Name: Jo Ramsay

Job title: Induction Administrator

Department: Student Careers and Skills

Can you tell us a little bit about your role?

I work on a variety of activities to support and coordinate the induction of new students and student transition. These include the welcome communications (welcome packs, welcome emails, Welcome to Warwick website), annual Transition Conference, termly welcome receptions for PGR students, Welcome to Warwick Week and supporting associated Steering Groups.

We consider transition not just as induction to the University but in all its different stages from pre-arrival to life after university. There’s so much on offer at Warwick it can be a lot to take in and opportunities might be missed, so we’ve been busy building some resources such as the Year 2 toolkit and guidance for staff on transition to help make students aware of relevant information at the relevant time.

And what’s your involvement at Arrivals Weekend?

I organise the Welcome and Information point where new students can meet staff and current students, take a campus tour and get help with queries. For the first time this year, I’m also running a performance and presentation marquee where student societies will be performing and current students and staff will be presenting. The aim is to give new students a flavour of student life and support peer-to-peer interaction, hopefully taking the edge off any nerves they might be feeling and showcasing some of the opportunities open to them.

What’s the best bit about being involved in the weekend?

Welcoming our new students and seeing all of our work, and campus, come to life!

Are there any challenges?

The logistics can be a bit tricky as there are lots of elements to keep track of and many colleagues to liaise with but it’s an enjoyable process, particularly when it all comes together on the weekend.

Not many people know this about Arrivals Weekend, but …

... teams from across the University are involved with the weekend. Staff from academic and non-academic departments, Freshers’ helpers, WWS ambassadors, the RLT and Sabbatical officers welcome new students and answer queries; the Vice-Chancellor hosts welcome events for families; extra security staff keep traffic moving; retail outlets are open; the AA provide signage; and more. It’s a real community effort!