It is important to consider of the varied needs of students at different points in their academic journey. The success and continuation of a wide range of students can be greatly enhanced by taking an approach that supports students through introducing and reinforcing academic skills through a Foundation Year Programme, an On Track initiative for students who need assistance retaking or resiting modules, support for Level 4 students, and a Higher Education (HE) Certificate programme for those who are not yet eligible for admission onto a university study programme.
A comprehensive approach to academic persistence that includes the Foundations Programme, Arden Achieve, and a HE Certificate program shows Arden's commitment to helping students at every step of their academic journey.
Arden promotes a more inclusive and resilient academic environment by attending to the requirements of various student backgrounds. Ultimately, the aim is to assist students to succeed and achieve their educational and career goals.
Foundation Year: creating a robust academic foundation for students
All new students in Foundation Studies will be assigned a peer mentor so they can reach out to an experienced student who can answer their questions and help them find the support they need. The peer mentor in the ArdenCONNECT programme will help new students connect with other students to enjoy activities and social events.
Targeted Skill Development: The Foundation Year programme seeks to give incoming students a solid foundation in subjects like writing, research, and critical thinking by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills. This lays the groundwork for students' long-term success in their chosen disciplines as well as preparing them for the rigorous academic demands of university life.
Increasing Student Confidence: Students are more likely to feel confident in their skills when they arrive at university with a belief in their abilities to grasp the concepts taught. Academic persistence is largely reliant on students' confidence, which enables them to overcome obstacles, ask for assistance when necessary, and take an active role in their education.
Lowering Dropout Rates: The Foundations Program lowers the likelihood that students will drop out or experience academic failure by addressing possible knowledge and skill deficiencies early on. This proactive approach contributes to higher retention rates and a more successful academic community.
International Foundation Pathway*: creating an academic and language foundation for international students
*subject to validation in 2024
Targeted Language Development: Arden University's International Foundation Pathway aims to provide entering students with a solid foundation in English language knowledge and skills. This establishes the foundation for students' long-term success in their chosen fields while also preparing them for the rigorous academic demands of university life. These aspects will help you succeed at university while studying in the UK, as well as improve your English language skills.
Developing Student Confidence and Familiarity: Academic persistence is highly dependent on students' confidence, which empowers them to overcome challenges, seek help when needed, and actively participate in their education. Students are more likely to feel confident in their abilities and skills when they arrive at university with a belief in their abilities to grasp the concepts taught.
Opportunities for Business Skill Development: The International Foundation Pathways provides targeted skill development in business fields, allowing students to succeed with subject-specific skills once they progress to the main degree programme.
CertHE: Up-skilling to qualify for university studies
All new students in CertHE will be assigned a peer mentor so they can reach out to an experienced student who can answer their questions and help them find the support they need. The peer mentor in the ArdenCONNECT programme will help new students connect with other students to enjoy activities and social events.
Inclusive Access to Higher Education: Students who do not yet meet the requirements for university entrance may enrol in the HE Certificate program. This program offers a bridge, allowing individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to access higher education and pursue their academic goals.
Flexibility and Customisation: The Certificate HE programme offers flexibility and customisation in the recognition that not everyone is immediately a good fit for traditional academic programs. It accommodates a wide range of learning styles and life situations by enabling students to obtain the required knowledge and qualifications for entering higher education upon successful completion of the program.
Diversity in the Academic Community: Universities enhance their academic communities by accepting students from a variety of backgrounds through the HE Certificate program. This diversity fosters a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences, enhancing the overall learning environment for all students.
ArdenCONNECT Peer Mentoring Programme
Looking for a support & guidance during your first semester?
Looking for cultural events or clubs or activities to get involved on campus?
Looking to meet new peers and make new friends?
About ArdenCONNECT
ArdenCONNECT is a peer-to-peer support programme for new students at Arden University. This is an amazing opportunity to assist new students to succeed! As a peer mentor, you will answer questions, refer to necessary resources, explain university systems, and assist incoming students in making new friends and adjusting to campus life. Take advantage of this opportunity to use your experience and skills to help our newest Arden students get started on their educational path!
