Welcome Week 2024
Welcome Week at #UofGDumfries
We can't wait to welcome you to the University of Glasgow School of Social and Environmental Sustainability, situated in the beautiful Crichton grounds in Dumfries. At Dumfries Campus, we are committed to building a strong sense of community, and this is what our Welcome Week is all about. Join us from Monday the 16th to Friday the 20th of September, from 10 am each day, to experience a mixture of "need-to-know" sessions, as well as valuable time to make new friends and meet other students and staff on campus.
Any session marked as mandatory should be treated as such and attendance is required.
We will also have a range of different fairs on campus to help you make yourself at home in wonderful South West Scotland, with each day having a theme. This includes our coveted Fresher Fair, International Fair, Volunteering Fair, and Sports and Societies Fair.
We are delighted that you are joining #TeamUofG at the University of Glasgow, Dumfries Campus and cannot wait to see you for your first day on Monday 16th September 2024!
When you arrive on campus on your first day, please follow the signs for the Rutherford McCowan Building where you will be greeted by our friendly Staff and Student Ambassadors (look out for the bright pink t-shirts!)
Below you will find the full schedule of events for the week, but please note that exact timings or room allocations are subject to change between now and Friday 13th September. If you have any questions, please contact: dumfries-studentexperience@glasgow.ac.uk
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support
Thursday 29th August
Online Session | Optional Drop-In
Run by Laura Davidson (Student Experience and Operations Manager) and Mark Firth (Administrator), these sessions are available online to all students. You can join the session online anytime between 2.00pm and 3.00pm if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 335 180 989 492
Passcode: AE8Jqy
Thursday 29th August | New Student Live Q&A
Are you joining #UniversityofGlasgow Dumfries Campus in September 2024? Find out everything you need to know about joining #TeamUofG! From Welcome Week and clubs, to our support services and facilities plus lots more.
Monday 16th September | Welcome to UofG Dumfries!
10:00am-10:15am
Welcome to the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability!
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Fabrice Renaud (Head of School)
Where: R127
Our Head of School will welcome you to the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability with an introduction all about life, learning and teaching at Dumfries Campus. He will also discuss some interesting developments that are coming up within the school this academic year.
10:15am -10:35am
The Role of Your Advisor of Study
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Michele Vincent (Chief Adviser of Studies) and Laura Davidson (Student Experience and Operations Manager)
Where: R127
This session will be important to ensure that as a student you know who to go to in terms of academic support and how they can help and support you.
10:35am-11:00am
Student Support Services and Good Cause
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Tariq Jankiewicz (Student Support Officer) and Kerri LaBrash (Administrative Officer)
Where: R127
Tariq will be highlighting all of the support services and resources available to students. These include:
- Finances
- Accommodation
- Personal problems
- Career and employability information
- Study support
- Good cause claims
- Accessing counselling services
- Support for disabilities
Kerri will then explain the 5-day extension rule and cover Good Cause in more detail, and how you can apply if you need to.
11:00-11:45am
Meet With Your Undergraduate Degree Convenor
Mandatory for new students
Where: Meeting at R127
This important session gives you the opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and members of the teaching team for your programme.
R232 Sarah Stevenson will meet with students from MA Primary Education with Teaching Qualification students.
Teaching Lab Michael Muir and Natalie Welden will meet with all BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability students.
R151 Alistair Hunter will meet with MA Global Sustainable Development students.
11:45am-12:30pm
Get to Know Your Classmates Board Game
Open to all students
Who: Jeanna Baxter (Student Engagement Coordinator)
Where: R127
We will be playing the game Ludo with a fun twist. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your new classmates.
12:30pm-1:30pm
Break
This is the great time to try a coffee or buy some lunch at Café Rutherford, meet each of our stallholders in the main foyer to find out what they have to offer our students at Dumfries Campus. You will be provided with a free refreshment to use at the Café Rutherfordf, 1 per person.
12:30pm-1:25pm
Badminton
Open to all students
Who: Connor McGeorge (D&G College)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 12:30pm or at D&G College Sports Hall.
Come along and play a few games and a chance to make new friends. All equipment is provided.
