Your University Guide 2013
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Contents
4 Welcome Before you arrive 5 Term Dates 6 Important Contact Details 7 Things to check 8 Travelling to Swansea Arriving at Swansea 9 Accommodation 10 Starting Arrangements 11 Course Locations 12 Enrolment 13 FRESHtival 2013 Living in Swansea 14 Services for Students 16 Student Finance 18 International Students The Essentials 19 Key Information 20 University Policies 23 Useful Links
Mae fersiwn Cymraeg o’r Canllaw hwn ar gael ar gais
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Welcome
We are delighted that you are coming to Swansea and we are pleased to welcome you to an institution with a very strong commitment to higher quality teaching-led higher education. Our University celebrates diversity - in programmes of study, types of students, modes of study, location and types of campuses. We have a varied background amongst our students and this enriches the academic and cultural life of the University as well as the learning process itself. Similarly, our campuses vary and depending on your choice of subject, you will be located on one particular campus and yet have access to facilities across all of our centres. Naturally, you will have many questions about being a student here. This guide has been produced to give you key information that will be helpful during your first weeks. Hopefully this will help you to feel more prepared and confident before your course starts; more detailed information is available on our websites: http://youruni.smu.ac.uk/ and http://www.smu.ac.uk/
We look forward to meeting you!
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Before you arrive...
Term Dates Term 1 2013 New Students Monday 9th September 2013 – Friday 20th December 2013 (PGCE Primary & Secondary only) Monday 9th September 2013 – Friday 13th December 2013 (Foundation Art & Design only) Monday 23rd September 2013 – Friday 13th December 2013 (All other new students) Continuing and Part-time Students Monday 30th September 2013 - Friday 13th December 2013 Christmas Vacation Monday 16th December 2013 – Friday 3rd January 2014
Term 2 Monday 6th January 2014 – Friday 28th March 2014 Easter Vacation Monday 31st March 2014 – Monday 21st April 2014
Term 3 Tuesday 22nd April 2014 – Friday 11th July 2014 Tuesday 22nd April 2014 – Friday 30th May 2014 (Foundation Art & Design only) Public Holidays The University will be closed on the following Bank Holidays: Good Friday – 18th April 2014 Easter Monday – 21st April 2014 May Bank Holiday – 5th May 2014 Spring Bank Holiday – 26th May 2014 Summer Bank Holiday – 25th August 2014
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Important Contact Details
University Main Switchboard
01792 481000 Student Services Office 01792 481206 student.services@smu.ac.uk Accommodation Office 01792 482086 accommodation@smu.ac.uk Students’ Union 01792 655400 su@smu.ac.uk Study Skills Dyslexia Support dyslexia@smu.ac.uk Careers Service Go Wales (Jobshop) 01792 481213 careers@smu.ac.uk Academic Registry (including Admissions) 01792 481010 enquiry@smu.ac.uk International Office (Registry) 01792 481090 international@smu.ac.uk Finance Office 01792 481182 / 481050 finance.office@smu.ac.uk Health and Safety Officer 01792 481014 healthandsafety@smu.ac.uk
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Catering Officer tel: 01792 482053 e mail: ffion.jones@smu.ac.uk Griffith Library at Dynevor 01792 481030 Owen Library Mount Pleasant Campus 01792 481141 Townhill Campus Library 01792 482113 Swansea Business School Library 01792 481023 Faculty of Applied Design and Engineering 01792 481117 fade@smu.ac.uk Faculty of Education 01792 482066 education@smu.ac.uk Faculty of Performance 01792 482052 janette.richards@smu.ac.uk Faculty of Social Sciences 01792 482080 paul.hutchings@sm.uwtsd.ac.uk Faculty of Business and Management 01792 481025 sbs@smu.ac.uk Faculty of Art and Design 01792 481285 artanddesign@smu.ac.uk
Things to check
Firstly, you should have received an unconditional offer of a place on a course and confirmed your acceptance via your UCAS Track account. If you are an international student, you should have returned your acceptance of your offer to the International Office at Academic Registry. For maps showing the location of Swansea, the University and all five of the University’s campuses, please visit our website: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/ the-university/campus-map
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Travelling to Swansea
You may travel to Swansea from any part of the UK by coach, train, or car. If you are travelling by plane, detailed information regarding travelling to Swansea can be found on the ‘International Students’ section of our website: http://youruni.smu.ac.uk/
By Coach National Express operates a direct service to Swansea's Quadrant Bus Station from all over the UK. For more information, please visit the National Express website: http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx
By Rail Great Western Trains run direct services from London Paddington to Swansea's High Street Station. The journey is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. There are frequent linking services to all major cities, for full information including train times and ticket prices, please visit http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
By Car The University has excellent road links to the rest of the UK. You can find useful information such as maps and full directions on our website: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/ the-university/travel-maps
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Arriving at Swansea
Accommodation Halls of Residence
Private Rented Accommodation
During the weekend of Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September we will have staff and students on duty to meet you and help with your arrival at the Halls of Residence. All students in Halls of Residence will receive separate arrival instructions from the Accommodation Office, giving specific details about their arrival arrangements. When you arrive, you will be able to collect important information about the University and be given the opportunity to meet new and current students.