As a new student entering Arden, whether you are enrolled in Foundation Studies, International Foundation Pathway, entering your study programme in Level 4, or a CertHE student, you will be assigned a peer mentor. Check with your Peer Mentor Lead on your campus!
Your peer mentor will connect you to other new students on your campus during First Year Fridays and other social events. First Year Fridays will take place every second week, when you will meet with your Peer Mentor and your peers. FYFs give you an opportunity to spend time with your peers eating meals together, discovering the city, or doing activities together. You will meet your Peer Mentor during StartSmart, our New Student Orientation.
First Year Fridays
Every second week, peer mentors and mentees will gather in the campus student hangout spot near the First Year Friday banner to plan social activities together.
Perhaps they want to eat together, go for a stroll, have a picnic, do see a city sight, volunteer in the community, invite an academic to give them a session on a subject of interest such as AI or digital marketing, or invite the campus careers consultant to speak with them about work-based learning or how to prepare for interviews.
Whatever they decide to do, they will spend time together, connect, and form enduring connections.
StartSmart New Student Orientation
Connect and Thrive!
StartSmart is your first step to success on your educational journey.
StartSmart is your opportunity to build connections with lecturers, staff and your peers! Orientation is the perfect place to start building lifelong friendships.
What will you get out of StartSmart?
You will discover your new home away from home and get ready to embark on an exciting journey. Learn from faculty about your study programme and staff about how to navigate your new campus and the supports offered to help you succeed in this journey
Why is StartSmart important?
You will learn about campus resources, meet new friends, and get a head start on your university experience! You will also learn about your study programme, its requirements, and opportunities from your lecturers and other students!
Have questions?
We have answers! Our peer mentors are here to help you. You will meet your Peer Mentor who can tell you about the many ways you can get involved.
Ready to Discover Your Campus?
Learn your way around your new home! Join your peer mentor for a campus tour and see all the amazing places you'll soon call home!
Your Success starts now! Make the most of every moment at Arden University. Your journey to your dreams begins today. For more information reach out to the Student Hub on your campus.
Let’s get started!
Pass First Time
Engage | Learn | Excel.
Become your own success story! Actively engage with your "Pass First Time" sessions in your first semester module.
- Do you want to excel in your studies? Are Your study sessions productive, or do you feel distracted and unproductive? Prepare for success by learning the skills needed at university and earning a digital badge for each of the four sets of academic competencies!
- Do you have an effective method for taking and organising your class notes? Do you struggle with structuring your essays or citing sources properly?
- Do you set specific academic goals for each semester?
Actively engage in our 'Pass First Time' class sessions to gain the skills and confidence to successfully prepare for and complete your assessments.
Students looking for the ultimate study hack can build their skills in their Pass First Time sessions in their first semester!
On Track
Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling with your assessment?
Are you struggling with an assessment or behind on submitting one? Missed a deadline or or failed an assignment? You’re not alone. "On Track" is here to help!
Do you need to resit or retake an assessment?
Whether you need to resit or retake an assessment or improve your grades, "On Track" provides personalized support and skill development sessions to ensure your success. Our dedicated academic persistence staff will guide you every step of the way, helping you develop the skills needed to excel.
Customised assistance for students
"On Track" offers customised assistance for students facing academic setbacks, providing focused support to overcome challenges and regain good academic standing. We recognise that overcoming obstacles requires more than just hard work; it requires the right kind of help.
What can I do to prepare for the next level or study?
We will prepare you for the next level of study with access to micro-credentials, levelling up webinars and academic progression tutorials. You will also have support from around the university from your Students' Association, Learning Success Hub, success coaching and wellbeing services.
Creating a pathway for students to get On Track after academic challenges
"On Track" transforms obstacles into opportunities for learning and growth. We foster a welcoming and supportive environment, helping students turn setbacks into comebacks.
Success is a journey
Let "On Track" be your guide. Don’t let setbacks define you—turn your challenges into achievements with the support of "On Track." Reach out to the Centre for Academic Persistence today and start your journey to success!