School of Business and Economics Executive Education Centre Student Handbook 2016/17
www.lboro.ac.uk/exec
Executive Education Centre Student Handbook 2016/17
www.lboro.ac.uk/exec
Contents 1.0
Introduction
1.1
Your Access to Information about the University
1.2
Purpose of the Handbook
1.3
What Happens in the School of Business and Economics
1.4
Executive Education in the School of Business and Economics
2.0
Teaching and Learning
2.1
The Structure of Programmes
2.2
Teaching Methods
2.3
Module Attendance and Delivery
3.0
Assessment and Policies
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7
4.0
Student Administration
4.1
Registering as a Student
4.2
Student Registration Periods
4.3
Updating your Personal Details
4.4
Keeping in Touch
4.5
Changing Circumstances
4.6
Financial Matters
4.7
Data Protection
5.0
Staff / Student Communication
5.1
The Programme Teams
5.2
How to Contact People
5.3
Student Grievance Procedures
5.4
Student Grievance Procedures
5.5
Staff / Student Liaison Meetings
4
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Assessment Methods Assessment Results and Feedback Academic Misconduct Students with Additional Needs Assessment Decisions Reassessment Degree Classifications
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6.0
Quality Assurance
6.1
Marking Procedures
6.2
Student Feedback
6.3
Accreditation
7.0
School and University Facilities
7.1
IT Access
7.2
IT Support
7.3
Executive Education Student Portal
7.4
Virtual Learning Environments (LEARN)
7.5
Computing Facilities
8.0
Support Services for Students
8.1
Student Enquiries
8.2
Counselling & Disability Service (CDS)
8.3
Study Support Service – Dyslexia (CDS)
8.4
Learning Support
8.5
Mathematics Learning Support Centre
8.6
Student Advice and Support Service
8.7
Counselling Service (CDS)
8.8
Confide
8.9
Centre for Faith and Spirituality / Chaplaincy
8.10 Security
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Publication Date: August 2016 Edited By: Elizabeth Bucknor
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Executive Education Centre Student Handbook 2016/17
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1. Introduction 1.1 Your Access to Information About The University The University aims to provide all students with clear and accurate information about their programmes of study and the services and facilities available. There are many sources for this information, including your Welcome to Loughborough University pack, this Handbook and the Executive Education student portal (http://learn.lboro.ac.uk/execedlogin). Important information is also available in the University Student Handbook. By registering as a student of Loughborough University you undertook to familiarise yourself with the contents of the University Student Handbook and to abide by the regulations, ordinances, codes and policies it contains. The University Student Handbook is published on the web at: www.lboro.ac.uk/students/welcome/handbook Throughout this handbook you are referred to various websites for services and information. These sites are accessible from any web-browser and can therefore be accessed off-campus. The University has developed a student charter in conjunction with Loughborough Students’ Union. The charter outlines the commitment to creating the highest quality of educational experience by the University, the students and the Student’s Union and exemplifies the partnership that exists at Loughborough between staff, students and student representatives. The student charter is available at: www.lboro.ac.uk/students/charter
1.2 Purpose of the Handbook This handbook provides you with some of the information you need to find your way around the School and your programme. It should be used in conjunction with the Induction information distributed during your induction session which gives specific information about your programme. You should make yourself familiar with the contents of this Handbook, which is intended to be useful during your whole time in the School and which it is hoped will answer many of the queries you may have.
1.3 The School of Business and Economics The School of Business and Economics at Loughborough University is a leading international player in research and teaching across management, business and economics. We are consistently rated as a Top-10 UK business school by national league tables and develop well-rounded, highly employable graduates at undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, executive and doctoral level. Loughborough is the only University to have been voted England’s Best Student Experience for six consecutive years in the Times Higher Education league table. Whether you are an undergraduate, a Masters student or a delegate on our award-winning post-experience programmes, the time you will spend at the School of Business and Economics will impact you in the most positive way. Our research is comprehensive in scope and very highly regarded by academics and practitioners alike, with 75% of our output considered ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally relevant’ (and 100% of our Information Management research rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’), according to the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014). The research we do underpins all of our teaching, giving shape and substance to our courses and contributing to the outstanding and exceedingly relevant experience our students receive at Loughborough. Ultimately, our research matters. When coupled with the fact that Loughborough is among the Top 1% of business schools in the world to hold AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation, the School of Business and Economics is committed to enhancing its already burgeoning international reputation at the forefront of management, business, information management and economics.
