Student Handbook 2019/20 by University of Wolverhampton

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2019/20

CONTENTS

WELCOME FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

WHO WE ARE

GETTING STARTED

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND

YOUR ONLINE FACILITIES

ABOUT YOUR COURSE

LEARNING AND TEACHING: HOW IT ALL WORKS

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK

WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP

STUDENT SUPPORT & WELLBEING

MONEY MATTERS

28 ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK

CAREERS, ENTERPRISE AND THE WORKPLACE

THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

CAMPUS LIFE

YOUR HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY

Your Student Handbook will be valuable throughout your course. Some of the information contained within will be more relevant as your studies progress, but reading it now will help you understand how the University works. The Handbook should be read in conjunction with your course guide and the academic regulations. Sometimes the information will need to be updated, so you may want to consult the online version periodically, as well as systems such as e:Vision, making note of any changes and considering how they may affect your course.

WELCOME FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR I am delighted to welcome you to the University of Wolverhampton. As the ‘University of Opportunity’, we strive to give all of our students the best possible student experience. By 2020, the fruits of the largest ever investment in our history – our five-year, £250 million Our Vision, Your Opportunity investment generation programme – will be evident. Over the past five years, we’ve been enhancing our campuses, facilities, courses and more – all for the benefit of people like you, who are looking to explore their talent and realise their career ambitions in a state-of-the-art learning environment. It is a testimony to our students and staff that 96% of our graduates are in employment within six to eight months of graduating.* Employability is at the heart of all our courses, and we’re striving to give our students the best chances in life – just one example is the returning Career Development Week, offering students the opportunity to build skills that employers are looking for. You can rest assured that you’re in safe hands. The University was awarded a Silver award as part of the Teaching Excellence Framework assessment in 2018. This award recognises that the University delivers provision that is of high quality and consistently exceeds the rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education with most students achieving excellent outcomes. We’ve also been commended by the Quality Assurance Agency for our enhancement of student learning opportunities and our research profile continues to grow, with more of our output deemed ‘world-leading’ than ever before in the most recent Research Excellence Framework exercise. I hope your studies with us at the University are inspiring, challenging and lead you on to the great things you aspire to Let’s work together to make your time here something special.

Professor Geoff Layer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton

*Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2016/17.

WHO WE ARE From our beginnings in 1827, we have grown to be a community of over 22,000 students and over 2,500 staff. The size and complexity isn’t unusual for a University, but it will be different from your previous experiences in school or college and this may take some getting used to.

The University is well placed to support you throughout and beyond your course. Although you will have your own unique background and motivations, you share a common goal with other students – to invest in yourself.

OUR CORE VALUES At the University of Wolverhampton we will be:

The University is organised into three Faculties, within which are housed the various Schools and Institutes which deliver subject-specific courses. Although you will routinely and regularly interact with the staff and students on your own course, there are also opportunities to meet and work with others who are studying similar subjects. This is all part of the inter-professional experience of being in a University.

• ethical

This is YOUR University. You have the opportunity to shape your University experience.

These values guide the decisions we make and how we engage with our communities locally and globally.

• respectful • transparent • inclusive and fair • challenging • confident • collaborative • professional.

GETTING STARTED Before you arrive, make sure you have your seven digit Student Number to hand as you will need it to register for various student services.

YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BECOMING A STUDENT STEP 1: UPLOAD YOUR PHOTO FOR YOUR STUDENT ID CARD All students need a Student ID Card to gain access to University services and buildings, including the libraries, computer laboratories and examination rooms. Follow the instructions to upload your card photo at: wlv.ac.uk/photoid Please note: You must carry your University ID card with you at all times. Our security staff are authorised to ask to see student cards at any time, so please be ready to show yours when asked. STEP 2: ENROL ON YOUR COURSE AND REGISTER YOUR MODULES To enrol, log on to e:Vision and follow all instructions carefully. Visit: wlv.ac.uk/evision STEP 3: CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE AND IDENTITY AND RECEIVE YOUR UNIVERSITY ID CARD ELECTORAL REGISTRATION If you agree, and are an EU or Home student who may be eligible to vote in the Local Elections, you will be given the opportunity to provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, National Insurance (NI) number, term-time postal address, and your indicated preference to be included on the Edited Electoral Register for onward transmission to the appropriate local council where a data sharing agreement is in place.

Once you have completed your enrolment online we need to check your identity and confirm attendance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; check e:Vision for your enrolment deadline and visit: wlv.ac.uk/welcome for details of your enrolment point. Once you have completed your ID check, you will be fully enrolled and your University ID card will be posted to your term-time address. It is only after we have confirmed your attendance that you are fully enrolled and, if you are being funded through Student Finance, we will confirm your registration.

STEP 4: Download the myWLV app (see page 10 for details).

THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR Our academic calendar is organised into semesters, each consisting of 12 weeks of teaching activities. Although each course differs slightly in the way it is organised, the majority of our courses use the timings of these semesters to schedule the delivery of your modules. The calendar includes a combination of teaching weeks, revision weeks, and assessment weeks. Unlike schools and colleges we don’t have half terms, but on occasion teaching is paused for a week so that students can engage with wider aspects of University life, eg. Welcome Week and Career Development Week. View the academic calendar at: wlv.ac.uk/calendar

YOUR TIMETABLE You will be able to access your personalised timetable, tailored to you, at the start of each academic year. Your timetable will use the modules you’ve registered for to show you where you need to be and when. The University’s standard teaching week is Monday to Thursday from 9am to 9pm, and on Friday from 9am to 6pm. Your course may have timetabled sessions that take place in the evening. You can access your timetable through myWLV using the app or by visiting my.wlv.ac.uk. You can look up any module timetable by visiting: wlv.ac.uk/timetable

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND Key

The University is spread over four main campuses, in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford and Burton. If you have visited us at an Open Day, you will have a good idea about the look and feel of our campuses. If you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a chance to do so then please feel free to have a good look around when you arrive.

