Taking a Grassroots Approach to Build Collaboration and Synergy for FYE Across the University

Abstract

Student services staff are part of an innovative learning and teaching grassroots network entitled “VicTeach”, where professional and academic staff together take responsibility for developing and informing their own teaching/learning practice and their understanding of student issues. VicTeach runs sessions that aim to be informal and accessible, addressing a diverse range of topics catering to the needs of the community. One of the most successful topics in recent years has been focussed on transition pedagogy /first year experience (FYE). The VicTeach FYE Hub meetings attract around 60-70 staff, professional and academic, as well as graduate students interested in teaching. FYE Hub activities are aligned with Nelson et al.’s (2012) FYE criteria including: collaboration between academic and professional staff; synchronous combination of top-down and bottom-up activities; academic leadership; and institution-wide partnerships facilitated through formal and informal forums. The result is a lively debate about the transition curriculum and a committed group of people who are developing strategies, discussing tactics and mooting transition ideas across disciplines, faculties and campuses.