Mature Student Handbook

MATURE STUDENT

HANDBOOK bill

ts n e d u t s r fo the t fi t ’ n o d that eotype ster

:Hello & welcome Whether you are full or part time, undergrad or post-grad, we are very excited to welcome you to Plymouth University and the University of Plymouth Student Union.

Mature students here at Plymouth University make a unique contribution to the learning environment. Through the variety of your lifestyles and careers you bring a huge diversity of experience and knowledge to both the classroom and extra-curricular activities.

This enriches the learning environment for everyone and enhances UPSU and the University as a whole.

We want to ensure that everyone has the best possible student experience. We recognise that the decision to return to learning can mean important life changes. We also understand and acknowledge that your needs, concerns and questions about starting University are different. This guide has been prepared to help and direct you during your time here at Plymouth.

Vice President of Engagement The role of the Vice President of Engagement is responsible for representing the views and interests of mature students within the Union and the University. As your representative I will ensure that your voice is heard upon strategic boards and academic committees.

I will encourage the participation and inclusion of mature students in the union and advance the welfare of such students.

07967119283 @ sarah.pook@su.plymouth.ac.uk @UPSUEngagement /execofficers

:Contents :Student Voice 3-4

Course Reps, School Reps, Parliament, Student Officers

:Social Life 5 Events calendar

:Things to Do 6-8

Volunteering, Raising and Giving, Societies, Mature Students Group, Plymouth Award, Sport, Motivate-Generate-Activate

:Travel & Student Discount 9

Railcards, Parking, NUS cards

:Support 10

UPSU Advice, Counselling

:Childcare 11 Nursery, Care

:Finances 12-13

Funding, Council Tax, Benefits

:Learning 14

Transition, Learning Development, Disability Assist

:Student Voice Who represents me?

Your UPSU is run by five elected Student Executive Officers: the President, VP Engagement, VP Societies & Sports, VP Education and VP Welfare & Community.

Each of these Officers represents you to the University as well as in local and national forums.

Parliament

Your Execs are important and useful contacts. Each Officer works closely with the University, taking any matters & concerns to the relevant people within the University to ensure the best for the student and the student body as a whole.

Student Parliament is the main decision making body of the Union and is where policy is generated, discussed and voted upon by elected representatives. Parliament is made up of a cross section of UPSU’s membership and includes representatives from across the whole student body. This includes a Mature Student’s Rep who is there to listen and support you with all your needs. If you are interested in this position please email: @ studentvoice@su.plymouth.ac.uk

3

Course reps

Within your course you are supported

by Course Reps, who help to improve your course experience and take course issues to the appropriate people. With the support of School Reps and UPSU, Course Reps represent their fellow course members at programme committee meetings.

It is important to speak to your Course Reps about any issues you may have.

We want to ensure your voice is heard and that changes are taking place to improve your student experience.

School reps

School Reps carry out the same important role at School level, working with Course Reps to make sure your views are represented. School reps are a crucial link between Course Reps and UPSU, helping us understand what issues are cropping up across the board.

‘‘

I felt as though I could represent my class mates as a course rep…

I had experienced 18 & 25 and I also knew what it is like to be 30 &40

Becoming a School Rep or Course Rep Course Reps are elected in lectures in the first few weeks of term. Your Programme Leader should facilitate this. If you want to get involved at a different point in the year just ask your Programme Leader if there are any vacancies. Many programmes also hold open student meetings, where you have the opportunity to speak to academics and raise issues.

’’

UPSU runs online elections for School Reps. Most School Reps are in place for the new academic year, but there are some spaces still to be filled.

Contact details: @ studentvoice@su.plymouth.ac.uk 01752 588380 @upsuvoice /UPSUstudentvoice

:Social Life Events Calendar

Throughout the year UPSU organise a range of events and socials specifically for mature students, including family friendly events, smaller, quieter social gatherings, day trips and evening do’s. We always want to hear any suggestions you may have for events.

Coffee Morning

Rolle marquee

Thurs 19th September 9am-11am

Welcomes Do

Rolle marquee

Tea & Cake

Rolle building room 117

Wed 25th September 1am-3am

Meet friends, speak to second and third year mature students and enjoy a free coffee or tea to start your day.

A Free event with refreshments, music & entertainment

Any questions, queries and a general catch up over tea and Cake.

Trip to Barbican Theatre

21st Free Breakfast Thurs October 9.30am-11am Morning

14th Coffee Morning Thurs November

At the Quarter Deck (SU)

In Costa (SU)

Thurs 3rd October 7.30pm

Once Upon a Time in a Western

Once upon a time in a western’ is a cowboy themed comedy for all to enjoy.

Trip to Barbican Theatre A Christmas Carole

Catch up and free breakfast to start your day

Tues 17th December 7.30pm

Join Le Navet Bete as they take you through this classic Dickensian Christmas tale in a physical comedy fun-fest for everyone.

5

Sat 21st September 7pm-10.30pm

9.30-11.30am

Discuss how the first term is going over a free coffee.