If you are not staying in the Halls of Residence, the Accommodation Office may be able to help you to find suitable accommodation outside the University. There is no shortage of good quality housing for students in the Swansea area, but you will need to have available funds for deposits and rent. If you have opted to go into private rented accommodation, then you should make your arrival arrangements with the landlord/lady.
Saturday 21st September 2013 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm (Mount Pleasant Arrivals)
More information, including listings of available accommodation can be found at: http://accommodation.smu.ac.uk Car Parking
Saturday 21st September 2013 between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm (Townhill – Dyfed Arrivals) Sunday 22nd September 2013 between 10.00am and 4.00 pm (Townhill – Gwyr and Cenydd Arrivals) Halls Induction talks will be taking place at 5.00pm in the Main Lecture Theatre at Townhill campus on both days. If you are unable to arrive during the above opening times, via email on accommodation@smu.ac.uk. What to bring If you do take up a place in Halls, you will need to bring with you a quilt, pillows, pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, toaster, iron, tea towel, and coat hangers to make your stay comfortable. You can also bring more personal belongings such as a TV (TV licence required), stereo, computer, hairdryer, or table lamp, along with an extension lead which must be in good condition and subject to PAT testing. There are laundry facilities available on both campuses.
There is limited parking around the University itself, especially the Mount Pleasant Campus. There is no on-site parking at Mount Pleasant, with the exception of a few parking spaces for disabled students. There are a limited number of spaces for students parking in the nearby Pen-y-Bryn car park, which is on a first-come-first-served basis. The Townhill Campus has more student car parking spaces, also available on a first-come-first-served basis. If you have to park in the local streets please give due regard to the local residents’ parking needs. If you park in ‘residents only’ spaces, you are likely to receive a Parking Ticket. Swansea City Council will only issue residents parking permits to applicants who can show that they are a full time resident of the street. The University’s Students' Union has an agreement with National Car Parks (NCP) which allows students to park all day at the Orchard Street site for just £5. You should visit the Students' Union to pick up your discount card
If you are an international student or you do not want to bring your own bedding, we can provide bedding packs at £30 per year, or you can purchase these items locally.
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Starting Arrangements Full-time Students Foundation Art & Design Date: Monday 9th September 2013 Where: Foundation Studios, 5th floor, Swansea Business School Time:
9.30am
PGCE Primary Date: Monday 9th September 2013 Where: Main Lecture Theatre, Townhill Campus Time:
9.30am
PGCE Secondary Date: Monday 9th September 2013 Where: Curriculum Subject Room, Townhill Campus Time:
9.30am
Health & Social Care Date: Monday 23rd September 2013 Where: Main Reception at Swansea Business School Time:
10.00am
Public Services Date: Monday 23rd September 2013 Where: Main Reception at Swansea Business School Time:
10.30am
All other new students Date: Monday 23rd September 2013 Where: Main reception of your campus (please see page 8 for course locations) Time:
9.30am
Part-time & Continuing Students Part-time and continuing programmes will start the week commencing 30th September, unless otherwise advised by the Faculty. Programme Directors will contact you regarding the day, time and location of your programmes.
