As part of Welcome Week 2018, we speak to a variety of staff about their involvement.

Name – Rebecca Freeman

Job title – Head of Student Engagement and Recruitment

Department – School of Life Sciences

1. Can you tell us a bit about your role?

My role is to work with staff and students to make sure that students have the best possible educational experience in Life Sciences, from the time they first come and meet us on an open day, through to graduation. I also encourage students to get involved in life at Warwick and maintain connections after they leave.

2. And what’s your involvement in Warwick Welcome Week 2018?

Life Sciences staff and students will be welcoming 300 new students to the department this year. We’ve planned a series of events in the department to introduce key staff and highlight inspiring research that students can get involved in. We will have a student-led session where students in years 2, 3 and 4 will be talking about their time at Warwick and how they got involved in different activities, a treasure hunt to help students find their way around and a session hosted by three of our academics who will share some of their research.

3. This year sees an entirely new approach and programme for Welcome. What benefits will this bring to new students?

Welcome Week will ensure that students have time before formal teaching starts to find their way around, start to get to know students and staff and also get involved in the activities that the SU and Warwick Sport have to offer. It’ll be a chance for students to begin to find out about the great opportunities they have while studying at Warwick and make some connections before teaching gets underway.

4. What are you most looking forward to about Welcome Week?

On Tuesday, we’re holding a big welcome lunch for all new students, hosted by BioCafe, who run weekly peer support. I’m looking forward to seeing our new students mixing with those who have been here for a while and starting to find their place in the department.