1 Building Catering

You will find our interactive online maps at: wlv.ac.uk/maps

Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union

Shuttle bus stop

Disabled parking

Car park

Street Stafford

City Campus Stafford

Stafford

Street

13 11

reet Camp St

6 3

Mo line ux Str ee

H ay w

Moli neux Stre et

ar d

W ay

Telford Campus

Walsall Campus

Halls of residence

Pri

ors

Ga te

P 2

2 Leading to Delves Road

Campus boule

P 1

9 CAR PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT Please be aware that there is limited parking on campus at our Walsall Campus and almost no parking at our City Campus. We recommend you use public transport wherever possible.

UNDERSTANDING ROOM NUMBERS AT THE UNIVERSITY The first letter indicates the campus (M=City, S=Telford, W=Walsall). The second letter indicates the building reference. The room numbers follow, with the first indicating the floor level that the room is located on (eg. 001 would be on the ground floor; 101 on the first floor, etc.).

INTER-CAMPUS BUS SERVICE If you need to travel between campuses, you’re in luck. During term-time, the University operates a free inter-campus shuttle bus serving the three campuses at Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford (Monday to Friday).

GET TO KNOW WHICH BUILDINGS YOU WILL BE IN

Find out more at: wlv.ac.uk/bus

City Campus

Kin

tree dS

l hfie Lic

Wulfru

na Str

eet

et tre

Art Gallery

Queen Square Church

Key

Prefix

Building

Chaplaincy

The Housman Building

Mary Seacole Building

Lord Swraj Paul Building

Arthur Storer Building

ML Building

Apprenticeship Hub

Locard House

George Wallis Building

Millennium City Building

Rosalind Franklin Building

Ambika Paul Building

Alan Turing Building

Wulfruna Building

The George

King Street Teaching Building

Telford Campus

Go rw ay

Priorslee Hall

The Business and Technology Centre

Angad Paul Building

Darby Building

Walsall Campus 6 8

evard

St Cath

lose

Pe des

tria nise d

Walsall Sports Centre

William Penny Brookes Building

Students’ Union

Jerome K Jerome Building

The Performance Hub

Samuel Johnson Building

Multi-Faith Prayer Room

Sister Dora Building

YOUR ONLINE FACILITIES Wherever you mostly spend your time at University, you’ll find our digital support systems and programmes keep you connected to all the vital processes that make your life as a student go smoothly.

E:VISION

YOUR WLV ACCOUNT AND EMAIL

CANVAS

You will have already used the e:Vision portal to track your application and enrol but you will also use this regularly for essential tasks during your student journey. This is where you will be able to:

When you enrol, you will be given your own WLV IT account and an @wlv.ac.uk email address, giving you access to the virtual learning environment and other internal University systems.

Canvas is where you can access your online learning materials, including reading lists, engage in module activities and collaborate with students and your lecturers.

On the IT Services webpages, you can access a wealth of tools and services such as free Microsoft Office for the duration of your studies, a large variety of self-help guides and IT security support to help you stay safe online. For more information, visit: wlv.ac.uk/its

You will find information and activities related to your modules and programme of study, including co-curricular courses which support your learning.

• register your modules • amend your personal details • check your module grades • apply for extensions or extenuating circumstances • apply for formal letters confirming you’re a student or a council tax or bank letter • log a Helpdesk call.

Tutors will contact you using your WLV account so it’s important that you login to your email regularly (easily accessible through myWLV). To make things even easier, you can choose to forward your WLV email account to your personal one so you have less places to sign in.

MYWLV myWLV is available for taught undergraduate and postgraduate on-campus students and research students. It delivers information including: timetable, assessment deadlines, email, CANVAS subscriptions, links to key resources (eg. room booking, library resources, PC availability, printer credit) and many more all in one handy app. To access myWLV on any device via web browser, visit: my.wlv.ac.uk and on mobile devices, download the myWLV app available from the Apple and Android app stores. Find out more at: wlv.ac.uk/its/mywlv

Visit: wlv.ac.uk/canvas

SAMS (STUDENT APPOINTMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) To make an appointment with a member of staff, go to the SAMS system online at: sams.wlv.ac.uk Just log in with your student number and password, select a lecturer from the search box and book an empty slot. Once the appointment is booked, you will get a notification message and confirmation email. It is important you check your university email prior to the meeting, as changes to the location may be made.

APPS ANYWHERE

CONNECTING TO THE WI-FI

PRINT, SCAN AND COPY ON CAMPUS

Lots of Windows software is available to you no matter what Faculty you belong to on University owned Windows computers across the campuses but there are others that will only be available to a particular Faculty and/or in a particular location, for example a specific campus. Look for the Apps Anywhere icon on your desktop to access your applications. For more information, visit: wlv.ac.uk/ appsanywhere

To connect to Wi-Fi for the first time, follow these simple instructions:

In the University you can print, scan or copy using any of the Multi-Function Devices (MFDs) located on the University campuses. To use an MFD you will need:

• Go to Wi-Fi in the Settings menu of the device and select the “eduroam” network. • If you’re an Android user, in the Identity field enter your Student Number followed by @unv.wlv.ac.uk. Leave the Anonymous Identity blank. • If you’re an iPhone user, in the Username field enter your Student Number followed by @unv.wlv.ac.uk. • Enter your IT account password (the same one you use to access email).