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What We Do The School’s mission is: To develop elite performers capable of creating and leading high performing businesses and delivering value to society globally, through providing world-class research and education in business and economics, within an environment where the contributions of all members of the School community are valued. In short, our mission is about Developing Winners, Achieving Excellence, Delivering Value Students of the School of Business and Economics have the opportunity to study either economics or business and management at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level. The School currently employs around 135 full time academic staff, including internationally-known professors, working in several subject groups such as: • Accounting and Financial Management • Economics • Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour • Information Management • International Business, Strategy and Innovation • Management Science and Operations Management • Marketing and Retailing In addition to these groups, specialist research centres have been created in response to specific needs within the business community. These centres offer unique learning and research opportunities for students and corporate clients. The continued monitoring and development of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes ensures that the School’s courses are designed to meet the exacting standards required by employers. Many of our programmes have been developed in partnership with companies. The School of Business and Economics is now one of the largest Schools within the University, and a major influence within the business community.
Working with Business A key factor in establishing Loughborough as one of the leading business schools in the country has been its strong relationship with industry, the professions and the public sector. This is particularly evident in such areas as course sponsorship, industrial placements, exemptions from certain professional examinations (e.g. accounting, banking and corporate treasury) and the external support received for research initiatives. Throughout the University as a whole the positive involvement with the business community has rewarded students in terms of learning and experience. The fact that Loughborough graduates are more likely to find employment than the national average of student leavers demonstrates that employers also recognise the benefits of these close relationships.
Education and Training Programmes The School offers programmes for individual and corporate development at every level. All programmes are flexible and allow candidates to select the most appropriate training for their circumstances. • Undergraduate Teaching The School offers thirteen full-time undergraduate degrees and has over 1,800 students registered as undergraduates. • Postgraduate & Post-Experience Teaching As well as its many undergraduates the School of Business and Economics also has an increasing number of postgraduate and post-experience students undertaking full or part-time programmes. Many of these programmes have been developed for specific commercial and industrial organisations. • Short Courses The School is proud of its contacts with industry and commerce and regularly runs public and tailored short course programmes. • Research Research is particularly important for the School as it is the main way that staff keep up to date with new ideas and developments. There is a strong and growing network of active research teams who are applying energy to new problems and ideas relevant to the needs of business.
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1.4 Executive Education in the School of Business and Economics The School of Business and Economics runs open and bespoke executive education programmes designed with a flexibility that is perfect for working professionals. With an enviable history of well-established links with business, the School is known for delivering challenging, career-enhancing programmes that deliver real value to individuals and organisations. The accredited programmes delivered by the Executive Education Centre share the common aims and objectives of the School of Business and Economics. They reflect the general aims of any university degree programme, within the context of the School which is committed to the relevance of its programmes to the practicalities of management in the 21st century. In joining the School of Business and Economics at Loughborough University we trust you are enthusiastic about our aims and objectives.
General Aims of Executive Education Post-Experience Programmes The mission of the School of Business and Economics as it relates to post-experience programmes is to be one of the leading providers of post-experience management education within the United Kingdom. In pursuit of this mission the School has developed the following set of General Aims which are common to all post-experience programmes offered by the School. 1. To attract managers from a wide range of education, business and commercial backgrounds to create a rich learning environment for all students. 2. To provide such managers with a challenging educational experience in terms of general intellectual and personal development, within the context of academic studies related to management. 3. To enable students to develop a thorough conceptual understanding of the core management disciplines and activities. 4. To enhance the management skills and competences of students through on-going links with the business, commercial and public sector, and through an emphasis in all subjects on managerial relevance. 5. To develop highly trained and adaptable managers who are able to meet the management and professional needs of organisations as they face the challenges of the future.
