The award-winning works are a source of inspiration for the EFYE community.
Stephanie Franzen Rothmar: EFYE Rising Star Award Winner
Stephanie Franzen Rothmar, a consultant at the study and career guidance department of University College Copenhagen, has been nominated for the prestigious EFYE Rising Star award. With a background in educational consultancy, Stephanie has significantly contributed to the institution through her innovative and impactful initiatives.
Stephanie's most notable achievement is the development and implementation of a comprehensive training programme for tutors at University College Copenhagen. In Denmark, tutors play a crucial role in facilitating intro-week activities and ensuring the social integration of first-year students. Recognising the importance of this role, Stephanie designed a programme that not only professionalises the voluntary tutor work but also enhances the overall student experience.
The tutor training programme, which has been in place for three semesters and recently became mandatory, focuses on creating a safe and inclusive intro-culture. It combines theoretical knowledge on student motivation and well-being with practical skills such as psychological first aid and personal boundaries. The programme's exercise-based learning environment encourages tutors to reflect on their practices and fosters a collaborative community across different study programs.
Stephanie's efforts have led to a significant cultural shift within the institution. Tutors now have a deeper understanding of their responsibilities and are better equipped to support the diverse needs of new students. The programme has been highly praised by tutors for its positive impact on their work and the overall well-being of the student community.
EFYE Team Award Winner: University of East Anglia
The EFYE team from the University of East Anglia (UEA) has been nominated for the EFYE Team award. This dedicated team has made outstanding contributions to enhancing the first-year student experience.
Rebecca Lewis, Carl Harrington, Helen Leggett and Kelly Edmunds are all education-focused academics in the School of Biological Sciences at UEA. Rebecca Anderson is a Lead Learning Technologist in the Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning. They have been working collaboratively for three yars on a groundbreaking project that supports students’ smooth transition to university life.
Their award-winning project is a 3-week pre-arrival course designed to ease students into university life. Co-created with student interns and informed by comprehensive peer surveys, the course provides an immersive introduction to academic study, while fostering early connections among students and faculty. The course’s success is clear in the continued engagement of students well into their second semester, highlighting its long-term impact.
Originally launched as a ‘Transitions toolkit’ on Padlet, the course has since been moved to UEA’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), offering phased information releases. This transition has greatly reduced student anxiety, boosted participation, and attracted thousands of hits, with students spending significant time on the platform. The team's commitment to supporting Widening Participation groups and their collaborative approach has not only transformed the first-year experience at UEA but also inspired other schools within the university to adopt similar strategies. Their work ensures an equitable and favourable starting point for all students.
Dr. Michelle Morgan: EFYE Leader Champion Award winner
Dr. Michelle Morgan, Dean of Students at the University of East London, has been nominated for the 2024 EFYE Leader Champion Award. As a globally recognised Student Experience Transitions Specialist, Michelle has dedicated her career to enhancing the higher education journey for students.
With a diverse background as a faculty manager, lecturer, and researcher, Michelle is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Association University Administrators. She is also an elected council member of the UK Council for Graduate Education. Over her career, she has contributed to over 50 publications and delivered more than 100 conference presentations.
Michelle’s passion for student success is evident in her leadership of impactful initiatives, such as a £2.7 million HEFCE-funded project that helped introduce the Postgraduate Loan Scheme. Her work also contributed to the Student Minds Mental Health Charter and several AdvanceHE projects. Michelle’s groundbreaking Student Experience Transitions (SET) model, adopted by universities across the world, maps the entire student lifecycle, focusing on academic, social and mental health needs. This innovative framework has improved student support and outcomes. Additionally, she developed the free portal www.improvingthestudentexperience.com, which provides valuable resources for higher education staff.