EDUROAM Eduroam (education roaming) is a secure network which allows you to obtain wireless access both at this University and other participating institutions in the UK and worldwide, using your own assigned username and password.

• Once details are complete, tap the “Connect” (Android) or “Join” (iPhone) option. • You may be asked to install a certificate from NAP.unv.wlv.ac.uk – please accept or select “Trust” on iPhone. • Your device will now be connected to the “eduroam” network. For more information on accessing the Wi-Fi, visit: wlv.ac.uk/its or email: ITsupport@wlv.ac.uk

• your University ID card • enough credit in your print account to pay for your printing. To add credit to your print account or to check your print credit balance visit: https://secure.wlv.ac.uk/printcredit. For more information, visit: wlv.ac.uk/print

ABOUT YOUR COURSE The main difference between studying at higher education and studying at school or college is that you will be expected to take more responsibility for your own learning. One of the aims of higher education is to develop your skills as a lifelong learner so that you can face new challenges later in life and know how to deal with these successfully (see the ‘Learning and Teaching’ section).

IT’S UP TO YOU

WHAT YOUR COURSE WILL LOOK LIKE

Taking responsibility for your own learning means that you will have to organise your own time in order to ensure that you can engage with your studies. Engagement will include, for example: attendance at timetabled sessions (eg. lectures, seminars, etc.); completion of work required for a timetabled session (eg. viewing and reading material available on Canvas, the University’s virtual learning environment); additional reading of books and journals to enhance your knowledge of a subject; accessing additional resources, such as study skills workshops; and completion of assessment tasks.

Your course will consist of a set of modules, which are blocks of teaching and learning based around a particular theme or topic relating to the subject that you are studying.

You will be withdrawn from the University if you fail to engage with the academic requirements of your course of study, within 50 days of the course start date, following repeated and reasonable attempts by the University to contact you.

COURSE GUIDE When you enrol on a course you will be able to access the Course Guide. The Course Guide is an important document which contains essential information that you should refer to throughout your period of study. Download it from e:Vision or visit: wlv.ac.uk/courseguides

Each module is given a number of academic credits. The number of credits relates to the amount of study time that you will need to do in order to complete the module. As a general rule, 1 credit = 10 hours of study – so, for a 20 credit module you would expect to study for 200 hours. Most full-time students take 3 modules (60 credits) per semester, and therefore you should expect to study for around 55 hours per week. This time includes: • • • •

all contact time with members of staff preparation for study independent learning preparing and completing assessment activities.

You will collect academic credits every time you pass a module. These credits accumulate towards the total number of credits required for the qualification that you are studying. The University’s Academic Regulations set out requirements and expectations for the University’s undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and research degree programmes. They provide a framework for the University to operate within to deliver programmes and make awards. Details are provided at: wlv.ac.uk/policies

YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES By accepting the offer of a place on your chosen course, you have entered into a formal contract with the University of Wolverhampton for the provision of education and other services. As a student, you have accepted and agreed to abide by the terms and conditions, Bye-Laws, Academic Regulations, Rules and Codes of Conduct of the University of Wolverhampton. Details are provided at: wlv.ac.uk/policies See also:Â wlv.ac.uk/rights

1 CREDIT=

10 HOURS OF STUDY

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES The course you are studying will relate to one or more credit levels. In the UK, there are eight credit levels. Levels 4-8 refer to higher education qualifications:

Level

Postgraduate

A Doctorate

A Master’s Degree

The final year of study of a Bachelor’s Degree

The final year of study of a Foundation Degree The second year of a Bachelor’s Degree

Undergraduate

Foundation

Equivalent to…

The first year of study of a higher education qualification

An entry qualification for higher education

These levels relate to the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). The qualification you will achieve is equivalent to all other awards at that level across the country. Course learning outcomes are written to show what you will have achieved having successfully completed your course. For example, the course learning outcomes for a Bachelor’s Degree will be written at Level 6, demonstrating what you will have achieved by completing a degree, and will have learning outcomes outlining what you have achieved by completing Levels 4 and 5.

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS We ensure that your qualifications are equivalent to those of other universities by using the national framework for qualifications. Your academic staff will help you understand what is required for individual assessed pieces of work through the use of assignment briefs, but you should be aware that the expectations of your work will change throughout your degree. By the end of Level 4, you will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts and principles associated with your subject, and an ability to evaluate, interpret and communicate these concepts. By the end of Level 5, you will have demonstrated an ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including in employment. You will also have knowledge of the different approaches to solving problems, and be able to evaluate these approaches. Importantly, you will have an understanding of the limits of your knowledge and how this influences your analyses and interpretations. At the end of your BA or BSc (Level 6), you will have demonstrated that you have a systematic understanding of key aspects of your subject, some of which will be informed by research in the subject. You can apply the methods and techniques you have learned to initiate and carry out projects. You will also be able to apply your own critical evaluation to arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data in order to make judgements and to frame appropriate questions to identify a solution or solutions. If you are undertaking a Master’s degree (Level 7), your systematic knowledge of the subject material will be at the cutting edge of the subject and you will demonstrate a critical awareness of current research and advanced scholarship. You will also demonstrate a practical understanding of how techniques of research are used to create and interpret knowledge.

LEARNING AND TEACHING: HOW IT ALL WORKS. Modules are blocks of teaching and learning around a particular theme. Although modules focus on specific topics, the knowledge and experiences you gain in one module will be applicable to all other modules you are studying.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MODULES: Core

Compulsory modules. You must study and pass these modules in order to complete your course.

Option

Related to your course. These modules provide you with a choice of topics that you may wish to study.

