THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Online Distance Learning Welcome Booklet 2012
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Welcome Congratulations
In a few weeks, you will be joining one of the world’s most prestigious universities. A university at the heart of one of Europe’s most loved capital cities, steeped in history, but always looking forward with ambition, the University of Edinburgh is a thriving, welcoming community. We are delighted that you are joining us, and hope you are now looking forward to this next, important, stage in your academic career.
This guide
You will have many questions ahead of starting your online distance learning (ODL) programme, and that is where this booklet comes in. It provides lots of useful information to help you prepare to commence your studies online and at the end a checklist to ensure that you make all the necessary preparations. There is also plenty of additional information online – see the Useful Links page. If you have unanswered questions, please get in touch. We look forward to welcoming you to the University community!
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Contents Induction Week 2012 4 Money 5 Accessing Services and Resources 6 Disabled Students 8 EUSA Advice Place 9 Checklist 10 Useful Links 11
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Induction Week 2012 The week immediately before your first semester starts at the University of Edinburgh is known as Induction Week. Induction Week includes communication of important information and orientation. Contact with your Programme Director during this week is essential to confirm attendance – this confirmation completes the matriculation process to become a fully-matriculated student, giving you access to student benefits, e.g. student ID. (see below) As a student on an ODL programme, this week will give you an opportunity to familiarise yourself with your virtual learning environment (VLE) and digital resources. There will also be opportunities to introduce yourself to other students on your course through the VLE and social media platforms. There is no expectation that you will be familiar with the programme VLE in advance of Induction Week – your Programme Director will guide you round the platform, highlighting important areas to note for participation on the programme.
Matriculation
Matriculation is the process by which you will be formally admitted to the University of Edinburgh. For new students matriculation consists of three elements: • Registration - registering at the University by completing a matriculation form and making arrangements for the payment of your tuition fees.
• Meeting (connecting virtually) with your Programme Director. The School/College in which you will be studying will supply you with details about the arrangements. • Fulfilling any admission criteria if prescribed by your College (as per your offer letter). Guidance on the matriculation process (including registration instructions) is issued by Academic Registry. This is normally published online in early July at www.ed.ac.uk/ schoolsdepartments/registry/matric To make this process easier, the latest information is also signposted from the New Students website. Visit www.ed.ac.uk/newstudents
University student card
The University requires that you have an up-todate student card, which serves as your student ID, your library card and on-campus door access control card, if you happen to visit. A guide to applying for and receiving your first student card is available on the Information Services website. Visit www.ed.ac.uk/schoolsdepartments/information-services/services/ helpconsultancy/card/first-student-card
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Money Tuition Fees and Student Support
Financial assistance
You can also obtain information by email, fees@ed.ac.uk or tel. +44 (0)131 650 2230.
Normally you will have to apply for this type of financial help as early as possible and for each year of study – your financial support or sponsor funding provider will be able to advise you.
Tuition fees are shown on the Scholarships and Student Funding Services website at www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/fees
Payment of Tuition Fees
Payment of fees, in pounds sterling, can be made with one or a combination of the following options: • In advance and/or at the time of registration • By installment • Financial support/sponsor funding
You may be entitled to financial support from your government, be funded by a sponsor or have arranged some other form of student loan.
More information can be found at www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding
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Accessing Services and Resources Library and Computing
At Edinburgh you have access to one of the largest and most important academic libraries in the world. Our libraries currently house around three million printed volumes, more than 600,000 electronic books and over 20,000 electronic journals. See the Library website for more information, visit www.ed.ac.uk/ schoolsdepartments/information-services/ librarymuseum-gallery/overview To help you get acquainted with the University’s main libraries, orientation links will be available in your programme handbook and VLE.
Student Email and Computing Services
The University will send you your password for accessing the University’s computing systems and e-mail along with your application for a University card. You can therefore access these systems prior to the start of your programme. Once your account is activated, make sure that you routinely access your e-mail as the University will use this account to contact you throughout your time of study. Information Services provide useful information on accessing your student email account and all other computing services, visit www.ed.ac.uk/ schools-departments/information-services/ computing/new-students
Study skills and personal development
The Institute of Academic Development (IAD) website provides access to a range of University of Edinburgh online and self-paced study materials. Learning resources include postgraduate academic writing guides, English language support materials, helpful digital media tools to improve study practice and advice on managing workload. There are online courses to support your studies, e.g. working with research data or IT training, as well as support in adapting to Masters level study and dealing with study stress. Visit www.ed.ac.uk/ schools-departments/institute-academicdevelopment/postgraduate/taught Learning opportunities to develop your information and IT skills are available through the Information Services (IS) website. These materials include online self-teach learning and workbook resources for personal development and to help you work and study more effectively. Visit www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/ information-services/services/helpconsultancy/is-skills
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English Language Support
ODL students can access a range of English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) self-study materials, fully accessible online through the University website. These language materials include: ‘Effective English Learning’, ‘Essential Grammar’, ‘Writing Postgraduate Assignments’ and ‘Preparing for Exams’, and all are available at www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/ institute-academic-development/ postgraduate/taught/learning-resources/ english In addition, ODL students whose English test scores are at the minimum required for their programme may be allocated places in tutored ELTC online academic writing courses. To have their need for this tuition assessed, international ODL students should email their IELTS or TOEFL scores to Professor Tony Lynch at ELTTregDL@ed.ac.uk Further information about ELTC services can be found on the ELTC website: www.ed.ac. uk/schools-departments/english-languageteaching
