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.
Monday 15th September
9:15am -10:00am
Registration and Meet the Stallholders
Where: Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our Student Ambassadors (look out for their bright pink t-shirts!) who will help you register for the day’s activities and answer any questions you might have.
Once you’re signed in, take some time to explore the stalls in the foyer - it’s a great chance to meet staff, discover support services, and learn more about what’s available to help you settle into university life.
10:00am -10:15am
Welcome to the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability!
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Fabrice Renaud (Head of School)
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.
10:15am -10:30am
The Role of Your Advisor of Study
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Natalie Welden (Chief Adviser of Studies)
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 and support you.
10:30am - 10:45am
Student Support Services
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Tariq Jankiewicz (Student Support Officer)
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, accessing counselling services and support for disabilities.
10:45am - 10:55am
5 Day Extension & Intro to Extenuating Circumstances
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Kerri LaBrash (Administrative Officer)
Where: R232
Kerri will explain the 5-day extension system in detail, including how to apply if you need it. She will then give a brief introduction to extenuating circumstances.
10:55am - 12:00noon
Meet With Your Undergraduate Degree Convenor
Mandatory for new students
Where: Meeting at R232
This important session gives you the opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and members of the teaching team for your programme.
R236 - 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 - Nwamaka Okeke-Ogbuafor and Alistair Hunter will meet with MA Global Sustainable Development students.
12:00 noon - 12:10pm
Explore Your Student Hub
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Jeanna Davies (Student Engagement Coordinator)
Where: Student Hub
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
12:10pm - 12:20pm
GUDU - Your Student Union Welcome
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Kayleigh Burns and Catherine Darroch
Where: R232
Come and meet our dedicated student union - Glasgow University Dumfries Union.
12:20pm -12:30pm
Find Out More About Paid Employment Opportunities as a Student Ambassador
Open to all students
Who: Amy McFarlane (Interim Student Recruitment Manager)
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.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Explore Stalls and Lunch Break
Take this time to speak to the various stallholders and visit Cafe Rutherford.
12:30pm - 1:25pm
Basketball at Dumfries and Galloway College
Where: Meet at welcome desk in Rutherford Foyer or in the DGC Sports Hall.
Basketball is a fast-paced team sport that builds fitness, coordination, and teamwork while offering a fun and competitive way to stay active.
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Student Residences Meet and Greet
Mandatory for new residents
Who: Fiona Weir (Manager Student Apartments) and Ellen Thompson (Marketing & Customer Services Manager)
Where: R232
A special session for those living in University accommodation and Halls of Residence.
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support Drop In
Open to all students
Who: Laura Montgomerie (Student Experience and Ops Manager), Kerri LaBrash (Administrative Officer) and Mark Firth (Administrative Officer)
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub anytime if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour with Ambassadors
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30pm - 3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
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.
3:15pm - 5:00 pm
Prebooked Tour of the Toon with Ambassadors
Open to all students
Where: Pick up outside Rutherford McCowan
Booking required. Limited spaces.
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.
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Table Tennis and Badminton at D&G College
Open to all students
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
Whether you're into fast rallies or quick reflexes, come along for some fun and friendly games of table tennis and badminton—no experience needed, just turn up and play.
7:00pm onwards
Karaoke Night
Open to all students
Where: The Granary
Come along for a laid-back evening of karaoke - whether you're belting out ballads or just cheering from the crowd, it's all about having fun and making memories. Prizes to be won.
Tuesday 16th September
9:15am - 10:00am
Registration and Meet the Stallholders
Where: Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our Student Ambassadors (look out for their bright pink t-shirts!) who will help you register for the day’s activities and answer any questions you might have.
Once you’re signed in, take some time to explore the stalls in the foyer - it’s a great chance to meet staff, discover support services, and learn more about what’s available to help you settle into university life.
10:00am - 10:30am
Security, Safety and Support on Campus
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Conall Rodgers (Security Operations Manager)
Where: R232
Conall 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.
10:30am - 10:40am
Meet the Facilities Team
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Lesley Firth (Duty Manager)
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.
10:40am - 11:00am
Police Scotland
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Where: R232
Police Scotland will be on campus to share important information around scam awareness, online safety and keeping yourself safe in Dumfries.
11:00am - 11:10am
ICT Induction
Mandatory for new students, open to all 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.
11:10am - 11:25am
Student Representation
Mandatory for new students, open to all 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.
