Carly Emsley-Jones

MA FHEA

Overview

I am responsible for leading and managing the Academic Study Skills and Mentoring Service, which supports students with their university transition and academic development. 

Academic Study Skills

The role involves leading and managing the Academic Skills and Mentoring Service, which supports student transition and success. Our service offers a wide range of Academic Study Skills classes for all undergraduate and postgraduate taught students on topics such as starting your studies, reflective writing and critical reading and thinking. Classes are delivered weekly within the Centre for Student Life, but more recently we have been focusing on collaboration with academic schools to enhance their curricula. Through this our team helps to develop good academic practice and cultivates independent learners among the student body. 

Student Mentor Scheme

Whilst we acknowledge the transition into university can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming for some students. This is where our award-winning Student Mentor Scheme comes in to support. Every first year student has the opportunity to access a student mentor from their school. Our second and third year students are trained to support first year students with their transition into university life. Student mentors are matched with students from the same degree programme and share advice about their course, academic school, university and city. 

Wider Impact

Student-led peer learning and support schemes can provide a vital sense of community and belonging to students in higher education (HE), as well as offer the potential to improve academic confidence and contribute to improved attainment, retention, progression, and completion. In my role, I lead the Wales Peer Learning and Support Network, which facilitates collaboration among higher education practitioners across Wales to identify peer learning opportunities, address challenges, and share best practices. Additionally, I co-chair the Association for Peer Learning and Support Steering Group, where regional networks collaborate to advance and expand student peer learning and support initiatives.