The director of studies, boards of studies and the academic environments in particular contribute to ensuring a successful first year of study.
The structure of degree programmes at the faculty has been carefully considered such that students are introduced to the different areas, key theories and disciplines of a specific programme to help ensure academic progression.
Aarhus BSS has a system with study groups, because surveys and experience show that good study groups are crucial for both academic and social well-being on a degree programme.
As part of the cross-organisational initiatives at Aarhus BSS to reduce first-year drop-out rates, there is increased focus on initiating retention initiatives throughout the first year of study.
AU Educate has a page regarding the first year of study with inspiration for teaching staff and programme management on how to approach this work.
On the first year of the Bachelor's degree programme in Public Policy, students are offered group interviews with older students as facilitators. Before these interviews, the facilitators completed a crash course to provide them with tools for the facilitator role. During the first year, three-four group interviews are held on different topics such as exam preparation and coping with life as a student.
