A - Z Guide to Abertay by University of Abertay Dundee

2010 The A to Z of Starting University

Got questions? Not sure where to go for the answers? Visit Student Services Reception on level 2 of the Library. We are open 9.00 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can call us on 01382 308051 or email us at StudentServices@abertay.ac.uk

Find out more about the services we offer on page 19.

Abertay Live email You will be given given aa Webmail Webmail(online [onlineemail emailaccount) account when you register, accessible via via the the Portal Portal or direct register, accessible direct at: at: http:// http:// webmail.abertay.ac.uk. This is the only account university staff will use use to contact you, so so you you need need to to be sure to staff will contact you, check it regularly.

Absence If you miss one or two days’ classes through illness or other personal reasons, you should contact the tutors personal reasons, tutors who teach you in those classes as soon as possible. If you miss more than just a day or two, please also contact your Academic Tutor to let him/her know that there has been a reason why you have not been attending classes. If you miss two classes in succession without having got in touch to explain your absence, you will normally be sent a letter asking you to contact your tutor. If you thatthat you are preparing courseyoufind find youfalling are behind falling inbehind in for preparing work or exams, you can apply special consideration for coursework or exams, youforcan apply for special under the Mitigating procedure. consideration underCircumstances the Mitigating Circumstances procedure. [See also: Mitigating Circumstances.] [See also: Mitigating Circumstances.]

Academic Calendar Term-time Academic andCalendar holiday dates can be found from the Academic

Calendar Term-time at and http://www.abertay.ac.uk/studying/find/ holiday dates can be found from the Academic academicyear/calendar/ Calendar at http://www.abertay.ac.uk/studying/find/ academicyear/calendar/

Academic Librarian Academic Librarian For in-depth help with finding information for your subject area, contacthelp the Academic Librarian for your School. For in-depth with finding information for your subject area, contact the Academic Librarian for your School. Computing & Engineering Systems Dundee Business School Systems Computing & Engineering Institute of Arts, Media Dundee Business School& Computer Games Hilda McNae – h.mcnae@abertay.ac.uk Institute of Arts, Media & Computer Games Hilda McNae – h.mcnae@abertay.ac.uk School of Contemporary Sciences School of Social and Health Sciences Contemporary Sciences Julie Shortreed j.shortreed@abertay.ac.uk School of Social–and Health Sciences Alison Gordon – a.gordon@abertay.ac.uk Julie Shortreed – j.shortreed@abertay.ac.uk Alison Gordon – a.gordon@abertay.ac.uk

Academic Tutor

The Academic Tutor system is designed to offer you access to support and help with any concerns or queries about your course, academic progress or problems of a more personal nature. Your Your academic academic tutor tutor is there to encourage and help you with your studies and the other aspects of university life. You You will will meet meet your your academic tutor regularly, especially during your first year, and they should be the first person you contact if you are having problems with your course.

Accommodation Advice For specific questions about university-owned accommodation, you should contact the university’s Accommodation Office in the first instance (see below). If you have problems or questions about accommodation, whether university or privately owned, the national charity Shelter provides impartial impartial advice. advice. Their Their Dundee Dundee office office is is close close to to the university at 1 Courthouse Courthouse Square. Square. You You can can find out more about the services they offer from their website at: http:// scotland.shelter.org.uk/

Accommodation in University Halls of Residence Students offered accommodation in university Halls of Students offered accommodation in university Halls Residence with details Residence will be notified notified electronically electronically with details of their They will will be be asked asked to read and accept their allocation. allocation. They accept the terms of the occupancy agreement and also to pay a deposit (£400 for 2010-2011) and confirm how they intend to pay their rent. Students Students will will have have 77 days to accept the agreement and 7 days to withdraw, ie 14 days in total. Unless agreement, payment form and deposit Unless the theoccupancy occupancy agreement, payment form and are received fourteen it will days be assumed deposit are within received within days fourteen it will that be the accommodation is not requiredis and will be allocated assumed that the accommodation not required and will to There is nowThere the provision of provision contents be another allocatedstudent. to another student. is now the insurance students’ The charge (£20 for of contentsfor insurance forpossessions. students’ possessions. The charge 2010-2011) is deducted from thefrom deposit. A chargeA of £40 (£20 for 2010-2011) is deducted the deposit. charge is to cover for student of also £40made is also madeelectrical to cover appliance electrical testing appliance testing items. Full details on our website: for student items. are Fullavailable details are available on http://www. our website: abertay.ac.uk/studying/accommodation. http://www.abertay.ac.uk/studying/accommodation. Please note: • student will receive keys to university accommodation No 1R VWXGHQt unless he or she has paid the deposit, signed their agreement and completed the monthly payment form. Make sure you keep the receipt in a safe place. Late applicants should bring the deposit with them at the start of term. are binding binding for for the the whole • All agreements agreements are whole of the academic year. Students who accept the terms of their lease and pay their rent in full will be given a 4% discount. Details and conditions will be be sent once an conditions will an application application has been been received for a room within university residences. [See also: Rent; Payments.] [See also: Rent; Payments.]

a continued Accommodation Office The university offers accommodation to students on sites throughout the city in self-catering flats. The self-catering flats are shared by 2-9 students. Each student has their own bedroom with study area and there is a communal living-room and kitchen. Kitchen equipment is provided (excluding crockery and cutlery), but students will need to provide their own bed linen, towels and tea-towels. The Accommodation Office offers advice and assistance throughout the year to students with any accommodation query or difficulty. The Accommodation Office can provide lists of private property companies within the Dundee area if you are considering renting a private flat. Specific advice and literature on leasing private tenancies is available to students considering renting a private flat. The Accommodation Office cannot enter into any tenancy agreement on behalf of a student. Students can also be assisted to find reasonably priced bed and breakfast accommodation while they are looking for a private flat. Open Staff Tel Email

Your attendance at classes is your responsibility. Some courses will check your attendance at every class (for example, Nursing, because the professional body requires it) but most will not. Be aware, though, that lectures and tutorials are your first – and your easiest – introduction to the main subjects you are studying. Tutors will give you outlines of key concepts, with explanations and opportunities for questions and discussion to help you to understand before you go off to find out more in the Library or online. If you choose to miss classes, you will miss out on the help tutors have to offer. If you cannot attend classes – perhaps because you are ill – please let tutors know as soon as you can. [See also: Absence; Mitigating Circumstances.]

Audio Visual Equipment Loans for cameras, tripods, audio recorders etc (as well as laptops and projectors for staff) can be borrowed from the Library Enquiry Desk. Online bookings must be made in advance via the Information Services pages on the portal.

Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00pm Hilary Smith & Des Wassall: Senior Accommodation Officers Lorraine McLean: Accommodation Officer 01382 308059 accommo@abertay.ac.uk

Advice and General Support Student Services offers appointments and drop-ins with a range of advisors who can offer information, guidance and clarification in response to your requests or queries, ranging from advice about loans to much more personal issues. Some areas of particular assistance are funding, financial issues, course difficulties, academic appeals, consumer issues and welfare rights. Open: Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Staff:

Jan Murphy: Funding Advisor Hazel Petrie: International Student Advisor Claire Allan: Disabled Students Advisor Sheila Baillie: Dyslexia Adviser/Assessor Jonathan Staal: Student Services Manager (Learner Development)

Tel:

01382 308051

Email: advisory@abertay.ac.uk [See also: Disabled Student Advisor; Funding Advisor; International Student Adviser; Student Services.]

Alcohol [See under Health.]

