Summer transitions programme

GCU recognises that making the transition from school or college to university can be stressful and worrying for all applicants. We also recognise the additional challenges and anxieties that autistic students coming to university for the first time may experience. The Disability Team, in partnership with the National Autistic Society (Scotland), delivers a Summer Transition Programme for applicants who have disclosed a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.

This programme aims to:

• Provide a smoother transition to incoming students from school or college
• To improve take up of offers of places on courses
• To assist with assessment of needs prior to the start of the academic session, and to improve retention among students on the autism spectrum.

Applicants who have disclosed a diagnosis on the autism spectrum will be invited to attend.

The programme is delivered over two sessions. These sessions are delivered as informal seminars, in a small group setting on campus. Topics covered include:

• Changes/Differences moving between school or college and university
• Time management
• Identifying key contacts and sources of support at university
• Self advocacy/being assertive
• Disclosing your disability
• Stress and Relaxation

The programme also incorporates orientation and provides the opportunity for applicants to meet and share concerns with other applicants on the programme. Throughout the programme there are opportunities to raise additional questions or concerns and, as the programme establishes ongoing communication between the applicant and the Disability Team from the start of the summer break, it also enables the participants to seek advice on managing all the paperwork and procedures associated with applying to University/SAAS/moving away from home etc.

All queries regarding the Summer Transition Programme for Autistic students should be directed to the Disability Team.