1:30pm-2:00pm
Student Residences Meet and Greet
Mandatory for new residents
Who: Fiona Weir (Manager Student Apartments) and Ellen Thompson (Marketing & Customer Services Manager)
Where: R127
A special session for those living in University accommodation and Halls of Residence.
2:00pm -3:30pm
Campus tour with Mostly Ghostly and our Student Ambassadors
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Where: Meet at R127
The tour will reveal some of the fascinating characters and events associated with The Crichton from its earliest beginnings, including an insight into the life of Elizabeth Crichton and the history of Easterbrook Hall. This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
4:45pm - 5:15pm
FITT 30
Open to all students
Who: Andy Lincoln (UWS)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 4:30pm or in the sports hall at D&G College.
Classes combine elements of High Intensity Interval Training, circuit training and functional fitness for all fitness levels.
4:45pm -5:30pm
Badminton and Pickleball
Open to all students
Who: Connor McGeorge (D&G College)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 4:30pm or in the sports hall at D&G College.
Monday evening Badminton and Pickleball is played with students and staff. It is played in a friendly manner and varies in level of skill. Choose to either play doubles or singles.
Pickleball is a new sport at Dumfries and Galloway College. Similar to Tennis and Padel. It is played with a plastic ball, paddle and on a badminton court. It is a really fun game to try and one of our most popular at the college. This can be played in singles or doubles. All equipment is also provided.
Tuesday 17th September | Making the Most of your University Experience
10:00am-10:20am
Student Experience and Glasgow University Dumfries Union Welcome
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Jeanna Baxter (Student Engagement Coordinator)
Where: R127 and Student Hub
The student engagement coordinator will give you a tour of our new Student Hub and the Food Pantry, and explain how to find student events and use the UofG Life app. We will also discuss the role of the Student Union and how you can get involved as a member or committee member.
10:20am-10:35am
Student Representation
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: David Clelland (SSLC Lead)
Where: R127
David will be able to tell you more about the Student and Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC), your important role as a student and the benefits that you receive for getting involved as a Student Rep.
10:35am-10:50 am
Find Out More About Paid Employment Opportunities as a Student Ambassador
Open to all students
Who: Amy McCreadie (Outreach & External Engagement Coordinator)
Where: R127
Would you like to be a student ambassador for our school? Come along to this information session to find out how you can support our school and make some extra money along the way.
10:50am-11:05am
Meet your Student Representative Council (SRC)
Mandatory for new students, Open to all students
Who: Heri Busquier Cerdán (SRC VP Education)
Where: R127
The SRC exists to promote the interests of students to the University and beyond, alongside providing a range of support services as well as social and personal development opportunities. Come along and meet Heri and find out more about how the SRC are here for you.
11:05am -12:00 noon
Break the Ice Bingo Rutherford and Maxwell Scavenger Hunt
Open to all students
Who: Student Ambassadors and Jeanna Baxter (Student Engagement Coordinator)
Where: R127
We will play a fun game of bingo to help you get to know other students in the school and then there is no better way to get to know the university building than through this interactive scavenger hunt. With prizes to be won you don’t want to miss this.
12:00noon-1:30pm
Free BBQ lunch in the Teaching Garden
Open to all students
We’re hosting a delicious BBQ in the Teaching Garden, free of charge, so come and enjoy some tasty BBQ treats. This is also a perfect chance to meet our stallholders in the main foyer and discover what they have to offer students at Dumfries Campus.
12:30pm-1:25pm
Football
Open to all students
Who: Connor McGeorge (D&G College)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 12:30pm or at D&G College Sports Hall.
Come along and join our students and staff for a game of 6 a side football. This has been a very popular session and is now in the process of forming a 11 a side football team. This is played indoor, and trainers should be worn for this.
1:30pm-2:30pm
Welcome to the Garden
Open to all students
Who: Freya Skinner (Events and Dissemination Lead –NCR) and Michael Muir (Lecturer)
Where: Teaching Garden
Step into our green space at our ‘Welcome to the Garden’ event. Have a go at planting seeds for the future, learn more about our weekly gardening sessions, test your knowledge in the nature quiz and try your hand at our photography competition with prizes to be won. Refreshments provided.