Pre-requisite

Modules that have to be passed in order to study another module – for example, a specific module at one level in order to choose an option module at another level.

Co-requisite

Modules that must be studied either at the same time (usually the same semester) or in the same academic year as another module and at the same level.

Prohibited

Modules that may not be studied in combination with other modules as denoted in the Course Guide.

Module learning outcomes show you what you will be able to do when you successfully pass a module. Each module will contain one or more assessment activities, designed to ensure that you have an opportunity to demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for that module. The assessment brief (see the section on ‘Assessment’) will indicate which learning outcomes are being addressed.

Lectures

Lectures are often used to provide an introduction to a topic, and to help you to structure your independent study. Lectures can involve large numbers of students (sometimes over 200) and there are often fewer opportunities to participate.

Seminars

Group sizes in seminars are usually smaller than those in a lecture, which provides an opportunity to talk about a specific topic in more depth. Seminars are generally more interactive than lectures, and will give you an opportunity to present your views and ideas and hear what other students think about a topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials involve smaller groups than seminars, and can sometimes include a one-to-one meeting with a member of staff. Tutorials are opportunities to discuss your understanding of a topic or a piece of work (eg. an assessment task).

Practical sessions

Depending on your course, practical sessions may include work in different environments, such as: laboratories; studios; fieldwork; sports facilities; health facilities, etc. Practical sessions give you an opportunity to practise the application of your knowledge and skills.

Group work

Additional resources will be highlighted as part of your module that will help you to find additional information for your independent learning but you will need to use, and develop, your organisational skills to engage fully with your course.

There are times when you will need to work with other students, possibly towards the completion of an assessment task. Group work allows you to gain skills in communication, team work and organisation.

Case studies

Case studies are a way of applying your knowledge to a specific situation, often based on a real-life scenario.

Different modules will use a range of approaches to engage you with your studies. These approaches may include some of the following:

Work placements

Work placements provide an opportunity to gain experience in a working environment, varying in length from a few weeks to a full year.

From your school or college experiences, you may be used to working in small groups and being closely monitored by your tutors; however, this is less common in higher education, particularly on courses with large numbers of students. You will be expected to do additional studies in order to enhance your prospects of getting higher marks and grades. Another difference of higher education is that attendance at timetabled sessions will not guarantee a high result in your assessment tasks. You will be expected to do additional studies in order to enhance your prospects of getting higher marks and grades. The aim of timetabled sessions is to introduce you to new ideas and concepts, which you can study further in your own time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;independent learningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK Assessment is the way in which you demonstrate your understanding and achievement of the module learning outcomes.

Assessment unpacking Module launch and assessment publication

Anonymous submission Receipt to student

Internal review Independent internal verification of the proposed assessment brief

External review Independent external verification of the proposed assessment brief by the appointed external examiner (from a different university)

Assessment brief written According to Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and Module Learning Outcomes (MLO)

19 Feedback to students Unconfirmed grades

Assessment board Grades are confirmed, process managed by an independent chair

Moderation Independent internal process; sample of 10% or six pieces of work, whichever is greater

External grade approval Independent process completed by the appointed external examiner, sample of 10% or six pieces of work, whichever is greater

Marking Module leader / teaching team mark the work according to published assessment criteria

Over the duration of your studies, you will be assessed in lots of different ways which will be relevant to your subject area. For an overview of the University’s assessment procedures, visit: wlv.ac.uk/assessment During your studies, you will encounter two main types of assessment activities: • Formative – where you receive feedback and a mark that does not contribute towards the module mark and grade. Formative assessment activities are useful to provide you with feedback to let you know how you are doing. • Summative – where the mark you receive will contribute towards completion of your modules.

Your courses have been designed to give you a variety of assessment experiences. Over the duration of your course, you will learn and be assessed in different ways. This will mean that the assessment tasks for individual modules will be different to each other. At the start of each module, we will explain the assessment tasks to you through short assessment briefs. These documents give you the key information you need to complete the assessment (eg. submission date, method of submission, type of assessment, word count, learning outcomes, etc.). Assessment briefs are written by your module leaders to help you meet the learning outcomes of the course. Their content is also verified internally and externally to ensure they are appropriate and at a similar standard to courses across the country. Your teaching teams will refer to the briefs throughout your course, and will provide additional information through assessment unpacking events in each module.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK The most common form of assessment submission is electronically via Canvas, the University’s virtual learning environment; however, there will be occasions where the nature of the assessment task requires an alternative form of submission. This will be clearly explained to you within each individual assessment brief. You will receive a receipt for work that is submitted for an assessment. The academic calendar contains Universitywide assessment weeks, which take place at the end of our semesters (wlv.ac.uk/calendar); however, you may be required to submit work at any time during your studies. EXAMINATIONS Some courses contain formal examinations, held under controlled conditions. Examination arrangements, including the timetable and other relevant information, are available at: wlv.ac.uk/exams

STUDENT TIPS ON GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR STUDIES 1. Try to always show up 10 minutes before lectures if possible. Not only does this allow you to be the most prepared for learning, it also gets you in the correct routine for the working world. 2. Education is about critical debate; however, there is a time and a place. If you have a question, raise your hand to ask or wait until the end of the lecture. 3. Know what areas of campus are suited for different styles of learning. Libraries have different zones for different levels of discussion but they are working areas. More sociable spaces can be found all over campus, where you don’t have to be as quiet. 4. Everyone at university is an adult and it is expected that you will act that way. Respect and maturity is a necessary part of a good education. 5. Inappropriate behaviour and conduct isn’t something that is welcome within a university environment. Remember, you are investing in yourself - to be removed from University before you graduate is a very poor investment!

