Your Uni, Your UPSU Guide

:Introduction Hello and welcome from UPSU, your Students’ Union.

We are very excited to welcome you to Plymouth University and the University of Plymouth Students’ Union. UPSU is an independent charity that represents the interests of all Plymouth University students.

Though you may be studying away from the

main campus, UPSU is still dedicated to supporting you throughout your time as a Plymouth student. This guide should help you understand a little bit more about what UPSU can do for you!

Visits from UPSU Who will you see on your campus?

VP International & Outreach

Will Holmes

The role of Vice President International & Outreach involves representing all students who study off the main campus. Will will be meeting and communicating with off campus students, as well as attending strategic boards and committees to champion the student voice. @ william.holmes@su.plymouth.ac.uk 01752 588378

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Student Outreach Co-ordinator

Catherine Tetreault

Catherine is responsible for providing links between our off-campus students and UPSU, as well as promoting opportunities for involvement. Catherine looks after the college and course reps, whilst constantly liaising with college staff for the benefit of our partner college students. @ partnershipstudents@upsu.com 07966 450214

:Contents :Student Voice 3-4

College Reps, Course Reps, Student Officers, Elections

:Sports 5-6

Sports Clubs, Partner College Varsity, Training Sessions, Sports Scholarships, Campus Facilities

:Social Life 7-8

SU Club Nights, The Summer Ball, Alternative Events, Make Your Own

:Things to Do 9-10 Societies, Volunteering, Campaigns, Start Your Own Society, Raising & Giving (RAG)

:Advice 11-12

UPSU Advice, Disability Assist, Counselling, College Services

:Learning 13-14

Library, SSTAR Awards, University Card, Email Account, Study Sites

:Media 15

The Knowledge, UPSU Radio, UPSU TV

:Future 16-17

Progression, Careers, Bursaries, Plymouth Award

:FAQs 18

:Student Voice Who represents me?

Your UPSU is run by five elected Student Officers. These are President, VP International & Outreach, VP Societies & Sports, VP Education and VP Welfare. Each of these officers represents YOU, expressing your views to the University and in local and national forums.

Your officers are an important and useful contact. Each officer works closely with the University, raising key issues and challenging staff to make the best descisions for students.

UPSU Visits We aim to bring main campus experiences to off-campus students during the 2013 Welcome Weeks, so make sure you look out for the Mobile Students’ Union during September! We will also be visiting colleges throughout the year to hear your views, organising social and sporting events, and ultimately building strong links between all partner college students and UPSU activities.

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HE College Representatives In our larger Partner Colleges you elect students to act as your representatives, raising issues on your behalf and improving your student experience. These reps meet regularly with UPSU Student Officers and staff, and attend Student Parliament.

Each rep is trained and knowledgeable about UPSU so they can communicate opportunities and organise successful activities in colleges.

Elections All of our student reps are elected by Plymouth students. The biggest election is for our Student Officers. These five positions lead the whole student body so it’s important as many students vote as possible! The elections happen every February and any student can nominate themselves and vote online at www.upsu.com using your Plymouth University ID, so make sure you keep those details safe! www

Course Reps Within your college you are also supported by Course Reps, who help improve your course experience and take larger issues to the appropriate people. With the support of our VP Engagement, Course Reps represent their fellow course members at Programme Committee and Joint Board of Studies meetings. Feedback from these meetings is then passed on to other University meetings. Therefore it’s really important to speak to your Course Reps about any issues you may have, as we want to ensure your voice is heard and that changes are taking place to improve your student experience. Course Reps are a two way channel of communication;

they will feed your issues up to Partner College staff and UPSU, as well as feeding information and opportunities down to you. Make sure you take advantage!

If You Become a Course Rep Congratulations! You are now part of a team of 300 Course Reps within the Partner College network. Training runs throughout October/November and consists of fun, interactive sessions. On the UPSU website you can also find a section dedicated to Course Reps; we encourage you to use this area and to also make the most of the Course Rep training and handbook. www

www.upsu.com/off-campus

:Sport & Fitness Sport is a fantastic part of University life and there are a number of sports opportunities for Partner College students. Read on to find out more!

Student Led Sports Clubs We have over 60 sports clubs based on the main Plymouth campus, ranging from Archery to Wakeboading. There are ways you can get involved with these clubs from your Partner College site.

For more information on how to get involved, www.upsu.com

Free Training Sessions UPSU will be visiting your college and holding free training sessions in particular for the four Partner College varsity sports. The sessions will be run by trained coaches with particular expertise in each sport.

Make sure you come along! The better the turnout at these sessions, the more sessions we can hold. So make sure you keep an eye out for email updates on when your sessions will be!

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Varsity Each spring we host Partner College Varsity; in which the colleges compete in four sports:

Rugby - Football - Netball - Hockey Look out for training sessions at your college and start getting your teams together!