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service provides extensive support via its website and is also able to support students through email and telephone. The best starting point for ODL students is the section of their website specifically for postgraduate students, visit www.ed.ac.uk/ schools-departments/careers/postgrad/ overview
Employment
The Careers Service can also help you to find employment during or after your studies. The Student and Graduate Employment (SAGE) database lists job vacancies suitable for students. You can register with SAGE once you have your matriculation number and student email account. Visit www.ed.ac.uk/careers/ sage
Chaplaincy Centre
The Chaplaincy is for students of all faiths and none. Through the Chaplaincy you have access to a wide range of multifaith chaplains and humanist contacts; to streamed services, debates, and other events; and to pastoral support, regardless of religious affiliation, and wherever you are in the world. The Chaplaincy can provide telephone, email or skype contact, as well as links to specialist sources of help or information. As a distance learner, it may be difficult for you to visit in person, however you are always welcome to telephone or email the Chaplaincy in confidence. To find out more about the Chaplaincy, visit www.chaplaincy.ed.ac.uk
Student Counselling Service
When you embark on further studies at a distance you are able to contact your tutors regarding all issues relating to your course. However the pressures of study on top of an already busy life can bring unexpected stresses, or other personal issues can arise which you may not wish to discuss with your tutor. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk in confidence to a counsellor. You can find further information on how to access the Service and what counselling can offer at www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/ student-counselling The Counselling Service is aware that faceto-face counselling is not possible for most distance learning students and so offers an e-mail option to ensure that the Service is accessible to everyone. For further information on the email counselling service and suitability, visit www.ed.ac.uk/ schools-departments/student-counselling/ includes/services/email-counselling
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Disabled Students Disabled students, including those with specific learning disabilities, are warmly welcomed to the University of Edinburgh. The Student Disability Service offers information and advice on all aspects of support for disabled students and can help you plan your studies at Edinburgh. If you think you are eligible for adaptations, adjustments to teaching, assessment practice, or personal assistance, it is essential that you contact the Student Disability Service as soon as possible if you have not done so already. The Service is keen to offer support in a flexible way in order to meet the needs of all students, including distance learners. Arrangements here may be different from those you already have, so an early consultation is essential.
Student Disability Service 3rd Floor, Main Library, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LJ Tel: 0131 650 6828 Textphone: 0131 650 9371 Email: disability.office@ed.ac.uk www.disability-office.ed.ac.uk
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EUSA Advice Place The Advice Place is a free, friendly, independent and confidential advice and information centre run by EUSA. It offers a welcoming environment to help you achieve your potential at university.
Many of the Advice Place information resources are available online and can be downloaded from their website. ODL students are also eligible to apply for online discretionary funding.
The Advice Place provides information, advice, and support on a range of issues, including finance and funding, academic issues and university regulations, processes and procedures, advice on finding accommodation and dealing with tenancy issues, employment issues, immigration advice, help with welfare benefits and council tax, and general information about the University and student life.
More information about the services provided to ODL students can be found on The Advice Place website, visit www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/ advice/distancelearners/ Professional advisers are available throughout the year, including the summer vacation period. You can contact the Advice Place by phone or email. Call 0131 650 9225 or email advice@eusa.ed.ac.uk
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Checklist After you have accepted your offer to study at Edinburgh, these are some of the things you may need to do next:
1. Prior to programme start Return your registration and student card forms Check the start date stated in your offer of admission and ensure you will be ready to begin Students with disabilities If appropriate contact one of our Disability Advisors as soon as possible to discuss any specific requirements Students with IELTS or TOEFL scores If appropriate contact ELTTregDL@ed.ac. uk for consideration on the tutored ELTC on-line academic writing courses
2. Getting started on the programme Complete the three stages of the matriculation process: registration; contact your Programme Director; fulfil any admission criteria if prescribed by your College Tuition fees Make arrangements for the payment of your tuition fees Check your offer letter to see whether there are any additional costs associated with your programme University student card Look out for your student card in the post – approx. 3 weeks after programme start Student Email and Computing Services Make sure that you routinely access your University e-mail account (@sms. ed.ac.uk) as the University will use this to contact you throughout your time of study
Welcome events Consult your programme handbook or email correspondence from your Programme Director to identify any online events you must attend or information to read Codes of Practice Ensure that you have read and understood the Code of Practice relevant to your type of studies
3. Technology preparation Familiarise yourself with your VLE and follow the induction guidance provided by your programme Set up your VPN to access the University network from home: www.ed.ac.uk/ schools-departments/informationservices/services/computing/desktoppersonal/vpn Ensure you have internet security software on your computer. Free software is available through the University: www. ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/ information-services/services/ computing/desktop-personal/security/ anti-virus
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Useful Links New Student Website
www.ed.ac.uk/new-students
Careers Service
www.ed.ac.uk/careers
Chaplaincy Centre www.chaplaincy.ed.ac.uk English Language Teaching Centre www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/ (ELTC) english-language-teaching EUSA Advice Place www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/advice EUSA Freshers’ Website
www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/freshers
Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA)
www.eusa.ed.ac.uk
IS Helpline support
is.helpline@ed.ac.uk
Library www.lib.ed.ac.uk Nightline http://nightline.eusa.ed.ac.uk/ Registry www.registry.ed.ac.uk Scholarships & Student Funding
www.scholarships.ed.ac.uk
Student Counselling Service
www.student-counselling.ed.ac.uk
Student Disability Service
www.disability-office.ed.ac.uk
Student Fees www.registry.ed.ac.uk/fees University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk General ODL enquiries
online.learning@ed.ac.uk
Student Recruitment & Admissions The University of Edinburgh 33 Buccleuch Place Edinburgh, EH8 9JS Tel: 0131 650 4360 Email: postgrad.enquiries@ed.ac.uk www.ed.ac.uk/studying The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. Š The University of Edinburgh 2012