11:25am - 11:40am
Moodle Walkthrough
Mandatory for new students, open to all students
Who: Heather Walker (Administrative Officer)
Where: R232
Heather will guide you through the basics ofusing Moodle and share top tips on how to make the most of the platform.
11:40am - 11:55am
Sustainability at Dumfries Campus
Open to all students
Who: Ieuan Owen (Global Sustainable Development
Student)
Where: R232
Ieuan will share practical ways to live more sustainably during your time at the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability.
11:55am - 12:15pm
Student Listeners - A Place To Be Heard
Open to all students
Who: Kathleen Kennedy
Where: R232
This session will cover what students can expect if they want to use the service & also the process around training to become a Student Listener.
12:15pm - 12:25pm
Staying Active on Campus
Mandatory for all new students
Where: R232
Connor and Warren from D&G College and UWS will be speaking about the gym, fitness classes, and sports activities available free of charge to all University of Glasgow students.
12:00noon - 2:00pm
BBQ Lunch in the Teaching Garden
Open to all students
Where: Teaching Garden
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.
12:30pm - 1:25pm
Table Tennis and Badminton at Dumfries and Galloway College
Open to all students
Where: Meet at welcome desk in Rutherford Foyer or in the DGC Sports Hall.
Whether you're into fast rallies or quick reflexes, come along for some fun and friendly games of table tennis and badminton - no experience needed, just turn up and play.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Explore Stalls and Lunch Break
Take this time to speak to the various stallholders and visit Cafe Rutherford.
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Welcome to the Garden
Open to all students
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.
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour with Ambassadors
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30pm - 3:00pm
ICT Drop in
Open to all students
Where: R250
Stephen will be available to support you with your individual ICT issues and support you to access the network.
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support Drop in
Open to all students
Who: Laura Montgomerie (Student Experience and Ops Manager), Kerri LaBrash (Administrative Officer) and Mark Firth (Administrative Officer)
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub anytime if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
2:30pm - 3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
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.
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Football at D&G College
Open to all students
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
Come along to the sports hall to get some practice in before the Student Vs Staff Football Game.
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Student Vs Staff Football Game
Open to all students
Where: Crichton Playing Fields
A friendly but competitive football match where staff and students go head-to-head for bragging rights, team spirit, and campus glory. Sign up is essential.
Wednesday 17th September
11:00am - 12:30pm
Paint with Pride
Open to all students
Where: Teaching Garden or R232
Join us for a vibrant, creative session where we’ll each design a square that reflects our Pride, identity, or allyship. Together, these pieces will form a colourful quilt artwork to be displayed in our building — a collective celebration of self-expression and community.
12:30pm - 1:25 pm
Pickleball at Dumfries and Galloway College
Open to all students
Where: Meet at welcome desk in Rutherford Foyer or in the DGC Sports Hall.
Come along to this popular session.
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Explore the History of the Town with Solway Tours
Open to all students
Where: Meet in Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
Join us for an afternoon of local history and scenic stops! We’ll set off from the university campus at 1:00pm, visiting the majestic Caerlaverock Castle, the historic St Michael’s Churchyard, and the tranquil Sweetheart Abbey. If time allows, we’ll take a short detour to Castledykes Park or Devorguilla Bridge before returning to campus by 4:00pm. A relaxed and enriching way to explore the heritage on our doorstep!
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour with Ambassadors
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30pm - 3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
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 - 3:30pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support Drop In
Open to all students
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.
Thursday 18th September
10:00am - 12:00noon
Trip to Caerlaverock and Hike Up Wardlaw Wood
Open to all students
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.
Booking required. Spaces are limited.
11:00am- 1:00pm
GUDU To Meet You. Coffee and Cake Mixer
Open to all students
Where: Student Hub
New to campus or just keen to meet others? Come along to the GUDU To Meet You Coffee and Cake Mixer for a relaxed afternoon of sweet treats, warm drinks, and great conversation. A perfect chance to connect with fellow students, and meet the GUDU committee in a welcoming, informal setting.
11:00am - 2:00pm
Dr Bike - Smooth Ride Service
Open to all students
Where: Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
Dr Bike provides free bike maintenance and safety checks to help keep your bicycle in top condition. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a casual rider, experienced mechanics will inspect your bike, make minor repairs, and offer advice on keeping it roadworthy. It’s a great way to stay safe, save money, and get the most out of your cycling experience.
12:30pm - 1:25pm
Football at D&G College
Open to all students
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
Come along to this popular session.
