swansea welcome guide 2014
DESCRIPTION
University of Wales Trinity Saint David - Swansea Welcome Guide 2014TRANSCRIPT
UWTSD:Swansea Campus
New StudentGuide 2014
Welcome
Term Dates
Important Contact Details
Things to check
Travelling to Swansea
Accommodation
Starting Arrangements
Course Locations
Enrolment
Freshers 2014
Services for Students
Student Finance
International Students
The Essentials
University Policies
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Contents
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We are delighted that you are coming to UWTSD: Swansea and we are pleased to welcome you to an institution with a very strong commitment to high 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:
youruni.sm.uwtsd.ac.ukcreated specifically for new studentsand applicants.
www.uwtsd.ac.uk
We look forward to meeting you!
Welcome
Term 1New Students
Monday 8th September 2014 –
Friday 19th December 2014 (PGCE Primary & Secondary only)
Monday 8th September 2014 –
Friday 12th December 2014 (Foundation Art & Design only)
Monday 22nd September 2014 –
Friday 12th December 2014 (All other new students)
Continuing and Part-time Students
Monday 29th September 2014 – Friday 12th December 2014
Christmas Vacation
Monday 15th December 2014 – Friday 2nd January 2015
Term 2Monday 5th January 2015 – Friday 27th March 2015
Monday 12th January 2015 – Friday 27th March 2015 (PGCE Secondary only)
Easter Vacation
Monday 30th March 2015 – Friday 10th April 2015 (PGCE Primary only)
Monday 30th March 2015 – Friday 17th April 2015 (All other students)
Term 3Monday 13th April 2015 – Friday 10th July 2015 (PGCE Primary only)
Monday 20th April 2015 – Friday 29th May 2015 (Foundation Art & Design only)
Monday 20th April 2015 – Friday 10th July 2015 (All other students)
Public Holidays
The University will be closed on the following Bank Holidays:
Good Friday – 3rd April 2015
Easter Monday – 6th April 2015
May Bank Holiday – 4th May 2015
Spring Bank Holiday – 25th May 2015
Summer Bank Holiday – 31st August 2015
Term Dates
University Main Switchboard01792 481000
Student Services OfficeLearning Support and Study Skills01792 [email protected]
Accommodation Office01792 [email protected]
Students’ Union01792 [email protected]
Careers ServiceGO Wales (Jobshop)01792 [email protected]
Academic Registry(including Admissions)01792 [email protected]
International Office (Registry)01792 [email protected]
Finance Office01792 481182 / [email protected]
Catering Officer01792 [email protected]
Griffith Library at Dynevor01792 481030
Owen LibraryMount Pleasant Campus01792 481141
Townhill Campus Library01792 482113
Swansea Business School Library01792 481023
Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering01792 481117 [email protected]
Faculty of Humanities and Performing Arts01792 [email protected]
Faculty of Education and Communities01792 [email protected]
Faculty of Businessand Management01792 [email protected]
Faculty of Art and Design01792 [email protected]
Important Contact Details
Firstly, you should have received an unconditional offerof a place on a course and confirmed your acceptance.
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 the University’s Swansea campuses, please visit our website:
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/swansea
Things to check
Useful Links
Brunswick Health Centre: www.brunswickandhafodhealth.co.uk/index.aspxStudent Services: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/student-servicesCareers and Employability information: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/careers
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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:youruni.sm.uwtsd.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: www.nationalexpress.com
By Rail
Great Western Trains run direct services from LondonPaddington to Swansea’s High Street Station.The journey time is approximately 3 hours.
There are frequent linking services to all major cities.For full information including train times and ticketprices, please visit:www.nationalrail.co.uk
By Car
The University has excellent road links to the rest of the UK.You can find useful information and full directions onour website: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/swansea/travelling-to-swansea
Travelling to Swansea
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Private Rented Accommodation
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.
