and FAQs Interviews and appointments Workshops and information sessions Individual counselling and mentoring Connection with students Improve the student experience through enhanced connections Aimed at student development, engagement and responsibility Provides student transition and development Proactive and educative Background • Based on research and practice in the US, UK and Europe - Kuh, Tinto, Light, Morgan, Thomas • Strong links with advising cultures internationally – NACADA: DSW, LVSA, HEA • Part of higher education’s approach to student retention, engagement and success • Supported by the advising agenda of the University and a holistic and developmental approach to student engagement and success Definition Student advising is a university-wide, interactive activity that engages staff and students in ongoing conversations that support individual student learning, progress, engagement and success. Student Connect Students Action Reflection Connection Direction Focus on first years • Every first year student is contacted by Student Connect to arrange an appointment • Students ring students • All students of the university are able to access the program Appointment Discussions Students are excited by: • Concentrating on subjects that interest them • Meeting new people who are like-minded • Freedom of university • Learning new things in a new way Students are challenged by: • Managing the study load and the reading • Balancing their timetable and co-curricular activity • Making friends • Adjusting to independent uni life and a new learning environment Self responsibility and small steps Who are these students? Proportional Representation All 1st Yr, 1st Sem UG Students Attended Student Connect (N=6742)* Female 54.52% (N=2780)* Female 54.60% Male 45.48% Male 45.40% Equity Group Gender Disability 260 self-identified 3.86% 117 self-identified 4.21% Access Melbourne Domestic cohort only 36.69% Domestic cohort only 38.81% Science 29.37% Science 32.23% Arts 23.73% Arts 24.57% Bus & Eco 20.43% Bus & Eco 18.17% ABP 10.61% ABP 10.04% Faculty MDHS 7.20% MDHS VCA & MCM 7.21% Of the domestic cohort: 6.94% VCA & MCM 6.47% Of the domestic cohort: High SES 52.68% High SES 51.37% Mid SES 36.03% Mid SES 36.34% Low SES 9.71% Low SES 10.89% SES by Home Postcode *Percentages in each column refer to percentage of N for each column. Building the bridges • How is Student Connect working with wellbeing and allied services? – Referral templates – Training from expert services – Dedicated liaisons – Attendance at staff meetings and workshops – Identifying co-branded opportunities for students – Constant vigilance! Actions and Referrals Student Continuum Student Connect Resource: Ask Counselling Recommended appointments Warm referral Walk over to Counselling Student Evaluations I love this section/activity. I feel like I can ask Really good to have someone to chat to as whatever things I don’t understand or request a first year as it’s so easy to feel for some help. And it really helps me to get overwhelmed and like you don’t matter in into better uni-life. I feel no longer alone in such a big place. Even as an individual who school because at least I get someone to chat has had a good transition into uni life I and inquire information found the appointment beneficial and comforting. Was very helpful, did not feel judged at all for bringing up possible withdrawal from course. Helped to look at other options instead. My adviser really took the time to care about me. I felt like they were really focused on my personal University plan. I now feel motivated and confident that I have support. Challenges • • • • The students themselves Staff not yet fully aware of a new program Advising as a refashioned activity Developmental not transactional Opportunity knocks! © Copyright The University of Melbourne 2011