Aston Welcome 2012

Week 1: International Orientation Week
Week 2: Freshers’ Week

Dates

Executive Summary

The focus of Aston Welcome 2012 will be on the academic welcome process which will incorporate all aspects of pre arrival, the actual arrival and the post arrival period
Running parallel, and underpinning the compulsory academic welcome, will be a series of optional non-academic events to help students settle in, get to know each other, become familiar with campus and the city centre and begin to feel part of the Aston community.

Building on the 2011 successes

Double the number of Academic Arrival Guides based in Schools from 20 to 40 AAGs.
Extended collection hours at Birmingham Airport for Meet and Greet.
Visa scanning starts on Sunday 16 September from 10 am to 6 pm with priority for ABS PGT who begin to enrol on Monday 17 September.
International Students’ Reception on Wednesday 19 September replaces the tea party.
MAP processes improved for pre-enrolment.
Continued use of the MLK centre for Aunties, the Welcome Desk and for informal activities such as board games and table football.

Innovations for 2012

Working with Guild to provide social media contact prior to arrival
Life in the UK – an interactive light-hearted look at adjusting to living in the UK
Three information markets; Health and Wellbeing, Campus Services and Support Services
Improved external and internal signage for the 2 week period
Small information desks, in the foyers at the front and back of the Great Hall, to help with directions
Engineering School Challenge day on Friday 28 September
Student casual staff in and around the Hub in ‘Here to Help’ tee shirts
How to manage on a budget
IT help desk in the Hub for Freshers’ Week and Week 1 of term

Words by Jill Wilson
5 July 2012

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