Leveling up from high school to higher education, enrolling at university, often in a new city, is a significant challenge. It is only natural fearing onot being up to the task, worrying about making new friends or feeling anxious during this period of adjustment. With that in mind, ULisboa created the ‘Sucesso Académico na ULisboa’ [Academic Success at ULisboa] programme, aimed at supporting students in this new stage of their academic life.
The Programa de Promoção de Sucesso e Redução de Abandono no Ensino Superior [Programme to Promote Academic Success and Reduce Higher Education Dropouts], funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility promotes a range of activities aimed at reducing dropout rates. Because it is ‘better safe than sorry’, we know that the more support students get from the beginning, the higher the chances of them achieving their goals while maintaining their wellbeing.
This programme is structured around four main areas:
- student-focused, with strategies that assist their adaptation to higher education;
- focused on teaching, with tools to make classes more dynamic, effective and innovative;
- the development of systems that identify early signs of risk and enable intervention;
- the sharing of good practices between all ULisboa Schools.
But after all, what does this mean in practice? Allow us to explain!
Mentoring and Tutoring
Mentoring and tutoring systems are recognised as key tools for welcoming new students, playing a vital role in their successful integration in Higher Education. Mentoring is based on peer support, aiding the consolidation and adaptation into academic life. In tutoring, students are supported by teaching staff (and other professionals), with special focus on their academic success. We are working to ensure all Schools provide mentoring and tutoring programmes.
Training in Transversal Competences
The transition to Higher Education presents numerous challenges, such as the adaptation to an unfamiliar environment, the fast pace of classes and the need for greater autonomy in time management. To alleviate these challenges, we provide an open repository with resources surrounding different themes, in areas such as emotional management, study methods, time methods and teamwork, designed to help students overcome challenges and enhance their academic path.
Teams of integration facilitators in University Residences
We don’t forget those far from home. At ULisboa’s residences, the students receive regular support from a Social Work Officer at SASULisboa. In addition, each residence includes a Resident’s Committee, consisting of students that, in addition to supporting new residents, aid in their integration. There is yet to be implemented a programme of mentoring at the ULisboa’s Residences.
ULisboa in Harmony
This initiative focuses on the promotion of individual and social skills through a comprehensive and ongoing approach throughout the school year. We offer various activities with themes for those interested, from nutrition and sleep to financial literacy, entrepreneurship or dance, among others.
Helping students with Special Education Needs (SEN)
We work with Rede Necessidades Educativas Específicas na ULisboa (Special Education Needs Network in ULisboa), to ensure the conditions for full participation and academic success and promote good inclusive practices in all communities. This network promotes a culture of inclusion that covers academic, social, sporting and cultural aspects of university.
Supporting students from the Portuguese-Speaking African Countries (PSAC)
The academic success of the students from the Portuguese-Speaking African Countries is also our priority. Our initiatives to support these students’ integration include mentoring programmes, short-duration courses, promotion of intercultural dialogue on campus and support in understanding administrative procedures.
Creation and development of online study and collaborative work spaces
We offer online study and collaborative work spaces that allow students living away from home to have a suitable place to work, enabling joint study, socialisation and the feeling of belonging in an academic community.
Academic Success at ULisboa is more than a range of initiatives, it is a true support network to help each student feel integrated, valued and ready to face all the challenges of Higher Education.
The integration and success of our students have been our priority since day one!
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