HOW WE MARK YOUR WORK

CLASSIFICATION

Where possible, your work will then be marked anonymously. You will only be identified by your student number, and not by your name. This is done to avoid any unintentional bias when your work is marked; however, the nature of some assignments means that anonymous marking is not possible (e.g. presentations, practical examination, oral examinations).

All your assessments will contribute to the receipt of University credits which, when combined, result in the achievement of an award.

Each assessment task will have a set of criteria, which will be used by those marking your work. These criteria will be given to you in the assessment brief. The assessment criteria link directly to the module learning outcomes, so that it is clear when they have been met. Your work will be graded using a percentage mark scheme. At undergraduate level, the pass mark is 40%; for postgraduate level the pass mark is 50%. Unlike some assessment activities that you may have encountered at school or college, if you have passed an assessment then you are not able to resubmit that piece of work in order to get a higher mark. We will give your work a grade, based on its qualities and in line with the University’s Performance Descriptors. Your work will be marked promptly (i.e. within 4 weeks), and the date by which you will receive your provisional grade will be shown on the assessment brief. By the time you receive your provisional grade, the mark will have been checked and verified internally by a different member of the teaching team to ensure that the marking is fair and consistent. As part of the process to confirm your grades formally, an external examiner will review a sample of work from the module. The grades and any comments are presented to an examination board, where the final grades are agreed and confirmed.

FEEDBACK You will receive feedback on your assessed work in a variety of ways (eg. written, oral, video, etc.). Your feedback will explain why your piece of work is deserving of the grade it has been given and highlight to you what you did well and areas for development. Your teaching team will support you to learn from this feedback, so that it can be applied to future assessments. CODE OF CONDUCT The University of Wolverhampton aims to foster a community with an atmosphere of trust, harmony and mutual respect. Good standards of communal life need to be maintained for the benefit of all members. The Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedure outlines the University’s expectations about student behaviour and how misconduct will be addressed. Details are provided at: wlv.ac.uk/current-students/conduct-and-appeals/ student-conduct/

The type of award depends upon the course on which you have enrolled. Some awards use different classifications to recognise the level of achievement, which can be used by employers as a way of selecting applicants for jobs. Detail about classifications for different awards is available at: wlv.ac.uk/assessment

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY We are committed to supporting the development of your ‘academic integrity’. This means that any work that you write or create has been produced in an honest, fair, and transparent way. Academic integrity is important for recognising and acknowledging the work of other people that you have used in the preparation of your assignments. We know, however, that there are occasions where academic integrity is not maintained (for example, through plagiarism, collusion and cheating), and that this may be unintentional or deliberate. These instances are known as ‘academic misconduct’. All examples of academic misconduct will be investigated and penalties may be applied if proven. As a student, you will have access to a wide range of support services and resources designed to help you to develop your academic skills and to ensure the academic integrity of your work. In addition to the support available through your course, you can also access the Learning for Skills services provided by the libraries, both in person and online. Find out more now at: wlv.ac.uk/conductandappeals

WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP You have made an important decision to enter higher education and to join us at the University of Wolverhampton. We understand this represents both a significant personal and financial commitment, so we offer a wide range of outstanding support and expertise to help you make the most of your time at University. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. Each year, approximately 7,000 students join this University and each of them will be going through the same anxieties and concerns as you. We are here to ensure that your transition into and through higher education is as smooth as possible. If in doubt, ask – no question is too small or too silly (and you probably won’t be the first to ask it).

SUPPORT FROM YOUR FACULTY Academic Coaches and Personal Tutors Academic Coaches are allocated to every Level 3 and Level 4 student. They will maintain regular communication with each of their tutees in order to support students who may not be making satisfactory progress or who are at risk of withdrawal. They may assist students in their personal and academic development, planning and progression as well as helping them to liaise with other staff and support facilities in their Faculty and the wider University. Levels 3 and 4 will provide you with the skills you need to succeed at higher levels. At levels above Level 4, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is a member of the Academic Staff in that area - they will continue to support your studies, but with a focus much more onto your subject and the specific academic and research skills required. You can find out who your Personal Tutor is by visiting e:Vision. Faculty Student Services Come and visit your Faculty Student Services, where our friendly team will be happy to assist you. Your Faculty Student Services are your first port of call for all queries and processes regarding the student journey, including completing the final stage of enrolment through to graduation. The team can offer advice and support on all aspects of your course: from submitting assignments and obtaining official letters to timetabling queries and module registration amongst other queries you might need help with.

Speak to a Student Advisor Within the Student Services team, you can also access more specialist support. Faculty Student Advisors are on hand to talk to you about: applying for extensions, extenuating circumstances, leave of absences, course transfers, University regulations/ polices and any other concerns that may be affecting your studies. If you feel overwhelmed, please pop in and talk to our specialist teams who can advise, and signpost you to other wider Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) services within the University.