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Course Locations Mount Pleasant: School of Industrial Design School of Automotive Engineering School of Applied Computing School of Digital Media (except Music Technology) School of Logistics and Manufacturing Engineering School of Built and Natural Environment School of Glass Swansea Business School: Foundation Art and Design Faculty of Business and Management School of Public Service Leadership Dynevor Centre for Art, Design and Media Studies: Faculty of Art and Design (except Foundation Art and Design) Townhill Campus: School of Social Sciences and Performing Arts School of Education Alexandra Road Campus: Music Technology (BBC Building)
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Enrolment
You must officially enrol online before, or upon commencement of your studies. Please use the following link to enrol: http://enrolment.smu.ac.uk Full instructions on how to enrol, including information on how to upload your student photograph can be found in the 'Online Enrolment User Guide' on the website. Failure to enrol online will delay receipt of your student loan if applicable and could affect your final results and eventual graduation from your programme. You will receive a separate letter from the University in late August explaining what you need to do to enrol. If you do not receive this letter, please contact Academic Registry via email: enquiry@smu.ac.uk
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Recommended documents you may need for your first few days at University: ■ Your student notification letter from the LEA/SLC – called ‘University or College Payment Advice’. You will need to take this to the Finance Office on the Mount Pleasant campus ■ If your fees are being paid for by an employer or sponsor you will need a letter from your employer or sponsor accepting liability for your fees – you will need to take this to the Finance Office ■ Identification – you will need identification to collect your library card
FRESHtival 2013
The Student’s Union
Get ready for over 336 hours of non-stop fun and frolics, with the biggest student welcome fortnight the University has ever seen! FRESHtival is Swansea Metropolitan’s two week induction organised by the Students’ Union, and it is open to all students at the University. FRESHtival 2013 will run from Sunday 22nd September to Sunday 6th October 2013 and it is a great opportunity for you to settle in to University life before term begins. It is also a valuable time for finding out your course details and meeting others on your course, settling in to your accommodation, making new friends and exploring all of your new surroundings. Importantly, FRESHtival is a chance for you to really enjoy yourself with a great introduction to student life in Swansea whether you are based on or off campus. Our amazing FRESHtival FRESH Reps, made up of student volunteers, will be there to help you settle in and answer any questions you might have during FRESHtival along with your Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers and Staff. For more information regarding our Students’ Union, please see page 12. You can also find information on the Students' Union's wesbite: http://www.metsu.org
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Living in Swansea Services for Students As a valued student you will be able to make use of a comprehensive range of support services that are designed to help make your stay with us as beneficial as possible. An introduction to these services can be found below: Academic Registry
Student Services
The Academic Registry is situated at the Mount Pleasant campus, and deals with your academic needs from the application stage of your course through to your graduation.
The Student Services Department provides a framework of advice, support and information relevant to you as a student. The work of Student Services recognises that life as a student is varied. Whilst it can be exciting and enjoyable it can, at times, also be stressful, challenging and expensive. It is important to remember that the first few weeks at the University can be particularly daunting as it involves making a major life change. Specialist professional staff within Student Services are available to assist by offering support and guidance for study difficulties, career matters, and for issues of special needs and disability. Two counsellors are available to provide confidential counselling support for any student experiencing personal problems that are affecting the students’ general welfare or interfering with their ability to study. To make an appointment with any of these members of staff, please contact the Student Services secretary, who is available on the Mount Pleasant campus from:
The office is open from 8.30 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30 am - 4.30 pm on Fridays. Finance Office The Finance department is also situated on the Mount Pleasant campus, where staff can offer advice on the financial aspects of your study period at the University, including Student Loans and supplementary grants. The office is open from: 8.30 am – 4.45 pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30 am – 4.15 pm on Fridays. Accommodation Office If you have not already arranged suitable accommodation, finding somewhere to live will be one of your main concerns. We have our own Accommodation Office which can offer you help and support with finding accommodation. We can provide accommodation in a students’ Halls of Residence (self-catering), but space is limited, so applications for such accommodation should have been made as soon as you received an unconditional offer of a place on your course.