Attendance

Banks

Most of the major UK banks and building societies have branches in Dundee. Many offer special student accounts. To open an account, you will need: • Passport • Visa (if applicable) • Letter from the university confirming your student status and address

• If you are privately renting, you may be required to present your original lease or contract • Money (generally only £1 to open an account) Letters from the university confirming your address and student status are available from Student Services. Please note that a Letter Request Form must be completed (available from Student Services) and please allow 24 – 48 hours for your letter. During busier periods please allow letters to be delayed by more than 48 hours. [See also under Finance Advice.]

Bebo Get together online with other new students before the start of term on Bebo at http://www.bebo.com/AbertayO. We’re also on Facebook.

Books You will be given reading lists by each of your module tutors, including chapters and articles to read to prepare for each week’s tutorials, and also textbooks that would be helpful to have throughout the term. There will be copies of these books in the Library – along with lots of others. If you like to have your own copies, but new copies seem too expensive, check out noticeboards for students selling their old ones. Check that they are still up-to-date, though, before you buy.

Bridging Programme The Bridging Programme is designed to help you get ready to start your course. It runs from Monday 6 to Friday 10 September, and brings together sessions on IT, information and study skills. You can pick and choose to attend sessions that look most useful for you and there is no need to book in advance – just turn up to the university’s main entrance about 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and you will directed to the venue.

Bullying and Harassment The university seeks to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. It regards harassment as unacceptable and has a Personal Harassment Policy designed to protect its students and staff, which can be found via the main website at: http://www.abertay.ac.uk/FoI/

Buses Two companies run most of the bus services in and around Dundee – Travel Dundee and Stagecoach. For route maps, timetables and fare information, visit their websites at: Travel Dundee http://www.traveldundee.co.uk/ Stagecoach http://www.stagecoachbus.com/Strathtay/ The main operators from Dundee for longer distance bus and coach journeys are Citylink (http://www.citylink.co.uk), Megabus (http://www.megabus.com/) and National Express (http://www.nationalexpress.co.uk). If you want information on journeys to other destinations in Scotland, visit Traveline Scotland’s website at http:// www.travelinescotland.com/

To find out more and to look at the full Bridging Programme schedule, visit http://StudentAcademicSupport.abertay. ac.uk and look for the link in the right-hand column. [See also: Summer School.]

c Cafés

The university is based in the city centre, with cafés, takeaways and pubs all around. On campus, the Student Centre has a coffee shop on the ground floor and cafébar on the first floor. A map of what’s available within a short walk of the University is available at http://www. dundeecity.gov.uk/map/bigmap.htm

Campus The university is situated on a city-centre campus with all its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. The first thing that you will notice when you arrive is how conveniently located everything is. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are only a short walk away. The main teaching site, which comprises the Kydd Building and Old College, houses most of the learning facilities, academic staff offices and computing laboratories. Next to these buildings is the high-tech library, where you will also find Student Services and many of the IT facilities. The Students’ Association is now located in our Student Centre, opposite the Kydd Building and the University Library in Bell Street, and includes a cinema, exhibitions, a café, bars and bookshop. A map of the university and Dundee city centre is available at: http://www.abertay.ac.uk/googlemap/Map.cfm?Key=007.017 If you are unsure where to find a room or service please ask at the main reception desk or at the Student Services Reception on level 2 of the Library.

Carbon Monoxide If you are in private rented accommodation, check that any gas appliances have been checked by a Scottish Gas or CORGI registered service engineer. Badly maintained gas appliances can leak carbon monoxide. The gas is hard to detect, but be concerned if you regularly feel nauseous, drowsy or develop headaches indoors. If you think there is a problem, immediately contact National Grid (formerly Transco) on 0800 111 999.

Care Leaver [See ‘Coming from Care’.]

Career Development Centre The Career Development Centre aims to help students make informed career choices throughout their time at university. During the academic year students have the opportunity to attend various workshops in areas such as job hunting, making applications and interview skills, as well as participate in practice sessions in psychometric and/or personality testing. Students can arrange to make an appointment to speak with a Careers Advisor as well as attend one of the weekly drop-in sessions – where no appointment is necessary. The Careers Information Room is open to all students and there are resources available in a wide range of areas, such as job occupations, job sectors, diversity, gaining work experience and postgraduate information to name a few! IT facilities are also available to assist with that valuable career research. Furthermore, we stock many of the latest career guides – which are FREE to students at Abertay. In addition to this, we also advertise part-time job vacancies, volunteering opportunities, and work placements. Why not pop in and find out more or visit www.abertay.ac.uk/careers/. It’s never too early to start planning ahead – if you are interested in finding out about the types of job opportunities available to our current graduates please check out our graduate vacancy database at www.abertay.ac.uk/careers/ graduatevacancies.cfm. Keep up-to-date with our latest news and events at www. abertay.ac.uk/careers The Career Development Centre is on level 2 of the Library with the rest of Student Services. Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Careers drop-in sessions: Mondays: 10.00am - 12.00 pm; Wednesday & Thursday: 2.00 to 4.00 pm Mairi Hole: Careers Consultant Sandra Nicholson: Careers Consultant Neil Campbell: Career Development Advisor Laura Bertie: Information Officer Jim Kelly: Part-time Jobs Information Officer Carol Grant: Careers Assistant Tel: 01382 308041 Email: careers@abertay.ac.uk Website: www.abertay.ac.uk/careers Open: Staff:

Changing Modules

Child Care

Where your course includes module options, you can normally change your choice of options in the first three weeks of the semester. Details of how to go about this are available via OASIS.

Although the university does not have its own nursery, there is a number of nurseries in the local area. The university can provide assistance with child care costs through the Discretionary Fund and the New Formal Childcare Grant for eligible UK students.

Changing your Course If you are interested in changing course, you should discuss this with the Programme Tutor of the course you would like to join and also the Programme Tutor of the course you are currently studying on. Details on the process of changing your course are available via OASIS under ‘MyUAD’. [See also: Oasis; Programme Tutor.]

Chaplaincy The traditional role of the Chaplaincy within a university community is to provide a resource and ministry to the university in the areas of personal and spiritual growth, caring and friendship. We see our first duty as responding to your needs in any time of difficulty. Chaplains offer care and assistance for students and staff of all faiths and none who may be in need at any time as a result of illness, bereavement, trouble or anxiety. The Chaplaincy supports students and staff in the practice of their faith or religion. We officiate at university ceremonies; conduct prayers, services and acts of worship. We are available to all staff and students on a confidential basis. The Chaplaincy also arranges a programme of events, meetings, lectures and social occasions throughout the academic year. We maintain a ‘drop-in’ facility so that you may call at the Chaplaincy and be sure to find a listening ear, help and friendship, a place where you can discuss ideas, problems and issues of concern. We are easy to locate, on level 2, Room 2034, Old College, where you will find the University Chapel, Chaplaincy Office and The Coffee Shop.

Details of local childcare providers can be found at www.childcarelink.gov.uk. Please contact Student Services if you require further advice or assistance. [See also: Funding Advisor.]

Clubs University is a great place to make new friends, take up new hobbies or develop existing ones. The Sports Union offers the opportunity to join our sports clubs. Each club has an extensive programme of events during the year, including training sessions, nights out and competitions. If your favourite sport is not catered for, we will support you in the formation of your club. Details of our sports clubs can be found at http://sport.abertay.ac.uk. [See also: Sport.]

Cinema Abertay is one of the few universities to have its own cinema, based in the Hannah Maclure Centre on the top floor of the Student Centre. The cinema hosts a wideranging programme, including the student movie club’s fortnightly showings and the internationally-flavoured ‘Around the World in 80 Films’ season. Visit http:// abertay.ac.uk/exhibitions to see what is on soon. [See also: Hannah Maclure Centre; Student Centre.]

