Making Connections: First Year Transition for Computer Science and Software Engineering Students

Abstract

During the last decade, an increasing emphasis has been placed on the need for carefully planned transition programs to help first-year students integrate into university. In this paper we critically examine our experiences in designing and running successive transition programs for Computer Science and Software Engineering students. Over the last three years we have trialled several models. At present, our program requires all entering students to be enrolled in a transition subject, "Making Connections", which runs for half a semester. The subject, led by designated academic staff, serves as a forum for students to learn about each other, the department and the university. The program incl..