City of Bristol College Student Handbook

Student Handbook Who We Are

We hope that you find this Student Handbook helpful as you settle into life at the College. It covers the general information that you will need, and your tutors will provide you with additional subject-specific information once you begin your course.

We are proud to receive consistently excellent student satisfaction feedback, and pride ourselves on ensure that students are at the heart of everything we do. I ensure that students have formal and informal opportunities to meet with me, and welcome you to provide feedback to my colleagues or me at any stage.

Our friendly staff are here to help you whenever you need, and your tutor or Reception can answer any questions, or point you in the direction of the person who can help.

We communicate with our students about goings-on at the College through a variety of means. Keeping an eye on our social media channels and the TV screens in reception are the best ways to keep up to date.

I wish you all the best in your studies, and sincerely hope you enjoy your time at City of Bristol College.

Richard Harris

Chief Executive and Acting Principal

Welcome to City of Bristol College. We are delighted that you have chosen to study with us, and confident that you will be happy and successful here.

Strategic Leadership Team

Richard Harris

Chief Executive and Acting Principal Joanne Ward

Vice Principal, Corporate Services & External Relations

Rebekah Wilkins

Director of Marketing and Sales

Interim Assistant Principal Director of Foundation Learning & Enrichment

Pasquale Fasulo

Director of Further Education Dale Simpkins Director of Estates, Facilities and IT

Kam Nandra

Cathy Bowstead

Useful contacts Follow us

Main Reception: 0117 312 5000

Attendance: 0117 312 2038

Safeguarding: 0117 312 5733

Admissions: 0117 312 5000

Student Services: 0117 312 5000

Getting to College

Ashley Down Centre

By bus

Ashley Down Road is on the number 70 bus route, which runs from the city centre to UWE’s Frenchay campus. Other routes run nearby on Gloucester Road and Muller Road.

For help planning your journey, visit journeyplanner.travelwest.info/directions

By train

Montpelier Rail Station is about 20 minutes’ walk from Ashley Down. This is served by trains to and from Bristol Temple Meads, Avonmouth and Severn Beach. This is a step-free station.

Visit gwr.com/plan-journey/stations-androutes/montpelier for further accessibility information and journey planning.

Parking and bike storage

Free student parking is available on-site.

You will find secure anchor points and Bikeaway lockers for safe storage of your bike and cycling gear.

Please note electric scooters are not permitted on College premises.

Ashley Down Centre Ashley Down Road, Bristol, BS7 9BU

College Green Centre

By bus

College Green is a short walk from the city centre, which is served by many bus routes from across Bristol and the surrounding areas. For further assistance planning your journey, visit journeyplanner.travelwest.info/ directions

Parking and bike storage

There is student parking only for registered Blue Badge holders. This is available on a first come, first served basis. If you require access to the underground car park, please contact Reception.

Paid public parking is available at We the Curious and on Jacobs Wells Road. On-street parking outside College Green is limited to two hours.

You wull find secure anchor points and Bikeaway lockers for safe storage of your bike and cycling gear.

Please note electric scooters are not permitted on College premises.

South Bristol Skills Academy / Advanced Construction Skills Centre

By bus

SBSA and the ACSC are served by many bus routes from Henbury, Cribbs Causeway, Cabot Circus, Hartcliffe and Stockwood.

For further assistance planning your journey, visit journeyplanner.travelwest.info/directions

Parking and bike storage

There is student parking only for registered Blue Badge holders. This is available on a first come, first served basis. To gain access to the car park, please contact Reception.

Paid public parking is available in Hengrove Park, where SBSA is located.

You will find secure anchor points and Bikeaway lockers for safe storage of your bike and cycling gear.

Please note electric scooters are not permitted on College premises.

SBSA Hengrove Park, The Boulevard Bristol, BS14 0DB

Advanced Engineering Centre

Stoke Gifford

BS34 8SF

Parkway / Advanced Engineering Centre

By bus

Parkway and the AEC are served by buses from Thornbury, Stoke Gifford, Avonmouth and Temple Meads.

For further assistance planning your journey, visit journeyplanner.travelwest.info/ directions

By train

Bristol Parkway station is around 10 minutes’ walk away. This is served by trains from Bristol Temple Meads, as well as Gloucester, Weston Super Mare and further away.

Parking and bike storage

There is free student parking outside Parkway and the AEC. You do not need to register your vehicle to park here. There is limited disabled parking for registered Blue Badge holders.