The Chaplaincy team consists of the University Chaplain and five Honorary Chaplains. Many faiths and denominations are represented in Dundee and Tayside. The Chaplaincy maintains a directory of places of worship, contact numbers and serves as a resource and reference point for those with particular faith needs and as a forum for dialogue between those of different faiths. Open Staff Tel Mobile Email Web

Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm The Reverend Leslie Barrett: University Chaplain 01382 308447 07890 553060 l.barrett@abertay.ac.uk https://por tal.aber tay.ac.uk/por tal/page/ portal/University/Chaplaincy

c continued Coming from Care The university is keen to help all its students. Recognising the additional difficulties that can be faced by people who have been in local authority care, the university is keen to help. We have a range of measures in place, from helping you to secure the support you are entitled to from your local authority to finding year-round accommodation. If you would like help before term starts, please contact Jonathan Staal on 01382 308962 or email j.staal@abertay. ac.uk. Any information you share with us will be held in confidence.

Complaints We hope that you will never need to complain about the way you have been treated by the university or about the level of service that you have received. However, if you encounter a problem and have reason to complain, the university has a Student Complaints Procedure that provides details of how to go about doing so. Brief details of the procedure are available at http://www.abertay.ac.uk/FoI/ and the full procedure can be accessed via the Portal. Computing Facilities There are almost 300 PCs in the Library, and many more in labs elsewhere in the university, which students can use when the labs are free from teaching. There are also 30 Apple Macs in White Space. Most of the university has WiFi access, and the Library has desks on each floor where you can plug in your laptop. All university student PCs have a wide range of software including Microsoft Office, PaintShop Pro, Texthelp and MindGenius, and some also have specialist software, such as SPSS for statistics. Software licensing generally means software can only be used on university PCs, but some, including SPSS and McAfee antivirus software, are available on CD from the Library Enquiry Desk for students to borrow and install on home PCs or laptops. When you are away from the university, you will be able to access online learning materials for your course, electronic books and journals and your personal documents from your home computer using your IT username and password. A student laptop purchase scheme is available, though other local deals should also be considered. More information is available via the Information Services pages on the Portal.

Copyshop The Copyshop, located in Old College, provides a one-stop document management service including printing and special finishing. For information about the services the Copyshop provides and a price list, see the Information Services pages on the Portal or email copyshop@abertay.ac.uk.

Council Tax Council Tax is set by local authorities to help pay for local services, such as schools and policing. Exemptions from paying the tax are available to students, generally if they are living in a hall of residence or if they are in a private flat occupied only by students. Full details of exemptions can be found at: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/ council_tax.php The University supplies the local councils (Dundee, Perth and Kinross, Angus and Fife) with a report containing the termâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;time addresses of registered students. This allows the Councils to allocate quickly and easily any Council Tax Exemption students may be eligible for. You are responsible for updating your personal details including addresses through the University portal OASIS. Please ensure that your term-time address is updated so that it gets reported correctly to the appropriate Council.

Counselling Counselling is an opportunity to discuss and explore issues that concern you, in the company of a counsellor who offers you time and space to reflect, be heard and not judged during times of difficulty. Counselling can also support the possibility of change if you are not happy with aspects of your life. The counsellorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; approach is to enable and support you to find your own directions in life that suit you as a unique human being. Counsellors are happy to meet with any student wishing to find out more about counselling. The Counselling Service is a confidential service (full details are given in the Confidentiality Policy, available on request). If you have concerns about a student or group of students and would like to discuss them with a counsellor confidentially you can book an appointment with one of the counsellors. Please contact Student Services Reception on 01382 308926 or e-mail counselling@abertay.ac.uk, if you would like to do this. It is important to anonymise the person/people you want to talk about so that you do not breach their confidentialilty or compromise any future meetings with the person(s) and a counsellor. Workshops The counselling service runs workshops on Confidence/ Assertiveness/Stress Reduction/Relaxation. The Counselling Service is on level 2 of the Library along with the rest of Student Services. To contact the counsellors before the start of the academic year, please visit the Student Services Reception opposite the cash machine just off the main Kydd Building phone 01382 308051, or email counselling@abertay.ac.uk. The Counselling Service also provides a short counselling appointment that is booked on the day for any student who needs to see a counsellor urgently. Staff: Tel: Email:

Vaughn Roberts: Senior Student Counsellor Alison Rouse: Student Counsellor Angela Davey: Student Counsellor 01382 308051 counselling@abertay.ac.uk

Disabled Students

Students who have a disability, learning difficulty or medical condition are encouraged to contact the Disability Advisor in Student Services for information and advice on a range of issues, including exam arrangements and additional support, accommodation options, Disabled Students’ Allowance (UK students only) lift passes and enabling technology. Information that you disclose is held in confidence and will only be passed on to relevant members of staff with your consent. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is non means-tested funding available to students who incur additional costs because of their disability while undertaking a full-time higher education course. Individuals who are undertaking a part-time course that is at least 50% of a full-time equivalent higher education course are also eligible. The Disability Advisor in Student Services can give information and advice on eligibility requirements for DSA as well as guidance on the application process. Contact the Disability Advisor for further details. The Disability Service is on level 2 of the Library along with the rest of Student Services. To contact the Disability Adviser before the start of the academic year, please visit the temporary Student Services Reception area opposite the cash machine just off the main Kydd Building entrance, or call or email us. Contact the Disabled Student Advisor for further details. Open:

Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Staff:

Sheila Baillie: Dyslexia Advisor and Needs Assessor Claire Allan: Disabled Student Advisor

Jonathan Staal: Student Servies Manager (Learner Development)

Tel:

01382 308051

Discipline While thankfully uncommon, from time to time problems of student behaviour do arise. The university’s Student Disciplinary Code sets out the processes by which allegations of misconduct against students are investigated and dealt with. Under the terms of the Code, misconduct constitutes: (a) improper interference with the proper functioning or activities of the university or with those who work or study in the university; or (b) action which otherwise might damage the university. Examples of the types of behaviour that constitute misconduct can be found in the Code, which is available in the Abertay Knowledge section of the Portal. Discretionary Fund Previously known as the Hardship Fund. For more information please see under Funding Advice.

Doctors [See under Health.]

Drugs [See under Health.]

Dyslexia Support The university offers support to students with dyslexia. If you know or suspect that you have dyslexia or another learning difficulty, you are strongly advised to make contact with the Disability Advisor to discuss your concerns and arrange a dyslexia screening assessment.

Dyslexia Screening Assessment Screening assessments usually take approximately 45 minutes during which you will be asked to complete a number of tasks to obtain a profile of your strengths and weaknesses. Should the screening assessment positively indicate dyslexia, or indeed any other learning difficulty, you will be advised to see a chartered educational psychologist for a comprehensive psychological evaluation. The university can arrange this assessment on your behalf.

Email: advisory@abertay.ac.uk Further information on the University’s Disability Service is available via the on Student Support pages on the Portal.

Eating Disorders All sorts of people can experience difficulties remaining in control of their eating. There can be pressure to control your weight to be healthy and to look attractive. That pressure can become a problem if you start to have excessive concern about your weight or shape and you judge yourself almost exclusively in that way, or if your self-confidence is affected substantially by your size or by how well you control your eating. If you are worried that this might apply to you, you might want to see help from the Counselling Service. In addition, the Eating Disorders Association can be contacted on its helpline: Hours: 8.30am-8.30pm, Monday to Friday Tel: 0845 634 1414 Web: http://www.b-eat.co.uk/

Enabling Technology Advise on enabling technology for disabled students is available from the Disability Service in Student Services. We offer training in how to use enabling technology and equipment, including Texthelp Read & Write and MindGenius study skills software, which are installed on university networked PCs. Texthelp Read & Write provides many tools to help access and compose written material. MindGenius is a flexible concept mapping program that enables users to draw dynamic mind maps with added notes that can be used to plan assignments and aid revision. Workshops are open to all students. Disabled students, students with learning difficulties and students whose first language is not English might find the packages helpful support tools and are encouraged to attend training sessions. [See also: Disability Service.]