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2.0 Teaching and Learning 2.1 The Structure of Programmes The University’s General Regulations which provide the framework for all programmes can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/calendar/regulations
a) Programme Specification/Regulations The specification/regulations for your programme are available in your Induction pack. You should make a point of reading through these so that you understand precisely what your programme entails and what is required in order to complete your programme successfully. Schools are urged always to consult students about changes to Programme Specification / Regulations which will affect them in their future years of study. Such changes are subject to University approval procedures, including, in the case of major changes, approval by Senate.
b) Module Specifications You will see from the programme specification/regulations that over the course of your programme you must study a number of subjects arranged in modules and that you will be assessed in each of these modules. Information about the content of modules can be found in the module specification. Module Specifications are legally binding statements of how the module will be taught and assessed. They include: • Module details, setting out the basic facts about the module; • A summary of content, including Aims and Objectives for that subject; • How the teaching will be organised; • How the subject will be assessed; Module specifications are also published on the web at: http://cisinfo.lboro.ac.uk/epublic/wp5015.main Changes in module specifications are subject to University approval procedures. Schools are discouraged from making any changes to module specifications during the academic year when the module is running, or in the period immediately before. Where this cannot be avoided, the School may be required to seek the prior agreement of students registered on the module in question, at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Teaching) for the relevant School.
c) Credits and Student Workload Undergraduate students take modules with a total weighting of 360 for a Bachelors Degree. Postgraduate students take modules with a total weighting of 180 if they are aiming for a Masters Degree. The figure is lower for those aiming for Certificates (60) and Diplomas (120). Each module typically has a weight of 10, 15 or 20. This is the number of credits you will be awarded on passing the module. The notional learning time for a 10-credit module is 100 hours, representing the time on average you will need to spend on the whole range of learning activities, including for example lectures, tutorials, private study, preparing coursework, and sitting examinations. The total notional learning time for a Master’s student is 1,800 hours and 3,600 hours for an Undergraduate student. Your workload will be distributed as evenly as possible but this will depend on the precise arrangements for your programme and you should consult your programme specification/regulations and/or programme team for more details about this.
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2.2 Teaching Methods The style of teaching you receive will vary from module to module but in general, the modules will be highly participative using a variety of teaching methods including short lectures, individual and group exercises, role play and videos to reinforce learning points. You will be encouraged to contribute to class discussions, and to share your personal experiences and concerns with fellow students. You will also be encouraged to consider situations in your own work environment and will be given guidance on reaching practical solutions. Some lecturers will use the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) LEARN to provide learning resources related to specific modules and to host discussion groups. LEARN can be accessed at: https://learn.lboro.ac.uk/ To access Learn you will need your University IT username and password.
2.3 Module Attendance and Delivery You are required to attend all modules you are registered for. If you are unable to attend any of the modules listed on your programme timetable please ensure that you notify your Programme Administrator as soon as possible after the programme induction. Your Programme Administrator will try to provide you with an alternative date for your attendance. Please be aware that any subsequent requests to register on a different module must be notified to your Programme Administrator at least one week before the original module is scheduled to run. Again you Programme Administrator will try to provide you with an alternative date for your attendance but please be aware that alternative dates are subject to availability and are dependent on the programme module plan. Failure to attend modules without notification is considered as a serious matter. The Programme Team will contact you if you fail to attend a module. Repeated non-attendance by students is considered to be an indication of lack of engagement and may result in a termination of your studies. If your attendance is likely to be problematic you should contact your Programme Administrator for advice and consider applying for a leave of absence. Further information about attendance and leave of absence is available on the Executive Education student portal [see the Your Studies section]. For every module you will receive joining instructions usually 3 weeks or so before the module launch date. The joining instructions will generally be electronic via the module page on LEARN. Students should be aware that the University expects its students to actively engage in all teaching sessions. Any disruptive behaviour which affects the learning experience of other students is considered to be a serious matter. As such, it is unacceptable for mobile phones to ring during any class. Please make sure if you are carrying a phone that it is switched off for the duration of a class. Smoking is also not permitted any area of the School building. Smoke detectors are fitted throughout the School, including lavatories. Any attempt to tamper with them will be dealt with severely and could lead to expulsion from the University. The health and safety of staff and students is of paramount importance. At the start of each of your modules you will be given an orientation which will explain key health and safety matters such as fire drills, location of first aiders etc.  