For more information, www.upsu.com www

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VARSITY

Become a Sports Coordinator!

Do you love sport? Do you want to be part of the sports programme at your college? Then become a UPSU sports coordinator!

We are recruiting a sports coordinator at each college to help us organise sporting opportunities. This is a fantastic way to make friends, gain experience, enhance your CV and work closely with the Students’ Union! If you are interested, get in touch with Catherine @ partnershipstudents@upsu.com Feel free to apply for this role as a team; we can always set up a ‘sports committee’ to lead the sports programme at each college.

Campus Facilities On campus, you will also find numerous sports facilities at the Nancy Astor Sports Centre and even the opportunity to take part in recreational sailing or powerboat sessions.

For further information regarding UPSU sports facilities, courses, classes and details on student membership at the fitness suite, www.plymouth.ac.uk/getactive 01752 588510 @ recreation@plymouth.ac.uk. www

Some of you will also have access to sports facilities on your own college campus. If you cannot find them, email: @ partnershipstudents@upsu.com and we will locate them for you.

Sports Scholarships Plymouth University offers sports scholarships to students who represent a recognised sport nationally or internationally.

For more information, www.plymouth.ac.uk/getactive 01752 588510 www

:Social Life We want you to have a great social life; below The Summer Ball This is the biggest night in any students’ are a few ways we can help you with this! calendar. With over 4000 people attending every year, you really don’t want to miss out.

If you request a certain number of tickets before they are officially released for sale, we may be able to hold some back for you and even organise your travel! Otherwise, make sure you purchase your ticket before they sell out! We’ll email you more information next spring.

Partner College Students get free entry into the SU every Friday night. Just email: @ partnershipstudents@upsu.com before midday on Thursday and we will put you on the guest list. Please remember to bring your college ID to the door. If you don’t complete these two steps, you will have to pay the entry fee. Furthermore, the Partner College student that attends the most friday nights at the SU receives a free Summer Ball Ticket!

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Not all socials happen at night!

We have a huge range of students at Plymouth University and have hosted many socials which go beyond the norm.

We’ve seen Coffee Mornings, LAN Parties, Warhammer Meets, Knitting Sessions, Poker Tournaments and much more!

We always encourage students to take pride in their interests and to unite with others that share similar passions. We are always here to support you, whatever the social may be.

So get in touch and let’s get organising! william.holmes@su.plymouth.ac.uk www

Organise Your Own Social For you to get the true university experience, it’s all about creating your own social life in your respective towns and cities. Follow this simple step by step guide to setting up your own social…

Find a few friends to help you organise the social,

Spread the word! Utilise emails, word of mouth

set up a ‘social committee’ and hold a meeting.

advertising and get a mention in all Higher Education lessons!

Decide on a date and a theme (if applicable), as well as a selection of possible venues.

Make sure you are prepared for the night, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself and stay calm. Remember,

Contact the venues to see if they would like to

even a group of 10 is a good turnout; socials will

host and if so, ask what they can offer. Then you

often start with this number of attendees and build

must make a decision on the best venue for your

up to dozens or even hundreds!

requirements.

Keep UPSU updated. We want to hear what Create a poster detailing important information and

you are up to. Steps 1 and 5 can be the most

deals on offer; remember to only distribute these

important and we will be happy to help you out in

posters in places on the college campus that you

any way we can.Have Fun!

are allowed to do so.

Hoodies

It’s quite easy to tell the difference between a higher education student and a further education student, but to make the difference even clearer, and to take some pride in the fact that you are a Plymouth University student, why not get yourself a hoodie and be the fashion icon of your college campus.Visit our e-shop to see the range of hoodies available. www.upsu.com/shop www

NUS Cards Not only do NUS cards give you a sense of student identity, but they earn you great discounts for all sorts of things, from major clothes companies to most cinema chains.

And they only cost £12!

Get yours online - just search NUS Extra.

:Things to Do Get Active!

There are many things to do whilst you are a member of UPSU and it’s important that you take advantage of them! All extra-curricular activities can enhance your CV, as well as develop your social skills. So get out there, join a society, do some volunteering, raise some money for charity and enjoy a vibrant University life!

Societies There are over 70 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 all 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 (by getting involved in the committee), manage an event, control budgets and plan a project.

All of our fantastic societies can be found on www.upsu.com www

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 get involved with in your area, such as; beach clean-ups, various animal sanctuary work and railway projects. www.upsu.com @ volunteer@su.plymouth.ac.uk www

Campaigns The student voice is very important. If you have a strong belief in something, then UPSU can help you in running or becoming involved in a campaign. Even if you have ideas for a potential future campaign, speak up and let us know. We can give you tips, advice, hints and assist you in running your very own campaign on your campus. Just contact your College Rep, your VP International & Outreach or the Student Voice Department. www.upsu.com @ studentvoice@su.plymouth.ac.uk www

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Create Your Own

Although we boast a huge variety of societies, if your college is too far away from the main campus there is no reason why you cannot start your own society.