English for International Students: The English for International Students team offers free English courses for international students whose first language is not English at Abertay throughout the academic year. Courses are offered at three levels of language proficiency and include: •

Reading and writing, focusing on the structure and organisation of information in an academic essay, identifying key ideas in a reading text and grammar and style for academic writing.

•

Listening and Speaking, assisting students to become more familiar with a range of accents, to identify key parts of a lecture, to take notes and to participate in discussions in an academic environment.

•

Dissertation Writing, aimed at students who have to write a disser-tation or complete a project. This course covers the structure and organisation of information and the language of writing up research.

•

Oral presentations designed for students who have to give academic talks. This course helps students to prepare a talk, improve confidence and delivery skills and acquire useful language for presentations.

•

Short courses in grammar and pronunciation.

•

Individual consultations are also available to discuss your particular concerns regarding your English proficiency - reading, writing, speaking or listening.

[See also: Counselling.]

Email Staff will only contact you using your Abertay email address, so please make sure that you check your account regularly, ideally at the start of each day. [See also: Abertay Live.]

Employability Throughout your time at university, you will be supported to develop your employability skills, also called assets or attributes, alongside increasing your knowledge and understanding of the subjects that you are studying. These skills and attitudes, highly prized by employers, include confident critical thinking, being innovative and creative, and having the ability to work with other people. Developing these skills and being able to demonstrate that you have these will not only help you to get that first job, but help you to move on afterwards.

Students may need to take our short English Language Placement Test so that we can identify the right level of course. Students who attend 80% of classes on a course qualify for a Certificate of Attendance.

The timetable for these classes is available on the Abertay website page English Language Help for International Students, where you can also find out about the English Language Placement Test times and book a place on courses online. Contact: Amanda Olivier - a.olivier@abertay.ac.uk [See also: Student Academic Support.]

Enrolment [See: Registration.]

Entertainment Dundee offers a wide range of venues with all kinds of music, cinema, theatre and dance. For information on what’s on, visit http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/events/.

Equality and Diversity The university is committed to promoting equal opportunities and eliminating unlawful discrimination across all of its functions, and recognises the important contribution of staff and students in enabling the university to achieve its strategic objectives regardless of ethnic group or background, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, faith or belief, social background, family circumstances or any other inappropriate distinction. All students are responsible for familiarising themselves with the university’s equality policies and for promoting equal opportunities, good race relations and avoiding and reporting acts of discrimination. Details of these equality policies can be found at http:// www.abertay.ac.uk/about/theuni/diversity/ Any student who is suspected of, or has been found to have behaved in a manner that the university considers to be discriminatory will be subject to disciplinary action.

Exercise The Sports Office runs the university gym, exercise classes, sports clubs, outdoor sports, taster sessions and the Abertay Sports Injury Clinic. For more information, please visit http://sport.abertay.ac.uk.

Euro 26 Your Student Card is also a Euro 26 card, entitling you to special offers and opportunities if you are aged 26 or under. Visit http://www.euro26.org/ for more information. [See also: Student Card.]

Facebook You can get together online with current students, other new students and staff on Facebook at http://www.facebook. com/AbertayO. We’re also on Bebo.

Fees [See under: ‘Tuition Fees’.]

Funding Advice Learning how to handle your money, especially when you do not have much, does not always come easily, and trying to cope with financial as well as academic pressures can seriously affect your ability to study. Advisory staff cannot, unfortunately, perform miracles with money but they can help you to plan your budget or suggest appropriate measures. Do not wait until you have a problem but ask for advice when you see one coming. The Funding Advisor, a member of Student Services, can help you with all of these issues. A ‘Student Calculator’ designed to help you budget and plan your finances is available at: http://www.studentcalculator.org.uk/ The Discretionary Fund and Childcare Fund are for UK students suffering from financial hardship and are administered by the university on behalf of the Scottish Government. Students may receive assistance with child care costs, accommodation costs, disability related costs and unexpected financial hardship. Students must have taken the maximum available student loan and evidence financial hardship. These funds are lightly means tested. The Funding Advisor is on level 2 of the Library with the rest of Student Services. Open: Staff: Tel: Email:

Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Jan Murphy: Funding Advisor 01382 308051 j.murphy@abertay.ac.uk

f continued Funding Student Loans – Scottish students only The application process for Scottish students applying for fees and funding has been streamlined and uses the same form. Application forms are online at www.saas.gov.uk. It is important to remember that applications must be made to SAAS each year that you continue in your studies. Student Loans – other UK students only Student loans are available for full-time students under 55. If you are aged 50-55 at the start of your course, you will be asked to confirm that you intend to return to work on completion of your course. You can obtain a student loan even if you have previously studied in higher education. However, there might be difficulties if you have an oldstyle student loan and have not kept up to date with your deferments. Grants and Bursaries (UK students only) Student loans, grants and bursaries are paid direct to your bank account. Students from Scotland will have their funds paid monthly with the first instalment being a double payment once you have registered. Payments will then continue to be paid directly to your bank on the 7th of each month, with the final payment being made on the 7th May. Students from the rest of the UK will have their funds paid direct to their bank at the beginning of each term. Please note that applications for student loans, grants and bursaries are made through SAAS for Scottish students and Student Finance Direct for all other UK students.

Trusts & charities (all students) You might be able to find funding from trusts and charities. Use the EGAS online database to identify possible sources of support: http://www.egas-online.org

Grades Your grades for courseworks, exams and for each of your modules overall will be available at the end of each semester online through OASIS. For more information on this and what other information is available through the Portal, see under OASIS.

Gym The university’s gym is on the ground floor of the Graham Building towards the rear of the campus. For more information, see under Sport.

Halls of Residence [See under: Accommodation; Accommodation Office.]

Hannah Maclure Centre This is located on the top floor of the Student Centre providing an informal and cultural space for students and staff to present, engage and interact with exhibitions. As well as a gallery area it also houses a cafe and a stateof-the-art cinema and performance space that seats 72. It runs student film nights and a multitude of one-off screenings, performances and seminars. The Centre works with contemporary and interdisciplinary cultural producers and artists from the UK and abroad, as well as supporting teaching activity and developing opportunities with staff and students. It has a café bar and a large balcony for outside use that boasts views over Dundee. If you want to know what is on, visit http://hannahmaclurecentre. abertay.ac.uk/ [See also: Student Centre.]

Hardship Fund [See under: Funding Advice.]

Health When you arrive at the university, it is important that you register with a doctor as quickly as possible. A directory of doctors in the Dundee area can be found at http:// www.taysidedoctors.co.uk The university has a link with Hillbank Health Centre who will be on campus during Orientation Week. Hillbank will advise you of how you can register with them and the services that they offer. Hillbank also provides one hour each day dedicated to seeing Abertay students. Therefore you are guaranteed to be seen very promptly if you are feeling unwell. The Health Centre is situated approximately 5-10 minutes walk from the university. For more information, visit: http://www.hillbankhealthcentre.co.uk/ Your health and well-being as a student at Abertay is extremely important to us. For this reason we aim to provide a supportive, proactive advisory service which includes advice and guidance on various aspects of health care, the emphasis being on preventative measures and early access to help when needed. Health initiatives will run throughout the year to raise awareness of key health issues that can affect anyone,

such as Sexual Health, Mental Well-Being, support in dealing with Drug or Alcohol Misuse, Stress Management Techniques and Relaxation. You can find out much more information on health issues via the Health section of the Student Services pages on the Portal and there is more on sexual health from: http:// www.sexualhealthtayside.org/

Holidays [See under: Academic Calendar.]

