Preconference Session 1. - Auditorium

Come and hear more about the first year experience movement. This session will provide a short history of the movement in Europe and beyond. Get the most out of the conference by finding out about why we have a European event, and what we Europeans can bring together. Hear about key thinkers, researchers and writers on first year experience. Come and share ideas on initiatives that can be organised to support student success and lead to positive student outcomes.

The session presenters are members of the EFYE Committee and have hosted previous conferences, they have also both been co-hosts for the International First Year Experience Conference and have wide experience of the European movement.

 This conference is designed for anyone interested in enhancing first year student experiences. You may be a researcher, a teacher, a manager, in a student support role or be a student. If you are new to EFYE, come to this session and find out about the journey, now you have joined us on our travels. 

To lead this session we have got Dr Diane Nutt and Herman Van de Mosselaer

Dr Diane Nutt is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and is currently working in academic staff development at Teesside University, in the UK. She established and is chair of the European First Year Experience Network and the EFYE Annual Conference Organising Committee.  At her home institution, she set up the Student Retention Team, which was commended by the UK National Audit Office, and the UK Higher Education Funding Council.  Her research interests and publications are primarily around retention and first year experience.  She is currently working on a project about students’ social relationships and their role in transitions.

For many years Herman Van de Mosselaer was teaching education and psychology in a teacher training college. In 1999 he became the institutional coordinator of education and quality care in Plantijn University College in Antwerp, Belgium. Since 2003 he was department head of education and research in the same institution. Following a merger of his institution, Herman currently is project manager education research at Artesis Plantijn University College Antwerp. He coordinates several projects, that combine education research and development. For example the LEMO project that developed a feedback tool on learning competences which is used in many Flemish institutions in secondary and higher education.
Herman is influenced by Positive Psychology (Appreciative Inquiry Solution Focus). His expertise is in several areas including curriculum development, problem based learning, assessment for learning, learning competences and generic skills.