Checklist for introductions
New students should receive an introduction which informs them about the expectations that apply to them and the support that is available. This improves their chances of thriving and succeeding in their studies. Below is a checklist that includes questions, links and tips for those who manage, plan or hold introductions.
This checklist can act as support for those who are in some way involved in introductions for new students. It can be used to ensure that the information the students need is included as part of the introduction.
An important starting point is not to see the introduction solely as information to be provided on one occasion. Instead, the introduction should run as a common thread through the initial part of the course or programme. All the information does not need to be provided at a physical welcome event but can be communicated on other occasions or online.
Studying at a university
Studies at a university differ from studies at e.g. upper secondary schools, folk high schools or in higher vocational education. During the introduction the students therefore need information on the specific expectations that apply to students at a university.
Questions
- What is expected of students at Lund University, e.g. in terms of responsibilities, independence in studies and a critical approach?
- What, for example, does academic quarter and other new terms mean?
- What does academic integrity entail?
- What does academic freedom mean?
Tips
- Clarity leads to security. Giving the students a clear framework for how we behave towards each other (for example, putting up a hand and not interrupting fellow students) promotes a good climate.
- Hold a quiz for the students that includes all the new words they need to know, for example what an academic quarter is.
You can find some key academic terms on the Lund University website:
Common words and phrases | Akademisk ordlista – vanliga ord och uttryck
Work environment and equal opportunities
The introduction should include information on the systematic management relating to the students’ work environment and equal opportunities conducted at the University. It is important that the students know at an early stage that at Lund University there is zero tolerance towards all forms of victimisation and harassment. Also make it clear that the students have a right to a secure and safe work environment.
Questions on responsibilities and support
- Who is responsible for the students’ work environment?
- Who are the students to contact if they feel there are deficiencies in their work environment?
- What is a student health and safety representative and how can they help the students?
Questions om work environment, harassment and threats
- What is a work environment-related event (i.e. risk observation, incident, accident, studies-related ill-health and commuting accident)?
- What do the terms harassment and sexual harassment mean?
- Who at the department can the students contact if they feel subjected to hate, threats, violence, harassment or sexual harassment?
- How and when are students to report a work environment-related event or if they feel subjected to hate, threats, violence, harassment or sexual harassment?
- What happens if a student subjects another student or a member of the teaching staff to hate, threats, violence, harassment or sexual harassment?
- According to the Work Environment Policy, Lund University has zero tolerance towards hate, threats, violence, harassment or sexual harassment. What happens if a student violates this zero-tolerance policy?
Links for students
You can refer the students to the following Lund University webpages:
- Study and work environment | Studie- och arbetsmiljö
- Report incidents and accidents related to your studies | Rapportera risker, olycksfall eller ohälsa i dina studier
- Harassment and sexual harassment | Trakasserier och sexuella trakasserier
- Hate, threats or violence | Hat, hot eller våld
- Gender equality and equal opportunities | Jämställdhet och lika villkor
- Student health and safety representatives | Studerandeskyddsombud
Tips
Go through how the students can report a work environment-related event in the IA system by showing this on a large screen in the classroom. It is advisable to outline what happens when a report is made and inform them that reprisals are not tolerated.
Students’ rights and responsibilities
The students have both rights and responsibilities that they need to be aware of. A part of this is regulated in the List of Rights and the students should be informed about this in connection with the introduction. There are also other provisions that the students need to be aware of.
Questions
- What is the List of Rights and where can it be found?
- Are there any special rules for my faculty in particular?
- What is meant by cheating and plagiarism, and how do students avoid them?
- What is a disciplinary offence?
- What are the University’s guidelines regarding alcohol and drugs?
- What is the role of the student ombudsman at the Lund University Student Association?
- In what matters can the student ombudsman and student union provide assistance?
- Do the students have the right to record a lecture if they need to?
- What support is available to students with children?
- Can students take their children with them to a lecture?
Links for students
You can refer the students to the following Lund University webpages:
Student influence
Students at Lund University have considerable opportunities to influence their education and situation at the University. In order for the students to contribute and exercise their student influence, it is important that they receive information at an early stage on how they can influence their education.
Questions
- What does student influence mean?
- What role does the student union play?
- What is a course representative ?
- What are course evaluations and why is it important that the students complete them?
- How does the University use the results of the course evaluations to develop the courses?
- What is the procedure if students want to submit a complaint about their education?
Links for students
You can refer the students to the following Lund University webpage:
If you have a complaint about your education | Om du har klagomål som rör din utbildning
Tips
It is advisable to invite the student union to give a joint presentation with you to the students about student influence and how it applies to your course or programme.