Homesickness

Starting your university career is an exciting time. Whether you have a good idea of what to expect after seeing friends or relatives embark on their courses or you will be discovering it all for yourself, there will be an enormous amount of information to take in and the pace can become hectic at times, with loads on offer socially as well as academically.

ID Card [See under: Student Card.]

Information Services Information Services at Abertay provides support for teaching, learning and research in the university. It includes the Library, IS Service Desk, Copyshop as well as IT and information skills training, development and maintenance of all IT systems and equipment, and maintenance of the university web pages. Comprehensive information on the service is available on the Portal.

Here are some tips to help you through the initial weeks of your first term.

Tel:

Pace yourself, spending time to reflect on your new experiences.

Enquiry Desk: enquirydesk@abertay.ac.uk

Expect it to be nerve-wracking occasionally, but not because you’re not doing it right. The one thing everyone has in common is that they are surrounded by strangers and do not want to be rejected. Anxiety at this stage is totally normal and if you don’t find your lifetime friends in the first fortnight, you’re not the only one. Don’t beat yourself up if you are not always at ease socially, or if you say or do something you later regret. Don’t be pressurised into doing things you don’t want to do. Maximise the chances of finding people you get on with by going to things that you know you’ll enjoy, even if your flatmates won’t go with you. Don’t feel you have to keep in with the crowd at all costs; being a brand new face to everybody has great advantages too. If you have longed to explore different interests or change your image, but not had the chance, now is the time.

Enquiry Desk: 01382 308833 IT Service Desk: 01382 308888

IT Helpdesk:

isservicedesk@abertay.ac.uk

[See also: Academic Librarian; Audio-Visual Equipment; Computing Facilities; Copyshop; Library; IS Service Desk.]

International Student Advice The International Student Advisor works in Student Services to provide advice and information on a variety of issues for overseas students, including students from other parts of the EU. Advice includes information on immigration, visas, entry clearance and general pastoral care. The International Student Advisor also organises and runs International Welcome Week (Monday 6 – Friday 10 September) offering information sessions along with social and cultural events to help ease transition into Scottish and university life. The International Student Advisor is on level 2 of the Library along with the rest of Student Services. To contact the International Student Advisor before the start of the academic year, please call or email us. Open: Staff: Tel: Email: Website:

Tuesday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Hazel Petrie: International Student Advisor 01382 308051 advisory@abertay.ac.uk http://www.abertay.ac.uk/Applicants/EUOS/ Guide/Index.cfm

IS Service Desk

i continued Whether you are having trouble configuring your laptop for WiFi network access, formatting your Word document, or have accidentally deleted some files, you are never far from help with IT problems. There are online guides on the IS Service Desk’s Portal pages or you can contact the IS Service Desk: • In person: at the Enquiry Desk in the Library – 9am to 5pm weekdays • Tel: 01382 308888 • Email: isservicedesk@abertay.ac.uk • Online: via the online forms on the IS Service Desk pages on the Portal [See also: Computing Facilities; Information Services.]

IT Trainers The IT Training Team, based in the Library, can help you make the most of Microsoft Office. If you need help, such as formatting your coursework, creating a table of contents or designing a PowerPoint presentation, come along to the drop-in sessions every Wednesday, 12pm to 2pm, in the Library. You can also work towards the professional ECDL IT qualification while studying at Abertay. Contact ITtrainers@abertay.ac.uk for more information.

Jargon

What is the difference between the level of a course and the stage of a course? The university uses a lot of jargon. While you are getting used to it, a quick guide to what things mean is available at: http://www.abertay.ac.uk/studying/ support/academic/atoz

Job Shop is a service that advertises local part-time jobs and gives advice on applying for part-time work. The service also advertises a range of opportunities to enhance your employability and your CV: volunteering, placements, internships, part-time research, summer jobs, working abroad, working in the care professions and any other useful activity that would enhance your graduate skills.

Abertay LGBT Society is a society dedicated to all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender students of Abertay University. The Society also warmly welcomes students from The University of Dundee. The Society exists for a variety of reasons, however, first and foremost we are a social society. We aim to organise a variety of social events each year within, and also outwith, Dundee. We also exist in order to provide our members with knowledge on a wide variety of LGBT issues and this is achieved by the use of guest speakers and also a number of resources which are available to the society. For more information visit their Facbook site (Abertay LGBT).

Library The Library, which is also home to Student Services, is here to support your learning and study needs, providing access to scholarly resources and helping you to develop the skills to use them effectively. We have books, journals and DVDs, a variety of study spaces, almost 300 PCs plus WIFI access for your laptop, printers and photocopiers; seminar rooms; group study rooms with presentation equipment and lots more. A great deal of the Library’s resources is now available electronically rather than on the shelves. Explore the Library on the university Portal for e-books, e-journals and a wide range of other resources and services. Opening hours vary throughout the year - check them on the Portal or at the entrance to the Library. More information available: • In person: at the Enquiry Desk in the Library – 9am to 5pm weekdays. • Tel: 01382 308833 • Email: enquirydesk@abertay.ac.uk • http://www.abertay.ac.uk/about/facilities/library/ • Instant message - ask a librarian link on the portal page.

Job Shop

Staff: Tel: Email: Website:

LGBT

Jim Kelly: Jobs Information Officer 01382 308902 careers@abertay.ac.uk www.abertay.ac.uk/careers

[See also: Academic Librarian.]

Lockers Lockers are available across the campus for hire to store books, bags and personal items while you are in class. You can request a locker at any time throughout the year by calling at the security desk on the foyer of the main Kydd Building entrance.

The university disability service is eager to ensure that students with mental health difficulties receive advice, information and support as needed to facilitate academic work and participation in university life. All communication is confidential and informal. Their main aims are to: • Identify support needs

Loneliness Everyone at some time experiences loneliness and for some it may be when there has been a big change in their life, such as coming to university. This feeling can come not just when you are alone but when you are in a crowd, in class, or at a party. This feeling can hit you out of the blue when you are excluded from something or it can hang around like a dark cloud when you have a need that is not being met. Loneliness can be overcome. It is a feeling like any other feeling – it is not a state of being – and it is telling you something very important. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself “what do I need?” and when you have the answer go to it, honour yourself by meeting that need. It may require you to have courage, accept help from others, such as friends or the counsellors, take risks, expand your horizons a bit, but you’ll be glad you did.

• Discuss strategies for managing student life and mental health difficulties • Provide short-term or ongoing support • Provide information and if needed, access to other services within the university and local mental health services Come along if: • You are struggling to deal with an existing mental health difficulty • You, or other people, have become concerned about your mental health recently • You would like to discuss strategies which may help you to cope with university life To make an appointment, email advisory@abertay.ac.uk.

Mitigating Circumstances

[See also ‘Counselling’.]

Lost Property The Security desk based in the Kydd Building reception is the place to take any items of lost property that you find. If you have lost anything, the Security Desk keeps everything handed in for two months before passing it to the police.

Medical Help

Mental Health & Well-being

For routine help, you should visit your local chemist or your GP. The local Accident & Emergency department is located at Ninewells hospital. For more information, see under Health.