More information, including listings of available accommodation can be found at:
accommodation.smu.ac.uk
Car Parking
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.
Halls of Residence
During the weekend of Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st 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.
Saturday 20th September 2014between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm(Mount Pleasant Arrivals)
Saturday 20th September 2014between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm(Townhill – Dyfed Arrivals)
Sunday 21st September 2014between 10.00am and 4.00 pm(Townhill – Gwyrand 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, please contact us via e-mail at:[email protected]
PGCE students who have been allocated a room in Halls of Residence may arrive on the weekend prior to the commencement of their studies on Monday 8th September. The Accommodation Office can provide further details.
What to bring
If you do take up a place in Halls, you will needto bring with you a quilt, pillows, towels, 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.
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.
For more information, please visit:
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/accommodation/swansea-accommodation
Accommodation
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Full-time Students
Foundation Art & DesignDate: Monday 8th September 2014Where: Foundation Studios, 5th floor, Swansea Business SchoolTime: 9.30am
PGCE PrimaryDate: Monday 8th September 2014Where: Main Lecture Theatre, Townhill CampusTime: 9.30am
PGCE SecondaryDate: Monday 8th September 2014Where: Curriculum Subject Room, Townhill CampusTime: 9.30am
Health & Social CareLeisure, Events, Tourism and SportDate: Monday 22nd September 2014Where: Main Reception at Swansea Business School Time: 10.00am
Public ServicesDate: Monday 22nd September 2014Where: Main Reception at Swansea Business School Time: 10.30am
Swansea Business School,Full-time Postgraduate studentsDate: Thursday 25th September 2014Where: Main Reception at Swansea Business School Time: 9.30am
All other new studentsDate: Monday 22nd September 2014Where: Main reception of your campus (please see page 13 for course locations)
Time: 9.30am
Part-time & Continuing StudentsPart-time and continuing programmes will start the week commencing 29th September, unless otherwise advised by the Faculty. Programme Directors will contact you regarding the day, time and location of your programmes.
Starting Arrangements
Mount Pleasant:
Faculty of Architecture, Computing and EngineeringSchool of Automotive EngineeringSchool of Applied ComputingSchool of Logistics and Manufacturing EngineeringSchool of Architecture, Built and Natural EnvironmentsDigital Media - Animation, Creative Digital Media and Games Design (excluding Music Technology)
Swansea Business School:
Foundation Art and DesignFaculty of Business and Management(including Leisure, Events, Tourism & Sport, Public Services and Health)
Dynevor Centre for Art,Design and Media Studies:
School of Design & Applied Arts (Surface Pattern Design)School of Fine Art & PhotographyDigital FilmSchool of Visual Communication(Graphic Design, Illustration & Advertising and Brand Design)
Townhill Campus:
Faculty of Humanities and Performing Arts (including Social Sciences)Faculty of Education and Communities
Alexandra Road Campus:
School of Design & Applied Arts(Product Design, Automotive Design & Glass)
Music Technology - BBC Building
Course Locations
Welcome to UWTSD Swansea! The list below shows when you will start your programme and where to go on your first day. Please find your subject area and attend at the relevant campus on the day and time specified. You’ll be met by academic staff from your Faculty who will welcome you to your programme and beginyour induction.
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You must officially enrol online before, or upon commencement of your studies. Please use the following link to enrol: 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 will delay receipt of your student loan if applicable and could affect your final results and eventual graduation from your programme. You will receive an e-mail from the University explaining what you need to do to enrol.