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3.0 Assessment 3.1 Assessment Methods and Policies All modules will require you to undertake some form of assessment. Assessment is one of the most rigorous activities in the University, and is governed by regulations, laid down by senate, that participants, lecturers and programme directors alike must observe. Module assessment can take many forms. However, on the School’s Post Experience programmes most of your modules will be assessed primarily by coursework. Please be aware that you are required to complete all of the assessments for the modules you are registered for. Failure to complete an assessment will result in a zero mark being entered into your record for the module. Repeated non-completion of assessments by students is considered to be an indication of lack of engagement and may result in a termination of your studies. A full guide to assessment is available on the Executive Education student portal [Your Studies section]. If you are experiencing problems or events beyond your control which have adversely affected your performance in an assessment, or have prevented you from completing an assessment, you may ask for your circumstances to be taken into account by the relevant Examination Board by using the University’s lmpaired Performance Procedure. Further information about impaired performance claims and other assessment policies is available on the Executive Education student portal [Forms and Guidance Documents section]. You must make sure that all the work that you submit for assessment is your own and that it is properly referenced. The failure to acknowledge clearly and explicitly the ideas, words or work of another person whether these are published or unpublished is considered by the University as plagiarism and may be treated as academic misconduct. The University’s Student Handbook provides some useful information about plagiarism. www.lboro.ac.uk/students/welcome/handbook/exams/plagiarism
3.2 Assessment Results and Feedback a) Module Results In order to pass a module and gain credit postgraduate students must obtain a Module Mark of at least 50% . Undergraduate students must achieve a Module Mark of at least 40% in order to pass the module and gain credit.
b) Getting Results All assessments are subject to a rigorous marking and moderation process. Students will receive provisional results once the assessment has been through the second marking process. These results will be available on LEARN. Once the External Examiner has confirmed the results the module marks will be provisionally fixed. You should be aware that the External Examiner is able to make recommendations regarding marks. This may result in changes to your provisional mark. Once the External Examining process is completed you will be able to see your full module results on LEARN. The module results will be formally fixed following the Examination Board and these will be available for you to view approximately one week after the Board.
c) Assessment Feedback Throughout your studies you will receive feedback on the standard of your work and how to make progress. Within a module you will receive developmental feedback in the course of teaching and learning and also summative feedback after formal assessments. The feedback on formal assessments will be available on LEARN. All feedback is given as a guide to your progress. Make sure that you understand the feedback you receive. If there is anything that you do not understand, if you can’t read the writing or need examples of better standards, ask your lecturer. If the feedback doesn’t make sense to you, or if you don’t act on the feedback, the activity will be a waste of your own and the lecturer’s time. Therefore, take note of the feedback, ask if you don’t understand and put lessons learned into practice.
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3.3 Academic Misconduct The University’s Student Handbook provides a useful outline of the issues surrounding academic misconduct www.lboro.ac.uk/students/welcome/handbook/exams/misconduct A minor offence is normally an offence relating to coursework. This could include, for example, a first offence of failure to acknowledge sources in a limited amount of coursework or limited copying of another student’s work. More than one such offence (or offences in more than one element of coursework) automatically becomes a major offence. A major offence normally refers to (1) an incident that occurs at an exam hall (2) failure to acknowledge sources in a substantial amount of coursework or (3) substantial copying of another student’s work. For a full definition of minor and major offences, see: Regulation XVIII – Academic Misconduct at: www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/calendar/regulations/
3.4 Students with Additional Needs For students with special needs that prevent them from undergoing normal assessment methods we will make arrangements to take account of their circumstances. The School of Business and Economics is dedicated to making the educational experiences of all students at Loughborough positive and rewarding. If you already have, or develop, a disability or additional need that means access to learning facilities or materials is difficult for you we would like to know (in confidence) – so that we can make appropriate and adequate support available. If you would like to know more please contact: Rob Sherville, Executive Education Administration Manager
R.Sherville@lboro.ac.uk
Counselling & Disability Service (CDS) disability@lboro.ac.uk ucs@lboro.ac.uk The Counselling & Disability Service (CDS) on campus exists to provide assistance to students with special needs. Further information can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/disabilities/index.html
3.5 Assessment Decisions Examination Boards are responsible for making decisions on assessments, impaired performance claims and reassessments. A guide to how this operates can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/students/welcome/handbook/examsandassessment/assessmentdecisions
3.6 Reassessment If having submitted the continuous assessment elements for a module the combined mark does not meet the pass mark, the Examination Board will give one further assessment opportunity. You should note that marks which result from resits will be capped (at 50% for postgraduates and 40% for undergraduates in Parts B and C) for the purpose of determining your overall programme mark. A fuller guide to reassessment can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/students/welcome/handbook/examsandassessment/reassessment In the event of a reassessment being required you will be notified after the Examination Board and given an opportunity to register for reassessment. A form will be provided for this purpose. It is important that you complete and return this form promptly with the appropriate reassessment fee. A guide to reassessment fees is available at: www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/student/reassessment/Fees/index.htm
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You should be aware that if you do not return the reassessment form by the requested date you may lose your reassessment rights in the module. This could ultimately affect your ability to obtain a University award and/or your status as a student at Loughborough University. Once you register for reassessment you will be required to undertake the reassessed work unless you inform the department that you wish to de-register from the reassessment before the submission date for the resit work. Non-submission or failure to achieve credit in a resit will result in your studies being terminated in the module(s). The rules of re-assessment are not simple, and you are strongly advised to discuss with your Programme Director or Programme Administrator the best course of action in any re-assessment situation.