Mitigating circumstances is the name of the procedure that can allow students to request special consideration, such as extensions to coursework deadlines or an opportunity to sit an exam at a later date. Decisions on whether students are eligible for mitigating circumstances usually require details of the student’s situation and evidence, such as a doctor’s note. If you are unable to complete coursework or take exams for reasons out of your control (for instance illness, but not poor time management), you should make an appointment to see either your Programme Tutor or your Academic Tutor, ideally before the deadline, to apply for mitigating circumstances. More information on applying for mitigating circumstances can be found via OASIS. [See also: Academic Tutor; Jargon; Programme Tutor.]

Regularly check the noticeboards outside your School’s Office and outside your classrooms. There will always be useful information, including posters about events coming up, notices from other students advertising rooms to rent or second-hand textbooks to buy and job opportunities. Also check the boards outside your tutors’ rooms for information they might put up about classes and assignments coming up.

Parking

Noticeboards

OASIS - the Online Abertay Student Information System OASIS is the online system by which you can access your student record, along with a range of other useful and important information. It is available on and off campus using a web browser. You can access OASIS via the Portal (http://portal.abertay. ac.uk) or direct at http://oasis.abertay.ac.uk, using your university username and password to log in. You should access OASIS • To check your module registrations • To keep your address up to date • For your assessment and module results • To check whether your programme details are correct • To make payments or set up direct debit mandates [See also: Payments.]

There is no on-campus parking for students and limited parking in surrounding streets. Details of the nearest car parks are available at: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/ visitorparking/main.htm. Disabled students who require a parking space should contact the Disability Service on 01382 308932 or on j.staal@abertay.ac.uk.

Passwords Students can expect to receive their IT username (your student ID number) and password during Orientation Week. You will need your username and password to log in to computers on campus, and to access OASIS and online resources for your course off campus.

Payments Students liable to pay fees and/or for university accommodation are requested to pay using the online payment system. You can pay online using OASIS, the University online information system. All you need is your OASIS username and password and a valid credit or debit card. You can also:• View your current statement. • Pay any outstanding debts. • Set up a direct debit mandate to pay fees/accommodation monthly. • Authorise a third party (e.g. parent/employer) to pay by direct debit on your behalf. • Pay next session’s tuition and accommodation fees in advance. [See also: OASIS; Student Services; Tuition fees.]

Personal Development Planning – PDP

Registration

Personal Development Planning helps you to think about where you are now, where you want to go and how you are going to get there. The university has different ways of supporting you to engage in personal development planning. Some modules include elements of PDP as part of the assessed work. The Career Development Service offers an online system, accessed direct from the Portal, which helps you move from self-analysis through action planning to preparing your CV.

In addition to enrolling with the University you will register for your modules. It is VERY important that we have an accurate record of your module registrations because this will form the basis upon which you will be assessed. This, in turn, has a direct impact on your qualification.

Portal The Portal is your online gateway to the university and gives you access to your email, learning resources for your course, your timetable, your results and much more. Not only do you have access to your personal information on the Portal, but you can also find out more about the university and its services. It features a daily news bulletin and there are links to all the support services and university policies, procedures and guidelines that are relevant to you as a student. The main advantage of the Portal is that it offers you all of these services in one easily accessible place. The Portal is your home page on all university PCs – the first page you see when you open Internet Explorer. You can also access the Portal if you are away from the university by logging on at: https://portal.abertay.ac.uk

Printing Printers are available in the Library and in the Kydd Building. Black & white printing costs 5p per A4 sheet and you need to buy print credit before you can print. You can buy credits in the Library at the Enquiry Desk or at the print credit station on level 1, or in the print room on level 3. You need to log in to the printers with your username and password before you can print.

Programme Tutor Your Programme Tutor has overall responsibility for your programme and how all the modules that it includes are related. If you have general questions or comments about your programme, that will be the person to go to first. You will be told who your programme tutor is at the start of each year, but you can find out who they are by looking at the Programme Structures on the Portal via OASIS.

The processes of enrolment and registration have been scheduled to ensure as smooth a flow as possible. However, given the number of students enrolling and registering at the beginning of a session, some queuing is inevitable. To complete registration you will be required to register online via the University portal OASIS and attend your personally scheduled Registration Event in the University Library. Registry will supply full instructions on Online Registration and the School who looks after your programme will advise you of the time and place to attend your Registration Event but you must attend at the time you have been allocated. After you have registered we will activate your IT account and you will have the opportunity to log on and find some of the information you will need in your first few weeks at Abertay e.g. personal information, timetables and learning resources for your course. You will also collect your ID card. The processes of enrolment and registration and IT induction will normally be completed in less than two hours.

Registry The university’s Registry maintains a comprehensive record of your student history. Most of your information is obtained when you register and your file is updated to record your academic progress throughout your time of study. The university treats all student data as confidential and the strictest control is exercised over the release of any information relating to you. The records are maintained in accordance with the terms of our registration under the Data Protection Act (UK) 1998. The university Registry will use only your Abertay Live email account to communicate with you electronically, whether you are a full or part-time student, based on or off campus. You must ensure that you access your Abertay Live account on a regular basis to keep up to date with communication from the Registry: this is your personal responsibility. If you have problems with your Abertay Live account you should contact the IS Service Desk.

Rent Students in university Halls of Residence are requested to pay their rent monthly by direct debit or credit or debit card in eight equal instalments (as detailed on the agreement). Failure to pay on time or complete the payment form can incur an administration charge and a letter of ‘notice to quit’. Where, exceptionally, you have not received an agreement prior to taking up tenancy of university accommodation, or if you have any query about the amount of rent you are required to pay, please contact the Accommodation Office as soon as possible. [See also: Accommodation Office; Payments.]

Residences [See Accommodation.]

Samaritans The Samaritans provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Tel: Web:

08457 90 90 90 http://www.samaritans.org/

Schools You will be a student in one of the university’s four academic Schools: • • • • •

Dundee Business School School of Computing & Engineering Systems Institute of Arts, Media & Computer Games School of Contemporary Sciences School of Social & Health Sciences

All of the university’s Schools are based in the main buildings accessed through the Kydd Building. Each School has its own office, which can be found and contacted at the following: Dundee Business School Telephone: 01382 308424 Email: DBS@abertay.ac.uk Room: 2015 School of Computing & Engineering Systems/ Institute of Arts, Media & Computer Games Telephone: 01382 308600 Email: CES@abertay.ac.uk Room: 4523 School of Contemporary Sciences Telephone: 01382 308180 Email: SCS@abertay.ac.uk Room: 3065 School of Social & Health Sciences Telephone: 01382 308700 Email: SHS@abertay.ac.uk Room: Level 5 School Office staff are available to give you advice and guidance throughout the year. Staff contact details can be found in the phoneboook located on the Portal. You will meet your academic staff during Orientation Week.