Does this society already exist at your college?

If not, collect 15 names and student numbers of those that would be interested in joining the society you have in mind. Please note, these students must be looking to help you run and set up the society.

You then need to elect a committee consisting of a chair, treasurer, secretary and safety officer. There is also some paper work you need to complete, which is available from the Societies and Sports Officer.

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 can find out more at www.upsu.com/rag www

You will then need to submit your proposal to the UPSU Societies Committee, for them to consider it at their next meeting. The VP Engagement will be available and more than happy to present your proposal to the committee, in the event that you are unable to attend.

If your proposal is accepted, you are now ready to start running your brand new society!

For more information. www

@

www.upsu.com/societies societies@upsu.com

The Outreach Co-ordinator will be on your campus soon to encourage future Raising and Giving events or activities, such as Movember and the Bratislava or Bust Challenge. If you want any advice on how to set up a RAG event, please contact: RAG Co-ordinator Alex Bordoli @ ragplymouth@su.plymouth.ac.uk

:Advice & Support The Students’ Union is here to help.

All students face issues whilst at University from difficulties with teaching practices, to falling out with your landlord. However, you never need to face these problems alone and in almost all cases, UPSU is here to help.

The table opposite gives you a handy hint on what kind of issues should be reported to whom. These are only suggestions so feel free to contact whoever you feel most comfortable with, but rest assured, everyone on the list is always happy to help you.

Issue With:

Who To Contact:

Teaching

Course Rep

Student Experience

Course Rep + UPSU

College Staff

Course Rep + UPSU

Plymouth University

UPSU + Advice Centre

UPSU Advice Centre If you have a problem during your time as a Partner College student, your first source of help and advice should be someone within your college. However if you can’t get assistance locally, you should contact UPSU: Advice. This is a free, confidential and independent advice service, which aims to help students with any problems they may have. All of the UPSU: Advice staff are professionally trained and can offer advice on a range of issues, encompassing academia, housing, finances and personal life.

Teaching environment

Course Rep + HE Staff

UPSU

Plymouth University

Extenuating circumstances

Advice Centre + HE Staff

Assessment regulations

Advice Centre + HE Staff

Accommodation

Advice Centre + HE Staff

Finance

Advice Centre + HE Staff

Disability

College Disability Assist*

To get in touch with UPSU Advice, @ advice@upsu.com

Personal/Emotional Stability

College Counselling Service*

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Disability Assist Check Your College Services First Disability Assist works to support For more information, visit: students with a disability to get the most www.plymouth.ac.uk/counselling out of Plymouth University wherever you are based.

Key Contact Details UPSU: @ partnershipstudents@upsu.com Disability Assist offers a first point of contact for students with a disability, as Advice: @ advice@upsu.com well as giving advice to students who suspect that they may have a disability.

0800 953 0155 or 01752 588373 Its specialist staff can then offer the Disability Assist: @ das@plymouth.ac.uk appropriate support and guidance in order to help you fulfil your potential at 01752 587 676 Plymouth University.

Counselling: @ studentcounselling@plymouth.ac.uk Check Your College Services First For more information, visit: 01752 587 676 www.plymouth.ac.uk/disability/ Plymouth University contact: @ Julie.swain@plymouth.ac.uk Counselling Your colleges have their own advice At some point in our lives, we all and counselling services, please get in feel we’ve run into difficulties and touch with your HE office or email @ partnershipstudents@upsu.com do not know where to turn next.

The counselling service is one of if you can’t find them and we’ll help you the student services that can help get in touch. 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. www

www

:Learning Despite all the fantastic opportunities the Students’ Union can offer to enhance your student experience, you are primarily here to learn. It is import that you remember that although you are based away from the main campus, you still have access to all of our learning facilities, including the four story state of the art library, the £2,000,000 worth of e-resources and the learning support services. Make sure you use them all! One of your key resources is: www.studywithplymouth.ac.uk/ www

Utilising these resources will help you succeed in your degree.

Check out the library guide here: www.studywithplymouth.ac.uk/library.php and don’t forget to click on the Partner College Library Guide.

Give yourself the best possible chance of success by completing our step by step guide. This could be the difference between a good degree and a great one!

Full details of your college and programme, are available from your own college in programme handbooks. www

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SSTAR Awards The Student and Staff, Teaching and Representation (SSTAR) Awards are our way of highlighting all the fantastic work being done by staff and student reps across the University. Every year students can nominate lecturers, support staff and student reps in a range of categories from Most Inspirational Lecturer to Most Innovative Teaching. Any student can nominate so look out for more info in the second term to make sure you’re student reps and lecturers are getting the recognition they deserve!