LATE SUBMISSIONS AND EXTENSION We recognise that, on occasion, students may encounter circumstances which prevent them from meeting assessment deadlines and in those circumstances we offer a process which enables students to submit up to 7 calendar days after the published submission date. If you experience an illness, or other serious personal difficulty, which prevents you from completing an assignment, you may request an extension, through e:Vision, to the submission deadline. A maximum of seven days’ extension will be granted if your claim is considered valid. Coursework submitted after the published submission deadline but within 7 calendar days of that deadline, without an approved extension, will be marked but grades will be restricted. For more information, please see the University’s Late and Extension Policy and Procedure at: wlv.ac.uk/policies FIT TO SIT AND EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES The aim of the University’s Fit to Sit and Extenuating Circumstances Policy is to ensure that students only submit assessments when they are fit to do so and that no student is disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control, whilst maintaining academic standards. When you submit an assessment or sit an examination you are declaring that you are fit to do so. However, if you have an illness or personal difficulty which you consider will affect performance in one or more modules, or you are unable to attend a formal examination, you should make a claim for extenuating circumstances through e:Vision before or on the assessment date. If your claim is accepted you will normally be offered the opportunity to take assessment, as if for the first time (with no grade penalty), within the current year. For more information, please see the University’s Fit to Sit and Extenuating Circumstances Policy at: wlv.ac.uk/policies

LEAVE OF ABSENCE If you experience problems, whether medical or personal, which will affect your ability to study for an extended period (ie. more than a couple of weeks), you might want to consider applying to the University, through e:Vision, to take a temporary break from your studies in the form of a Leave of Absence. This can be for a minimum of one and a maximum of four semesters (2 years). EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND PARENTAL/ADOPTION LEAVE Your Faculty Student Services will be able to offer advice if you become pregnant and/or need to take parental/adoption leave during your studies.

SKILLS FOR LEARNING Take advantage of the range of options provided by the Library to help you develop your academic study skills, such as: • finding and accessing key texts • referencing and managing the information you find • academic writing • critical thinking. Whether you’re coming straight from school or returning to study, we can provide you with opportunities to refresh your academics skills. Visit Skills for Learning at: wlv.ac.uk/skills

STUDENT SUPPORT & WELLBEING The University’s Student Support & Wellbeing Team are here to provide advice and support to help you make the most of your time at University:

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH THE STUDENT SUPPORT & WELLBEING TEAM? • Check out the University webpages at: wlv.ac.uk/ssw for lots of advice and useful information. • Drop in and see us in Alan Turing Building (MI001), City Campus Wulfruna. • Look out for drop-in sessions on each campus. • Call us on: 01902 321 074 • Email us on: ssw@wlv.ac.uk STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY OR SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTY Our helpful Disability Advisors are a great source of support and useful advice. We can talk to you about the many support options available to you whilst studying at the University. Support for all students at the University includes: • General study skills support, including opportunities to attend study tutorials and general workshops, through the University Libraries. • Apps Anywhere – access to specialist software. • Lecture capture – a number of taught sessions are captured. • Contacting your Personal Tutor for academic guidance. • Help and support from your course team.

Depending on your individual needs, you may be eligible for additional support provided by the University. The Student Support & Wellbeing Team can talk to you about additional support that may be available including considerate marking, exam arrangements and strategies to support your learning. Look out for information about our Student Social Groups and Drop-In Cafes to meet and chat with other students. DISABLED STUDENTS’ ALLOWANCES You may be eligible to receive additional funding known as the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) to help cover the costs of additional support you may need to access your university studies. DSA funding is available for eligible students and can help with costs for specialist equipment, non-medical helpers and other disability-related costs associated with studying. Come and talk to us to see if DSA funding could support you to access specialist one-to-one study support, BSL support, specialist note-taking or specialist mentoring.

MULTI-FAITH CHAPLAINCY Whether you are a person of faith or not, the multi-faith Chaplaincy team warmly welcome you. Please drop in and say hello at the Chaplaincy (MP Building, City Campus) or find us at the Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fairs and events. We can direct you to student friendly places of worship and show you places for quiet and prayer on all University locations. We also offer private and confidential listening ears and support. Contact us via the Chaplaincy page on the University website, ring us on: 01902 322 903/4 or message us on: /wlvchaplaincy Facebook.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING ADVICE AND SUPPORT Student life is about much more than just your studies. It is important to keep safe and look after your health and wellbeing too. • Register with your local GP. • Make a note in your phone of the details of your local walk-in medical centre. • Make the most of the University sporting and health facilities. • Join one of the many clubs or societies. • The Students’ Union is a great resource. You will find a wide range of activities and social groups that you can join, including volunteer opportunities and information about part-time work. Drop in for advice and support from the friendly team. • If you are staying in University Accommodation, look out for activities and support contacts. • Find advice and support on keeping yourself safe and healthy at University on the University webpages. • Look out for the University’s student health and wellbeing events and workshops. • To download a range of Wellbeing apps, visit: wlv.ac.uk/ssw and click on ‘Self Care’ in the navigation bar on the left. COUNSELLING AND WELLBEING SUPPORT • • • •

Get things off your chest. Talk through your options. Work things out. Learn new ways to cope and much more.

Come and talk to someone who is professionally trained and impartial. Visit: wlv.ac.uk/counselling wlv.ac.uk/ssw

MONEY MATTERS As a new student, there will be plenty of new responsibilities you have, and some of those involve paying for things – but don’t worry if you have any questions, we have friendly advisors to give you the answers. FEE LIABILITY Please be aware of students’ individual liability for the payment of tuition fees, irrespective of whether these are paid directly, by an employer or other sponsor or via the Student Loans Company. As your liability to pay tuition fees is linked to attendance points throughout the year, if your circumstances change for any reason that may impact on your attendance or enrolment then you should contact your student office immediately.

HOW TO PAY If you are personally liable for the whole or part of your fees, please see: wlv.ac.uk/howtopay for details of how and when to pay.

COUNCIL TAX If you are a full-time student, you may be entitled to a discount or full exemption from Council Tax. Once you are fully enrolled, you will need to request a council tax exemption letter, through e:Vision. FUNDING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT Through the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund, the University is committed to supporting students who find themselves in genuine financial hardship that might impact on their ability to continue on a course at the University. Visit wlv.ac.uk/fund for more information. If you are experiencing a delay in receipt of statutory funding, the Funding Team in Student Support & Wellbeing may be able to help. Visit us in Alan Turing Building, ring us on: 01902 321 070 or email: money@wlv.ac.uk Visit: wlv.ac.uk/moneymatters for more information.

