Universidade Portucalense – Infante D. Henrique
Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique is a cooperative higher education and scientific research establishment
Academic Integration Support
Promotion of Academic Integration Support
The transition to higher education represents a challenging and decisive stage in students’ lives. Axis 1 of the +Sucesso@UPortucalense project focuses on creating conditions that favour this transition, promoting successful academic and social integration and, consequently, a more solid and rewarding university experience.
With a set of initiatives aimed at first-year students, this axis aims to provide a welcoming, guiding and supportive environment from the very first contact with the university. The proposed actions seek to respond to the real needs of students, strengthening the proximity between peers, teachers and support services, and encouraging active participation in academic life.
The initiatives are implemented in close coordination with the Student Support Office (GAE), also involving academic structures and student representatives.
Key Initiatives
Resuming a tradition interrupted by the pandemic, Welcome Week marks the beginning of the academic year with activities designed to help new students adapt. Among the planned activities are:
- Presentation of the University’s structure and courses;
- Formal opening session of the academic year;
- Official photo of the start of the academic year;
- Integration activities, such as Peddy Paper, team building dynamics and presentations of student services and associations.
This programme promotes the mentoring of first-year students by older students, encouraging the sharing of experiences and peer support. The objectives include:
- Extending the programme’s coverage to at least 15% of new enrolments;
- Encouraging second- and third-year students to participate as mentors;
- Implementing training for mentors, focusing on early detection of signs of risk of dropout;
- Creating mechanisms for monitoring and referral for academic and psychological support.
Through this programme, tutor teachers accompany first-year students, promoting:
- Support for transition and development of study skills and academic decision-making;
- Encouragement of academic and extracurricular involvement;
- Monitoring of academic progress and action in situations of difficulty;
- Specific training for tutors on signs of risk of dropout and intervention strategies.
GAE organises practical sessions that address key issues for student autonomy and well-being:
- Study methods and time management;
- Anxiety management and mental health promotion;
- Teamwork and self-regulated learning.
These workshops will be widely publicised in collaboration with student groups.