3.7 Degree Classifications In order to qualify for an award postgraduate students must obtain mainly Module Marks of 50% or better but you will usually be allowed a few Module Marks down to 40%. See Regulation XXI and your Programme Specification / Regulations for full details. If you obtain credit in all Modules at the first attempt the Examiners may award a Merit or Distinction. The minimum Programme Marks required for each classification are: Distinction 70% Merit 60% In order to gain credit in a module undergraduate students must achieve a mark of at least 40%. You will need to accumulate at least 100 credits to pass each year and qualify for an Honours degree. Programme Specification / Regulations will tell you about additional requirements required for your programme. For undergraduates the first year marks will not contribute to your final degree classification. Module marks awarded in each subsequent year will be used to calculate the Programme Mark by which your final degree classification will be determined. An average mark for each year will be calculated on the basis of your Module Marks and then the average marks for each year will be combined to determine your overall Programme Mark. The minimum Programme Marks required for each degree classification are: First Class Second Class, Upper Division Second Class, Lower Division Third Class
70% 60% 50% 40%
Further details of exactly how this scheme will apply to your programme of study can be found in your Programme Specification / Regulations and Regulation XX.  
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4.0 Student Administration 4.1 Registering as a Student Once you have completed the application process and accepted your offer you will be required to formally register as a student of the University via the online student registration facility. Once you have completed the registration process and uploaded a photograph you will be provided with a student identity card. This card remains valid throughout your studies and enables you to access the University Library other University facilities. If you damage or lose your card and wish to obtain a replacement you will be required to pay a small fee. Further information about student identity card is available at: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/fm/services/id-cards Undergraduate students will be required to re-register at the start of each academic year. The re-registration is completed online and allows students to review the details the University holds about them and confirm your intention to resume your studies.
4.2 Student Registration Periods The University’s regulations specify a maximum timeframe for students to complete the various awards i.e. postgraduate Certificate (3 years); postgraduate Diploma (5 years) and Masters (8 years). For undergraduate students the maximum timeframe for students to complete a degree is 9 years; 6 years for a Diploma of Higher Education and 3 years for a Certificate of Higher Education. These timeframes apply from the date a student first registers with the University.
4.3 Updating Your Personal Details It is important that you update the University with any changes to your personal details including your contact information. This ensures that we are able to communicate with you efficiently. The University has a student self-service facility which allows you to view and update some of the information in your student record. You can access the facility via the Executive Education Student Portal. It is also advisable that you notify your Programme Administrator about significant changes to your personal details so the School records can also be updated.
4.4 Keeping in Touch It is important that you keep your Programme Team informed about any personal circumstances which might affect your studies. This will enable the Programme Team to support you and to provide you with help and advice regarding your studies.
4.5 Changing Circumstances The University is aware that your personal circumstances may change and this may affect your studies temporarily or permanently. Guidance on taking a break in your studies (leave of absence), withdrawing from your studies or changing programmes is available on the Executive Education student portal [Forms and Guidance Documents section]. If your circumstances change please discuss your plans with your Programme Team so that you receive appropriate advice.
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4.6 Financial Matters Guidance on paying for your course is available on the Executive Education student portal. Finance query contact numbers are also available on the portal [Your Money section]. If you experience any difficulties in paying for your course please contact us either via your Programme Administrator or via one of the finance contacts noted. It is important to keep us informed so that we can provide you with advice. Please be aware that failure to pay course fees may result in your studies being suspended or terminated. Suspension of studies means that you will not be able to attend any further modules until your outstanding fees are settled. Termination of studies means that you will not be able to complete your programme. Please also note that if you elect to take a break in your studies (leave of absence) you will be required to ensure that any outstanding fees are settled prior to your leave of absence commencing. If you elect to withdraw from the programme you will also be responsible for settling any outstanding fees to the University. Details of charges applicable in the event of withdrawal can be obtained from your Programme Administrator.
