Outline
The main purpose of this initiative is to give potential students access to the programme they are interested in. We encourage them to do this so they can make an informed decision upon applying for a degree. The intention is that it reduces the gap between expectations and reality, so that they will have the best chance of succeeding. We also think that it is a good service to provide for potential new students.
Description
“Student for a day” is an offer for previous and present high school students who are curious on what it’s like to be a student at the university – and maybe need to clarify their choice of programme.
It is offered on almost all programmes at SDU, but this is a description on how it is done at the Faculty of Humanities.
As a student for a day the visitor gets to experience everyday life as a student at the programme, they want to know more about and the study life at SDU. They have the possibility to explore the programme of their dreams, to join classes and lectures, get a sense of the academic level and just a sense of the atmosphere before they make the final decision to apply for the programme.
If someone is interested in becoming student for a day, they sign up at the website, and then the coordinator of this initiative will contact them in order to arrange an appointment between the applicant and a student enrolled in the specific programme that the applicant wants to visit.
Organizers
This initiative has one coordinator on The Faculty of Humanities. She is the one handling all communication on this initiative, and she also handles all requests to visit. She contacts students on the programmes and arranges the meeting.
Goals
The goal is to give potential students the knowledge they need in order to decide whether they should apply for the programme or not.
To demystify the university/HE level and how students “look”. To show that the potential student could belong here and be able to manage the academic level.
Students involvement
Students are very much involved in this initiative.
The coordinator arranges with the visitor, what they want to experience while they are here, but then it is students who take care of the rest and make sure that ‘the student for a day’ have a fulfilling day.
Inspiration and evidence
Other faculties at SDU and other universities offer this, so The Faculty of Humanities joined in.
Communication
We have a website for this at our central webpage sdu.dk, where you can choose different ways to “meet SDU” – student for a day is one of the options. Under that website you can sign up for the initiative, and then the administrative coordinator contacts you.
When student guidance officers talk to potential students, they also suggest this initiative as an option.
Timing
SDU is open for visits from mid-February to May, and then again from mid-September to November. To experience a realistic day at the study programme, it is a necessity that it is during a semester with lectures and the typical vibrant campus life.
Resources
One coordinator from the administrative staff and student volunteers. One student per visit.
What material can be used to learn more and to increase transferability?
Transferability
We think it is easily transferable to other contexts or groups.