Apply For Your University Card Get a University Card form from your College HE Office or equivalent.

Fill in the form and hand back to the Office with a passport photo.

Set Up Your Email Account Go to: www.plymouth.ac.uk Log in using details that your college has provided. If you cannot find these details, email: @ support@plymouth.ac.uk and we will sort this out for you.

Collect your card when it is ready!

Use the library to take out books, use study rooms, meet course mates for group work.

Please take advantage of these fantastic facilities, open 24/7!

Set Up a Forward Decide which of your email accounts you use most often

Select the “change password” function at the top right of the screen.

Enter your Username and Password here for safe-keeping!

USERNAME: ...............................................

PASSWORD: ...............................................

Bookmark & Use Our Study Sites Go to: www.studywithplymouth.ac.uk Select “bookmark/add to favourites”

If this is going to be your Plymouth account, then you are done! If not, move on to step 3 Select “set up a forward” in your account settings, under the file tab Enter your most used email address Send an email to: partnershipstudents@upsu. com stating “forwarding is the way forward”.

Go to: www.intranet.plymouth.ac.uk Select “bookmark/add to favourites” Use these useful sites to help with Plymouth issues, regulations, extenuating circumstances, referencing and anything else to do with your studies. Get to know Plymouth!

:Media We have three fantastic outlets for our brilliantly creative students at Plymouth University. They are our student newspaper, radio station and brand new television channel. These media outlets all present fantastic opportunities for you to display your work to thirty thousand students, as well as providing a great way for the student body to read, hear and watch each other’s success stories.

Our media outlets present one of the easiest means by which any partner college student can engage with UPSU and experience the Plymouth University life. Plus it looks fantastic on your CV. So get involved! We are looking forward to reading your articles, hearing your radio broadcasts and watching your TV shows!

Read on. Get in touch. Get writing. Get behind the mic. Get in front of the camera.

@

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emily.hamilton-peach @su.plymouth.ac.uk

@

info@upsuradio.com

@

partnershipstudents@upsu.com

:Future A UPSU isn’t just here to improve your University experience. We are here to prepare you for life beyond your studies as well. Partner College students are unique in the sense that many of you will move to the main campus for your final year. This is a big step in itself and is followed by an even bigger step into the job market. For both circumstances we have services to help you. If this all seems a bit daunting, feel free to skip over this bit for now. Hold onto this booklet and get reading when you want to start thinking about these things. That’ll be much sooner than you think!

B Progression All Foundation Degrees have dedicated progression routes to Honours Degrees. The majority take place at Plymouth, with students going into second or final year. There are also specific top-up degree courses facilitated

by Plymouth and other subject-specific institutions. Final year foundation degree students wishing to progress further must apply by 15th January 2014 - just speak to your HE Office or lecturer for more info.

You can also ask your tutor for the Student Handbook. This document contains key information about your course, including information about progression routes available to you.

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:Future 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 university life and to 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.

Career When planning your career and professional development, you should first speak to the individual responsible for careers advice at your college. These Partner College careers and advisory services are supported by Plymouth University Career Gateway.

You can access extensive careers information by visiting the website at: www.plymouth.ac.uk/careers www

Bursaries Students that progress to Plymouth University may be eligible for Means Tested Bursaries and Care Leaver’s Bursaries etc. For more information visit: www.plymouth.ac.uk/money

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This is a fantastic way of receiving recognition for your hard extracurricular work.

Please get in touch at: @ plymouthaward@plymouth.ac.uk or visit: www1.plymouth.ac.uk/plymouthaward/ www

:FAQs Q

I live too far away from Plymouth to get involved with UPSU don’t I?

Q

Can we visit the main campus?

A

Not at all! That’s what we are here for. There are many ways you can get involved from a distance and this booklet covers most of them; activities such as volunteering, events, course reps, sports and much more are all at your fingertips! If you are still unsure of how to get involved, just get in touch!

A

Absolutely! We are always happy to show you around. If you can get a group together, we will also look into organising your travel for you. We highly recommend it!

Q

Is this for me?

A

Absolutely! UPSU has so much going on that there really is something for everyone. Whether you have come straight from school or you are a mature student who has worked previously, you will find support and opportunities from UPSU. Whether it is using the Advice Centre, becoming a course rep, volunteering in the community or setting up your own society, jump in and make the most of your time as a student. If you are not sure you have seen anything here that appeals to you, just get in touch and we’ll have a chat to see what best suits you.

Q

How will this benefit my studies?

A

UPSU has tailored all of its services to fit in alongside your studies. In some cases, such as the Course Reps and the Advice Centre, we can actually IMPROVE your learning.

Q

So I’m a college student AND a university student?

A

Although you are studying at a college, you still count as one of the 30,000 students Plymouth University is proud to call its own. As a Plymouth University student, you are automatically a member of UPSU so make the most of the benefits that that brings!

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