CAREERS, ENTERPRISE AND THE WORKPLACE

We offer friendly and impartial support and guidance to our students and graduates. • Information and advice to help you research and plan your career and further study. • Careers guidance appointments with qualified and experienced advisors on all campuses. • Support with your CV and written applications. • Preparation for interviews and assessment activities. • Programme of careers talks. • E-guidance and chat room careers sessions. Book a careers appointment by phone or by dropping in to the Careers Centre on City Campus (Ambika Paul Building), where we can book you an appointment for City, Walsall or Telford Campus. Tel: 01902 321 414 Email: careers@wlv.ac.uk Visit: wlv.ac.uk/careers

Looking for a job? The Workplace is the University’s student and graduate jobshop.

Volunteering is about helping other people. But do you realise how much volunteering could help you?

• Graduate positions. • Part-time work whilst working (external employers). • Internal part-time and casual work within the University. • Seasonal vacancies and placements. • Employer presentations and drop-in sessions. • Information on local, national and international vacancies.

• Volunteering develops skills that equip you for life and work. • It opens up new opportunities and challenges. • It can influence your career choice and enhance your CV. • Volunteering is fun, exciting and fulfilling. You may choose to volunteer in addition to your studies, or you might want to link your volunteering experience to an academic module and gain credits towards your degree.

If you register with our online jobs database you will receive regular job alerts matched to your requirements. Tel: 01902 323 400 Email: theworkplace@wlv.ac.uk Visit: wlv.ac.uk/theworkplace

Got a great business idea? Apply to SPEED, the University of Wolverhampton’s business start-up programme. SPEED offers: • Business planning. • One-to-one mentoring support from an experienced business consultant. • Practical business development workshops. • Networking opportunities. • Access to SPACE for Enterprise incubation at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park. Tel: 01902 528 956 Email: speed@wlv.ac.uk Visit: wlv.ac.uk/speed

Get in touch with Volunteer Central. Tel: 01902 322 900 Email: volunteering@wlv.ac.uk Visit: volunteercentral.co.uk

THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY The University Library is at the heart of academic life and offers lots of helpful support and advice. Our friendly staff can help you find books and electronic resources to support your studies, as well as help you develop your academic study skills. Our libraries are open 24/7 at key times throughout the year. We offer: • books, journals and audio-visual resources chosen to support your studies • access to our full-text electronic journals, information databases and electronic books • group and individual study spaces • PCs, printers and scanners with access to specialist software for your course • easy to use self-service kiosks • easy access to your library account to see what you’ve borrowed • automatic renewals to help you avoid fines • support to improve your academic skills through workshops, one-to-one support and online resources, including our Skills for Learning Canvas course • 24/7 online help via ASSIST – chat with us to get answers to all your library related enquiries at: wlv.ac.uk/lib/assist • accessible resources and support for students with additional needs. Our flexible approach ensures that you have the information, skills support, and advice you need from your first days at the University through to your graduation and beyond. Visit: wlv.ac.uk/lib wlv.ac.uk/skills

SPECIALIST LIBRARY SUPPORT FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS As a postgraduate student, you may have additional study needs and we recognise this and cater for these with: • Post Grad Lab, a postgraduate-only IT facility in the Harrison Library • individual silent study rooms • extended book loan periods • access to other national academic libraries via the SCONUL Access Scheme • full text, abstract and indexing services for your subject specialism • an inter-library loans service.

CAMPUS LIFE SPORT The University’s Institute of Sport plays an active part in student life. We work closely with the Students’ Union to give you the best possible opportunity to enjoy competitive and social sport, supporting you to become active and healthy at minimum cost whether you’re studying sports or not. Students living in University-owned Halls of Residence also receive a complimentary off-peak gym membership! To find out more about our facilities and the different ways you can get involved in sport at the University, visit: wlv.ac.uk/sportandfitness

EATING ON CAMPUS There are plenty of catering outlets at each of our campuses serving a wide and balanced range of foods, drinks, and snacks. We remain dedicated to providing high standards of food and service to all of our customers, providing options for all customers that have specific dietary requirements. Visit: wlv.ac.uk/catering for more information.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT ACCOMMODATION The University offers rooms for all budgets, starting from £86pw all-inclusive. So, what’s included in your rent? • No utility bills to pay • Free and unlimited internet access • Laundry facilities available • Free contents insurance • 24-hour security • Free University sports membership (off-peak) • Close proximity to teaching buildings • And so much more! For more information, visit: wlv.ac.uk/accommodation or email: accommodationservices@wlv.ac.uk

You can use the Yoyo Wallet App on your smartphone to pay, giving ease and convenience for those customers without money in their actual wallet. Visit: yoyo.com to learn more and download the app.

LITTLE SCHOLARS NURSERY “Children are happy. There are strong systems in place to help staff meet children’s individual health needs and support their emotional wellbeing.” Ofsted report, 2016 Provide the best of beginnings for your ‘Little Scholars’ at a first-rate nursery, conveniently located on City Campus. Offering child care from our highly qualified team to University staff, students and the community, Little Scholars’ Nursery has been graded ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted. To find out more, visit: wlv.ac.uk/nursery or better still, come and see for yourself! To arrange a tour, tel: 01902 322 909 or email: nursery@wlv.ac.uk

STUDENTS’ UNION

TOTUM CARD

We offer Advice and Representation, from our AQS-accredited Advice and Representation Centre and a Well at Wolves health and wellbeing service. We help you have your say at University through our Academic Representation and Create Change democratic system.

A TOTUM Card gives you discounts from a massive array of retailers and it’s exclusive to students. You can get hold of yours from the Students’ Union reception at either City or Walsall campus or online at: nus.org.uk

As well as this, we give you things to do outside of your studies, like joining one of our societies, or looking at what’s on and attending events hosted by the Students’ Union or in the local area. Your Students’ Union is led by a team of Student Officers, each with responsibility over a specific area relating to student life. These Officers are elected by the student body each year in cross-campus elections. For the latest updates from the SU, visit: wolvesunion.org, follow us @WolvesSU on Instagram and Twitter, like us at: facebook.com/ wolvesunion or complete an enquiry form at: wolvesunion.org/advice/enquiry Visit us at the Students’ Union (next to the Judo Centre) at Walsall Campus, or in the Ambika Paul building at City Campus.

ALUMNI Your connection with the University of Wolverhampton doesn’t end after you finish studying here – our Alumni and Development team is here to help you long after you graduate. Join a network of over 95,000 alumni in more than 130 countries and sign up to the WLV Alumni Association for a range of benefits. To find out what support is available to you in a few years’ time, visit: wlv.ac.uk/alumni

REPRESENTATION

COMMITTED TO GETTING IT RIGHT!

At the start of each year, we ask students to nominate a Course Representative who will represent the views of you and your peers on your course.

Complaints

YOUR OPINIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE We listen to all student feedback carefully to help us to improve your student experience. We are always trying to improve our services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so we welcome your suggestions and opinions. Look out for comment cards and suggestion boxes at Libraries, catering outlets and other places â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or email us with your suggestions at: opinions@wlv.ac.uk

The University is committed to high standards of service and over the course of your studies you will have many opportunities to give us feedback on your experience. Occasionally, however you may feel that this is not sufficient to address a concern you have and you may wish to raise a complaint. The University takes all complaints seriously. Many are resolved quickly and informally between the parties concerned and we recommend you raise your concerns early on when a problem arises. Dealing with a problem early may prevent the problem from getting bigger and harder to resolve. However where an informal resolution is not possible the Conduct and Appeals Unit is there to provide an effective and efficient service, enabling complaints to be resolved without recrimination and in a confidential manner. To find more information on the policies and procedures relating to complaints, visit: wlv.ac.uk/conductandappeals You can email us at: complaints@wlv.ac.uk

Academic Appeals The University Academic Appeals procedure is in place to enable students to appeal against the decisions of an Assessment Board, for example where a grade has been recorded incorrectly or there has been an error in the application of the University regulations in a decision regarding progression, completion or conferment. This process can also be used to appeal against the outcome of an Extenuating Circumstances claim. To find more information on the policies and procedures relating to appeals, visit: wlv.ac.uk/conductandappeals You can email us at: conductandappeals@wlv.ac.uk

YOUR HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY HEALTH AND SAFETY

INCIDENT REPORTING

Your experience of the University should be fun and enjoyable. In order to provide a healthy and safe environment, the University requires your assistance.

Everybody’s safety relies on all staff and students to report all activity, suspected or real, of a criminal nature. Incident reporting provides an accurate picture of the level of crime on campus, helps us identify any patterns of activity and enables action to be taken to prevent a recurrence.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? • Attend any health and safety induction sessions provided by your Faculty, this will provide valuable information on how the University and faculty looks after your safety as well as your faculty’s arrangements for health and safety. • Know the ‘emergency procedures’ for the buildings you will be in and know what to do in the event of a fire/emergency evacuation – is there more than one way out of the building? For students with mobility impairments who may have difficulty in evacuating a building, there are specific instructions which can be provided via the Student Support & Wellbeing Team. • Familiarise yourself with the First Aid arrangements at the University, the names and locations of your nearest First Aid Officers will be signed around the building(s). • Follow those procedures, protocols and codes of practice that are already established – they are there to help and protect you. • Report all accidents and incidents and know who to report them to. • Report anything dangerous; do not assume that someone else will deal with it. SECURITY To create a safe environment for students, CCTV is used inside and outside the University buildings and our security staff make regular patrols of the premises. Students and staff are issued with identity cards and are advised to carry personal alarms when travelling to and from the University. Please take every precaution to help with your personal security by complying with requests from security staff. Lock doors when you leave a room, report any suspicious occurrences and keep your belongings with you at all times. Visit: wlv.ac.uk/security for details.

If you need to report an incident, you can either contact Security on numbers published around the campus; online at: wlv.ac.uk/incidentreport; or on an Incident Report form from any reception point.

UNIGUARD: THE UNIVERSITY’S SAFEGUARD APP Uniguard is the University’s Safeguard app that has many useful features for your safety and welfare, including preregistering your valuable items to allow simple processing of lost and found items.

CALLMY NOTIFICATION SERVICE This service will enable the University to keep you informed during emergency situations. To access this information you need to download the free Callmy app and follow the unique ID. Visit: wlv.ac.uk/security for details.

THE ORGAN DONOR REGISTER: SIGN UP TODAY! The University is supporting the national campaign to encourage more people to join the National NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR): a confidential, computerised database launched in 1994 following a campaign by the Cox family from the West Midlands. The University’s Professor Magi Sque’s research with families of people who have made the decision to donate their organs has directly helped families at times of great distress and helped them to see the positive effects of the decision to donate. Find out more about how organ donation transforms lives, and register your intention today at: organdonation.nhs.uk

Email: welcome@wlv.ac.uk wlv.ac.uk/welcome wlv.ac.uk/studenthandbook

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