Welcome Week 2025
Welcome Week 2025 at #UofGDumfries
We can't wait to welcome you to the University of Glasgow School of Social and Environmental Sustainability, situated in the beautiful Crichton grounds in Dumfries. At Dumfries Campus, we are committed to building a strong sense of community. Join us from Monday 15th to Friday 19th September to welcome you into the new academic term.
When you arrive on campus on your first day, please follow the signs for the Rutherford McCowan Building where you will be greeted by our friendly Staff and Student Ambassadors (look out for the bright pink t-shirts!).
On Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th of September we will have our Welcome Fair in the Rutherford Foyer from 9:15am each day with a variety of local businesses, community organisations, charities, societies and creative groups ready to welcome you into the region.
Below you will find the full schedule of events for the week, but please note that this is still being created by our student experience team and exact events, timings or room allocations are subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact: dumfries-studentexperience@glasgow.ac.uk.
Tuesday 26th August | Online Session | Optional
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 365 245 403 821 3
Passcode: yL9CU7oL
Join our friendly Student Ambassadors for an informal and informative Q&A session all about electives from 2:00pm - 3:00pm (UK Time). Whether you're unsure which electives to choose, curious about what to expect, or just want to hear real student experiences, this is your chance to ask questions and get honest answers.
Bring your questions or just come along to listen.
Wednesday 27th August | Online Session | Optional Drop-In
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 332 384 097 508 9
Passcode: 9mk2Au22
You can join the session online anytime between 2.00pm and 3.00pm (UK Time) if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
There will be more drop-in sessions scheduled for during Welcome Week. Please see the schedule at the links below.
Monday 15th September
9:15am-10:00am
Registration and Meet the Stallholders
Where: Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
Start your day by signing in at the school and registering with the Glasgow University Dumfries Union. Once you're all set, explore the diverse range of stallholders—each ready to welcome you to Dumfries and introduce you to exciting opportunities, services, and ways to get involved in student life.
10:00-10:15am
Welcome to the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Our Head of School will welcome you to the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability with an introduction all about life, learning and teaching at Dumfries Campus. He will also discuss some interesting developments that are coming up within the school this academic year.
10:15-10:30am
The Role of Your Advisor of Study (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
This session will be important to ensure that as a student you know who to go to in terms of academic support and how they can help you during your student journey.
10:30-10:40am
Student Support Services (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Tariq will be highlighting all of the support services and resources available to students. These include:
- Finances
- Accommodation
- Personal problems
- Career and employability information
- Study support
- Good cause claims
- Accessing counselling services
- Support for disabilities
10:40-10:55am
Extenuating Circumstances System (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Kerri will explain the extenuating circumstances system and how to apply if you need it.
10:55-12:00noon
Meet with your undergraduate degree convenor (mandatory for new students, all students warmly welcomed)
This important session gives you the opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and members of the teaching team for your programme.
R232 Sarah Stevenson & Shaista Shirazi will meet with students from MA Primary Education with Teaching Qualification students.
Teaching Lab Michael Muir and Natalie Welden will meet with all BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability students.
R151 Alistair Hunter will meet with MA Global Sustainable Development students.
12:00-12:10pm
Explore Your Student Hub (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Join Jeanna for a guided tour of our Student Hub and Food Pantry, where you'll discover key resources and learn how to get involved in shaping your student experience.
12:10-12:20pm
GUDU - Your Student Union in Dumfries (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
GUDU is here to support and represent students in Dumfries. Whether you're looking to meet new people, explore opportunities, or simply find your place, GUDU offers a welcoming environment where you can get involved as much—or as little—as you like.
12:20-12:30pm
Find Out More About Paid Employment Opportunities as a Student Ambassador
Where: R232
Would you like to be a student ambassador for our school? Come along to this information session to find out how you can support our school and make some extra money along the way.
12:30-1:25pm
Time to Explore Stalls and Lunch
12:30-1:25pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
1:30-2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
1:30-2:00pm
Student Residences Meet and Greet
Where: R232
A special session for those living in University accommodation and Halls of Residence.
2:00-3:00pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support Drop in
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
2:30-3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
Our Student Ambassadors will take you across to the school library located in D&G college. You will then be shown around the library and shown some of the available study areas. Connor will then show you around the sports hall and gym and tell you about the wide range of sports and activities that are free for University of Glasgow students.
3:15-5:00pm
Tour of the Toon with Ambassadors (prebooked)
Where: Pick up outside Rutherford McCowan
Please book onto this tour here.
Hop on the minibus for a guided tour of Dumfries! Our friendly student ambassadors will show you around town, highlighting their favourite places to eat, shop, and hang out. It’s a great chance to get familiar with the area and ask any questions you might have—whether about student life, local tips, or anything else.
4:30-5:30pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
Tuesday 16th September
9:15am-10:00am
Registration and Meet the Stallholders
Where: Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
Start your day by signing in at the school and registering with the Glasgow University Dumfries Union. Once you're all set, explore the diverse range of stallholders—each ready to welcome you to Dumfries and introduce you to exciting opportunities, services, and ways to get involved in student life.
10:00-10:30am
Security, Safety and Support on Campus (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Gary will be taking you through information and advice about staying safe on and off campus. There will be information about our UofG SafeZone App which is a must for every student on campus.
10:30-10:40am
Meet the Facilities Team (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Lesley will introduce you to some of the facilities team and explain how they are here to help you. This session includes information on room bookings and reporting faults.
