For many students, the transition to university is an exciting phase full of new impressions, expectations and challenges. The Pre Academic Programme (PAP) aims to ease that transition and it aims to encourage academic success, increase a sense of belonging and prepare students well for an academic study. As part of his PhD project, Pieter van Lamoen researched the effectiveness of the Pre Academic Programme and whether it makes a difference between first- and next-generation students. 'We look at transition as a social moment. How students build relationships with each other turns out to be essential', he says.
More than a traditional intro week
The Pre Academic Programme is a program offered before the start of the academic year and aimed at first-year students at our university. Unlike a traditional introduction week, PAP is not about drinks or playful scavenger hunts, but structured activities that create depth. For example, about study skills, academia and your personal goals. 'For many students, the standard introduction works fine', says the researcher. 'But something like that often lacks those more in-depth parts. PAP contributes to creating friendship and that is important for students during their studies, both practically and emotionally.'
Better learning outcomes, greater engagement, and sense of belonging make for solid start
Research from 2018 shows that, on average, participants score nearly one point higher on the first exam, and have a higher chance of achieving a positive BSA after one year. Students' own evaluations also show that they experience more study commitment, work better together, and are more engaged. These are real success factors in the university context. It also appears that participants know their own performance better, set goals more effectively, and are more strongly connected to fellow students. This clearly has positive effects on students' study commitment and motivation.
Effects are significant for participants
Pieter van Lamoen's research shows that the PAP has a positive effect on both students' initial study results and their sense of belonging. Remarkably, this was true for both students who are the first in their family to study (first-generation students), and students from families where higher education is already common. A surprising result? 'A little bit. We often assume that first-generation students need more support. But in this case, both groups benefited', says the researcher. 'Studies also sometimes show that certain forms of support work less well for first-generation students. PAP has specific modules for that group. The fact that both groups benefit from the program indicates that these components are effective.'
Social connection as key
Although the effect on self-confidence is limited, the research shows that PAP does help students build social relationships - something crucial for study success as well as well-being. Students find it easier to connect with fellow students, even outside the program, and dare to ask for help. Thus, the program fulfills an important role in creating a support network. The connection with the study or faculty still lags behind. 'A relevant improvement would be to organize sessions with teachers that students meet again later in the year. This creates more recognition and connection with the study', says Pieter van Lamoen.
What could be better?
To increase the impact, according to the researcher, universities should invest in programs that better connect with the study itself, and in which lecturers also actively participate. Because one thing is certain: feeling at home somewhere is the first step to studying successfully.
Now the Pre Academic Programme is a warm welcome, but after that, the real work begins. ‘That transition can be big. Return sessions offer a chance to reflect, ask questions and reconnect.' That's why it's important to have support for participants at different times: before, during and after the start of the first year of study.
The researcher emphasises that small-scale education is often seen as the solution to make students feel at home, but that this is not always enough. 'Students who already feel connected also benefit from small scale. It is more about sense of belonging. That depends not only on your background, but also on who you are as a person.'
A valuable start
The Pre Academic Programme contributes to a better start in higher education. It helps students find each other and build a network, which is of great value during the first few months of your college years. It is a unique program to prepare for your study time, registration is still open until July 1.
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