2:30pm-3:10pm
Library tour and Sport/Gym introduction
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Louise Brown (UWS) and Connor McGeorge (D&G College) with support from student ambassadors
Where: D&G College, meet at Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
Our Student Ambassadors will take you across to the school library located in D&G college. You will then be shown around the library and shown some of the available study areas. Connor will then show you around the sports hall and gym and tell you about the wide range of sports and activities that are free for University of Glasgow students.
4:45pm -5:30pm
Football
Open to all students
Who: Connor McGeorge (D&G College)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 4:30pm or in the sports hall at D&G College.
Come along and join our students and staff for a game of 6 a side football. This has been a very popular session and is now in the process of forming a 11 a side football team. This is played indoor, and trainers should be worn for this.
7:00pm -9:00pm
Quiz night at Greens Pub
Where: Greens in Dumfries
Kick off your first week with a bang at the Quiz night at Greens —meet new friends and start the semester with a night of fun!
Wednesday 18th September | Safety, Security and Support on Campus
10:00am-10:20am
Security, Safety and Support on Campus
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Gary Stephen (Head of Security) and Lesley Firth (Duty Manager)
Where: R127
Gary will be taking you through information and advice about staying safe on and off campus. There will be information about our UofG SafeZone App which is a must for every student on campus. Lesley will then introduce you to some of the facilities team and explain how they are here to help you. This includes room bookings and reporting faults.
10:20am-10:30am
ICT Induction
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Stephen Patterson (ICT) Manager)
Where: R127
Stephen will be going through details on getting set up on the University network as well as security information that is important to know during your time with us.
10:30am-10:45am
Moodle Walkthrough
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Erin Watt (Administrative Officer (Erasmus Mundus))
Where: R127
Erin will guide you through the basics of using Moodle and share top tips on how to make the most of the platform.
10:45am-11:15am
ICT Support Drop in
Open to all students
Who: Stephen Patterson (ICT Manager)
Where: R250
Stephen will be available to support you with your individual ICT issues and support you to access the network.
11:15am -12:00 noon
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support drop in
Open to all students
Who: Laura Davidson (Student Experience and Operations Manager) and Mark Firth (Administrator)
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub anytime between 11:15-12noon if u have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
12:00noon-1:00pm - Break.
This will also provide you with the opportunity to try out Café Rutherford, meet each of our stallholders in the main foyer to find out what they have to offer our students at Dumfries Campus.
12:30pm-1:25pm
Table Tennis, Volleyball and Football Tennis
Open to all students
Who: Connor McGeorge (D&G College)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 12:30pm or at D&G College Sports Hall.
Table Tennis - We have 5 Table Tennis tables available for you to come along and play on. Come and join a friendly group of staff and students who play a round robin set of games against each other. All equipment is provided.
Volleyball - A new sport that has been added to the timetable. Come along and have a shot with our staff and students. All equipment is provided.
Football Tennis - Come along and have some fun with our students playing football tennis. Much like volleyball, the aim of the game is to make sure the ball doesn’t bounce in your half more than once and return it to the other side. This is usually played with 5 in each team but can be less.
1:00pm-3:00pm
Guided Cycle Ride: Sustainable and Active Travel to/from Campus
Open to all students
Who: Alistair Hunter (Senior Lecturer)
Where: Meet at foyer in Rutherford McCowan
Bring your bike in the morning for a FREE check-up by our mechanics, then join us for a guided ride to Dumfries town centre and back to campus. The route will be on a combination of quiet, low-traffic roads and car-free cycle paths, empowering you to travel actively and sustainably to campus throughout your time at university. [arm flex emoji?] Get fit and do your bit for the planet. If you don’t have your own bike, a FREE hire bike can be ordered for you in advance. Register your interest below:
https://forms.office.com/e/9qHSzMZsVu
3:10pm-3:40pm
Personal, Online and Bystander Safety
Open to all students
Who: PC Jen Wilson and PC Rebecca McClung (Police Scotland)
Where: R127
4:45pm - 5:15pm
FITT 30
Open to all students
Who: Andy Lincoln (UWS)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 4:30pm or in the sports hall at D&G College.