You will find secure anchor points and Bikeaway lockers for safe storage of your bike and cycling gear.

Please note electric scooters are not permitted on College premises.

Study Centre and Library Services

Each Centre has a Study Centre where you can study, borrow books or print. Opening times vary at each Centre, so make sure you check cityofbristol.ac.uk/facilities/study-centres/ term-time-opening-hours/ before travelling to College.

You will receive a Study Centre Induction during the first few weeks of your course.

Printing and copying

During the induction you will be shown how to log into your library account, use the Study Centre catalogue to find, borrow and reserve books and access online resources.

Your Study Centre teams are also there to support you with research for your assignments on a one-to-one basis in the Study Centres.

There are printers in every Study Centre, and around all College buildings. You can drop into a Study Centre to print course work without an

During the induction you will be shown how to use the Study Centre catalogue, borrow and reserve books and access online resources.

If you think there are materials we should add to our collection, tell your lecturer, Programme Lead or student representative who will bring this up at the next academic meeting.

appointment. Please note that at busy times you may have to queue or come back later.

The first time you use a printer, you will need to log in using your IT details. After you have done this once, you can swipe your ID card to print, scan or photocopy. This will be demonstrated at your induction.

You are given £5 printing credit when you start your course. If you use this up, you can purchase more from Reception.

Our Expectations

Our Values

Respect

We are respectful to everyone in College, whether that’s other students, staff members or visitors.

Ambition

We want the best for ourselves and for our College.

Honesty

We are trustworthy and always strive to do the right thing.

Inclusion

Everyone is welcome here, and everyone can achieve. We condemn exclusionary behaviour towards anyone, and discrimination will not be tolerated.

ID cards and lanyards

All students and staff MUST wear their ID card on their lanyard at all times in College. If you have forgotten your ID card or lanyard, you can go to Reception and get a temporary one for the day as a short-term solution. If you have lost your ID card or lanyard, you will need to purchase a new one from Reception.

Alcohol and drugs

We have a zero-tolerance policy for students consuming, or being under the influence of, alcohol or drugs at College.

Smoking and vaping

You must only smoke or vape in designated areas, and NEVER inside any buildings. Please refrain from smoking or vaping directly outside College entrances and exits.

You can get help with quitting smoking from the NHS: www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking

Equality and diversity

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and this means that discriminatory behaviour has no place in our College. We ask students not to use racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory language, and to challenge others if they witness such behaviour.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend and be on time for all of their sessions. If you’re not in, you can’t learn! If you do need to be absent you are expected to follow the process, and make it your responsibility to catch up on missed learning.

College Charter

City of Bristol College is committed to working with you to help you reach your goals, and we expect College students to be fully dedicated to their studies. Everyone in the College commits to respecting the partnership between all members by following its rules and procedures.

We’ve created this charter to outline our expectations of you as a student, and what you can expect from us in return.

Behaviour and Respect

As a student, you are expected to:

 Behave in a way that benefits the learning environment.

 Treat all College staff, students and visitors with respect.

 Act as ambassadors and live our values when representing the College.

 Take responsibility for your own studies.

 Adhere to the College’s health and safety procedures and industry practices.

 Always wear your lanyard and display your ID pass when on College premises.

As a student you can expect the College to:

 Take all practicable measures to provide a safe environment where all staff and students feel

 Promote behaviour that enhances learning and performance for all.

 Provide praise and recognition for your achievements and positive contributions.

 Challenge behaviour that does not meet expected standards and set clear targets for improvement.

 Not use or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in College.

 Bring nothing into College that could be used to harm another person.

 Respect our shared environment. For example, keep your music to a level which doesn’t disrupt others, put your litter in the bins provided and smoke/vape only in designated spaces.

 Create a stimulating environment, with quality teaching and academic support.

 Teach you the relevant health and safety procedures and industry practices.

 Train you in the safe use of specialist learning equipment.

 Address non-compliance in accordance with the College’s Student Disciplinary Policy.

Attendance and Punctuality

As a student, you are expected to:

 Attend all timetabled lessons, tutorials and progress reviews on time.

 Contact the College if you are unable to attend or are likely to be late.

As a student you can expect the College to:



Provide additional support required to meet the needs of individual students.



Keep the College informed of any issues that might affect your studies.

 Make routine appointments out of College time where possible.



Encourage good time management and challenge poor attendance and punctuality.



Provide a safe environment where these issues can be discussed and support put in place so your studies aren’t disrupted.

