Meet the students online

Main idea

To offer flexible and programme specific peer-to-peer conversations, where potential students can ask “360-questions” about being a university student and the path leading up to it – without the typical “in time and space” barriers.

Outline

Meet the students online is web-based peer-to-peer support targeting potential students.

We have one student representatives from all the bachelor programmes. The students connected to this support set-up have all been through it. The choice of study program, introduction days, the experience of moving to a new city or country and meeting new acquaintances. Starting at HE involves a new everyday life with lectures, study groups, large curriculum, and a high commitment. Our students share their experiences with the potential students and answer any questions they might have about commuting, moving to a new city, educational choice, starting at the study programme, etc.

It is authentic, at eye level and programme specific.

Main purpose

• To break down geographical barriers.
• To offer a peer-to-peer support, where potential students can ask questions to someone closer to their own age and situation.
• Authenticity, eye-level conversations, and programme specific support.
• To support peer-to-peer communication

The set-up
The potential student fills out an online form of contact (similar to an email), which the study services receive for screening. The “email” is forwarded to the student representative and contact is established. The student representatives have 48 hours to respond to the initial mail to try to obtain the conversational form.  The peer-to-peer conversation continues via email or online meeting face-to-face.

The study services recruit the student representatives in collaboration with a contact person at each faculty. The student representative attends a one-hour instruction course on main purpose, light version of conversation techniques and topics, and to match expectations. The introduction course is facilitated by the study services.

Timing
This support is offered year-round (except July) and is unlimited and flexible.

In connection to Open Days and application deadlines at SDU, online Q&A’s are also offered. These meetings are group based.

Goals

• To create a sense of belonging and self-efficacy via an informal visit and peer-to-peer communication.
• To share stories and thoughts at eye-level to welcome all potential students at SDU.
• To break down regional and/or educational barriers.

Target group

• Students experiencing geographical obstacles
• Students from non-academic backgrounds
• Students with (mental) health problems

Obstacles targetted:

• Social obstacles
• Health problems
• Geographical obstacles

Students involvement

Students are involved as the student representatives – and also in adjusting the content or set-up via evaluation.

Inspiration and evidence

During the Covid19 pandemic it was not an option to visit SDU for Open Days, Student for a day, or similar “on campus activities”. Therefore, outreach team at SDU wanted to offer an alternative online to support the peer-to-peer communication.

Website in English: https://www.sdu.dk/en/uddannelse/moedsdu/moed_en_studerende

Success criteria

• The peer-to-peer aspect makes it easier for potential students to see themselves study at SDU – and do it successfully.
• The training of the student representatives.
• The collaboration between the study services and the faculties.

Do you feel you can effectively provide the support that students require?

We do agree.

Would you recommend this to other institutions?

strongly agree

Evaluation

The number of requests is registered to evaluate the resources spend on it. The set-up is evaluated by the students and staff involved to make adjustments and ensure relevance.

Communication

We communicate and advertise the initiative via:

• SDU website
• SoMe campaigns
• Potential students can sign for a newsletter via SDU webpages.
• At Open Days, Study internship, etc.

Timing

Year round

Day information

Before regular ‘school’ hours.

Resources

A project coordinator:

• It is a time-consuming initiative to run, mainly because of the communication between study services, faculties and student representatives.
• Hiring/contracts for student representatives.
• Updating the web site.
• Setting up a training session for the student representatives

Student representatives

Website + promo materials (digital and network)

Extra information

• Webpage on meet the students

Transferability

We think it is quite easily transferable to other contexts or groups.