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WELCOME TO YOUR UPC FACULTY STUDENT MINI GUIDE WELCOME FROM DR COLIN WILLIAMS
I am delighted to welcome you as a student of Plymouth University. University of Plymouth Colleges faculty at Plymouth University works in partnership with 18 institutions (FE Colleges, Schools / Academies and private organisations). As you are studying at one of these colleges you are a memeber of UPC and a student of Plymouth University. UPC has over 10,000 students across the South West of England and is regarded as a national leader in the delivery of HE in FE. As a UPC student you benefit from the opportunity to access the excellent support services, facilities and resources both where you are studying and at the University. This mini guide has been produced to encourage you to make the most of these opportunities and to make you aware of the support that is available to you. If you need assistance to resolve a problem or answer a query this guide will help point you in the direction of people who can help you.
Plymouth University UPC Partner College Sites
UPC faculty works closely with the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) to enhance your student experience. All UPC faculty students are automatically members of UPSU. UPSU works in partnership with the University and local college students’ unions to ensure our students get fair access to representation, advice and activities. We are very proud of our students and of their achievements. Working together we have made a huge difference to the lives and careers of many thousands of people - and now it is your turn. I sincerely hope you enjoy your time with us and I wish you good luck with your studies. Dr Colin Williams Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean UPC faculty, Plymouth University.
To help get you started we have put together a wealth of e-resources and information in the form of a welcome site which you will find at: www.help-cetl.ac.uk/upc The welcome site has links, documents and more info on all areas covered in this mini guide
If you require any part of this booklet in larger print, please contact Sarah Warn at Disability ASSIST Services; Tel: 01752 587656 Email: sarah.warn@plymouth.ac.uk
HELLO FROM UPSU UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH STUDENTS’ UNION
UPC Course and College Representatives
Welcome to University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU). Although you may be one of 10,000+ students who are not studying on the main Plymouth campus, UPSU is still your Union, so you should make the most of all we have to offer. Any student registered at Plymouth University is automatically a member of UPSU, so you can register on our website www.upsu.com to get all the latest information about offers, activities, gigs, campaigns and contact information for your current UPC representatives and full-time Sabbatical Officers. The website is the forum by which we run our elections so that UPC students can get involved too, so you can vote online to make your choice and help make changes to your union.
UPSU is all about representation. Because we can’t be in all the colleges all the time, we rely on a fantastic representation system across the UPC faculty. Raising an issue with your Course Rep ensures your voice is heard. Any issues raised with a Course Rep are brought to the attention of the Programme or Module Leader. All Course Reps can also contact the UPSU Deputy President, Richard Garratt, if they would like additional support in resolving any concerns.
There are several people who are important UPSU contacts for UPC faculty students.
In our biggest Partner Colleges we also have part-time paid elected officers - College Reps. These students are elected into post to be an additional point of call at your college for raising issues, finding out more about UPSU, as well as helping to organise any HE social activities. Look out for information around your college about how to contact your Course Rep, and to find out what exciting things they have planned for you.
UPSU: Deputy President - Richard Garratt The role of the UPSU Deputy President includes representing Partner College Students by visiting, meeting and communicating with UPC students and representatives. To get in touch with the Deputy President of UPSU, please contact: deputypresident@upsu.com UPC Student Experience Co-ordinator Kassie Foran Kassie is responsible for providing a link between the students and UPSU, and promoting opportunities for involvement. If you would like to get in touch with Kassie, please contact: UPCstudents@upsu.com
Add Upsu Partner Colleges as a friend on facebook
There is also contact information for the UPC Student Representatives on our website www.upsu.com/upc This booklet is aimed at you, as a UPC faculty student, and gives helpful information about how you can get involved in all that UPSU has to offer. It really is more than just a bar! Good luck with your studies and we hope to see you very soon. Rich and Kassie
WWW.UPSU.COM/UPC
WHAT DOES UPSU DO FOR YOU
VISITS FROM UPSU
NUS CARDS
The UPSU Deputy President and staff aim to visit UPC sites throughout the year. We will be visiting you during your induction period to give talks and answer your questions, and of course hand out some freebies!
Being a member of UPSU allows you to obtain an NUS card for discounts in stores nationwide - one of the best parts of being a student! UPSU aims to ensure easy distribution of NUS cards to UPC students.
Rich and Kassie visit Partner Colleges to hold meetings with UPC Reps and also provides a drop-in service to answer any of your UPSU queries, raise awareness of social activities at UPSU, provide representation for students and support students planning to progress to their final year at Plymouth University.
You can buy your NUS card online at www.upsu.com NUS Extra is the definitive student discount card with a range of exclusive discounts, offers and competitions designed to make student life more exciting, more memorable and more rewarding. Use it to make your money go further on books, clothes, sports wear, CDs, travel, computer gear and eating out. Your NUS Extra card costs £11 and is valid for one whole academic year and is a useful form of student ID, as well as getting you all those discounts. To make the most of your money, get your card early, and start making savings. Getting your NUS Extra card couldn’t be simpler…
UPSU SHOP
Through our online shop, students can also buy clothing such as University of Plymouth hoodies and t-shirts at www.upsu.com/shop
WWW.UPSU.COM
1. Go to www.nus.org.uk/nus-extra/ and select ‘buy it now’ 2. Choose either your college name or ‘University of Plymouth Students’ Union’ from the drop down menu 3. Fill in your details to buy online 4. If you have purchased your NUS Extra card online, and have selected ‘University of Plymouth’ you will need to send an email to: info@upsu.com stating that you are a Partner College Student. Let us know your name, college, and your home address. This ensures that we can send your card straight to you, and you can start making savings asap!
WHAT DOES UPSU DO FOR YOU
REPRESENTATION
UPSU representation is made up of 5 fulltime Sabbatical Officers and many part-time voluntary officers. In our largest Partner Colleges we also pay part-time elected officers to act as a key representative (UPC College Reps) from that college, and link UPSU’s work with the students. The colleges we work with include: Truro and Penwith College, Somerset College, Petroc, South Devon College and City College Plymouth. The representation structure of the Union means that everyone can clearly see how they can make their voice heard. At the very heart of our representation system are the Course Representatives. UPSU supports our Course Reps to feel confident to raise issues at college level for quick resolution, or if required, we can provide further assistance to raise issues in other forums.
SUPPORT FOR COURSE REPS
In our Partner Colleges, we encourage all students to get in touch with their Course Rep if they would like to raise an issue. A Course Representative provides consistent, well-informed opinion about the quality of teaching and learning within your college, and also on the overall student experience gained whilst studying your programme. Course Representatives mostly represent the views of their peers at Programme Committee or Joint Board of Studies Meetings, and feedback from these meetings is passed on to the UPC Faculty Board. If you have been elected as the Course Rep for your group, make sure you pass on your contact details to your college, and email UPCstudents@upsu.com to be added to our Course Rep database. We have a special section of the UPSU website dedicated to Course Reps, and this provides links to the ‘virtual voice’ community for all UPC faculty Course Reps. We encourage all Course Reps to make the most out of their experience, by attending training, using your Course Rep handbook, and sharing examples of best practice and innovative problem solving ideas. Visit www.upsu.com/upc for more information or log into the UPC Virtual Voice Community at www.help-cetl.ac.uk/moodle/virtualvoice The Virtual Voice community has been created to share the student voice across the partnership.
GET INVOLVED CAMPAIGNING
UPSU are active in making sure students get the most out of their university experience and we run campaigns to make changes in improving student’s lives. Students in Partner Colleges can ask UPSU to support them in campaigning for change, as well as joining our existing regional and national campaigns. For more information on campaigning, email Emma Wilson the Education and Welfare Officer at vpedandwelfare@upsu.com
UPSU STUDENT NEWSPAPER
UPSU has its own student newspaper: The Knowledge. Any student is able to write articles about anything that interests them, so why not give it a go? The Knowledge is also available online at www.upsu.com. For more information please contact UPSU Activities and Communications Sabbatical Officer at vpactivities@upsu.com
ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
UPSU has bars, shops, online services and much more. All our profits go straight back into providing better services for students. UPC students are very welcome to join us in Plymouth for a night out, and trips to Plymouth campus have been arranged in the past by UPC Reps. Information about upcoming events can be found at www.upsu.com, as well as being able to buy tickets online for upcoming balls and gigs.
VOLUNTEERING
The UPSU Volunteering department has over 600 volunteers, and organises volunteering all across the region, UPC students are welcome to join in the many volunteering activities, such as at the Looe Monkey Sanctuary, railway projects and beach clean-ups. Volunteering is a free society so any student is able to join, simply email volunteer@su.plymouth.ac.uk We have an online based volunteering opportunity with the charity Beatbullying. Last academic year 100 students became cyber mentors, helping to support young people experincing bullying. You just need to commit 2 hours a week, after attending a training session in Plymouth, you can do the voluntary work from home or college.
GET INVOLVED SPORTS AND ACTIVITES
UPC Varsity
UPSU has over 100 different sports clubs, societies and volunteering activities. If a student lives or studies close to the Plymouth campus, then it is very easy to get involved with activities. If you would like to join or set up a sports club or society, get in touch with the Sabbatical Officers by emailing vpsports@ upsu.com and vpactivities@upsu.com respectively.
2011-12 sees the launch of the first ever UPC faculty sports varsity event. We are looking for teams of students to represent their campus or college, whilst competing against other UPC students, and students from the main University campus. This will provide a great opportunity for UPC students to form new friendships within your colleges, as well as other students within the UPC faculty network.
One of the best ways to get involved with UPSU clubs, societies and ViP (Volunteering in Plymouth), is to come along to the Sports & Societies Fair. This year the Sports & Socs Fair is being held in the SU on Sunday 25th September 12pm-6pm! Remember to bring along some passport photos and some money so you can sign up to join anything that takes your fancy! Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Fairs as a complete list of the clubs and societies, together with contact details is available on our website: www.upsu.com
We will be trialling the Varsity with team sports of Netball, Hockey, 5-a-side Football and Rugby 7s. These sports will hopefully have the widest participation, and provide opportunities for both male and female involvement. If you are interested in signing up a team, or want to form a team within your college, please email: deputypresident@upsu.com Up to date information is available from www.upsu.com/upc SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
Plymouth University offers sports scholarships to students who represent their county nationally or internationally in a recognised sport. Further information can be found at www.plymouth.ac.uk/recreation or contact Recreation on 01752 588510 UOP RECREATION SERVICES
If you would like to be involved with the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Surfing Championships (Europes biggest student surfing event) at Fistral Beach taking place on 14-16 October 2012 then email UPCstudents@upsu.com for more information about trials which take place first week of October.
WWW.UPSU.COM
If you live near the Plymouth campus you could use the facilities at the Nancy Astor Sports Centre or take part in recreational sailing or powerboat sessions. For further information about the facilities, courses, classes and details about student membership to the Fitness Suite visit: www.plymouth.ac.uk/recreation or contact the Recreation Service reception desk, Tel: 01752 588510 or Email: recreation@plymouth.ac.uk
MAKE THE MOST OF... THE STUDENT PORTAL
The Plymouth University portal is your gateway to various e-resources to support your study. You can access University Information and Library services where you can access MetaLib which enables you to locate a range of journals & electronic resources from the University Library. There are numerous interactive e-tutorials available through LILiPAD (Learning Infomation Literacy in Plymouth for Academic Development). All UPC faculty students are issued with a UoP login and password at the start of their course. You can access the portal at http://student. plymouth.ac.uk or via the Internal Students link at the top of the Plymouth University homepage: www.plymouth.ac.uk Once you’ve entered your username and password, click on ‘More information for University of Plymouth Colleges Students’. Once you’ve logged in we recommend you change your password, this link can be found in the top right hand corner. You can then access the UPC student community. Here you’ll discover a range of e-resources, journals, databases, study guides, learning resources, academic information and regulations, etc. You will automatically be given a University email account. You can follow the instructions to redirect your University emails to your preferred email address. Throughout the year you will recieve important emails, updates, news & information so it is vital that you forward your emails to an email address you access frequently. Computing Helpdesk - If you have any problems when you are creating your computer account or logging into the student portal or if you can’t access the information you need, please contact the University’s Computing Helpdesk by email: openaccess@plymouth.ac.uk or by phone on: 01752 588900
HTTP://STUDENT.PLYMOUTH.AC.UK
STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT
The University has produced study guides to help you settle into studying at university-level. Topics include: • • • • • • •
Learning from Lectures and Seminars Reading Effectively Note-taking Planning and Writing Essays Revision and Examination Techniques Giving Presentations Reflection
The guides contain numerous activities and tasks so you can assess your strengths and weaknesses then identify which techniques to use to develop and improve your study skills. You will find these guides at http://www.learningdevelopment.plymouth.ac.uk
The UPC Higher Education Study Skills Toolbox has been designed to support students and lecturers with Higher Education Study Skills. Within the application there is a wealth of resources, in many forms such as word documents and web links, all of which will help support and develop your study skills. For more information go to the UPC Student Community on the portal. You can collate your professional development using the University’s e-portfolio tool available via www.help-cetl.ac.uk/upc/eportfolio.html This also links to the University’s e-pdp guidance module.
MAKE THE MOST OF... UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH LIBRARY
Your college library staff have been trained in the use of Metalib and all of the University’s e-resources. They will be able to advise you on using Voyager (our online library catalogue) and how to request books which are available for you to borrow (via inter-library loans). Download the University Library Resources Guide and watch the Library tour via the UPC Student Community. There are also a range of e-tutorials available to navigate you through the library e-resources. You can visit the Plymouth University Library for reference purposes at any time, simply inform reception staff that you are a UPC faculty student and show them your college ID. If you are able to visit the Plymouth library regularly and you wish to borrow directly from it, you should apply for a University Student Card. You can download an application form from the UPC Student Community on the Portal. (A University Student Card acts as a library card and printing/photocopying card but does not replace any cards issued by your college).
The ILS (Information & Learning Services) pages on the portal provide links to the Library Catalogue, Metalib (our electronic resources) and information about the Library opening hours and how to find us. Once logged on to the portal, hover over ‘University Information’ and select ‘Library, Media & IT (ILS)’.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRESSION
All Foundation Degrees and HNDs have built in progression routes to Honours Degrees. Many of these are to the final year of bachelor degrees or to special top-up degree courses at Plymouth University or other institutions. At the start of your course you will be given or have access to the Student Handbook for your programme. This key document will tell you everything you need to know about your course including information about modules, lecturers and the progression routes available to you. During your course you will meet staff from the University and have the opportunity to visit Plymouth to help you decide whether to continue your studies to honours level. Final year Foundation Degree students wishing to progress to Plymouth University must apply by 15th January 2012. Places are subject to availability. So get your applications in early, if you can.
Students that progress to Plymouth University from Foundation Degrees may be eligable for relocation bursaries, care leavers bursaries etc. For more information visit www.plymouth. ac.uk/money
More information on all topics in this mini guide is available at: www.help-cetl.ac.uk/upc
FIND HELP UPSU ADVICE CENTRE
If you have a problem during your time as a UPC faculty student, your first source of help and advice should be someone within your college, however if you can’t get assistance locally, you should contact UPSU:Advice UPSU:Advice is a free, confidential and independent advice centre, to help students with any problems they may have. All their staff are professionally trained and can offer advice on a range of issues, including academic, housing, financial or personal. To get in touch with UPSU Advice, students can email: advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk or call 01752 588373. A drop in service operates from the Plymouth campus, and we can also arrange to call students back if they phone us. More information, including opening hours, and helpful guidance are available online at www.upsu.com/advice
DISABILITY ASSIST SERVICES (DAS)
DAS offers advice and guidance on disability to current and prospective students and staff. The word ‘disability’ covers a wide range of conditions including dyslexia, dyspraxia, mental health and other medical conditions. If you feel you need help it is best to speak to your course leader or the Disability Co-ordinator at your college first, but DAS are always happy to provide more information. Disability Assist Services is an accredited assessment centre. It provides assessments and advice for students applying for the Disabled Student Allowance and liaises with LEAs and other funding bodies and technology suppliers. If you decide to progress to honours at Plymouth University please contact DAS as soon as possible so that appropriate support is available when you start your top-up course. The facilities and resources will not necessarily be the same and you need to know what will be available throughout your studies. Contact DAS by emailing das@plymouth.ac.uk or visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/disability or phone 01752 587676
WWW.UPSU.COM
FIND HELP STUDENT FINANCE
All Partner Colleges will have at least one member of staff who deals with student financial issues (normally within the Student Services Department) so if you are worried about your finances you should talk to them. They will be able to give you advice on all aspects of student money issues such as budgeting, student loans, benefits, short term loans, Access to Learning Funds and bursaries. If you want to speak to someone outside your college contact UPSU:Advice.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you are an international student, there is specialist help, support and advice available to you through the University International Students’ Advisory Service. The staff are authorised (OISC) immigration advisors and can assist and advise you in extending your visa, changing visa status etc. They can also provide support and advice about work regulations, cultural issues, financial matters, personal matters and transition and adaptation issues. Find lots of information and guidance sheets at: www.plymouth.ac.uk/isas
CAREERS
The Plymouth University Careers and Employability Service seeks to support partner college careers and advisory services through the Partner College Advisers Network. When planning your career and professional development you should talk to the person responsible for careers advice at your college. You will find the contact details for your local careers centres on the UPC Careers homepage at www.plymouth.ac.uk/careers/upc Here you can also access further information about careers events, such as job fairs and links to other services such as HE Guidance – a free online advice service: www.gradsouthwest.com/heguidance
If you’re looking for a job, whether part-time or voluntary while studying, or a graduate job for when you leave, register with our vacancy site: www.gradsouthwest.com Registration is quick and easy and means we can then email you vacancies that match your interests.
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Admissions (01752 585858) Accommodation Office (01752 588644) Card Office (01752 588422) Chaplaincy (01752 587760) Computing Enquiries Desk (01752 588900) Disability ASSIST Services (DAS) (01752 587676) Document Production Centre (01752 587260) Fitness Centre (01752 588510) Formation Zone (01752 588954) Formation 2.0 Business Start Up Space (0800 052 5600) Freshlings Nursery (01752 588550) Gateway Employability Centre (01752 587456) International Student Advisory Service (01752 587740) Library Enquiries (01752 588737) Medical Centre (01752 222341) Plymouth Devon International College (01752 411114) Post Room (01752 588430) Security (24-hour) (01752 588400) Student Counselling (01752 587701) Student Funding Unit (01752 587680) Students’ Union (01752 588388)
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