10:40-11:00am
Police Scotland (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Police Scotland will be on campus to share important information around scam awareness, online safety and keeping yourself safe in Dumfries.
11:00 -11:10am
ICT Induction (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Stephen will be going through details on getting set up on the University network as well as security information that is important to know during your time with us.
10:55-12:00noon
Student Representation (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
David will tell you more about the Student and Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC), your important role as a student and the benefits that you receive for getting involved as a Student Rep.
11:25-11:40am
Moodle Walkthrough (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
Heather will guide you through the basics of using Moodle and share top tips on how to make the most of the platform.
11:40-11:55am
Sustainability at Dumfries Campus
Where: R232
We will share practical ways to live more sustainably during your time at the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability.
12:00-2:00pm
BBQ Lunch in the Teaching Garden
Where: Teaching Garden
Open to all students
We’re hosting a delicious BBQ in the Teaching Garden, free of charge, so come and enjoy some tasty BBQ treats. This is also a perfect chance to meet our stallholders in the main foyer and discover what they have to offer students at Dumfries Campus. Please ensure you complete the sign up sheet for this.
12:30-1:25pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
12:30-1:30pm
Time to Explore Stalls and Lunch
1:30-2:30pm
Welcome to the Garden
Where: Teaching Garden
Step into our green space at our ‘Welcome to the Garden’ event. Have a go at planting seeds for the future, learn more about our weekly gardening sessions, test your knowledge in the nature quiz and try your hand at our photography competition with prizes to be won.
1:30-2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30-3:00pm
ICT Drop in
Where: R250
Stephen will be available to support you with your individual ICT issues and support you to access the network.
2:30-3:30pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support Drop in
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
2:30-3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
Our Student Ambassadors will take you across to the school library located in D&G college. You will then be shown around the library and shown some of the available study areas. Connor will then show you around the sports hall and gym and tell you about the wide range of sports and activities that are free for University of Glasgow students.
4:30-5:30pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
Wednesday 17th September
11:00-12:30pm
Paint with Pride
Where: Teaching Garden
This is a relaxed and creative session celebrating our LGBT+ community, allyship, and self-expression.
As part of the activity, each participant will design a small art square representing their identity, Pride, or allyship. These will be joined together to create a vibrant quilt-style artwork that will be proudly displayed in our building as a symbol of community and inclusion.
12:30-1:25pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
1:00-4:00pm
Historic Tour of the Local Area
Where: Pick up outside the Foyer
Details TBC
1:30-2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30-3:30pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support Drop in
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
2:30-3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
Our Student Ambassadors will take you across to the school library located in D&G college. You will then be shown around the library and shown some of the available study areas. Connor will then show you around the sports hall and gym and tell you about the wide range of sports and activities that are free for University of Glasgow students.
4:30-5:30pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
Thursday 18th September
10:00-12:00noon
Trip to Caerlaverock and Hike Up Wardlaw Wood with the Environment Team
Where: Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
We will be going out on the mini bus to the picteresque Caerlaverock area. On our walk we will catch glimpses of the Solway Firth and surrounding countryside emerge, offering rewarding views at the summit. The wood is rich in wildlife and seasonal flora, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Spaces are limited. Please book your space here.
12:30-1:25pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
1:30-3:30pm
Cycle tour of Dumfries
Grab your bike or borrow one from Sustrans to improve your confidence cycling to and from campus. This student-friendly cycle tour takes you along scenic riverside paths and through leafy parks. Spaces are very limited.
Book here.
1:30-2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30-3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
Our Student Ambassadors will take you across to the school library located in D&G college. You will then be shown around the library and shown some of the available study areas. Connor will then show you around the sports hall and gym and tell you about the wide range of sports and activities that are free for University of Glasgow students.
4:30-5:30pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
Friday 19th September
9:45-9:55am
Meet the PGT Director (mandatory for new postgraduate (PG) students)
Where: R232
Our Post Graduate Director will provide an official welcome to post graduate students.
Please book your slot here and only book onto one session.
10:00-10:10am
Meet the PGT Director (mandatory for new postgraduate (PG) students)
Where: R232
Our Post Graduate Director will provide an official welcome to post graduate students.
Please book your slot here and only book onto one session.
10:10-11:10am
Meeting with Postgraduate Degree Convenors (mandatory for new PG students)
Where: R232
This important session gives you the opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and members of the teaching team for your programme.
11:10-11:30am
AI in Academic Writing (mandatory for new students)
Where: R232
In this session, we will explore the concept of fair use, highlight the risks associated with AI misuse and potential plagiarism, and share information about the resources and support available to help navigate these challenges.
Spaces limited - please book here.
11:30-12:30pm
Postgraduate Coffee at the Bistro
Where: Crichton Bistro
Join fellow postgraduate students from across the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability for a relaxed walk to the Crichton Bistro, where you’ll enjoy a hot drink, traybake, and the chance to connect with peers and teaching staff in a friendly, informal setting
12:30-1:25pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
12:30-1:30pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support Drop in
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
1:30-2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30-3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction (mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week)
Where: Pick up from Cafe Rutherford
Please book onto this tour here.
Our Student Ambassadors will take you across to the school library located in D&G college. You will then be shown around the library and shown some of the available study areas. Connor will then show you around the sports hall and gym and tell you about the wide range of sports and activities that are free for University of Glasgow students.
2:30-3:00pm
ICT Drop in
Where: R250
Stephen will be available to support you with your individual ICT issues and support you to access the network.
4:30-5:30pm
Sports Activity
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College