Professional Standards

As a student, you are expected to:



Work to the best of your ability at all times.

 Complete and submit work to deadlines and abide by examination times and requirements.

 Always act respectfully towards others and College property.

 Participate positively during class and avoid disruptive, inappropriate behaviour.



Produce work that is your own, and acknowledge the original source when citing references.

As a student you can expect the College to:



Provide you with opportunities to learn and exceed your expected progress.



Use mobile devices appropriately and only during sessions when requested to do so by a member of staff.



Help to improve the student experience by constructively contributing your views to Student Voice.



Return work to you within agreed deadlines and give appropriate and developmental feedback.

 Provide you with targets and feedback to aid your progression.



Provide you with appropriate information and guidelines to avoid plagiarism.

 Create opportunities for you to develop skills and attributes highly valued by employers.



Provide regular opportunities for you to give feedback on the College provision, support and environment.



Provide the forum to contribute to course development and enhancement through student representatives.

Online facilities

Office 365

Office365 lets you access your college emails and Microsoft software on any device, from anywhere. It will also enable you to access lessons and meetings remotely using Microsoft Teams.

To access Office365, go to office365.cityofbristol.ac.uk

Your login is your college email address, which is <Student ID number>@student. cityofbristol.ac.uk

e.g. 123456@student.cityofbristol.ac.uk

Moodle

Moodle is our Virtual Learning Environment where you can access course materials and activities. You’ll also find a wide range of ebooks, articles and other electronic resources, as well as information on study skills and facilities.

To access Moodle, go to moodle.cityofbristol.ac.uk/moodle

Your Moodle login is your student number. Your temporary password will have been sent to you, but we recommend you change it when you first log in by going to “Administration” “My Profile Settings” then “Change Password”.

ProPortal

We use ProPortal so you can view your ILP data and unit and assessment grades online.

To access ProPortal, go to pro.cityofbristol.ac.uk/ProPortal

Your ProPortal login is your College user ID and password.

If you are using Internet Explorer you will need to enter cityofbristol\user ID and your password. If using any other browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, you only need to enter your user ID and password. Be aware that you may also need to allow pop-ups in order to access ProPortal

Saving your work

You should save your work to your F: drive, which you can access from anywhere. DO NOT save anything to desktop as you will not be able to access this again.

To access your F: drive remotely, go to mydocuments.cityofbristol.ac.uk and follow the instructions.

You also have some storage available on Microsoft OneDrive while you are a student; this can be accessed through Office365.

We have a page on our website dedicated to the digital tools you may need and how to use them: www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/students

We also have a Sharepoint area for IT support for students: cityofbristol.sharepoint.com/sites/ ictfaq/Pages/Helpdesk for Students.aspx

Student support

Academic support

Throughout your time with us you will have the support of a Personal Tutor and Progress Coach. You will have regular meetings to receive feedback, talk about your progress and discuss any questions or worries you may have. We can also help you develop your English and maths alongside your course if you need.

Our ONTRACK Commitment is our promise to students that we will be honest and provide support if we feel you’re not on track to make expected progress:



Your teacher will discuss the reasons they feel you aren’t on track with you, and inform your other teachers, Head of Department, Programme Manager or legal guardian* if you’re under 18

Trans Inclusion

City of Bristol College is committed to equality for transgender and gender non-conforming people, and to creating a culture in which equality of opportunity is promoted actively and unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation based on a person’s gender identity and/or expression is not tolerated.

Trans (also trans*, transgender) is a wide umbrella term, covering those who transcend traditional boundaries of gender and sex, those who are gender variant, and those whose gender identity does not match their assigned gender.



You will have a meeting to identify your next steps and agree targets, which will be reviewed at least every two weeks



Your Study Coach or Personal Tutor will frequently check in with you to make sure you’re getting all the support you need

We have worked towards improving our inclusion for trans students and staff through introducing pronoun preferences on email signatures and on ID badges, and our first gender-neutral toilets. There are also opportunities to join Trans & LGBTQIA+ friendly societies, like the Trans Social Club. Of course, you can also take part in any club or event at the college as they are open to all students.

Mental health support



Where barriers to your progression are identified, we will refer you to get help with them, such as help with finances, extra tuition or study support

Bullying policy

We take all incidents of bullying and harassment seriously, and are committed to keeping all students safe with a zero-tolerance approach to bullying behaviour. Our policy is that all reported instances of bullying will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken where bullying is identified. If you think you may be experiencing bullying, or are concerned it may be happening to somebody else, please contact the safeguarding and welfare team on 0117 312 5733 or welfare@cityofbristol.ac.uk.

