Million Plus

At Bath Spa University, Student Opportunity funding is used to support an Early Induction programme for disabled students. This programme has run since 2007/08 and aims to help students who may be unsure about the support they are entitled to and who feel anxious about the transition to university, by helping them to settle in, orientate themselves and feel part of the student body.

The programme takes place over the two days before new undergraduates arrive on campus. Every new undergraduate student who discloses a disability or specific learning difficulty is personally invited to attend by the Student Support Service. Peer Mentors – specially trained students from years two and three – help with the moving-in process and the delivery of the event, encouraging participants to take part in a range of motivational and social activities, whilst specialist staff are also on hand to answer queries and offer advice and reassurance. Students who do attend report increased confidence and their appreciation of an opportunity to settle in, in a calm and relaxed environment.

The Early Induction Programme is evaluated each year and suggested improvements acted on, where appropriate. Since 2007/08 there has also been a continuing trend of improvement in the continuation of students who have disclosed a disability or specific learning difficulty and in the percentage who achieve First or Upper Second Class honours at Bath Spa University.