If you would like to be added to a mailing list for a variety of events for like- minded students, please email @ sarah.pook@su.plymouth.ac.uk You will be able to buy discounted tickets for the theatre events from Sarah Pook in the HIVE of the student union

:Volunteering The UPSU Volunteering Department develops and promotes student volunteering within the local and student community and can help you find the perfect activity to enhance your studies, learn new skills, meet people and have fun.

There are many volunteering opportunities to become involved with such as beach clean-ups, various animal sanctuary work and railway projects. upsu.com/volunteer @ volunteer@su.plymouth.ac.uk 01752 588387 @UPSUVolunteers /UPSUVolunteers

www

dford Sarah Re y

g Criminolo Year 3

‘‘

I became involved with volunteering during my first year at university. I have volunteered with both Plymouth Youth Services and The Salvation Army. I have gained so many benefits from these opportunities. It has given me constructive time away from studying- which I feel is essential. It has allowed me to help young people to stay away from crime. I have had the prospect to network and to attend many vocational courses and conferences. I feel that my involvement has enhanced my overall university experience. To anyone considering volunteering I would say “go for it”. I have gained more than I have given.

‘‘

:Things to Do Raise & Give (RAG)

Raising and Giving (RAG) organise fun and exciting events in order to raise money for both local and national charities. RAG gives you the opportunity to become involved in charity work and volunteering projects, whilst giving you experience in event organisation, project management, leadership and teamwork. You find out all more at: upsu.com/rag www

Societies

There are over 80 SU Societies to choose from, each led by students for students. Some societies are hobby based, whilst others are academically focused, but one thing they have in common is that they allow you to meet course mates or friends that share similar interests. Joining a society also provides you with the opportunity to develop personal skills, boost your CV, manage an event, and control budgets. All of our fantastic societies can be found on: upsu.com www

7

Mature Students Group

Come along to the sports and societies Fair 22nd September to sign up to the mature student Group society: /PlymouthUniMatureStudents

Plymouth Award

The Plymouth Award is designed to recognise and celebrate student achievements outside the curriculum. Many Plymouth University students already make significant contributions to the life of the University and the communities in which they live and work. The Plymouth Award is one way of recognising these contributions, as well as the learning and personal growth that students gain from these activities.

This is a fantastic way of receiving recognition for your hard extracurricular work. Please get in touch: @ plymouthaward@plymouth.ac.uk

Sports Clubs

There are over 50 different SU sports clubs to choose from. Each and every one is run and led by students for students. UPSU sports clubs are committed to delivering an excellent sporting student experience by providing you with a wide range of opportunities to get involved in sport.

All sports clubs can be found upsu.com www

Motivate, Generate, Activate Our team of sports activators can help you to take advantage of what Plymouth has to offer, whether it’s on the water, land based or in the City. There are a variety of sports we offer from squash and cricket to netball and Kettlercise. There is also a wide range of opportunities to gain experience in coaching, officiating and event management.

If you have any questions contact: louise.francis@su.plymouth.ac.uk For further information about the facilities, courses, classes and details about student membership to the fitness suite: plymouth.ac.uk/getactive 01752 588510 @ recreation@plymouth.ac.uk www

:Travel and Discount A

B

Railcard

You can apply for a 16-25 Railcard even if you’re 26 or over. To be eligible for a railcard you must be on a full time course.

You can apply online. You will need to submit evidence of your eligibility by uploading a signed mature student declaration form and a scanned copy of your student photo card, as well as a passport-style photo. This form can be downloaded from: www

16-25railcard.co.uk/eligibility-benefits/mature-students

You can also buy a 16-25 Railcard in person, by presenting your completed 16-25 Railcard application form and proof of identity to a staffed station ticket office or National Raillicensed Travel Agent. You will also need to take with you a passport-style photo Completing your form The form needs to be signed and stamped by your faculty office- this is also where you hand in your work.

Parking on Campus

In line with our environmental commitment, the use of cars by students and staff, other than those with disabilities, is actively discouraged. Student parking is not available on the Plymouth campuses. To help reduce car journeys to the campus, we have a Green Travel Plan offering discounted fares on local public transport and good facilities for cyclists.

If you are affected by disability and possess a blue badge, please contact: Sarah Haywood- Campus Services Manager 01752 232053 @ sarah.haywood@plymouth.ac.uk

NUS cards

You can purchase a NUS card from just ÂŁ12, this entitles you to over 150 discounts at a variety of stores, restaurants and travel agencies. You can find an overall list of these discounts online: nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/ www

9

:Support UPSU Advice Centre

The Students Union is here to help. All students face issues whilst at university from difficulties with teaching practice, to financial problems. UPSU: Advice is a free, confidential and independent advice service, which aims to help students with any problems they may have. You will find the advice centre on the first floor of the Students’ Union building. All staff are professionally trained and can offer advice on a range of issues,

Counseling

At some point in our lives, we all feel we’ve run into difficulties and do not know where to turn next. The counselling service is one of the student services that can help you find a way forward, by providing more effective coping strategies and life skills. It offers you the chance to explore and understand any issues which are impacting negatively on your academic work, as well as aiming to enhance your enjoyment of university life.

