– We prioritise ensuring that our students thrive both academically and socially. The foundation for a successful student life must be established from the very first meeting during the introductory week. Together with the students and the student welfare organisation, we have worked throughout the spring and summer to prepare for this highlight of the academic year, says Pro-Rector for Education, Stine Grønvold.
Thousands of new students
Around 8,100 people have accepted a place at INN University this autumn, with a significant number participating in the Buddy Week. Ronja Østensen is one of the two Buddy Week leaders at the Lillehammer campus. She says the programme is both fun and inclusive.
– I hope this will contribute to building a strong community among students where everyone feels welcome and taken care of from day one. It is important to me that the new students get off to a great start and are left with a sense of excitement for their student life ahead, says Østensen.
Academic and social semester start
In addition to the social aspect, INN University has focused on ensuring a strong academic start to the semester. INNStart is the academic introduction that takes place during the first part of the introductory week, with each student’s study programme being the main focus.
– Students need to be prepared to dive into their studies early in the semester, but the start of the semester should also be a social highlight. With a supportive environment and a safe party culture, students will be able to form lasting friendships and create memories to look back on in the future, says Grønvold.
Semester start coordinators at each campus
INN University has appointed semester start coordinators at all campuses who have worked closely with the Buddy Week leaders. At the Lillehammer campus, Østensen has collaborated with start-of-semester coordinator Randi Kirkeby.
– I hope that students will build a solid foundation to complete their studies and quickly gain an understanding of what it means to be a student. Most importantly, I hope they settle in socially, get to know the student community, and take advantage of the activities it offers. I hope everyone is eager to get involved in the student environment and create memories for life, says Kirkeby.
Motivated by engaged students
Semester start coordinator at the Hamar campus, Hilde Brustad, believes that good cooperation between the university, students and the student welfare organisation is crucial for providing new students with a positive start to their studies.
– We have had regular meetings for experience sharing and coordination. I greatly appreciate the collaboration with skilled and engaged students. It is motivating for us staff as well, says Brustad.
Anita Lervåg is the semester start coordinator at the Elverum campus. She believes that a good mix of social activities and an introduction to the subject of study is crucial for a successful start to the academic year.
– I hope the students will gain a positive first impression of their chosen studies and feel that they have been well received and taken care of. I also hope that Buddy Week provides them with enjoyable experiences and that they find the campus a pleasant place to be, says Lervåg.
– The semester start coordinators and SINN (the student welfare organisation) have been incredibly supportive, helping us ensure that everything is well planned and tailored to meet the needs of the new students. We have different tasks and priorities, but we always share a common goal of setting a positive and motivating start to the new student life, says Østensen.
Thorough training in advance
In the lead-up to the semester start, there has been joint training for Buddy Week leaders and deputy leaders across three sessions this spring. Additionally, the Buddy Week leaders participated in a national seminar hosted by Lykkepromille in Trondheim.
In collaboration with SINN and as part of their training, the Buddy Week leaders have developed guidelines for Buddy Week at INN University 2024 to ensure it is a safe and inclusive experience for everyone. These guidelines apply to all participants in Buddy Week and have been reviewed during the training provided by the Buddy Week board.
– One particularly important rule is that we must respect each other's boundaries and ensure that everyone feels included. It is crucial that we, as mentors, set a good example and remain attentive to others' needs and feelings. Another key rule is to maintain a responsible attitude towards alcohol so that no one feels pressured and everyone can safely participate in the activities, says Østensen.
Part of a preventive network
Unexpected incidents of varying nature and severity can occur at the start of the academic year. INN University is one of 33 universities, colleges and research institutions in Norway that are part of sikresiden.no, a website that provides preventive training and advice on what to do in a crisis situation. Familiarisation with this content is part of the training for our Buddy Week leaders.
Østensen describes the semester start and Buddy Week as a period of high energy and lots of new information. She encourages new students to ask questions if they are unsure about something, to be open, engaged, and to put themselves out there.
– Starting as a new student can be really intimidating. I have felt it myself, and so has every other student around you. We managed, and so will you, says Østensen.