If you do not receive this e-mail, please contact Academic Registry at:[email protected]
Recommended documents you may need for your first few days at University:
n Your student notification letter from the Students Loans Company – called ‘University or College Payment Advice’. You will need to take this to the Finance Office on the Mount Pleasant campus
n If your fees are being paid by an employer or sponsor, you will either need to complete an Alternative Payee Details Form - available from the Finance Office, or you will need to provide a letter from your employer or sponsor accepting liability for your fees.
n Identification – you will need identification to collect your student ID card
Enrolment Freshers 2014
Get ready for over 336 hoursof non-stop fun and frolics,with the biggest student welcome fortnight theUniversity has ever seen! Freshers is UWTSD ‘s two week induction organised by the Students’ Union, and it is open to all students at the University. Freshers 2014 will run from Sunday 21st September to Sunday 5th October 2014 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, Freshers 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 Fresh Reps and Welfaries made up of student volunteers, will be there to help you settle in and answer any questions you might have during Freshers along with your Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers and Staff.
For more information regarding our Students’ Union, please visit the Students’ Union website:www.tsdsu-swansea.co.uk
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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 servicescan be found below:
Academic Registry
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 office is open from8.30 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.
Advice on financial support is also available from the Student Finance Officer based in Student Services:[email protected] 481123
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 be made as soon as you receive an unconditional offer of a place on your course.
Student Services
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 in the following areas: careers and employability, financial support, learning support (including support for disabled students), counselling, mental health, study skills support and support for students from a care background.
Services for Students
Counsellors are available to provide confidential counselling support for any student experiencing personal problems that are affecting the student’s general welfare or interfering with their ability to study. The University also has a qualified mental health adviser. To make an appointment for any of the services provided, please contact the Student Services secretary, who is available on the Mount Pleasant campus from:
8.45 am - 4.00 pm Monday to Friday01792 [email protected]
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/student-services
Library and Learning Resources
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 Swansea 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, with our electronic resources being available 24/7.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide guidance and support.
Please visit the library website for more information:www.uwtsd.ac.uk/library
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:www.tsdsu-swansea.co.uk
Catering
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:[email protected]
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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 foundon our website.www.uwtsd.ac.uk/student-finance
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:www.uwtsd.ac.uk/finance/payment
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 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 FCF 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 Student Services Office, or can be downloaded via this link:www.uwtsd.ac.uk/student-services/financial-support
For advice and guidance on financial support, please contact the Student Finance Officer based in Student Services: [email protected] 481123
Student Finance
Other Means Tested Grants
Depending on your circumstances, Welsh students may be eligible to receive a Means Tested Grant of up to £5,161. There are other grants available, Student Finance Wales will be able to inform you what grants you are eligible for.
Student Debt
You should note that any student in debt tothe University might be excluded from any orall University services, and may be refused permission to progress within the Universityuntil the debt is paid. It is our normal practiceto withhold progress to the next year, and notaward certificates until the debt is paid.Students completing their course will notbe able to graduate.
The University will normally take appropriateaction to recover any outstanding debt or recover/replace any University property.
Bursaries and Scholarships
For detailed information on all available bursaries and scholarships,please visit our website:www.uwtsd.ac.uk/bursaries
Council Tax
If your landlord/lady requires proof that youare a student, a Student Council Tax Exemption Certificate can be issued once you have fully enrolled. This Certificate can be obtained fromthe Academic Registry at Mount Pleasantby completing a form, or by sending ane-mail containing all of your details [email protected]. The Certificatemust 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.
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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. Staff are trained to provide advice to students regarding Tier 4 (General) Student visas. If you have any questions regarding your visa, please contact the International office:[email protected]
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. youruni.sm.uwtsd.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:youruni.sm.uwtsd.ac.uk
International Students 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
Need to know information Programme of Study
Learning Resources Supporting your studies
Social and WelfareSupporting you
Pre-arrival, arrival, enrolment, student loan, Students’ Union etc.
Timetable, curriculum, flexibility/choice of modules, learning and assessment methods, course structure. Programme Leader, personal tutor, supervisor, study skills/support provision, work experience opportunities
Libraries/Learning Resources, Information Technology facilities
Accommodation, Student Services, Guidance and Careers, International Students Childcare, Equal Opportunities and Disability advice, Financial information and advice, Medical, Personal Counselling, Social Life, Welfare
• This Student Welcome Guide
• Programme Handbook,• Programme Orientation Event,• Programme Leader,• School Office
• Tours and meetings will be available during orientation and induction.• Library and Learning Resources Guide
• Accommodation Office• Accommodation Guide• Student Services Office
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Sustainability
The University is committed to improving its sustainability and has won many environmental awards.
Students and staff actively participate in the NUS Green Impact Scheme and we achieved a Bronze award in our first year.
We are a Fairtrade University and have recently gained the Food for Life Accreditation from the Soil Association at Gold level for University events, and Silver for lunchtime Servings.
We have the Green Dragon Environmental Management System at level 5 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. We hold 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:www.uwtsd.ac.uk/inspire
Equality and Diversity
The University is committed to tackling discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity and good 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 discrimination. Staff or students who do not adhere to the University’s Equality policies will not only be failing in his/her personal responsibility to help create and foster a society which is free of discrimination, but will also be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the University’s procedures.
The University does not toleratediscrimination of any kind. Promoting equalitywithin 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.
Attendance Policy
All students are required to attend scheduled classes and Faculties will record academic attendance on a weekly basis.
Contact points will be specified for each programme, taking into account the structure of the programme and the scheduled timetable.
After three consecutive missed contacts, the Faculty will write to the student and ask him/her to meet with the appropriate programme representative.
If a student has two further consecutive missed contacts the student will be sent a final warning by the Faculty. Students who have a legitimate reason for absence (including the instance of illness or injury) must produce evidence. Authorised absence will not be counted against the student. The confirmation of the authorised absence will be logged on the student record in the Registry.
If a student does not provide any reasonable justification for absence and/or the student fails to attend after receiving a final warning then the Faculty will ask the Registry to withdraw the student within two months of the last recorded date of attendance.
University Policies
Each student’s cumulative attendance will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. Any student with a cumulative attendance for the academic year below 70% will be sent an end of year warning letter by the Faculty to warn her/him that attendance is below the level expected by the University and if poor attendance continues this may lead to the individual being withdrawn from the programme.
International Studentswith a UKVI Tier 4 Visa
In addition to the attendance requirements noted above, the following regulations will apply to international students with a UKVI Tier 4 visa.
If an international student misses 10 consecutive contact points without any form of authorisation, the student will be reported to Registry. Registry will inform the UKVI that the student’s Tier 4 sponsorship is withdrawn.
In addition, international students with a Tier 4 visa will be required to attend two compulsory re-registration points held in January and May.If an international student fails to attend a re-registration point or has missed 10 consecutive contact points, the student will be reported to Registry. Registry will inform the UKVI that the student’s Tier 4 sponsorship is withdrawn.
Students who have a legitimate reason for absence (including the instance of illness or injury while in the UK preventing attendance) must produce evidence. Students must get permission to travel abroad prior to leaving. Authorised absence will not be counted against the student. The confirmation of the authorised absence will be logged on the student record in the Registry.
Each student’s cumulative attendance will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. Any student with a cumulative attendance for the academic year below 70% will be sent an end of year warning letter by the Faculty to warn her/him that attendance is below the level expected by the University and if poor attendance continues this may lead to the individual being withdrawn from the programme and to withdrawal of his/her Tier 4 visa.
Any international student with a Tier 4 visa whose cumulative attendance falls below 50% for the academic year will be withdrawn from the programme and the Registry will inform the UKVI that his/her Tier 4 sponsorship is withdrawn.
Procedures for Student Complaintsand Appeals
We hope that you will never need to refer tothese procedures, but just in case, you can findthe relevant information and forms here regarding Student Complaints, Academic Appeals and Unfair Practice:
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office/procedures-for-academic-appeals-complaints-and-other-student-cases
Academic Quality
The University’s Academic Quality Handbook can be found on our website:www.uwtsd.ac.uk/academic-office
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