may 2013 edition of the worcester source
DESCRIPTION
This is the last Worcester Source for this academic year so there are plenty of upcoming events, competitions and news to keep you up to date in your last few weeks of University!TRANSCRIPT
May 2013, Vol 7
Looking for a summer job? We have 5 top tips from our Careers team.
Moving Out Things to know before you move out of halls.
Mental Health Awareness Plenty of fun to be had!
Spotlight Look our for our special interview this month!
Think Drink Helping you to drink more responsibly.
More inside...
Student Services – Enabling students to fulfil their potential
Locate Larry! Win a goody bag.
The Worcester
Source
The UCDWs We are still here over the summer holidays so, if you need us, here
is what we do and where to find us.
Who are we?
The University Community
Development Workers. We are part
of the Student Experience Team,
here to make your life at University
run that little bit more smoothly.
What we deal with?
Homesickness Conflicts in accommodation Loneliness Problems settling in Anti-social behaviour Advice on healthy living Information about wellbeing Personal safety Adapting to student life General support and advice Bullying/harassment
How to find us:
Come to the firstpoint desk in the
Peirson Study and Guidance Centre
and ask for the UCDW team.
Firstpoint opening times: Mon: 09:00 - 5:00 Tues: 10:00 - 5:00 Wed: 09:00 - 5:00 Thurs: 09:00 - 5:00 Fri: 09:00 - 4:30
Alternatively you can contact us via
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01905 542241
Mobile: 07811 458754
It’s so close we can almost touch it! Summer is fast approaching which
means that another academic year is over. We hope that you get the grades
you want and that you have some lovely plans for the summer holiday.
We have some end of year events planned including a range of activities
during Mental Health Awareness week. Keep reading for more information.
If we don’t see you at our events or around campus have a great summer
holiday and we will see you in September!
Do you have any suggestions for us? Any ideas about an
event we could put on for you?
We are looking for input on what we could do to help improve your
student life. So add us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, have a
look at our Tumblr page or just email us with your ideas.
www.facebook.com/
UoWStudentExperienceTeam
@Worcester_UCDWs
www.twitter.com/Worcester_UCDWs
Our email: [email protected]
www.uniofworcestercommunity.tumblr.com/
This month we have a special guest interview!
Julie Merry is one of our local policing officers and she is here to
talk about her role in student life.
Tell us about your role and what you offer to students?
My Local Policing Area consists of two wards St Johns and St Clements. Both Wards have their differences and challenges. Dines Green Estate figures in the St Johns ward and predominantly takes up two thirds of my time which has been well spent fostering friendships and relationships within the community. Much of my work involves a multi agency approach and I work closely with partner agencies such as the various housing groups, schools, businesses, Social Services for Adults and children, University of Worcester, Studdert Kennedy, Youth offending teams, Worcester City Council, Worcester Community Trust, YMCA and many others. My aim along with everyone else is to make the area a safer and better place to live for the Community. When Students come to the area to live then they are part of the Community and I am their local policing officer so they can call on me if they have any issues that may impact on them whilst living here.
What kind of interaction do you normally have with students?
I work closely with the University to ensure that Students coming to the area for the first time are given as much information about the area and what is expected of them and what they can expect from me. In freshers week I give a talk to the new students to introduce myself and chat to them about general things such as personal safety, keeping their homes and personal property safe, anti-social behaviour, what to do if they are victims of crime etc.
What advice can you give to students who are moving out into
the community for the first time?
When students move into the community for the first time then I will advise that they are part of that community and have a right to live and enjoy their lives but not at the detriment of others! Unfortunately students tend to get the blame for any anti-social behaviour so I advise them to introduce themselves to their neighbours and build a good relationship with them so if any issues do arise then they can sort it out. If they do have issues with any neighbours that cannot be resolved between themselves then I would advise them to contact firstpoint or to contact me.
You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas
Try to look and act confident - look like you know where you are going
You might like to spread your valuables around your body. For example, keep your phone in your bag, your keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket.
If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than get into confrontation and risk injury
You can use reasonable force in self-defence. You are allowed to protect yourself with something that you are carrying (example, keys or can of deodorant) but you may not carry a weapon. If you decide to defend yourself, be aware that your attacker may be stronger than you, or may take what you are using in self-defence and use it against you. It is often better to shout loudly and run away.
(*Please note,: UCDWs have personal alarms available for free to all students. Come to firstpoint and ask for UCDW or email us)
Julie’s 5 top tips for personal safety!
How can students get in contact with you?
My details are posted around the university along with that of my Community Support Officers. If they do need me for anything and they can't find my details then either ask a member of the Student Services team or the Security at reception as they have my details.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
If I can contribute to improving the quality of life for members of the community then I'm happy. I love to chat to people and if I can help them in anyway then I will. My role as the local policing officer allows me to visit schools, community centres, youth clubs, the university etc and I enjoy this part of my role as I get to forge strong relationships within the community which in turn leads to people putting their trust in me.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are low. Violent crimes by strangers in a public place are still rare and account for a very small
part of recorded crime.
If you would like any more information about Julie email
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Think drink
THINK
Be prepared for end of year parties.
Get information about how to drink responsibly and
have fun at the same time.
Freebies
Advice
Quizzes
And more!
7th of May
12pm-2pm
Berry’s
Mental Health Awareness Week
2013
The 13th-19th May is national Mental Health Awareness
week. This year, we focus on how getting physical can help
mental wellbeing. Some of the things we have in stall are:
YOGA
MEDITATION
MINDFULNESS
EXPERTISE FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH ADVISERS
INFORMATION ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
FUN AND GAMES WITH THE UCDWS
Look out for posters on campus soon with more details.
Visit: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
facebook.com/WorcesterUniMentalHealth
facebook.com/universitycommunity.developmentworkers twitter.com/Worcester_UCDWs
Hoover your room and tidy
up.
Remove personal items
from your bathroom, and
ensure bathroom is clean
and tidy.
Take bins out.
Check the cupboards,
drawers, and under the
bed for any lost items.
Take down any posters/
photographs.
Double check you’ve got
everything packed.
Hoover and tidy communal
areas.
Clean kitchen.
Clean all fridges,
microwave, oven etc.
Defrost and clean your
freezer.
Take out all rubbish and
recycling.
Check and clean all
cupboards.
Make sure all the washing
up is done.
The time to move out of your flats will soon be here.
Below are a couple of checklists to bear in mind after you have packed.
Your room Communal spaces
Report any damages in your flat well before it is time to move out so you all get your
deposits back. For any queries regarding your deposit or possible damage to your flat/
room please contact the accommodation department. You can email them on
[email protected] or you can access them through the firstpoint desk in
the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre.
When you’re ready to depart hand in your keys at firstpoint.
www.facebook.com/UniversityofWorcesterCareersJobzone
www.worcester.ac.uk/your-home/careers-service
Find out more about our Careers team at...
Top tips on..
Do your homework well in advance
Think about your skills, experience, qualifications and how much time you can offer.
Research the companies and roles you are applying for. Not only will you then know
exactly what's expected of you in the role you're aiming for, but you will also put yourself at
an advantage if there's an interview stage later on.
The focus of your summer job
It might be purely financial but it is also an excellent way to gain valuable experience and
skills to improve you longer term career.
Look at different websites
Both www.summer-jobs.co.uk and www.summerjobsabroad.co.uk offer a directory of
vacancies.
www.seasonworkers.com/summerjobs offer listings of opportunities by a range of
companies. Many other sites are also available.
Network
Begin actively telling people that you’re looking for a job - ask your friends and fellow
students if they know of any opportunities, who to contact, when and how. This approach
could find you potential job prospects.
Job Zone Bulletin
Access the Job Zone Bulletin for more information about current vacancies in the Careers
and Study Skills Zone, situated in the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre. There are also
other resources such as ‘Summer Jobs Abroad’ and ‘Work Your Way Around the World’ if
you are interested in working abroad.
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Summer Safety!Summer Safety!Summer Safety! Whether you’re going to a festival or just enjoying some sunshine here
are some top tips to stay safe during the summer holidays.
Sun safety Sunlight has been scientifically proven to improve our mood and the Vitamin D we gain is essential for our bones and teeth but we have to be wary of the damaging
effects. The more sunlight we expose ourselves to, the more we put ourselves at risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips to keep a healthy balance whilst you’re in the sun.
Seek shade between 11am and 3pm.
Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses. The face and neck are the areas most
commonly affected by sun damage.
Slap on the sun protection. The paler your skin the higher the Sun Protection
Factor (SPF). Nothing under a factor 10.
Choose sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB (the two main types of
damaging sunlight). Reapply regularly, especially after swimming.
Drink plenty of water to avoid overheating and dehydration.
Watch those moles. If any change, itch, bleed or spread, or if you’re worried, get
them checked by a doctor.
SAFETY TIPS
Festivals are fun, but they may not be as
safe as you think. Not everyone is a friend.
Alcohol Have fun, be responsible. Make sure
you’ve eaten before drinking.
Spiking Never leave drinks unattended and
never accept drinks from strangers.
Sex Carry contraception and tell your friends
where you are going and who with.
Drugs Don’t feel under pressure to take drugs,
even if those around you are.
Belongings Never leave expensive items in
your tent. If you don’t need it don't take it.
Festival Safety
Festivals can be awesome places – you get to spend a weekend listening to your favourite
bands and make new friends. Below are some top tips to make sure you are prepared.
MAKE A CHECKLIST
Before you go ask friends and look
online to see what people recommend
taking to a festival.
Make a list and think about how much
you can carry comfortably.
Leave valuables at home, and if you
can’t, never leave them in your tent.
Split your cash and cards into two stashes
so that if one lot is lost or stolen, you have
some back-up money.
And remember – no glass bottles, and
always take loo roll and wellies!
Larry is hiding somewhere in this edition of
the Worcester Source.
Text 07811 458754 with your name, student number
and Larry’s location to be in for a chance to win one of
our goody bags!
We will enter all names into a draw and the winner will
be notified on the 15th of May.
Good luck!
(The Larry to the right is for illustration purposes only and the ‘A
Week in the life of Larry’ page will not be taken as an answer)
Win a
goody
bag!
SUMMER
MOVING OUT
UCDWS
LARRY
FLIPFLOPS
SUN SAFETY
EVENTS
HOLIDAY
FIRSTPOINT
PACKING
B K K W X U C R F I T X J
M X N R C B V T S Q Y X Y
E H N D E Y Y U U D F R A
T D W M V A T O N Z K E Z
P S P C E D N G S E O M F
I R T U N I I N A H O M I
E U B U T L O I F P A U P
C U O W S O P V E A L S K
G S X R O H T O T C E W Y
U W D O H Q S M Y K J Z R
X A A J R I R O O I F S R
S P O L F P I L F N M W A
U H C Q I J F C F G L T L
All of these words are
associated with this
month’s Worcester Source.
Can you find all 10?
Summer Safety!Summer Safety!Summer Safety!
Looking for something to be a part of? Or searching for advice?
Take a look at our campus notices.
If you are staying in your accommodation over the summer and need someone
to talk to or some assistance with an issue, we are here! All summer long the
UCDW team will be available to help. Email: [email protected], phone:
01905 542241/07811 458754 or just drop in to firstpoint in the Peirson Study and Guidance
Centre, between 9am and 5pm, and ask for the UCDWs. If you would like to stay in halls over
summer, talk to Accommodation on 01905 542121 .
Staying here for the summer?
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from
13-19 May
It is themed around physical activity and wellbeing.
Physical activity is often described as something we ‘ought to do’ to
avoid developing health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
What's less often explained is the huge potential it has to enhance our happiness and quality of
life and reduce mental illness. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week aims to shift our
motivation for physical activity to something we choose to do to increase our wellbeing.
Keep a look out for events at St Johns Campus.
Worcester Foregate Street Refurbishment The refurbishment of Worcester Foregate Street Station is due to take place between April and
August 2013. During the works access routes to the station and in the subway will be altered
from time to time to allow construction to take place. Although safe walking routes will be
maintained at all times, students and staff are advised to take care when using the station.
Counselling and Mental Health Service
Exam Anxiety Workshops
Date: Wednesday 8th May
Time: 10.15am and 11.15am
Place: Room CC 007
The Counselling and Mental Health Service is running two one-hour workshops for any students
experiencing anxiety as they approach their exams. This will help them develop essential
strategies for managing anxiety which may get in the way of performing at their best.
It is open to all students – to book a place email: [email protected]
International Student Advice Service
Waldrons International Services Department will be providing a Visa Advice Service for
International Students. Advice sessions will take place in the Peirson Study & Guidance Centre
and the aim is to help with any issues that may arise that affect your visa or immigration status.
The service will be FREE to students and it is hoped that any issues can be dealt with during the
initial meeting. If you have more complex issues then Waldrons will be able to offer a tailored
service and provide a no obligation fee estimate.
The advice service will be running on the following dates:-
Friday 12 April 2013, Friday 26 April 2013, Thursday 09 May 2013, Friday 24 May 2013
12pm – 3pm
Firstpoint Peirson Study and Guidance Centre
Introduction to Meditation and Mindfulness
A series of classes offering an introduction to Meditation and
Mindfulness are being offered at the University on Tuesdays beginning
on the 23rd
April. The introduction will take place in the Chaplaincy
prayer and quiet room (Bredon 179) from 12.30pm to 1.00pm. After the introductory session, tea and coffee will be available in the Chaplaincy meeting room (Bredon 178) from 1.00pm to 1.30pm; this offers an opportunity to find out more about meditation and mindfulness and to talk through experiences and ways of practicing. A small range of prayer mats, cushions and prayer stools are available in the Chaplaincy.
Sessions are run on a drop in basis. You are free to attend either or both sessions.
For more information please contact the Chaplain, Revd Dr Fiona Haworth
[email protected] or Rod London, Senior Counsellor [email protected].
Dealing with Harassment and Bullying
Take action straight away by talking to us about it.
Student Experience Team – text or call them on 07811458754 or 01905 54221, email them
at: [email protected] or call in to firstpoint, in the Peirson Building between 9am—5pm
Initial/Harassment Advisors – members of staff who have been trained to provide a confidential initial support and information service to university staff and students who consider they may be experiencing harassment and/or bullying. For more information see: the current list and contact details of Initial/Harassment Advisors are on the SOLE page.
Academic Tutor – if you don’t know who your academic tutor is go to your Student SOLE
page or contact firstpoint on 01905 542551
Students’ Union -. Call them on 01905 543210, email then at: [email protected] or call in and talk to one of the SU staff or sabbatical officers in confidence
A Fond Farewell At the beginning of June we are saying goodbye to our Head of
Student Services, Roger Prout. Before he leaves us we thought it would
be nice to hear about his experience working at the University.
How long have you been
working at the University?
I started at Worcester in June 2004
so that makes 9 years which is the
longest I have stayed with one
employer in 37 years of
professional working life.
What did you enjoy most about
your role?
Working with individual students,
even if that is when they have got
themselves in a bit of bother over
disciplinary issues. Unfortunately
working with students is something
one gets less chance to do the
more senior the role you take on. I
also enjoy seeing staff, particularly
those at the start of their careers,
developing and taking on new
challenges and really flourishing.
In your time at the University
what was your proudest
moment?
Looking back there have been
quite a few. It sounds cheesy but I
am always proud of my staff who I
know always try their best for our
students, even on those few
occasions when things do not go as
well as they might. Over the last nine
years I can point to things such as
the development of student
induction, the development of the
nursery to be recognised by Ofsted
as outstanding, the award of the
matrix quality standard for the whole
department after receiving a
particularly glowing inspection report
and the establishment of firstpoint in
the Peirson Study and Guidance
Centre which I think will become one
of the key developments in
enhancing the experience of
students at this university. Finally at
the risk of embarrassing the UCDWs
I am really proud of the work you
guys and the rest of the Student
Experience Team do in supporting
our students. After all your role was
my idea in the first place.
What do you see for the future of
Student Services?
I think it is really difficult to say.
Things are changing so quickly and
so dramatically in universities that
it’s difficult to say what services to
students will look like and what will
be expected of them. Students are
likely to demand more for their fees
and will expect services to be
delivered to them in ways that fit
them rather than the more traditional
methods. So expect to see more
use of social media and new
technologies and more delivered
through curriculum based activities
enhancing student skills, particularly
around employability. I think the
need for more generic but still in
depth advice alongside the more
traditional specialist advisers will
grow and that is why I think the
introduction of our firstpoint advisers
working in the Peirson Centre is
such an important development.
Whatever happens it is going to be
exciting and challenging for all
concerned so good luck!
What are you looking forward to
doing in your retirement?
Enjoying myself. Doing what I want
to do rather than what I have to do. I
have some long standing ambitions;
learn to play the piano, learn to fly a
plane (at least enough to get it up
and down again on my own in one
piece), but I would also like to catch
up on long standing interests like
cinema, theatre and history. I may
even be tempted to become
involved in politics again like I was
in my much younger days. The
University of the Third Age is a
great organisation running courses
and activities in all kinds of
subjects so that should offer plenty
of opportunity to try new things.
You never know what new skills
and interests I might discover.
All of us here in Student
Services would like to wish
Roger a happy retirement
and to thank him for being
such a supportive and hard
working Head of Student
Services. He will be missed!
Roger meeting Prince Phillip at The Hive’s opening.
Larry remembers that the UCDWs
are still available at the University
over the summer so although his
friends are far away he will always
have someone to talk to.
Larry and friends have a great time and make some good memories to take away with them over the summer.
Larry is feeling a bit down about the summer holidays. He is going to miss his friends very much!
Larry notices posters around the
University about a Mental Health
Awareness event.
He decides to go to the event with
his friends for one last bit of fun.
A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF LARRY...
Have a great summer! See you next year!Have a great summer! See you next year!
UCDWs are available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you need help with a problem or just want
someone to talk to you can email us on [email protected], phone us on 01905 542241 or visit the
firstpoint desk in the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre and ask for the UCDWs.