Learning and Teaching Strategy update 2008
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Contact name and email address: Joyce Wason (j.wason@vet.gla.ac.uk)
Title of case study: Big Vet/Wee Vet
Keywords: retention, internationalisation
Description
In September 2006 the Faculty introduced the “Big Vet/Wee Vet Buddy Scheme” an
informal student-led initiative, overseen by the Faculty Student Support Team, which
aims to enable new undergraduate students to have as much information as possible
prior to their arrival in Glasgow. This scheme is an enhancement of the current support
services available within the Faculty, and is not intended to be a replacement, nor is it a
mentoring scheme. The scheme matches up newly arrived students with established
students to help the new arrivals settle into university life in Glasgow. The match is
made on the basis of interests specified on a questionnaire which is e-mailed to new
students prior to their arrival. With the permission of new students, their e-mail
addresses are also circulated to the incoming class, allowing contact with each other
over the Summer. A “Big Vet/Wee Vet” site has been established on Moodle and
incoming students can log on to the FAQs, information on flat shares (specifically those
where pets are welcome!), first year course information, visa information, sporting
activities available, bus timetables etc, etc. More recently the student organisers of this
scheme have set up a link on Facebook where incoming students can communicate with
each other and with students currently on the programme. Our students have also
organised a “Meet and Greet” service for new international arrivals. The Faculty
sponsors a “Big Vet/Wee Vet” meeting at the beginning of each academic session and
this is also attended by staff.
Conclusion
The “Big Vet/Wee Vet” scheme has not yet been formally evaluated, but feedback from
new and prospective students and from British Council offices overseas has been
extremely positive. Our current students have reported that they view their role as a
buddy as a positive experience – an opportunity to support fellow students, to develop
and maintain new friendships, communication and social skills and adds to the overall
feeling of “family” within the Faculty.
The introduction of the scheme was originally for the benefit of international students, but
it proved so successful that it has now been extended to include all new students to the
Faculty. In addition the Moodle site is now available to prospective international
students. Students who are invited for interview are given a temporary log in, and also a
list of e-mail addresses for current students so that they can communicate with them
prior to interview. It is anticipated that the Facebook page will shortly become available
to prospective students.
The buddy scheme aims to enhance the experience of new students to the University
and to give current students the chance to give something back. Having a buddy to turn
to in times of need, and specifically someone who may be able to draw from similar
experiences, either personal or academic, offers a more comprehensive support system
to our students, and should enhance our currently good retention figures.