Study support and health
Communicate that there is support available for students who are feeling unwell or who want advice on how to prevent ill-health. Also provide information on where the students can get help with study skills and academic writing.
Remember to mention that specific support is available for students with disabilities.
Questions
- What can the students do to feel good during their period of studies?
- Who can students contact for help in preventing ill-health?
- Who can students contact if they do not feel good about their study situation?
- What do the students need to know if they become ill and cannot study?
- How do students apply for adaptations if they have a long-term disability?
- Where can students get help with their study skills and academic writing?
- Where can the students find tips on ergonomics?
- Where can the students find tips on the digital work environment?
Links for students
You can refer the students to the following Lund University webpages:
- Student Health Centre | Studenthälsan
- Om du blir sjuk och inte kan studera (in Swedish)
- Studying with a disability | Studera med funktionsnedsättning
- Support in study skills, language and academic writing | Stöd i studieteknik, språk och akademiskt skrivande
- Academic Support Centre | Studieverkstaden
- Campusonline.lu.se
Tips
Give the students a few moments in connection with an already scheduled time to visit, in peace and quiet, the webpages featuring information on how they can take care of themselves during their period of studies. In addition to the Student Health Centre webpages, there is also a national website about student health:
Studying on your specific course or programme
The students need some practical information in connection with the start of a course. Information about assessments and group work can be provided before the first examination session.
Questions on practical information
- Where can the students find their timetable?
- Where can the students find the required reading and course syllabus?
- How can the students borrow required reading material?
- How can the students communicate with their lecturers if they have a question? When and how fast should the students expect an answer?
- How can a study counsellor at the faculty or department help the students?
- Where are the faculty’s or department’s study counsellors, programme administrators and other individuals who may be relevant for the students to know about?
- Are there supplemental instruction (SI) sessions on the course and what does this entail?
You can refer the students to the following Lund University webpage:
Study groups with SI leaders | Studiegrupper med SI-ledare
Questions on digital systems and AI
- Which digital tools are used for teaching and communication?
- How can the students get help with IT issues and digital systems?
- How may AI be used on the course?
You can refer the students to: campusonline.lu.se:
Technical support | Teknisk support
Questions on assessment
- Where do the students write their exams?
- How do the students register for exams?
- What should the students do if they need adaptations in connection with the assessment?
- What happens if the students miss a compulsory component?
- Must a student participate in a group exercise or make a presentation to a group if they don’t want to? What or who determines this?
You can refer the students to the following Lund University webpage:
Services and premises
Tell the students how they find their way to and around various premises where they can study or get help during their period of studies.
Questions
- Where do the students obtain their LU card and why is it needed?
- How do the students find their way around your premises? Is there a map? How are the different premises numbered?
- Which premises do the students have access to and when?
- Where are the study spaces?
- How do the students book a group room?
- What is the procedure for students to print out something?
- Where is the library for their subject?
- Where is the room for reflection and contemplation?
- Where is the International Desk and what help can they provide?
Links for students
You can refer the students to the following Lund University webpages:
Crises, fire and security
The introduction should include information on how the students are to respond if something serious occurs on the University’s premises.
Questions
- How are the students to respond if the fire alarm goes off?
- How can the students find out where the assembly point and evacuation routes are at the premises?
- In which situations could it be appropriate to call the University’s emergency number (security control centre)?
- Where can the students find the University’s emergency number?
- Where do the students register their contact details so that the University can contact them in the event of a crisis?
Links for students
You can refer the students to the following Lund University webpage:
Background
In April 2024, the Vice-Chancellor approved Work Environment Goals for Lund University 2024-2027. One activity was to examine conditions for a common University introduction for the work environment area relating to students.
This assignment was given to the Student Health Centre, which carried out a review. During the review, discussions were had with, among others, representatives from all the faculties, services within the Central Administration and the Lund University Student Union Association. The review showed that there is a need and demand for support for employees who carry out introductions relating to courses and programmes. This page is part of that support.
Contact
If you have any questions or proposals for page content:
Marie Gruvhammar
Work environment coordinator
Student Health Centre
marie [dot] gruvhammar [at] stu [dot] lu [dot] se (marie[dot]gruvhammar[at]stu[dot]lu[dot]se)
Terese Saras
Coordinator
Student Health Centre
terese [dot] saras [at] stu [dot] lu [dot] se (terese[dot]saras[at]stu[dot]lu[dot]se)
Landing pages for all current students
Please show the students the landing pages: