BTEC HND Business and Marketing
Student Handbook 2011/12
Contents Section 1 Welcome South Birmingham College mission statement Important documentation and reading Section 2 Campus Information Digbeth campus College maps Campus information rooms Section 3 Staff Contact Details South Birmingham College academic staff contacts Administrative and technical staff contact details Section 4 Course Details Programme specification Higher National Diploma course structure Section 5 Teaching and Learning Lectures Demonstration and exercises Seminar and presentations Research-‐based teaching and learning Tutorials Online learning -‐ moodle Section 6 Assessment General principles for assessment of the course Coursework extensions Study support Email accounts Error in the conduct of an assessment or of an examination board Cheating Avoiding Allegations of cheating Role of External Examiners Section 7 Student Voice How can you contribute to the development of your course? Boards of Studies Module evaluation Principal’s question time Section 8 Student Support Where can I get help? Library and learning resources How to use the library and learning resources Lending services Services to users with disabilities Students’ Union Student representatives Section 9 Additional Information Absence procedures Course fees Students complaints procedure Student conduct What do you need to know about health and safety? How to interrupt your studies Key College contacts 2
Page 3 3 3 4 4 5 6 8 8 9 10 10 10 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 23 25 25
Section 1 Welcome Welcome to South Birmingham College. This hand book provides important information on your course, the regulations that apply to your course and support that you may receive. Please read this handbook carefully and keep it safely to hand to refer to if you have queries about aspects of the course or student life. Further information is available on Moodle or from your Course Director. We wish you every success in your studies at South Birmingham College. Your course sits within the Business, ICT, TU ED, IT Services & E learning Division at South Birmingham College alongside other Business, Accounting, Administration, Management, ICT and Trade Union Education courses. South Birmingham College Mission Statement To provide high quality vocational education and training opportunities in response to local and regional need and which puts learners first. Important Documentation and Reading Some of the documents which you will use are important and you should keep them, particularly as future employers may wish to see evidence of your achievements. Make sure that you keep:
module specifications for the modules which you study; your programme specification your Award Certificate -‐ this is evidence of the qualification which you have obtained;
In addition, you are advised to familiarise yourself with the contents of this Handbook and the associated regulations which are mentioned in it. It is a good idea to keep a copy of this Handbook as you may need to refer to it during your time at South Birmingham College. All information can also be found on Moodle.
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Section 2 Campus Information Digbeth Campus
South Birmingham College High Street Deritend Digbeth Birmingham B5 5SU
The Digbeth campus is centrally located on the High Street about 5 minutes walk from the Bull Ring shopping centre. Transport links are very good with New Street and Moor Street stations within 10 minutes walk, and a number of bus routes stop outside or nearby. The College has a subsidised cafeteria which is open from 8am until 8pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 2.30pm on Fridays. In addition there are a range of vending machines available. Students can purchase study materials through the College Libraries. Locally there are a range of food outlets, pubs, music venues, a spa shop which also has a cash point machine (free to use) and the Custard Factory is also right next door.
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Campus Information -‐ Rooms South Birmingham College, Digbeth Campus has dedicated rooms for HND Business and Marketing Students, based in the St Michaels building. All rooms are equipped with computers with access to the College’s Moodle, internet, free printing and SMARTboards. You may also have some lectures in the HE lecture theatre in M005.
There are two lifts in the main building that provide access to all floors. Students with limited mobility should contact a member of staff immediately in the unlikely event that both lifts break down so that alternative arrangements can be made. There is also a lift in the St. Michael’s building. All rooms are numbered and emergency exits are clearly signposted. Toilets are situated at various points on each floor throughout the building and a RADAR key may be booked from either reception or student services for access to facilities for disabled use. Ground Floor The canteen is open during term times from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday – Thursday and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays offering a range of hot meals and snacks. Drink and snack machines are also
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available during the times when the serving area is closed. Students arriving before 8.30am will be entitled to a free breakfast (toast or cereal and a drink). In the event of lost or stolen property, minor injury or any other query you should report to the Reception Area. In the interests of health and safety you should also report to Reception and sign in whenever you attend the college outside your normal timetabled hours. Please treat reception staff with respect. They will not always be able to answer your queries but will attempt to locate staff who can do so. Security staff will ask for proof of identity and are instructed to refuse entry to anyone who cannot verify that they have legitimate business within the college premises. Once you have been issued with an I.D. card please ensure you bring it with you and DISPLAY IT AT ALL TIMES. You will also need it for equipment hire and use of library facilities. St Michael’s building The St. Michael’s building is accessed by walking the entire length of the cafeteria. Useful rooms first floor.
M102 Teaching room
M103 Teaching room M100 Assistant Director for Business and HE Manager’s office
Main Building First Floor The first floor is mainly home to music provision and contains a variety of music technology, rehearsal and recording facilities as well as auditorium control and technical support rooms. Second Floor The second floor is home to Media, Multimedia, Business and I.T. classes. In addition to a number of specialist media and multimedia classrooms, the floor also contains a number of video production suites. Third Floor Dr3.24 HE Business Staff Office The third floor in the Digbeth campus is home to a variety of class rooms as well as the Learning Hub (Library and Student Services). The Learning Hub contains a large selection of reference books, videos and DVDs to assist you in your studies. The area also has a number of computers and printers that you can use to prepare coursework assignments, some computers can be accessed for short periods of time to check emails.
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Protocols for Facilities Mobile phones must be switched off at all times in class No food or drink is allowed into class rooms. If you are found with any food or drink in these rooms, you will be asked to leave. Persistent offenders will be barred from using the computers when they are available for private student use. Students should make sure their computers are shut down properly at the end of each session. Do not just turn off the monitors. Please do not disconnect the any cabling or equipment from any computer. Any equipment faults or breakages should be logged onto IT Jobs requests Please observe Health and Safety regulations at all times.
Section 3 Staff Contact Details South Birmingham College Academic Staff Contact Details Name
Bob Glover
Contact
0121 702 1070
E-‐mail Robert.Glover@sbc.ac.uk
Role
Assistant Director Business and Course Director
Name
Vernon Moustache
Contact
0121 702 1013
E-‐mail Vernon.Moustache@sbc.ac.uk
Role
Assistant Director Business
Name
Jazz Chateau
Contact
0121 694 6368
E-‐mail Jaspit.Chateau@sbc.ac.uk
Role
Lecturer Business Studies
Name
Coralean Maxwell
Contact
0121 694 6368
E-‐mail Coralean.Maxwell@sbc.ac.uk
Role
Lecturer Business Studies
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Name
Scott Pargetter
Contact
0121 694 6368
E-‐mail Scott.Pargetter@sbc.ac.uk
Role
Lecturer Business Studies
Name
Kath Jones
Contact
0121 694 6368
E-‐mail Katharine.Jones@sbc.ac.uk
Role
Lecturer Business Studies
Name
Isabella Introini
Contact
0121 694 6368
E-‐mail Isabella.Introini@sbc.ac.uk
Role
Lecturer Business
Name
Dale Woolley
Contact
0121 702 1075
E-‐mail Dale.Woolley@sbc.ac.uk
Role
HE Manager
Administrative and Technical Staff Contact Details Name
Katrina Downes
Contact
694 5017
E-‐mail katrina.downes@sbc.ac.uk
Role Name
HE Finance Administrator Janet Harrison
Contact
0121 694 5017
E-‐mail Janet.Harrison@sbc.ac.uk
Role
HE Finance Administrator
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Name
Nancy Bishop
Contact
0121 694 6215
E-‐mail Nancy.Bishop@sbc.ac.uk
Role
Divisional Secretary
4 Course Details Section Programme Specification Every course offered by South Birmingham College has a programme specification. A programme specification sets out the knowledge, understanding and skills that a student who finishes the course will have gained. The programme specification also gives details of the teaching methods which will be used on the course together with information about how students will be assessed (for example by written examination or coursework assignment). The programme specification for your course can be found both on Moodle and on the College’s website at: www.sbc.ac.uk Higher National Diploma Higher National Diplomas are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards where appropriate, with a strong work related emphasis. The qualification provides a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in their sector and its national recognition by employers allows progression direct into employment or to continue your studies by completing a top-‐up degree programme. A key progression path for HND Business & Marketing students is to the second or third year of an honours degree course, depending on the match of HND modules to the degree course in question.
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Course Structure Modules are timetabled on a semester basis. Students will be expected to study four modules in semester 1, from September to January, followed by another four modules in semester 2, from February to June. This pattern of study will be repeated in year 2 with semesters 3 and 4. HND Business and Marketing Sample Course Structure Year 1 Semester 1
Unit 2
Unit 4
Unit 35
Unit 18
MFRD
Marketing
European Business
Advertising & Promotion
Assessment 1. Presentation 2. Exam
Assessment
Assessment
1. Assignment 2. Presentation
1. Assignment 2. Exam
Assessment 1. Assignment 2. Assignment
Semester 2
Unit 1
Unit 3
Unit 5
Unit 19
Business Environment
Organisations & Behaviour
Aspects of Contract
Marketing Planning
Assessment
1. Assignment 2. Presentation
Assessment
Assessment
1. Assignment 2. Assignment
1. Assignment 2. Assignment
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Assessment 1. Assignment 2. Assignment
Year 2 Semester 3
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 14
Unit 20
Business Decision Making
Business Strategy
Working with & Leading People
Sales Planning
Assessment
Assessment
1. Assignment 2. Presentation
Assessment
1. Assignment 2. Assignment
1. Assignment 2. Assignment
Assessment 1. Assignment 2. Presentation
Semester 4
Unit 8
Unit 13
Unit 15
Unit 17
Research Project
Personal & Professional Development
Managing Activities
Marketing Intelligence
Assessment 1. Proposal 2. Project
Assessment
Assessment
1. Assignment 2. Assignment
1. Portfolio
Assessment 1. Assignment 2. Presentation
Term Dates Term normally starts in the third week of September each year and finishes at the end of June. Your course will normally be 34 weeks in duration. Section 5 Teaching and Learning
The modules taught on the HNC/D course use a variety of teaching and learning methods Lectures The lecture is a central feature of many modules. Its prime function is to provide stimulation for independent learning and guidance for critical analysis. The lecture is an efficient mechanism for
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introducing students to a subject and for dealing with topics where source material is not conveniently available. Demonstrations and Exercises Demonstrations of equipment, software and hardware are key to the student’s understanding of the tools that they will encounter throughout the course and their use within their study. Through close description of actions and applications, an awareness and knowledge is established in order that the student can then apply these tools successfully to their own work. Students will also take part in exercises that provide opportunities for more experiential learning, which demand an active participative approach through the practical application of skills developed on the course. Seminars and Presentations Students will be offered the opportunity to present their work in seminar/presentation format in appropriate modules. Seminars develop presentation skills and encourage interactive learning with other students. They also foster a reflective approach to the subject in which ideas and new approaches can be tested by the student in a supportive but critical environment. Research-‐Based Teaching and Learning Students will be introduced to the rigours of research-‐based directed written work. This activity requires students to show the initiative, self-‐reliance, organisational and presentational skills. These developed research techniques can then also be used to inform and assist the creative process that will be required for successful project work. Tutorials One to one tutorials will take place as appropriate to feedback student work. There may also be occasion’s e.g. individual projects where they form part of the preparation for assessment. Online Learning -‐ Moodle Moodle is the College’s Virtual Learning Environment. You can access Moodle by going to www.sbc.ac.uk you will need to enter your College network ID and password. Your course will have its own moodle page and is designed to support your learning; providing a wide range of learning resources, such as lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations or, in some cases, multimedia scenarios and video lectures. Moodle is also used on some modules to provide learning activities to enhance your learning experience. This includes quizzes which test your knowledge and give immediate automated feedback; glossaries to explain complex terms and forums which enable you to ask tutors questions or work collaboratively and share experiences with fellow students. Information on your course is also available, including module guides, assignments and your student handbook. You can also access calendars which show upcoming events as well as forums and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Feeds which deliver the latest news and information without the need to search the web. Moodle is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year and from anywhere in the world.
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Moodle is also used to submit some assessments using Turnitin, this supports you in checking that you have referenced your work correctly and will issue an email receipt when you submit your work. Section 6 Assessment The assessment for the course is governed by the South Birmingham College HNC/D Regulations. These are published in a separate document which is available to students on Moodle. General Principles for Assessment of the Course The assessment strategies adopted are conducive to the fulfilment of the learning outcomes set out in the Programme Specification. The methods of assessment employed are specific to the outcomes of individual modules (see Module Specifications) and students will experience a wide and diverse range of assessment activities. A standard module (15 credits) typically has two assessments; this could be in the form of a report or essay (2000 words), written exam (2 hours), presentation, coursework or portfolio. It is very important that you go to all of the exams or hand in work and assignments on time for every module that you’ve registered to take in the year. If you don’t the regulations stipulate that you will have 5 days to submit your work, but you will not be able to achieve higher grades. You will need to pass sufficient modules to progress into year 2. If you fail any of the modules which you have taken, you will have to re-‐take them. There are limits on the number of times that you can re-‐take. You will only be allowed to attempt an assessment a maximum of 4 times including the first attempt, please note the previous paragraph on not submitting. Having to re-‐take modules means that your workload will be increased and you will be putting yourself under more pressure. If you are a full-‐time student and you do not complete your course within the normal registration period you may have to take outstanding modules as a part-‐time student, incurring a part time fee. Coursework Extensions If you think that you may not be able to complete a coursework assessment on time, you may be able to ask for an extension to the deadline under the College’s Procedures for the Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances. Under these procedures you can request either:
to put off taking an assessment until the next time it takes place. This is called a deferral
an extension of 10 working days to the deadline for coursework
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You must submit your request for an extension at least 7 working days BEFORE the assessment deadline. If you have extenuating circumstances that arise later than 7 working days before the assessment deadline, you can still submit a request for an extension but you may not get a decision before the assessment deadline. You cannot request an extension to a coursework deadline after the deadline has passed. If you do not have exceptional circumstances but submit your first attempt at an assessment after the published deadline the maximum mark you can be awarded will be a pass for the assessment, provided you submit your work no more than 5 working days after the published deadline. Work submitted more than 5 working days after the published deadline will not be marked and you will be deemed to have failed an attempt at the assessment. Where you submit a re-‐assessment attempt after the published deadline you will be deemed to have failed the re-‐assessment and the coursework will be returned to you unmarked. Study Support South Birmingham College is able to offer resources for students ranging from supplying equipment for small tasks, such as stapling paper together, through to equipment for major tasks, such as musical equipment and practice rooms. Computer facilities are available in the dedicated music suites, plus there are ‘drop-‐in’ facilities in the college library. Each student has server space for saving data and a free printing allocation at South Birmingham College. IT and study consumables are available from the South Birmingham College Library In more general terms the College is pleased to be able to provide students with on-‐line computing, TV and video players and with interactive whiteboards and data projectors both for tutors to use in their lectures and for students to use in their own presentations. Study support is available from your lecturers; they are specialists in their chosen subject and so if you need support please contact them directly. Additional general study support is available through the College’s student services provision located in the library. In year one of the course you have a study skills tutor allocated to your class for 3 hours per week, they will help you with for example referencing and research. You are strongly advised to attend these sessions to prevent an allegation of cheating. Email Accounts You will be provided with an email account at the College. The College will use this email account to communicate important information about the College and your course. If you have a separate email account that you normally use, it is important that you forward your College email account to your normal email account so that you do not miss important information and also to make it easier to manage your emails.
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Error in the Conduct of an Assessment or of an Examination Board If you consider that there has been an error or irregularity in an assessment, or at an examination board, you may submit a claim under the “Procedure for considering Claims of Error in the conduct of Assessment Processes”. To submit a claim you should complete a form called “Claim of an Error in the Conduct of Assessment Processes” which is available on Moodle or from the HE Manager at the College. If you wish to make a claim you must do so within 15 working days of the publication of your results. Cheating An attempt by a student to gain unfair advantage over other students in the completion of an assessment or to assist someone else to gain an unfair advantage is a disciplinary offence. If it is decided by your Division that formal disciplinary action is necessary, you will be asked to attend a hearing to explain your case. You are allowed to take a friend or representative with you. If you are found guilty of cheating, the penalties can be severe, including the removal of academic credit or even your permanent expulsion from the College. Avoiding Allegations of Cheating In examinations
Don’t attempt to see the examination paper before it is published. Don’t take unauthorised materials into the examination room. Make sure you know what sort of calculator and other technological aids are allowed. If it is an open-‐book examination, be certain of what materials you are allowed to use in the examination. If you are not sure, ask the invigilator. Don’t try to ask another student for help in the examination or copy another student’s work. Don’t let another student copy your work. If you’ve been reading revision notes before the examination, leave them at the front of the examination room before you go to your desk. Make sure that any permitted materials (e.g. ruler, calculator, text) are clear of additional notes and other recorded information.
In coursework
Don’t pass off anyone else’s work as your own, including work from “essay banks”. This is plagiarism and is viewed extremely seriously by the College. Don’t submit a piece of work in whole or in part that has already been submitted for assessment elsewhere. Always acknowledge all of the sources that you have used in your coursework assignment or project. If you are using the exact words of another person, always put them in quotation marks.
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Check that you know whether the coursework is to be produced individually or whether you can work with others. If you are doing group work, be sure about what you are supposed to do on your own. Never make up or falsify data to prove your point. Never allow others to copy your work. Never lend disks, memory sticks or copies of your coursework to any other student in the College, this may lead you being accused of collusion.
Role of External Examiners
The Edexcel appoints external examiners to all of its courses in order to ensure that the courses are comparable to similar courses in other universities and colleges, and that the quality and standards of the provision are maintained at an appropriate level. External examiners do not mark students’ work. External examiners do, however, see the assessed work of students across the full range of attainment in order to check the appropriateness of standards and the marks awarded. They will also meet students in order to find out their views about the provision. Examiners are asked to complete a report in which they comment on the course content, delivery and assessment. Course teams are required to respond to any problems or weaknesses identified in the external examiners’ reports. Section 7 Student Voice
How can you contribute to the development of your course? All courses are monitored to ensure that the quality and standards of South Birmingham College courses and qualifications are maintained. You can contribute to the monitoring process and potentially affect the design and delivery of the course by becoming a Student Representative. Student Representatives attend Board of Studies meetings on behalf of students studying on the course. Board of Studies Each course or group of courses has a course Board of Studies. The membership of the Board of Studies includes the Course Director, members of the course team and student representatives. The main aims of the Boards of Studies are:
Review the delivery, assessments and structure of the course; Evaluate students’ learning experience Review module and examination results; Considering external examiner reports and student feedback; Monitor the quality of the course
The Board of Studies meets at least once per semester.
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Module Evaluation During your studies you will be asked to provide feedback about the content and delivery of your modules. This is normally a module questionnaire, and occasionally might take the form of a group feedback session. The results of students’ evaluation of each module are considered by the Course Team as part of the monitoring process. These help to make improvements to the course. Principal’s Question time The Principal of the College regularly holds an informal meeting with students called Principal’s question time, students can attend these informal discussions on a voluntary basis to discuss their learning experience.
Section 8 Student Support Where can I get help? There are a number of people in the College who can help:
Your tutors Your Personal Tutor, Course Director or other members of your teaching team. Don’t be afraid to talk to your tutors if you are having problems with your studying.
Student Services Student Services gives students access to a range of specialist advisors so that you can be sure you are getting expert help from the right people. Student Services are based at the rear of the Library on the Digbeth campus. Student Services offer help and advice about lots of issues, including employment, personal finances, childcare, disability, physical and mental health, as well as spiritual matters for both home and international students. A confidential counselling service is also available. South Birmingham College Student Services Contact: 0121 692 6210 or call in person during the following times: Monday: 8.45am -‐ 6.30pm Tuesday: 8.45am -‐ 5.00pm Wednesday: 8.45am -‐ 5.00pm Thursday: 8.45am -‐ 6.30pm Friday: 8.45am -‐ 4.00pm
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Library and Learning Resources All College campuses have a library and computer labs that you can access, the library is located on the 3rd floor; here you can access a range of books, journals and electronic resources for your course. The Library & Computer Lab Service is responsible for the following services: Library Service -‐ access to & loan of -‐
text books, recommended texts and background reading; fiction and recreational reading; a picture book collection (Hall Green); cds and dvds; should you require materials in a different format please contact Jan Hillier, Library Manager.
Computer Labs -‐ access to computers managed and bookable through the MyPC management system for -‐
internet access; all pc applications; electronic resources; short-‐term use computers for emails, printing, social networking.
Electronic resources available -‐
Ebrary e-‐books; Infotrac -‐ full-‐text newspapers, magazines and reference books; Newsfilm online -‐ 3,000 hours of news footage; Issues online -‐ information and statistics on contemporary social issues.
Photocopying facilities -‐ both black and white and colour. Stationery sales -‐ pens, writing pads, folders, cds, memory drives. Contact Jan Hillier 0121 694 6312, email jan.hillier@sbc.ac.uk. How to use Library and Learning Resources Librarians carry out introductions to Library and Learning Resources for groups of new students and will give more in-‐depth sessions if requested (such as training on searching and using the electronic resources). In addition, they can provide individual tutorial sessions. At the College surveys are carried out regularly to obtain feedback from students and staff on the service the College provides. At the University they attend Boards of Studies, Faculty Boards and other meetings to receive and give feedback about library issues.
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Lending Services You may borrow up to 6 books at the college library; these can be a 1, 2 or 4 weeks loan period. Some books are marked for reference only and so may not be taken out of the library, all loan periods are identified on the spine of each book. You can renew your books up to 3 times as long as no-‐one else has reserved it. Overdue books will incur a fine, this is currently at the rate of 10p per day per book, you will not be allowed to borrow any further books until the fine is paid and the book/s returned. Services to Users with Disabilities Library and Learning Resources works closely with Student Services to make the services as accessible as possible. To be able to make full use of these services, you need to disclose your disability and have an assessment of your needs carried out by Student Services. There is a range of equipment, software and other items in the libraries to help users with mobility difficulties, visual and aural. The College has disability advisers who will support students with information, advice and practical support to students with any form of disability to help you succeed in your studies:
Advice and help with applications for Disabled Students’ Allowances Advice, screening and diagnostic referrals for students who think they may be dyslexic or who have other specific learning difficulties. A Personal Assistance Scheme supplying one-‐to-‐one support workers for study-‐ related tasks Advice and guidance to your Faculty about support for exams, assessments, teaching sessions and access to course materials and information. Information about campus accessibility Liaison with external agencies such as Social Services
We offer a confidential service, but we strongly encourage disclosure of your disability so we can advise and support you more effectively from the earliest point during your time at the College. Students’ Union As a student of both the College you are entitled to be a member of the Students’ Union. The students’ union at the College has a volunteer Executive Committee made up of current students who are elected by the student body. Their purpose is to support students at the College, often through social events, representation and campaigns. Student Representatives Student Reps are students who gather opinion from their fellow students, and represent their views at various university meetings. They also feedback the outcome of these meetings to students in order to help improve the quality of their experience at South Birmingham College. They are a link between the Students’ Union and students on their course, keeping students up to date with what
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the Students’ Union is doing as well as informing the Union of any concerns regarding their course. As a Student Rep you are in place to ensure that any student, no matter what course or campus, can have their say on issues affecting their education. Section 9 Additional Information Absence Procedures Attendance is required to ensure you achieve to the best of your ability, and by the fee and funding authorities. Medical certification is required for more than seven days absence or for absence from assessment. The Course Director should be informed of any absence. It is a matter of courtesy that you inform the college if you need to be absent for any reason. You may telephone the Divisional Secretary who will inform the Course Director and also pass a message to any tutors who would be expecting you in class; alternatively you can email your Course Director. If you are finding difficulty in attendance, please contact your Tutor or the Course Director to discuss ways in which we can support you. Each tutor keeps registers of sessions which are monitored regularly by the Course Director. If there is a pattern of absence which causes concern, you will be contacted by the Course Director in order to discuss the situation. The Course Director is required to inform the appropriate funding authority of student absence. Course Fees For more information on course fees please refer to the College’s website www.sbc.ac.uk or contact your Course Director. Student Complaints Procedure If you are unhappy about any aspect of your educational experience, the College has procedures for you to use to raise issues when necessary. It is the policy of the College to resolve as quickly and fairly as possible any grievance a student may have, as an individual, about treatment by any staff or student member of the College If you are unhappy about any aspects of your experience at South Birmingham College, as a first step, you should raise the issues with your personal tutor. In many cases, your tutor will be the best person to help you. You should make an appointment to see your tutor to discuss the matters about which you are unhappy. If your tutor is unable to resolve matters to your satisfaction, it may be appropriate for you to use the College’s formal complaints procedure. The College complaints form can be obtained from Reception, the form details what you need to do to make your complaint. Please note that the Student Complaints Procedure only applies to complaints:
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from students about their educational experience;
about a service provided by the College;
concerning discrimination by the College or University on the grounds of gender, race, faith, age, disability or sexual orientation;
about the behaviour of a member of staff towards a student. Such complaints may be referred to the Staff Disciplinary Procedure at the discretion of the College;
about the behaviour of a student or students. Such complaints may be referred to the Student Disciplinary Policy at the discretion of the College
from a student who believes that she or he has suffered an injustice as a result of action taken or not taken on behalf of the College; from students who are dissatisfied in their dealings with the Students’ Union or who consider themselves to be unfairly disadvantaged as a result of choosing not to be a member of the Union.
The above list is not intended to be exhaustive and, where appropriate, complaints about other matters will be considered under the Student Complaints Procedure. Anonymous complaints will not be considered by the College and all parties involved in a complaint are expected to act courteously, fairly and reasonably towards each other. Where the College receives a complaint or appeal that it believes to be malicious and unfounded, this will be dealt with under the provisions of its Student Disciplinary Policy, a copy may be obtained from Student Services. Student Conduct Students and staff are expected to treat each other with respect and to behave in a manner that creates a harmonious and safe environment in which everyone can work, study and live. This means acting courteously, complying with any rules and codes of conduct for behaviour which are laid down and not behaving in any way that adversely affects the reputation of the College. These requirements extend to times when you are not on the College’s premises such as when you are working in another institution on placement as part of your course or when representing the College at an off campus sporting event. There are regulations which you must follow when you are using the Libraries and IT facilities. You will receive a copy of the College’s regulations during your Library induction and when joining the
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library you are agreeing to abide by the regulations. Copies of the regulations are also available on the Library moodle page. Behaviour that will cause the formal disciplinary procedure to be invoked includes, but is not limited to:
violent, threatening, indecent, offensive or reckless behaviour; undesignated possession of an offensive weapon on College premises;
fraud or deception;
damaging College property;
theft or misuse of College property;
action likely to cause injury or impair safety on College premises;
cheating in an assessment;
conduct which constitutes a criminal offence where that conduct takes place on College premises.
If you are found guilty of inappropriate behaviour, penalties include written warnings, recovery of the cost of repairing any damage caused, suspension and the permanent expulsion from the College. What do you need to know about health, safety and security? Your Safety and Security At the College you are required to wear your student ID card at all times; your card must be visible, and not worn under clothing. The wearing of ID cards is to ensure we can all work and study in a safe environment. You may be denied entry to College premises if you are not wearing your ID card. The College’s Health and Safety Policy and Procedures are obtainable from the Assistant Director Estates. Emergency Evacuation of Buildings It is important that you know what to do in case of an emergency. This is why you will see fire instruction notices across the College and next to every fire extinguisher. Take some time to read through these instructions, and make sure you know how to get out of the building and where you need to meet outside, together as a group, during an emergency. Your tutor will also give you fire safety information during your induction period.
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In case of an emergency you will hear a continuous fire alarm and you must:
leave the building immediately and calmly -‐ do not stop to collect your belongings; use the stairs. Lifts must not be used. Special evacuation chairs are available for disabled students; stay at the assembly point outside (even if the alarm stops) until you are told by a Fire Officer that it is safe to re-‐enter the building.
Accident and Incident Reporting Injuries If you are injured you should go to a nominated first aider at the College or to one of the campus nurses in the medical rooms if you are on University premises. Accidents An accident report form must be completed to record details of any accident, however trivial it may appear and whether or not anyone is injured. If you have an accident, or are involved in an incident, it is your responsibility to ensure that a form is completed. In the case of a severe injury, the form should be completed by your Course Director. Forms are available at Reception. Security of Personal Property You are responsible for the safety/security of your personal property. All personal property (including motor vehicles) is brought onto College campuses entirely at owner’s risk. The College does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to property howsoever caused. Any thefts of, or damage to, personal property should be reported immediately to Security at reception No Smoking Policy The College has an approved No Smoking Policy which dictates that all buildings are smoke free areas. The policy implements Government legislation which requires that all work premises that are enclosed or substantially enclosed are smoke free areas. Students who are suspected of persistently breaching the no smoking policy will be dealt with under the Student Disciplinary Procedure. Smoking areas are provided on College campuses.
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How to interrupt your studies
Interrupting your studies/withdrawing from the course An interruption of studies is an approved leave of absence from all study for a defined period and may be taken for a number of reasons e.g. health, financial, academic or personal reasons. You should talk to your Personal Tutor or Course Director first. If you decide to interrupt your studies you must complete a student interruption of studies form, and provide evidence to support your reasons for wanting to interrupt. Once you’ve completed this form and handed it in to your Course Director, it will be considered by a committee, and they will let you know whether they’ve approved your request or not. If you decide that you can no longer continue with your course, and would like to withdraw, again talk it through with your Personal Tutor or Course Director first. If withdrawing turns out to be your best option, you must complete a withdrawal form and hand it into your Course Director straight away. If you are receiving financial support from Student Finance England, it is really important that you hand in the withdrawal form to us and let them know as soon as you’ve decided to withdraw as you may be liable for course fees if we have not been officially informed. Key College Contacts General College Contacts
Telephone
Email (if available)
Careers Service
0121 694 5086
International Advice
0121 694 6367
Library (Digbeth)
0121 694 5065
Student Finance (Katrina Downes)
0121 694 6307
Katrina.Downes@sbc.ac.uk
Student Services
0121 694 6210
HE Manager (Dale Woolley)
0121 702 1075
Dale.Woolley@sbc.ac.uk
Telephone
Email (if available)
Bob Glover – AD Business
0121 702 1070
Robert.Glover@sbc.ac.uk
Vernon Moustache – AD Business
0121 702 1070
Vernon.Moustahe@sbc.ac.uk
Jazz Chateau -‐ Lecturer
0121 694 6368
Jazz.Chateau@sbc.ac.uk
Isabella Introini -‐ Lecturer
0121 694 6368
Isabella.Introini@sbc.ac.uk
Kath Jones -‐ Lecturer
0121 694 6368
Katharine.Jones@sbc.ac.uk
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Curriculum Staff Contacts
Coralean Maxwell -‐ Lecturer
0121 694 6368
Coralean.Maxwell@sbc.ac.uk
Scott Pargetter -‐ Lecturer
0121 694 6368
Scott.Pargetter@sbc.ac.uk
Dale Woolley – HE Manager
0121 702 1075
Dale.Woolley@sbc.ac.uk
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