01752 587676 @ studentcounselling@plymouth.ac.uk

Academic Consumer Debt Housing Legal Student Funding Welfare Benefits There are a number of ways to get in touch with UPSU Advice: @ advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk 0800 953 0155 or 01752 588373 Mon-Fri between 9.30am - 4.30pm

10

:Childcare There are plenty of options for suitable childcare during your time here at Plymouth:

Freshlings Nursery

The University’s Freshlings Nursery on Plymouth city centre campus caters for 0-5 year olds. As places are in high demand, a waiting list system is in place, so you may need to be prepared to accept that a place may not become available immediately. @ Freshlingsnursery@plymouth.ac.uk 01752 588550

Parents’ Guide to Plymouth

The Parents Guide to Plymouth is an exceptionally useful resource for parents who are seeking local childcare provision and local Family and Children’s Information Services offer a wealth of up-to-date information on all aspects of childcare - and funding it. parents-guide-to-plymouth.co.uk www

11

Local Family Information Service

Your Local Family Information Service within your Local Authority can provide lists of registered childcare providers, they can also discuss your options and help you identify and claim support. You can find contact details for your local Family Information Service by using the ‘Find your FIS’ function on the Daycare Trust website at www. daycaretrust.org.uk or searching in your local phone book. For details of your local FIS in Wales, contact 0300 123 7777

Daycare Trust

The Daycare Trust has also produced “The Essential Guide to Childcare for Parents.”

An excellent resource for anyone with children, this guide is available for download from their website at daycaretrust.org.uk/guide/index.html www

:Finances Additional sources of financial support

Here we outline some of the additional sources of funding that could be available to you during your time at University.

The Plymouth National Scholarship Award

Independent, full-time students with a household income of less than £25,000 are a target group for the National Scholarship Bursary. The bursary is worth £3,000 for the duration of the course and consists of: £1,000 cash to be received in the first year, £2,000 credit on a campus card to purchase of study-related items at the University for example photocopying, catering, childcare at the campus nursery, the cost of accommodation in Halls of Residence.

You can find out who’s eligible at plymouth.ac.uk/money or visit the Student Funding Unit. www

The Access to Learning and Retention Funds

If you are struggling with high course costs or due to an overall shortfall of income, you may be able to receive help from the Plymouth University Retention Fund or the Access to Learning Fund. The Funds provide discretionary support to help students remain in Higher Education particularly those students with extra costs such as travel or childcare that are not being met from other sources.

The funds are administered by the Student Funding Unit who can be found in Room 001, Isaac Foot Building. They can be contacted by email at @ studentfunding@plymouth.ac.uk or by telephone on 01752 587680 OPEN

Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 5.00pm and Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm.

12

:Finances The Access to Learning and Retention Funds Council Tax If you are struggling with high course costs or due to an overall shortfall of income, you may be able to receive help from the Plymouth University Retention Fund or the Access to Learning Fund. The Funds provide discretionary support to help students remain in Higher Education - particularly those students with extra costs such as travel or childcare that are not being met from other sources.

The funds are administered by the Student Funding Unit who can be found in Room 001, Isaac Foot Building.

They can be contacted by email at @ studentfunding@plymouth.ac.uk or by telephone on 01752 587680 OPEN

Opening hours are: Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 5.00pm and Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm.

13

While it is not the case that “students don’t pay Council Tax,” full-time students are disregarded for Council Tax purposes. If therefore you are a full-time student and the sole adult occupier your property will be exempt from Council Tax. Similarly a property occupied only by full-time students will also be also exempt. If you are one of two adults, you will be ignored for Council Tax purposes and should qualify for a 25% discount on your bill. If however there are two or more other adults in the property in addition to you, the full bill will remain payable.

Benefits

This is a notoriously complex area. Eligibility for benefits is limited to part-time students and full-time students who are either single parents or disabled and student income is taken in to account when calculating entitlement. Don’t miss out, though. If you think you may qualify, have a chat with the UPSU: Advice team who will be able to put you in the picture with respect to both benefit and Tax Credits.

Learning Learning Development Team

The Learning Development team supports Plymouth University students by offering a drop-in zone, one-toone and small group tutorials, and online study guides to help in such areas as academic writing, making notes, revision and exam techniques and giving presentations. The team aims to inspire and empower students to think critically and creatively, to achieve their best and to enjoy their studies plymouth.ac.uk/learn Drop-in Zone - in the Library 01752 587676 @ learn@plymouth.ac.uk @ pals@plymouth.ac.uk www

Disability Assist

Disability Assist works to support students with a disability to get the most out of Plymouth University.

Disability assist offers a first point of contact for students with a disability, as well as giving advice to students who suspect that they may have a disability.

Its specialist staff can then offer the appropriate support and guidance in order to help you fulfil your potential at Plymouth University.

For more information, plymouth.ac.uk/disability www

14

To keep up to date with everything that is going on:

Like UPSU on facebook.com/upsunion Follow UPSU on Twitter @upsu Download the free UPSU app search UPSU App on iTunes

Thank you to dedicated m the students tha ature t ins the contents pired of this booklet