4.7 Data Protection The University collects and processes information about students for various teaching, research and administrative purposes, including the health and welfare of individuals. You are given the opportunity to opt out of various categories of processing as part of the registration process. You should however consider the implications of opting out carefully. All personal information will be treated strictly in terms of the Data Protection Act 1998. This means that confidentiality will be respected and that all appropriate security measures will be taken to prevent unauthorised disclosure. Personal information is used for stated purposes only and you will be advised of any changes. Some of the personal information processed by the University is classed as “sensitive� data under the 1998 Act (for example, racial or ethnic origin, marital status, health records, etc). Appropriate information (such as medical certificates) is retained confidentially and kept no longer than is necessary. The University does all it can to ensure that data remain accurate and up-to-date. It is important that you inform us of any changes to your personal information. You are welcome to examine and correct your own records at any time via the student self-service facility.
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5.0 Staff / Student Communication 5.1 The Programme Team For each programme in the School there is a programme team committed to running the course effectively and efficiently. The contact information for the programme team will be provided at the programme induction.
a) Programme Director Your Programme Director is primarily concerned with the overall academic direction of the course and should be consulted if you have academic issues to raise about your programme. Part of a Programme Director’s role is to act as a Personal Tutor to students. In this capacity, your Programme Director will be available to discuss any difficulties or concerns you may have with your studies during the programme. All individual meetings with the Programme Director are confidential, however, matters that need to be dealt with officially may be referred on and/or placed ‘on the record’ as appropriate. A record that a meeting has taken place will also be kept. It is your responsibility to schedule meetings with your Programme Director as you feel appropriate. Meetings can be arranged with the Programme Director via e-mail or via the Programme Administrator. Meetings will usually take place when you attend the University for a module or if this isn’t possible, at any other mutually convenient time. Regular programme reviews will be undertaken by the Programme Director to monitor student progress and to identify students who may require personal tutoring. Following these programme reviews, you may be contacted and invited to a meeting if appropriate.
b) Programme Administrator The Programme Administrator assists your Programme Director. The Programme Administrator is responsible for the overall administration of your programme. If you have a problem which is administrative rather than academic or personal, you should consult the Programme Administrator in the first instance.
c) Other Staff This team is supplemented by a range of Lecturers who have been selected to deliver the individual modules. You will meet these people during your programme. Your Programme Director is only one source of support and guidance available to you. The Director of Executive Education and subject tutors may also be contacted.
5.2 How to Contact People Lecturers will generally accept communication by the usual methods – telephone, fax, e-mail or in writing. For your reference a School of Business & Economics staff list with contact details and photographs can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/sbe/staff/index.html If you wish to visit, it is advisable to make an appointment and this is best done through your Programme Administrator.
5.3 Student Grievance Procedures We hope you will have no cause for having any complaints but if you do, first contact your Programme Administrator. If necessary you may also contact your Programme Director and then the Head of School. The School follows the University procedures which are available in the University Student Handbook at: www.lboro.ac.uk/students/welcome/handbook/complaints
5.4 Staff / Student Liaison Meetings Staff / Student Liaison meetings are held twice over the course of the programme i.e. half-way through the programme and at the end of the taught sessions. These meetings are the formal feedback mechanism for both staff and students. The meetings will consider a wide range of issues, both academic and social, of interest to the programme group.
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6.0 Quality Assurance The University has well-established processes for assuring and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, and involves students in these processes wherever possible. Further information about this can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/students/welcome/handbook/assuringacademicquality School specific quality assurance procedures which may be of interest to are noted below.
6.1 Marking Procedures Coursework is normally marked by the staff member who set the assignment and a selection is given to another academic member of the department for second marking. Feedback is returned to students. External Examiners then subject the work to further scrutiny to ensure appropriate standards of marking from an external point of view. Every dissertation is double marked by a second member of staff and then a sample is given to External Examiners to undertake further scrutiny.