If you’re experiencing problems with your mental health, we can help.

Our experienced Safeguarding and Welfare Advisors are friendly and approachable, and can help you make sense of any difficulties you may be having. These could include, but aren’t limited to:

 Feeling low, sad or depressed

 Feeling stressed, worried or anxious

 Having problems at home, with friends or in relationships

Bullying or harassment

If you’re struggling, you can access support by talking to any member of College staff.

They can offer a listening ear and point you in the direction of the services we offer to make sure you get the right support. If you don’t feel comfortable approaching someone in person, you can also call 0117 312 5733 or welfare@cityofbristol.ac.uk.

Talk Campus

Talk Campus is a peer support mental health and wellbeing platform. It’s created specifically for students in recognition of the unique challenges you face, and offers a welcoming and confidential environment where you can share what’s on your mind. All City of Bristol College students can access Talk Campus with their student email.

Counselling

Counselling can help you overcome your problems, and find new ways to manage your situation more effectively so that you can return to studying successfully again.

If a Safeguarding and Welfare Adviser thinks you’re having a particularly difficult time, they can refer you to our free, confidential counselling service. If you are referred, you’ll be offered six counselling sessions at your most convenient Centre, at the same time every week. All our counsellors are trained and qualified, with experience from the counselling organisation Off the Record. They all work within the British Association for Counselling (BAC) code of ethics.

We can also refer you to an external agency if necessary, and remember you can always contact your GP too, to discuss any problems affecting your health.

To find out more about our counselling service, email welfare@cityofbristol.ac.uk.

Safeguarding

If you have any concerns about your safety and wellbeing, or if you are worried about another student, please contact the safeguarding and welfare team on 0117 312 5733 or safeguardingteam@cityofbristol.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of staff who will contact the team for you.

Financial support

We have a range of financial support options available to assist students in need. If you are worried about money, we encourage you to speak to our Student Services team who will be able to advise you.

The C-card scheme

If you’re under 20, you can get free condoms through Bristol’s C-card scheme. To register, you need to have a confidential chat with a C-cardtrained member of staff, who will explain the scheme to you, teach you the best way to use condoms and answer any questions you might have.

Once you’ve registered, you are given a C-card and can go to any C-card pick-up point around Bristol to get free condoms. You can use the card an unlimited number of times until your 20th birthday.

The service is completely confidential. No one will tell your parents/guardians that you have accessed the scheme.

To find out more about the C-card scheme, email welfare@cityofbristol.ac.uk or ask reception or your study coach for more information.

Prayer and chaplaincy

Each Centre has a prayer/quiet room for students, staff and visitors of all faiths or none. Their locations are:

Ashley Down: College Green:

SBSA: Parkway:

Our inclusive, welcoming and confidential chaplaincy offers pastoral and spiritual support. As a student you can access this directly or through a referral by any staff member.

At City of Bristol College, people of many different faiths, and none, work and study side by side.

We have Chaplains from different religions and denominations who work together to allow you to live your life of faith with integrity, and allow others to do the same.

Careers advice

All of our Centres have a Study Centre, through which you will be able to access a range of information, advice and guidance on your studies. Student Services can advise you on further study with us and student funding as well as providing wider careers advice.

You can email the careers team on: careers@cityofbristol.ac.uk.

You can also use our online Career Coach tool, where you can complete a career assessment to learn more about yourself and the careers you might be interested in. You can find the right courses based on your career interests, or vice versa, and create a CV as well as finding out which jobs are in demand in the local area.

To access Career Coach, go to cityofbristol.emsicc.com.

Concerns and complaints

We are committed to ensuring you always have the opportunity to share your thoughts in confidence, and to working with you to make your time here the best it can be.

Your tutors are always happy to talk to you about your course. If you have any compliments, complaints or other comments, you should speak to them, your Programme Lead or your Head of Department first.

If you have spoken to your Head of Department and are not happy with their response, you can visit cityofbristol.ac.uk/contact-us/ complimentssuggestions-and-complaints to take it further. Make sure you include as much information as possible, as well as what you would like as an outcome.