Shopping The university is a short walk from Dundee’s main shopping area. Information on what is available can be found at http://www.dundee.com/shopping.htm. The main supermarket chains, including Asda, Lidl, Morrisons and Tesco, all have stores across the city. In addition, there are speciality shops catering for the different national, cultural and religious groups in Dundee, including: • • • • •

Alnoor Halal Food Store, 202 Blackness Road Bismallah Halal Food Store, 122a Hilltown Continental Food Stores, 146 Hilltown Matthews Chinese Supermarket, Gellatly Street Slavyanski, 236 Blackness Road

Sport The best way to find out more about more about sport here at Abertay is to visit our website (http://sport. abertay.ac.uk) for information about the gym and associated exercise classes, our many sports clubs and activities. Remember that joining a club and enjoying the training and social side that it involves is an important part of university life. The friends you meet and the experiences you gain will boost your self-confidence at university and throughout your future career. If you want to take part in competitive sport, we have a number of successful clubs at Abertay and hope that you can be part of another successful sporting year at the university. If you are not into competitive sport, you can still find the sport or activity for you. The University Sports Service provides • A gym • A Sports Injuries Clinic • Support and development of international-class performers and coaches through the Elite Athletes Development Programme • Support, training and development of sports clubs through the Sports Union • Opportunities for everyone in the university to take part in a comprehensive programme of sport and physical recreational activities • More than 20 sports clubs to choose from, ranging from traditional sports such as football and rugby through to skydiving, snow sports and martial arts A couple of Scotland’s sporting stars have also agreed to support the development of sport at the university. Liz McColgan is the patron of the Elite Athletes Development Programme, while Andy Nicol has kindly accepted the role of patron of the Legend’s Club (Alumni Sports Scheme). Dundee also has many sport centres, gyms, golf courses and swimming pools, to which students can receive discounted access. Please visit the Sports Office on the ground floor of the Graham Building for more information. Staff: Peter Burgon: Sport Development Officer Tel: 01382 308954 Email: sport@abertay.ac.uk

sQuid

Student Association

sQuid is a cashless payment system new to Dundee available to you through your Student Card. You can use your sQuidcard in the Student Centre and in Dundee City Council libraries and sports centres. Visit www.squidcard. com for more information.

The Students’ Association is a registered charity. This ensures that it is properly operated and accountable for its funds. It has two full time paid officers, and for the coming year, they are President, David Currie and Vice President, Attila Szomor.

[See also: Student Card.]

The purposes of the Association are:

Student Academic Support

• the prevention and relief of poverty of students

How you study is as important as what you study. Student Academic Support is here to help you improve the way you study so you can improve your grades and get more out of university.

• the advancement of citizenship and community development • the advancement of education • the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture and science • the advancement of health among students

Use our online quiz now to find out more about how you approach your studies at: http://StudentAcademicSupport. abertay.ac.uk/quiz/induction.html

• the organisation of recreational activities for students who have need of them by reason offinancial hardship or other disadvantage

Here are some of the topics we can help you with:

• the promotion of religious and racial harmony

• • • • • • • • •

Taking control of your own studies Organising yourself and making the most of your time Thinking for yourself Effective reading and research skills Writing better courseworks Proof-reading Maths and statistics Group work Revision and exam techniques

You can get help from us in different ways: • Come along to Summer School, starting August 23, or the Bridging Programme, starting September 6. Contact us or check our website for more details. • Make an appointment to see one of the advisors, either by visiting us in our office on level 2 of the Library with the rest of Student Services. We are available for appointments between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, term-time and during vacations. Feel free to pop in anytime. Staff: Tel: Email: Website:

Jonathan Staal: Student Services Manager (Learner Development) Phil Eva: Advisor James Kelly: Advisor Fiona Brunton: Administrator 01382 308245 StudentAcademicSupport@abertay.ac.uk http://StudentAcademicSupport.abertay. ac.uk

• the promotion of equality and diversity • the promotion of charitable fundraising activities It is run by students, for students, with support from the Student Centre Manager and staff. Your Association Your Voice. In addition to the president there are 6 elected students who are still studying. You can find full details of what we do for you on the new website: www.abertayunion.com Every student at Abertay is automatically a member, but you have the right to opt out under the 1994 Education Act. If you opt out you can still receive pastoral support but not participate in the democratic running of any aspect of the organisation. UADSA prides itself on being there to help students when needed and foreseeing issues that affect students. Abertay has a reputation as being friendly and inclusive in its approach. No matter how trivial you feel your situation is, the Officers will strive to help you find a solution. Societies Here at Abertay we have many diverse and active societies, something we are very proud of. They range from the International Students’ Society and Islamic Students’ Society to The Tartan Army and The Gentlemen’s League of Sophisticated Endeavour. However, if there is nothing that takes your fancy then why not set up a society of your own? All you need is eight other students who are willing to sign up for the society, all paying a minimum of £1 membership and you’re ready to go. Pop in and see the SA Vice-President for more information!

Student Academic Support is on level 2 of the Library with the rest of Student Services.

s continued Campaigns Here at Abertay we have many diverse and active societies, something we are very proud of. They range from the International Students’ Society and Islamic Students’ Society to The Tartan Army and The Gentlemen’s League of Sophisticated Endeavour. However, if there is nothing that takes your fancy then why not set up a society of your own? All you need is eight other students who are willing to sign up for the society, all paying a minimum of £1 membership and you’re ready to go. Pop in and see the SA

Student Card You can use your Student Card to access services in the university, such as borrowing library books. Your Student Card also allows you to use Dundee City Council local libraries and sports centres and to get access to Dundee University’s libraries, although you will need to get a form completed at the Enquiry Desk on the ground floor of Abertay’s library before you can borrow anything from there. If you are under 26, you can also use your card to get discounts through Young Scot (http://www.youngscot. org/) and Euro 26 (http://www.euro26.org/). Your card can also be used as a sQuid cashless payment system in the Student Centre. Visit www.squidcard.com for more information.

Student Centre Abertay’s Student Centre is slap bang in the middle of our friendly city campus, just yards from our award winning library and main teaching buildings. We’ve invested £6 million into getting it just right, from the beautiful red sandstone to the inspiring green cladding with glass front. The Student Centre is more than just a building - it’s the cultural and social hub of our city campus and is a safe, stimulating environment in which to eat, relax and socialize with friends and meet with lecturers. In keeping with our library it really stands out as a place of beauty and innovation and with the Students’ Association it encompasses numerous services. You can keep updated by going to the UADSA website www.abertayunion.com or our Facebook page which we hope you will all join http://www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=40811763637&ref=ts

The Hideout Nightclub Capable of holding around 350 people the basement is an excellent venue for student nights, start of term parties and Freshers’ week. It also hosts some great specialist nights such as alternating club nights every Saturday between Carbon, which is Dundee’s biggest and best alternative night http://www.carbonhideout.com/ and Cheeky Events which caters for a more general night of cheese and fun. http://www.facebook.com/cheekydundee?ref=ts It is an excellent venue for society fundraisers, guest djs, and band nights. You name it and we will help organise it. Aroma Café Bar and Campus Shop This area was re-designed in the summer of 2009 in conjunction with Wicked Coffee Ltd. It is a great space with a welcoming and comfortable foyer space, a central reception point and seating to suit all types. Watch out for our Pistachio leather chairs - sunglasses advised. It has a relaxed atmosphere where students can have a quiet break between classes, a chance to sit down, have a coffee and review notes with classmates. A variety of coffees and snacks are available during term from 9am until 9pm. The shop now provides a large array of products to refuel you between classes plus, stationery and clothing and opens from 8.30am until 9pm during term time. Both are open all year round at reduced times. Bar & Diner This is the hub of the centre during the day and a great place to eat and meet your friends. Bar One sells affordable, nutritional, quality meals to suit all tastes and is bright with natural light from the windows. There are TV screens and a selection of music channels. In the late afternoon you can play the wii, rock star and other games on our 60” Plasma TV. The room is split into two so whether you want to study quietly or meet with friends you can. We host quiz nights and it is available to book for all types of events. Food is available from 9am until 9pm, Monday to Friday, and our wide selection of quality beers, wines and spirits are on sale until 1am. Many sports clubs and societies use this room as a meeting point to hold various functions. The Sports Bar A buzzing area with an atmosphere that never seems to sleep. Students can drop in for a game of pool and play on various machines. We have a Very Large projector Screen and 5 TV screens located throughout the room to show all the sporting events of your choice. This is the bar to be in at night.