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8.45 am - 4.00 pm Monday to Friday. 01792 481206 disability@smu.ac.uk or dyslexia@smu.ac.uk
Library and Learning Resources
Catering
The Library and Learning Resources service aims to support all students by providing information and library services of a high quality, within the University’s resources framework. At each campus (Dynevor, Mount Pleasant, Townhill and Swansea Business School), we have a comprehensive library, well-stocked with materials relating to the courses taught on each site. All four offer a wide range of books and journals, as well as other resources and facilities. Please visit the library website for more information: http://apollo.smu.ac.uk/library/
The University has refectories on all campuses which offer a wide selection of hot and cold food throughout the day. For more information, please contact our Catering Officer, Ffion Jones. Contact details for all departments can be found on page 6
Students’ Union As a student at the University, you are automatically a member of the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union (SU) is there to ensure that all students have the best experience possible. The SU is there to provide academic support and representation, welfare support as well as events, societies and sporting opportunities. It aims to empower students through the University’s democratic procedures, and to equip you with vital skills and experiences through the activities it provides. For more information, please visit the SU website: http://www.metsu.org/
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Student Finance
Managing Finances Managing your finances is one of the most important and challenging aspects of a successful and enjoyable academic experience. Before you begin your studies, you should ensure that your financial matters are in order. You should have adequate funding to support yourself and any dependants for the duration of your course. Be realistic about the costs involved. Once you have started your course, financial assistance may be extremely limited. Information regarding funding can be found on our website. Please see below for the link Tuition Fees Tuition fees are payable at enrolment. You are welcome to pay your fees by cash (sterling), credit card, debit card or cheque. Students responsible for paying their tuition fees can pay in instalments. For more information regarding instalment plans, please visit our website: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potentialstudents/fees-and-bursaries-2013
Extra Financial Help Available Financial Contingency Fund There is a limited amount of additional assistance available to UK students through the University’s Financial Contingency Fund. This Fund, provided by the Welsh Assembly Government, enables the University to assist students that encounter unexpected expenditure once they have started their course. To be eligible for support, students must have applied for their full entitlement of Student Loan and received the first instalment. This fund is not available to fund the shortfall between income (Student Loan, grants, parental support and income from part time work) and normal expected expenditure. The University’s Access Committee will decide if students are eligible for assistance and, if so, the value of any award. Part-time students are also eligible for support from the Financial Contingency Fund providing they are studying at least 50% of a full time course. Part-time Students with a disability are eligible for support providing they are studying at least 25% of a full time course. Application forms for the Financial Contingency Fund can be collected from the Finance Office.
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Other Means Tested Grants
Council Tax
Depending on your circumstances, Welsh students may be eligible to receive a Means Tested Grant of up to ÂŁ5,000. There are other grants available, your Local Authority will be able to inform you what grants you are eligible for.
If your landlord/lady requires proof that you are a student, a Student Council Tax Exemption Certificate can be issued once you have fully enrolled. This Certificate can be obtained from the Academic Registry at Mount Pleasant by completing a form, or by sending an email containing all of your details to enquiry@smu.ac.uk, the Certificate must be collected, in person. Please note that in order for a landlord/lady to claim rebate for student tenancy, they will have to rely on you supplying a Council Tax Exemption Certificate, if you do not, your Landlord/lady may pass the Council Tax charges onto you. We will be providing the City and County of Swansea with a list of all students who will be resident in their area. For these students a Council Tax Exemption Certificate will not, normally, be required.
Student Debt You should note that any student in debt to the University might be excluded from any or all University services, and may be refused permission to progress within the University until the debt is paid. It is our normal practice to withhold progress to the next year, and not award certificates until the debt is paid. Students completing their course will not be able to graduate. The University will normally take appropriate action to recover any outstanding debt or recover/replace any University property.
Further Information
Bursaries
Please visit our website for more information: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potentialstudents/fees-and-bursaries-2013
A non-means tested bursary of ÂŁ500 per year is available to new full time undergraduate students whose home address is at least 45 miles or more away from Swansea, as defined by the RAC Route Planner. This bursary is paid annually and does not need to be repaid. 17
International Students
The University has recruited international students for many years and we recognise the important academic and social contribution that you make to our University and the wider community. We have dedicated services to make your stay as enjoyable and as comfortable as possible. International Office If you are an international student, we have an International Office based at Academic Registry that exists to provide support to all non EU international applicants and students. The members of staff are available to advise you on any issues relating to your academic needs as an international student, and also to provide a comprehensive visa advisory service to students. Visa Advisory Service The International Office at Academic Registry provides a visa advisory service for students. We are trained to provide advice to students regarding Tier 4 (General) Student visas. If you have any questions regarding your visa, please contact the office. Contact details for the office can be found on page 6 International Student Welcome Events All international students are invited to our International Student Welcome Events. These events usually take place at the end of September and throughout October. The Welcome Events include many activities, such as lunch, social events, workshops and information days. The specific dates, times and details of the Welcome Events will be published on our website. http://youruni.smu.ac.uk Further Information For full information about preparing for your departure, visas and immigration, and arriving and living in the UK, as well as details about all of the services the International Office provides, please visit the ‘International Students’ section of our website: http://youruni.smu.ac.uk/
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The Essentials
Key Information As a new student to the University, you will receive further information over the next few weeks. Below is a checklist of the key information which you need to know. If you feel there is any information or advice that you would like but have not yet received, suggestions for where you may obtain this can be found in the right hand column. Becoming a Student
Pre-arrival, arrival, enrolment, student loan, Students’ Union etc.