Changing course or withdrawing

We want your time with us to be the best it can be. If you feel as though your course isn’t right for you, you should speak to your tutors, your Personal Tutor or your Progress Coach, who can help you work through the issues you are having. If you decide you want to leave your course, they will help you to find an alternative which suits you better, or as a last resort, they can support you during the withdrawal process.

Students’ Union

The Students’ Union (SU) aims to make sure you have the best college experience possible. You can help make decisions, participate in projects and help improve the college experience. You can create and join groups or societies to meet people who share your interests, work with businesses and charities outside of College to make a difference in your community, or you can just get together to chat!

What does the Students’ Union do?



Sets up societies and sports teams

 Organises events, trips and fundraising activities

 Celebrates diversity and gives you a say

 Represents your interests

 Encourages you to get involved to make things happen

 Gives you access to TOTUM (by NUS extra) discounts

Student Council

You can join the Student Council to have your say in how the SU and College are run. The Council meets termly with governors to give feedback on campaigns they are running; previously students have worked to improve recycling, to make sure more plant-based food options are available to buy, and to ensure adequate access for students with mobility difficulties.

You can apply to the Student Council, and buy tickets for events on the SU website.

Student Ambassadors

If you want to represent our College, gain important skills for university and work AND get paid while doing it, why not become a Student Ambassador?

The Student Ambassador Programme is a fantastic opportunity to:

 Gain experience in marketing, event management and promotion

 Undertake a vital role which looks great on a CV or UCAS application

 Promote City of Bristol College to future students

 Get paid for the hours you work!Gives you access to TOTUM

We’re looking for reliable, committed students to apply to join the Student Ambassador Programme. You will receive training and coaching on the role of an ambassador and be invited to assist with a variety of events throughout the academic year.

To find out more, drop the Marketing team an email: marketing@cityofbristol.ac.uk.

Contact the Students’ Union

SU website:

Student Experience:

Students’ Union and Student Engagement Coordinator:

Student.Experience@cityofbristol.ac.uk

Fergal.Clancy@cityofbristol.ac.uk cobcsu.unioncloud.org

New to Bristol?

Whether you’re new to the UK or just new to our city, Bristol has a lot to offer!

Shopping areas

Bristol has two large shopping areas: Cabot Circus in the city centre, and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway to the north of the city in Patchway. Both are served by plenty of bus routes.

There is also a huge variety of independent shops across the city. Gloucester Road is known as Bristol’s Indie Shopping District, and has the most independent shops of any street anywhere in the country! Clifton Village, the Old City and Park Street all also feature a huge variety of shops.

Leisure centres

There are leisure centres throughout the city, including:

Bristol South swimming pool

Easton Leisure Centre

Henbury Leisure Centre

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre

Horfield Leisure Centre

Kingsdown Sports Centre

Jubilee Swimming Pool and Expressions Gym

St. Pauls Community Sports Academy

Religious buildings

Below is a summary – by no means an exhaustive list! - of some of the major places of worship in Bristol:

Bristol Cathedral (Anglican)

St Mary Redcliffe Church (Anglican)

Lord Mayor’s Chapel (Anglican)

St John the Baptist Church

Clifton Cathedral (Roman Catholic)

Broadmead Baptist Church

John Wesley’s Chapel (The New Room)

Victoria Methodist Church

Elim Pentecostal Church (The City Temple)

Orthodox Jewish Synagogue

Progressive Jewish Synagogue

Al Baseera Mosque And Islamic Information Centre

Greek Orthodox Church

Russian Orthodox Church - The Eucharistic Community of the Holy Trinity

Hindu Temple

Sikh Temple

Bristol Mosque

Lam Rim Buddhist Centre

Public transport

Bus

It’s really easy to get around Bristol by bus, with plenty of services available from all key locations

Metrobus offers a fast, frequent and reliable service with direct routes to key destinations. This way of getting around the city has a ‘buy before you board service’ with ticket machines at every stop.

It’s also worth exploring Bristol’s latest innovative service, Bristol FreeBus.

Park and Ride

If you’re driving to Bristol, you can use the park and ride to avoid any of the stress of driving around a new city, save money and do your bit for the environment.

Train

Bristol is at the hub of the national rail network in the West of England. Great Western Railway and other major train operators run local, regional

and inter-city services from Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station and Bristol Parkway Railway Station.

Boat Number Seven Boats and Bristol Ferry Boats operate regular ferry services to and from waterfront attractions and key points along the harbourside. The Bristol Packet runs guided trips around Bristol and along the river Avon to Bath.

Car

Bristol has plenty of city centre car parks.