6.2 Student Feedback The School is very concerned to be informed of students’ reactions to their programmes and to take action where necessary in order to rectify unsatisfactory situations. To put this into practice, you will have various opportunities to express your views and opinions, as well as mechanisms for handling any complaints or grievances. a) If you experience what you consider a personal problem with teaching you should first discuss it with the lecturer concerned. If the problem persists you should then raise it with the Programme Director. b) Each programme intake will hold two Staff/Student Liaison Meetings. These meetings enable the staff and students to discuss how the programme is progressing and to address any issues of concern to the whole class rather than more individual concerns. c) Students will be asked to complete a feedback form at the end of each module and, at the end of the programme. The Head of School sees a summary of the feedback forms from each module and acts appropriately if there are matters of concern. Data from all the feedback forms are presented to the Annual Review Board for your programme. The School will take action on any important points that become apparent from the analysis of these forms.
6.3 Accreditation The School of Business and Economics is one of less than 1% of business schools in the world to have achieved accreditation from all three major international accrediting bodies: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and EQUIS accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). These prestigious accolades, called the ‘triple crown’, represent a stamp of quality for the School, its programmes, teaching, facilities and research. They certify the programmes offered as being internationally recognised and as giving students the very best knowledge-base and skillset for the future.
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Executive Education Centre Student Handbook 2016/17
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7.0 Departmental and University Facilities 7.1 IT Access Once registration to your programme has been completed, you will be given a username and password. This will enable you to access the University’s network on campus and its many web-based services off-campus. You will also be given a student e-mail account. This account is also accessible off-campus. Further information about the e-mail service can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/it/student/email The student e-mail account is the main University vehicle for communicating with all its students. Important information about your studies from the School and wider University will be e-mailed to your student e-mail account so it very vital that you access it on a regular basis. You should be aware that whilst your Programme Team may respond to e-mails sent from other e-mail accounts they will primarily use your student e-mail account to send you information about your programme e.g. module joining instructions, module results etc. It is your responsibility to check your e-mail account. Failure to do so will not be considered as justification for missing important messages. The use of IT facilities is much encouraged, though the University naturally places great emphasis on its appropriate and responsible use. For this reason you should read and understand the University’s Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and associated documents. The Acceptable Use policy can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/it/staff/help/policies/aup/ Problems accessing your student e-mail account can be resolved by either contacting the University’s IT Services Helpdesk (Tel: 01509 222333 or email: IT.Services@lboro.ac.uk). If problems persist you should contact your Programme Administrator.
7.2 IT Support At Loughborough you will be able to use information technology to produce good quality work in the most efficient way. This is likely to include the use of the Internet, electronic mail, as well as a range of software tools. Online training materials are available to allow you to learn at your own pace. To help you get the most out of IT we also offer you self-teach guides to all the basic IT skills you need, from word-processing an essay to creating graphs. These can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/it/student/help/
7.3 Executive Education Student Portal The Executive Education Centre has developed a student portal which has been designed to support its students by providing an integrated system which enables students to access information about the University, the School and their programme of study from one point. You will be able to access guidance documents, forms and templates as well as link to your student webmail account and the University’s virtual learning environment from the portal. Everything you need to undertake your studies should be available from the portal. You will need your University IT username and password to access the Executive Education student portal which is available at http://learn.lboro.ac.uk/execedlogin Problems accessing student portal can be resolved by contacting your Programme Administrator.
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Executive Education Centre Student Handbook 2016/17
www.lboro.ac.uk/exec
7.4 Virtual Learning Environment The University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) is LEARN. LEARN can be accessed at: https://learn.lboro.ac.uk/ You will need your University IT username and password to access LEARN. On LEARN you will be able to access generic programme information and forms. You will also be able to view information about your modules via the ‘My Modules’ page. Lecturers will use LEARN to provide learning resources related to specific modules and to host discussion group. Module marks once confirmed by the Module Review or Programme Board will also be uploaded to LEARN. Problems accessing LEARN can be resolved by either contacting Sandra Huskinson, the School’s IT Development Officer, (S.M.Huskinson@lboro.ac.uk) or your Programme Administrator.