Classes combine elements of High Intensity Interval Training, circuit training and functional fitness for all fitness levels.
7:30pm Onwards
Pool night at Greens pub.
Where: Greens in Dumfries
Head along to Greens pub to meet other students and enjoy some games of pool.
Thursday 19th September | Self Care and Discover Dumfries
10:00am-12:00noon
Pets as Therapy
Open to all students
Where: Main Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
We will have Pets as Therapy Scotland joining us to help you beat your home sickness blues. Come and meet the dogs and enjoy some cuddles with them.
10:30am-11:00am
ICT Support Drop in
Open to all students
Who: Stephen Patterson (ICT Manager)
Where: R250
Stephen will be available to support you with your individual ICT issues.
11:00am-11:15am
Student Listeners - Space to be heard
Open to all students
Who: Stephen Patterson (ICT Manager)
Where: R151
This session will cover what students can expect if they want to use the service & also the process around training to become a Student Listener.
12:00noon-1:00pm
Break.
This will also provide you with the opportunity to try out Café Rutherford, meet each of our stallholders in the main foyer to find out what they have to offer our students at Dumfries Campus.
12:30-1:25pm
Multisport
Open to all students
Who: Connor McGeorge (D&G College)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 12:30pm or at D&G College Sports Hall.
On Multisport days, we open up the sports hall to everyone to play what they would like. We have a full cupboard of sports equipment to choose from. Name the sport or activity and we probably have it. Come along and have a try at anything you would like.
1:00pm-4:00pm
Historic tour of Dumfries and Caerlaverock with Solway Tours
Open to all students
Where: Meet at Main Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
During this historic tour we will visit the Whitesands and Devorgilla Bridge where we will explore the history of Dumfries and Lady Devorgilla. From here will walk to St Michaels Churchyard and Castle Dykes Park and discuss the history of Robert Burns and the history of Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence. We will then get back on the coach and take in the beautiful scenery of the Solway coast before visiting Caerlaverock Castle, a moated triangular castle first built in the 13th century. This is the perfect trip to explore Dumfries and the surrounding areas and find out about our incredible history. Booking is essential as spaces are limited.
4:45pm -5:30pm
Football
Open to all students
Who: Connor McGeorge (D&G College)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 4:30pm or in the sports hall at D&G College.
Come along and join our students and staff for a game of 6 a side football. This has been a very popular session and is now in the process of forming a 11 a side football team. This is played indoor, and trainers should be worn for this.
7pm - 10pm
Josephine and the Shades
Open to all students
Where: R127
Come join us for a night of amazing music and good vibes with Josephine and the Shades! Get ready to groove to their catchy tunes and let their music transport you to another world. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, so mark your calendars for a great time.
Greens pub will be providing a bar at the event including wine, beer, pitchers, spirits and a variety of non alcoholic soft drinks. Cash preferred.
There will be a buffet served at 8:30pm.
There will be delicious Greek cuisine served in the break. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available.
Mini bus leaving Dumfries Whitesands at 18:30 (across from Dominoes Pizza) and will leave sharp from Rutherford McCowan after the gig to return you back to Dumfries Whitesands.
Friday 20th September | Community on Campus
10:00am-10:10am
Meet with PGT Director
Mandatory for new PG students
Who: Guillaume Tiberghien (Post Grad Director)
Where: R127
Our Post Graduate Director will provide an official welcome to post graduate students.
10:10am -10:30am
AI in Academic Writing
Mandatory for new PG students, open to all students
Who: Douglas Shand (Professor)
Where:R127
10:30am –11:15am
Meeting with Postgraduate Degree Convenors
Mandatory for new PG students
Where: Room Allocations Below | Rutherford McCowan
This important session gives you the opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and members of the teaching team for your programme. Please see below for the room numbers for each programme.