• This Student Welcome Guide
Need to know information Programme of Study
Timetable, curriculum, flexibility/choice of modules, learning and assessment methods, course structure. Programme Leader, personal tutor, supervisor, study skills/support provision, work experience opportunities
• Programme Handbook, • Programme Orientation Event, • Programme Leader, • School Office
Learning Resources Supporting your studies
Libraries/Learning Resources, Information Technology facilities
• Tours and meetings will be available during orientation and induction. • Library and Learning Resources Guide
Social and Welfare Supporting you
Accommodation, Student Services, Guidance and Careers, International Students Childcare, Equal Opportunities and Disability advice, Financial information and advice, Medical, Personal Counselling, Social Life, Welfare
• Accommodation Office • Accommodation Guide • Student Services Office
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University Policies
Sustainability
Attendance Policy
The University is committed to improving its sustainability. It was rated the best of all UK Universities for use of energy in 2009, was graded first class status in the UK Green League in June 2010, and has won many environmental awards.
Students are required to attend the classes provided for their course. These classes have been designed both to cover the content of the programme of study and to provide a learning support structure for the other work (for example reading, essays, exercises, projects) which the course entails. The nature of ‘classes’ will vary from course to course and will therefore be prescribed by the appropriate Dean of Faculty on the advice of the Programme Director.
We have Green dragon Level 4 Environmental Management System and actively work to reduce our carbon footprint, promoting energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, sustainable travel and are working hard to reduce and recycle our waste as much as possible (currently at 66% recycled). We are a Fairtrade University. We hold a staff and student Sustainability Forum once a term, and an environment week every year in March. While you are at the University, we hope to encourage you to become greener, and to support the University’s goals for sustainability. For more information see the University’s sustainability web pages: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/university Race Equality The University is committed to tackling racial discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity and good race relations as required by the Equality Act. All staff and students have a responsibility and duty under the Act to assist the University in seeking to ensure that it remains free of any form of racial discrimination. Staff or students who do not adhere to the Equality Policy will not only be failing in his/her personal responsibility to help create and foster a society which is free of racial discrimination, but will also be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the University’s equal opportunities policies. The University does not tolerate racial discrimination of any kind. Promoting Equality within the University, through treating staff and students with respect is one of our principal values. As individuals, we need to learn about ‘differences’ as well as the common ground we share. An open mind to people’s differences can reduce bias and prejudice and can help us understand the needs of others. For more information, please visit: http://www.trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk/en/ humanresources/
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It is accepted that students will unavoidably miss the occasional prescribed class. When this occurs, the reason should be provided either in advance, or no later than one week after the absence, to the appropriate designated person. Students who miss more than 3 consecutive prescribed weekly classes or one week of study without good reason, as determined by the Dean of Faculty or nominated colleague, may be subject to action that may result in a student being withdrawn, suspended or in extreme circumstances excluded from the University. Procedures for Student Complaints and Appeals We hope that you will never need to refer to these procedures, but just in case, you can find the relevant information and forms here regarding Student Complaints, Academic Appeals and Unfair Practice: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/currentstudents/registry/regulations
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Useful Links
The University has two websites: http://youruni.smu.ac.uk has been created specifically for new students and applicants and contains further useful information. If you are unable to find the information you require, please visit http://www.smu.ac.uk/ About Swansea Metropolitan: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/about-us Campus Maps: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/campus-maps Location & Travel Maps: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/travel-maps Accommodation Information: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/accommodation/for-students Private Accommodation Information: http://accommodation.smu.ac.uk/ Fees & Bursaries Information: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/fees-and-bursaries-2013 Services for Students Information: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/services-for-students Brunswick Health Centre: http://www.brunswickandhafodhealth.co.uk/index.aspx Library Website: http://apollo.smu.ac.uk/library/ International Students Website: http://youruni.smu.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=8 Students’ Union: http://www.metsu.org/ Careers & Employability Information: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/careers Sustainability at the University: http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/sustainability The University’s Academic Quality Handbook: http://qualityhandbook.smu.ac.uk/
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