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Sustrans Social Cycle Ride
Open to all students
Where: Foyer of Rutherford McCowan
Grab your bike or borrow one from Sustrans to improve your confidence cycling to and from campus. This student-friendly, gentle cycle tour takes you along scenic riverside paths and through leafy parks. We will also give you a guided tour around Dumfries so that you are confident exploring the area by bike.
Booking required. Limited Spaces.
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour with Ambassadors
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30pm - 3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
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.
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Pickleball at D&G College
Open to all students
Where: Pick up in the Foyer. Sports hall in D&G College
Similar to Tennis and Padel. It is played with a plastic ball, paddle and on a badminton court. It is a really fun game to try and one of our most popular at the college. This can be played in singles or doubles. All equipment is provided.
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meet the Postgraduate Degree Convenor
(End of Life Studies only)
Open to all End of Life Studies Students
This important session gives you the opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and members of the teaching team for your programme.
Meeting ID: 361 415 174 603 8
Passcode: UG9bV9RB
7:00pm onwards
Pub Quiz
Open to all students
Where: Greens, Dumfries
Join us for a relaxed evening of trivia, laughs, and a bit of friendly competition at the pub quiz. Whether you're in it to win or just for the fun, it's a great way to meet people and test your general knowledge. Prizes to be won!
Friday 19th September
9:45am - 9:55am and 10:00am - 10:10am
Meet with PGT Director
Mandatory for new PG students
Who: Sarwar Sohel (Post Grad Director)
Where: R232
Our Postgraduate Director will deliver an official welcome to postgraduate students. This session is being offered twice to ensure everyone has the opportunity to attend, due to room capacity limits.
10:10am - 11:10am
Meeting with Postgraduate Degree Convenors
Mandatory for new PG students
Where: Meeting at R232
This important session gives you the opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and members of the teaching team for your programme. Please see below for the room numbers for each programme.
R345 - MSc Sustainable Tourism & Global Challenges Lizanne Henderson
R232 – MLitt Environment, Culture & Communication David Borthwick
R236 - MSc Environmental Risk Management Sarwar Sohel
R149 - MSc Ecology and Environmental Monitoring Steven Gillespie
R245 - MSc Enhanced Practice in Education Shaista Shirazi
R151 - MSc Tourism and Heritage Donald MacLeod
11:10am - 11:30am
AI in Academic Writing
Open to all students
Who: Douglas Shand (Professor)
Where: R232
Explore how AI tools can support and enhance academic
writing, with practical tips and interactive discussion on
responsible and effective use.
11:30am - 12:30pm
Postgraduate Coffee at Easterbrook Bistro
Open to all PG students
Where: Meet at Foyer of Rutherford/McCowan
and walk across to Easterbrook Bistro
Join fellow postgraduate students from across the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability at 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.
12:30pm - 1:25pm
Multisports at D&G College
Open to all students
Where: Meet at Rutherford/McCowan foyer at 12:30pm or at D&G College Sports Hall.
Whether you're into football, basketball, badminton or just want to try something new, this is a great chance to stay active, meet new people, and have fun in a relaxed, inclusive setting.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Enrolment and Registration Help and Support Drop In
Open to all students
Who: Kerri LaBrash (Administrative Officer) and Mark Firth (Administrative Officer)
Where: Student Hub
These sessions are available to all students. You can come along to the Student Hub anytime if you have any questions or issues involving timetable, enrolment, academic, or financial registration.
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Prebooked Campus Tour with Ambassadors
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to our Student Ambassadors and ask them any questions you might have about the campus in Dumfries.
2:30pm - 3:10pm
Prebooked Library Tour and Sport/Gym Introduction
Mandatory for new students to attend one session throughout the week
Where: Pick up from the Cafe Rutherford
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.
2:30pm - 3:00pm
ICT Support Drop in Session
Open to all students
Who: Stephen Patterson (ICT Manager)
Where: R250
Stephen will be available to support you with your individual ICT issues.
3:00pm - 3:30pm
Immigration and Visa- Drop-in Session
Open to all students
Where: Online (Teams)
Meeting ID: 344 997 336 017 4
Passcode: J5b25yq9
The University is required to check the immigration status for all students who are not nationals of the UK or Ireland, including home fee payers and those who do not require a Student Visa. The immigration team will also hold in person visa registration appointments on the 24th of September. More information about this will be sent to your student email.
7:00pm onwards
GUDU Pool Tournament
Where: Greens
Fancy yourself a bit of a pool shark—or just up for some friendly competition? Come along to the
GUDU Pool Tournament for a chilled evening of games, laughs, and a chance to meet other students. No experience needed, just bring your best shot!