Student Services Student Services provides a ‘one-stop shop’ for advice, guidance and information on a variety of issues, including: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Accommodation Welfare advice Counselling Careers Mental health Chaplaincy Advice for disabled students International Students Advice Health Student Academic Support Financial Support Legal Advice

The Student Services Reception is also where you go for: • General information and queries • Registration queries following Orientation Week • Book an appointment for the legal clinic to meet a solicitor • Make appointments with the Advisors and Counsellors • Request a letter confirming that you are a student • Request a Council Tax certificate Student Services is on level 2 of the Library. You can contact Student Services Reception and the rest of Student Services before the start of the academic year by visiting the temporary Student Services Reception area opposite the cash machine just off the main Kydd Building entrance, or call or email us. Open: Staff: Tel: Email:

Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 4.30 pm Aileen Coutts: Central Information Advisor Christine Thornton: Central Information Advisor 01382 308051 studentservices@abertay.ac.uk

Study Space There are study spaces and computers in the Library as well as rooms with presentation equipment, which can be used for studying in groups. You can book the group study rooms in advance – just ask at the Enquiry Desk in the Library. You can also use the IT labs in the Kydd Building when they are not being used for teaching.

Summer School The Abertay Summer School is specially designed to help you to get used to the university and your course, build confidence in your abilities and prepare you for the start of term. It covers IT, research and study skills, plus gives you an introduction to topics you will study during your first semester. Summer School runs full-time from Monday 24 August to Friday 11 September. It is completely free, we offer a £45/week bursary to all participants and can generally offer free accommodation to anyone living outwith commuting distance. For more information or to apply, contact Student Academic Support on 01382 308962 or email StudentAcademicSupport@abertay.ac.uk.

Timetables You will be able to see the timetable for your programme on the Portal once you are registered. You can check your timetable online via the Portal.

Trains Trains within Scotland are run by First-Scotrail. Information on routes, timetables and fares can be found at their website: http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/. National Express East Coast (http://www.nationalexpress eastcoast.com/) operates high speed trains through Dundee to Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and London. CrossCountry (http:// www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/) operates from Dundee to stations across England and Wales. Discount tickets are available if you book in advance and with a 16 - 25 Railcard (available to all full-time students regardless of age). Generally, however, buses are much cheaper than trains. If you want information on journeys to other destinations in Scotland, visit Traveline Scotland’s website at http:// www.travelinescotland.com/

Tuition Fees All full-time students studying at a higher education institute are liable to pay tuition fees and must therefore make an application to their relevant funding body for support. For all new full-time undergraduate UK and EU students starting here at the University of Abertay the cost of tuition fees is the same for everyone, at £1,820 for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Paying fees When you register with the university, you will be asked how you intend to pay your tuition fees. • If you have received an award letter from SAAS/Student Finance you do not need to bring this to registration as the University will be notified directly but please keep your award details in a safe place as you may be asked to produce them at a later date. • If you are liable to pay fees you can make an online payment with a debit /credit card via the university portal OASIS prior to your arrival. Please note that during registration you will be required to make payment or arrange a payment plan if you haven’t already done so.

Methods of Payment for all Self-Funded Students Tuition fees are normally payable at or before Registration. Prior to arrival payments can be made by Credit/Debit card and/or a Direct Debit instruction completed online via the student portal OASIS. If you have not made any payment before your arrival you will be required to tell us how you will be paying your tuition fees during the Online Registration task and there will be an opportunity within the task to make a credit/debit card payment or set up a payment plan. Under the conditions for operating a Direct Debit scheme, the university has to inform you of the payment schedule before collection can take place, and you can cancel the arrangement at any time. However, should you cancel an arrangement, the full fee becomes payable immediately. Normally refunds are given only in exceptional circumstances where: • Having made a pre-course payment you do not meet the entry criteria. • Where there have been serious mitigating circumstances requiring withdrawal from, or causing non-arrival on the course. Evidence may be required to support certain cases.

Scottish & EU (non-UK) Students Applications from Scottish and non-UK EU students for fee support must be made to the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) each academic year and the fees are paid direct to the university. Applications are made on-line at www.saas.gov.uk. Eligible Scottish-domiciled students and non-UK EU students will continue to have their fees paid for them by SAAS.

Withdrawing from your course has tuition fee implications. You are strongly advised to read the withdrawal guidance notes on the university portal OASIS and seek advice from the university’s Student Finance Advisor if considering withdrawing from your course.

You must apply to SAAS every year in order to benefit from having your tuition fees paid, otherwise you will be personally liable for paying these fees.

If you are a self funding student (Overseas, UK/EU self funders including those receiving partial funding from Student Finance and those sponsored by a company or employer)

Other UK Students Eligible full-time undergraduate students from other parts of the UK will be able to apply for a Student Loan for Fees to cover tuition fees. That means that they will not have to find the money before they start their course or while they are studying, and the fees will be paid direct to the university on their behalf. Applications for Fee Loans must be made to Student Finance England/Wales/Northern Ireland. If you do not wish to apply for the Fee Loan and you have the means to pay your own tuition fees, you can do so (see ‘Paying Fees’).

Overseas Students Full details of tuition fees for overseas (non-EU) students can be found at: http://www.abertay.ac.uk/Applicants/ OS/Fees.cfm?Key=005.005.008

• Withdrawing after the end of the fourth week of teaching in semester 1, you will be liable for the semester 1 fee. • Withdrawing after the end of the fourth week of teaching in semester 2, you will be liable for the full year fee.

If you are a fully funded student (i.e. your full tuition fee is paid by SAAS or by a Student Finance) deadlines will be in line with SAAS regulations i.e. payment for the full year will be made for those registered on or after 1 December. If you withdraw between the fourth week of teaching and 1 December, SAAS will not pay your fees for the session and you will be responsible for payment of fees yourself. Students can sometimes misunderstand and believe that because SAAS will not pay your fees when you withdraw, it means that there are no fees to pay. Depending on your withdrawal date, even if SAAS will not pay your fees for the session, there may still be fees due and in this case you will be responsible for payment of these fees. If you withdraw after 1 December and your fees are paid for you, this may affect funding available to you for future.

Webmail

[See under Abertay Live.]

White Space

Young Scot

White Space is on the ground floor of the Kydd Building, accessible from the north-east corner of the car park. The open plan design is generating closer links between businesses, teaching staff and students. The classrooms are on full display, allowing all to enjoy the lesson. A comfortable couch area provides a more relaxed venue for discussion and is also used as a gallery space for exhibitions by invited artists. In keeping with the open approach to learning, one of the teaching areas accommodates a range of Mac computers which are available to all, even if there is a class in full flow.

Your student card is also a Young Scot card, entitling you to special offers and opportunities if you are aged 26 or under. Visit http://www.youngscot.org/for more information.

White Space is also home to a hi-spec audio recording studio, the video conference suite and HIVE where 3-D simulation environments are developed.

WiFi

[see also: Student Card.]

z Zzzzz

The importance of sleep, exercise and diet in staying healthy and allowing you to function at your best cannot be overstated.

Much of the University has WiFi access, and the Library has desks on each floor where you can plug in your laptop. More information on the IS Service Desk pages on the portal.

www.abertay.ac.uk

This guide is available electronically and in other accessible formats on request.

Student Services University of Abertay Dundee Bell Street, Dundee Scotland DD1 1HG T +44 (0) 1382 308051 or +44 (0) 1382 308926 F +44 (0) 1382 308343 Email advisory@abertay.ac.uk Switchboard +44 (0) 1382 308000

The University of Abertay Dundee is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC016040