Scottish First Year Experience Network

A collaborative network focusing on the transitions, student life and wellbeing of First Year students in Higher Education across Scotland.

Overview

The Scottish First Year Experience Network (SFYEN) is a collaborative network aimed at enhancing the transition and engagement of students entering their first year of higher education across Scotland. The network will achieve this by bringing together Scottish further and higher education institutions including academics/faculty, student services/development, student organisations and students. The network recognises the critical importance of a positive first year experience in shaping student success.

Aim

The primary aim of the Scottish First Year Experience Network (SFYEN) is to enhance the transition and engagement of students entering their first year of higher education across Scotland. By bringing together academic institutions, faculty, student services, student organisations and students themselves, the network will work collaboratively to share experiences and initiatives that promote a positive and supportive first-year experience. This aim will be achieved through the sharing of innovative pedagogical approaches, student-centred programmes, and a holistic perspective on interests such as:

  • Student Transitions focused upon fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring the successful start of the students' academic journey.
  • Student Life considering students with differing characteristics from commuting students to international students.
  • Student Wellbeing focusing on building supportive environments that meet both physical and mental health wellbeing needs.

Membership

Membership of the Scottish First Year Experience Network is a dynamic and inclusive community for individuals and institutions that share a passion for enhancing the transitions and success of first year students in Scotland. This network is open to anyone who possesses a willingness to contribute to the development of the student experience and is committed to sharing their insights, strategies, and ideas. It is anticipated that the membership will include:

  • Students who will offer invaluable insights into their own experiences impacting the networks strategies, ensuring that initiatives are relevant, effective, and impactful.
  • Students Organisations who represent the academic and social interests of students, involved in student centred activities such as freshers week with the aims of fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Strategic Leaders who bring institutional vision and decision-making on issues pertaining to the first-year experience.
  • Academics/Faculty members who design and deliver programmes of learning through innovative pedagogical approaches that engage and support first-year students.
  • Student Services/Student Development professionals who have the expertise in the holistic student learning journey and may be involved in the provision of resources and programmes that foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing among new students.

2023-24 Priorities

In October 2023, we held a successful launch event where we identified three themes that are relevant for our work. These themes are:

  • Mature students (Students who are over 21 years of age at the beginning of their undergraduate studies, or over 25 years of age at the beginning of their postgraduate studies.)
  • International students (An international student is a student who has left their country of origin and moved to Scotland for the purpose of studying at a Scottish institution.)
  • Articulating students (Articulation is defined as a student gaining entry into second year of a degree with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) gained at college, or into third year with a Higher National Diploma (HND) gained at college.)

Based on these themes, we formed Targeted Activity groups (TAGs) that consist of representatives from various institutions across Scotland.

The aim of the Targeted Activity Groups (TAGs) is to exchange views, experiences, challenges and opportunities for these groups of students. They will also collaborate on developing solutions and recommendations for enhancing the learning and support for first year students.

By the end of 2023-24, we expect to produce several Case studies that showcase practice from across the three targeted activity groups. We will also organise a face-to-face symposium on Thursday 2nd May at the University of West of Scotland, where we will share our findings and insights with the wider community whilst agreeing priorities for the next week beyond 2023-24.

Contact Us

Further information and queries can be directed to scottishfye@abertay.ac.uk.