Successful Ideas

These are all the ideas, from both the HE and FE ideas forum, that have been acted upon so far.

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  • 27 score
    27 voters

    Buddy System

    Submitted 5 years ago by Nicole Hawes
    Expired
    • Wellbeing
    • Education
    • Events
    • Opportunities
    8comments
    Some courses have a 'Buddy System' that enable first years to have a 'Buddy' who is a 2nd year or 3rd year student from their course to help support them! This is an excellent way to access the university and its resources, help education and studies, represent more student voices, and ensure student wellbeing is at upmost important. Plus, the 'Buddies' will have experience that can benefit them for their future; empathetic skills, communication skills and much more!
Lili Kent
3:04pm on 8 Oct 19 Would this be voluntary for first- and second-year students?
Nicole Hawes
3:53pm on 8 Oct 19 I imagine similar to the Rep Scheme in that it's voluntary but the more the merrier!
Nina Cupric
5:14pm on 12 Oct 19 My great aunt's university (many many years ago) had a system of Mother's and daughters, where a second year would "adopt" a first year. When the "Daughter" herself became a second year she would adopt a first year but still have her "Mother" as a support. This would create lasting links between the students and improve the sense of community.
Jade Nixon
11:50pm on 12 Oct 19 Love this idea, peer support is essential. It can be very beneficial to get advice and feedback from someone who has been in the same position!
Lili Kent
6:26pm on 14 Oct 19 I see - thank you! :) I think this is a great idea. It could probably be arranged by PTOs and Programme Reps if it's something people wanted. I don't know how many people would volunteer to do it though, but it would be awesome to have the opportunity. If education PTOs put this Idea out to their cohorts, maybe we could get more feedback on it?
Dave Lochtie
8:29pm on 16 Oct 19 There are various peer-peer support systems in parts of the university. Peer assisted learning (which is subject related and in groups) and 1-1 peer mentoring. The 'buddying' sounds more like the latter but perhaps even less formal? Is that the type of support you would favour? Perhaps it could be tied in with Academic Societies as well as reps?
Nicole Hawes
8:53pm on 16 Oct 19 The PALs system would be similar to what I mean - but it’s not available in my college!
Dave Lochtie
2:45pm on 19 Nov 19 Great - the PAL scheme is a pilot this year... but one we will be pitching to the university for funding to be implemented across the institution. It's not an immediate solution but hopefully it will be long term.