R345 - MSc Sustainable Tourism & Global Challenges Lizanne Henderson
R218 – MLitt Environment, Culture & Communication David Borthwick
R236 - MSc Environmental Risk Management Sarwar Sohel
R149 - MSc Ecology and Environmental Monitoring Natalie Welden
R232 - MSc Enhanced Practice in Education David Lundie
MSc/PgDip/PgCert - End of Life Studies (Online) Marian Krawczyk
If you are a student on the End of Life Studies programme then please use the link below to join your session with Marian.
10:30am-12:00 noon
Community Building and Imposter Syndrome
Mandatory for new UG students, open to all students
Who: Lauren McDougall
Where: R127
This event will bring together first-years from across the School for an interactive session filled with opportunities to meet other new students, start building communities, and find out more about how to make the most of your transition to university. By the end of the session, you will feel more confident and prepared to embark on the exciting journey ahead of you – we can’t wait to meet you!
Postgraduate Coffee at Easterbrook Bistro
Open to all PG students
Where: Meet at Foyer of Rutherford/McCowan
Come along and meet postgraduate students from across all programmes at the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability! We will leave Rutherford McCowan at 11:15am to walk across to the Easterbrook Bistro. This will be a fun event with plenty of opportunity to meet other PG students and teaching staff from across the School and enjoy a coffee/tea/hot chocolate and traybake.
12:30pm -1:25pm
Pickleball
Open to all students
Who: Connor McGeorge (D&G College)
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 12:30pm or at D&G College Sports Hall.
Pickleball is a new sport at Dumfries and Galloway College. Similar to Tennis and Padel. It is played with a plastic ball, paddle and on a badminton court. It is a really fun game to try and one of our most popular at the college. This can be played in singles or doubles. All equipment is also provided.
1:00pm-1:45pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support drop in
Open to all students
Who: Erin Watt (Administrative Officer (Erasmus Mundus)) and Mark Firth (Administrator)
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub anytime between 1-1:45pm if u have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
2:00pm-2:30pm Immigration and Visa- Drop-in Sessions
Open to all students
Who: Erin Watt (Administrative Officer (Erasmus Mundus))
Where: Student & Academic Operations at School Office
The University is required to check the immigration status for all students who are not nationals of the UK or Ireland, including home fee payers and those who do not require a Student Visa.
If you are a Student Visa holder and already have your Biometric Residence Permit, you can bring your BRP and passport to our drop-in session for scanning.
Please note that we are unable to issue and BRP's and student cards at this session. This is purely to send a copy of your passport and BRP card (if required) to our Immigration Compliance team based at the Glasgow campus.
2:30pm-3:00pm
ICT Support Drop in Session
Open to all students
Who: Stephen Patterson (ICT Manager)
Where: R250
3:00pm-3:40pm Library tour and Sport/Gym introduction
Open to all students
Who: Louise Brown (UWS) and Connor McGeorge (D&G College) and supported by student ambassadors
Where: Meet at Foyer of RutherfordMcCowan
Our Student Ambassadors will take you across to the school library located in D&G college. You will then be shown around the library and shown some of the available study areas. Connor will then show you around the sports hall and gym and tell you about the wide range of sports and activities that are free for University of Glasgow students.
Welcome Week Fairs 16-20th September. From 9:30am-2:30pm
Monday 16th - Freshers Fair
In the main foyer of Rutherford McCowan, you'll find a diverse range of organisations, including vintage clothing stalls and support agencies like D&G Citizens Advice Service, LGBT+ services, and Independent Living Support. Feel free to explore them at your leisure.
Tuesday 17th - Societies Fair
From environmental groups to art and drama clubs – come and meet a range of different groups who are carrying out exciting activities in Dumfries and surrounding areas.
Wednesday 18th - Sports Clubs Fair
We will have a number of local clubs in the foyer. From table tennis, to rugby, there is something for everyone.
Thursday 19th - Volunteer Fair
We will have some organisations in the foyer that will be available to tell you about their volunteering opportunities which you may be interested in. This is a great opportunity to develop your employability skills.
Friday 20th - International Fair
We’re excited to welcome you with a variety of stalls to help you feel at home. Join us to meet the Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association, get advice from the Citizens Advice Service, and explore banking options with Barclays.