7.5 Computing Facilities There are open access computing labs in several locations on campus, many are open 24 hours a day. These rooms are equipped with workstations capable of accessing electronic mail, World Wide Web, and a range of other software on PC or from networked computers. Please note most of the computing labs operate a swipe card access system. To obtain entry into these labs you will need your student ID card. The following website provides further details about the computing labs service: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/it/student/labs
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Executive Education Centre Student Handbook 2016/17
www.lboro.ac.uk/exec
8.0 Support Services for Students 8.1 Student Enquiries The Student Enquiries Desk is situated on the Ground Floor, Rutland Hall (adjacent to the Student Union building). It is open from 09.15 – 17.00 Monday to Thursday and 09.15 – 16.45 on Friday. Outside of term time it is closed between 12.30 and 13.30. Advice is offered about matters such as: • Registration • ID cards • Graduation ceremonies Information about the Student Office can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/registry/student-office Information about the Student Enquiries Office can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/students/enquiries
8.2 Counselling & Disability Service (CDS) The University’s Counselling & Disability Service (CDS) service provides support and practical advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties. The staff work closely with academic staff who teach students with disabilities. The Service operates as a National Network of Assessment Centres (NNAC) facility and assessments for application for the Disabled Students Allowance can be arranged. CDS also has a Mental Health Support Team who are able to assess student educational support needs arising from mental health difficulties and can provide practical support to try to enable students to cope with these difficulties. The team provide information about mental health issues, useful services, liaise and make arrangements within the University to take into account a student’s mental health difficulties. They can also help manage crisis situations and liaise with external services when required. Further information about CDS and the services it offers can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/disabilities
8.3 Study Support Service – Dyslexia (CDS) The Study Support Service offers individual packages of support for students with dyslexia. Support is planned with the student based on the needs of each individual’s degree requirements. Further information about the service can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/cds/dyslexia/study-support-service
8.4 Learning Support There are many different learning styles and the University provides you with the opportunity to access many services which will help you in your time at Loughborough. A comprehensive set of study guides is available via the library and additionally some are produced in collaboration with Computing Services and the Mathematics Learning Support Centre. Topics include: • • • • •
Essay and Report Writing Working in Groups Time Management Studying at a distance Minimising Stress
Further information can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/library/skills/index.html
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Executive Education Centre Student Handbook 2016/17
www.lboro.ac.uk/exec
8.5 Mathematics Learning Support Centre The Mathematics Learning Support Centre (MLSC) exists to provide a range of services designed to support any student at Loughborough University in their learning of mathematics or statistics. In particular, it aims to help students in the earlier stages of their studies, who might benefit from resources and tuition over and above that normally provided as part of their programme. The MLSC is part of the Mathematics Education Centre. Further information about MSLC can be found at: http://mlsc.lboro.ac.uk
8.6 Student Advice and Support Service The Student Advice and Support Service is based in the Student Support Centre and offers a free, confidential information service for all Loughborough University students covering housing, finance, legal matters and other issues. Further information about the service can be found at: www.lboro.ac.uk/studentservices/studentsupportcentre/sassindex.html
8.7 Counselling Service The University offers a highly confidential and professional Counselling service. Counsellors are available to offer support on personal problems of any kind that may be a cause of worry to you. Issues frequently brought to the service include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, relationships, low self-esteem, loneliness, suicidal feelings, self-harm, eating disorders, family problems, bereavement, homesickness, problems with your course, cultural issues, sexuality, abuse and loss. The service offer individual counselling, group counselling and workshops. Their website for information on common problems and details about skills training e.g. life coaching and ‘buddying’. www.lboro.ac.uk/service/counselling
8.8 Confide: on campus harassment support network Confide consists of a group of staff from across the University who are trained in supporting students and staff who are experiencing harassment and bullying.These people are available to talk to any student in confidence and will offer support, advice and assistance in seeking a satisfactory solution. They are willing to discuss any incidents or problems, no matter how serious or trivial they may seem. Further details, including how to contact a member of Confide can be found on their website: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/confide
8.9 Centre for Faith and Spirituality / Chaplaincy The Chaplaincy Centre is in the Brockington Building room B003. There is a chapel open daily, a library, quiet room and an office, open every weekday from 09.00-13.00. There is a purpose-built suite of rooms for Muslim students in the James France Building, including a prayer room and a separate area for both men and women, and a library of Islamic books. The Islamic Society arranges various activities.
8.10 Security The Security Building is at the main Epinal Way entrance to the University Security staff provide assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Reception desk is open between 09.15 and 17.00 Monday to Thursday and until 16.30 on Friday. Ring 01509 222141, or, in emergency 0800 526966 (freephone) or 888 from any red emergency telephone on campus.
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