## Metadata - Author: University of Huddersfield - Full Title: A Flying Start to University Study - URL: https://blogs.hud.ac.uk/hudcres/2019/april/flying-start/ - Date: 2024-12-20 ## My summary - Could be a future intervention as part of the [[Salford SU Tackling Loneliness Strategy (TLS)]] - Useful information about [[Belonging and Fitting In|Belonging]] and how to measure it - Interesting that some friendships seem to hamper success. This speaks to the social capital gains that university provides - see [[Bridging and Bonding Social Capital]] - [[Loneliness interventions]] ## AI Summary The ==Flying Start program at the University of Huddersfield transforms the first two weeks of study for new undergraduates by fostering a sense of belonging and building relationships==. It replaces traditional induction methods with engaging, subject-specific activities that encourage students to connect with peers and see themselves as part of the academic community. As a result, the program has improved student retention and success rates, earning recognition for its innovative approach. ## Highlights - A complete overhaul of the first two weeks of term for 900 undergraduates at the University of Huddersfield in September 2017 exposed the hidden ‘rules of the game,’ and replaced exclusionary practices with inclusive participation. Instead of an information-heavy, teacher-centred ‘induction,’ it embeds a powerful message: **the university is its students and everyone here belongs.** ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jfgk595t7j4q242a27dqcjj3)) - As is reflected nationally, multifactorial analysis of our own data identified differential achievement between different groups of students, particularly those with BTEC entry qualifications, students from ethnic minority groups and those who continue to live in the parental home whilst studying. These local students are a significant and growing proportion of our student body and often arrive as part of tight-knit friendship groups, formed in surrounding neighbourhoods, schools and colleges. Interviews with students who decide to leave prior to completion of their course showed that, whilst valued and important, ==these friendships sometimes hampered the new connections with peers and tutors that can enrich and sustain university life==. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jfgk6mw3bmxxgcd6g6gpgsfr)) - The Flying Start programme encouraged tutors to address these issues by devising a range of activities that ==encouraged students to identify with their peers and with their subject discipline, to see themselves as academics and to appreciate the intense effort required to fulfill their potential==. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jfgk6vff0yamm86m6nqq6mxm)) - FS was evaluated using an adapted version of the Yorke (2016) 'belongingness' survey, completed by 1,017 students. This revealed that== FS students, particularly males, scored significantly higher than non-FS students for relationship formation, confidence and a sense of belonging.== ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jfgk885ynzns6x6w33ehvnbw)) - Students relished meeting successful alumni, expanding their understanding of the opportunities available to them on graduation. Raising both aspiration and motivation to study helped students to begin to plan their own career development from the outset. The institution's graduate attributes were also embedded right from the start, through alumni talks and visiting speakers who helped undergraduates make early connections between their studies and prospective professional lives. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jfhdrzp1azehq54wjj277dvh)) - Stronger rapport at an early stage led to much earlier identification of risk factors such as attendance, commitment and study skills. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jfhdshwf76tttrpyemgzwtf7)) - Retention of students on FS courses showed an 8.5% improvement relative to the same courses in the previous academic year. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jfhdtvk3v96fzx2s117nqyzt)) - The project coordinator has produced [a guide to implementing this initiative](https://ipark.hud.ac.uk/content/flying-start) and is disseminating this approach across a range of national conferences in the coming year. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jfhdvw8cjvv4dy1w0pc48kj3))