A first year course co-ordinators network: A targeted approach to academic development

In this paper we present the background, aims and rationale for establishing a First Year Course Co-ordinators’ Network (FYCCN) at the University of Glasgow. This is followed by an explanation of how themes that emerged from discussions with network members were used to inform the content of subsequent meetings. We present evaluation findings of the impact of the FYCCN, where feedback highlighted the value of the network to first year co-ordinators in terms of meeting others with a similar role and sharing practice. Feedback also identified that some co-ordinators’ need more administrative support in their role. Discussion focuses on the benefits of the FYCCN as a form of academic development that targets participants on the basis of shared academic tasks rather than their level of experience or discipline.