UWTSD Welcome Guide 2021 Birmingham

Welcome TO UWTSD

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW www.uwtsd.ac.uk/hwb

WELCOME TO UWTSD WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Welcome by Vice Chancellor

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Welcome by Campus Provost

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On Campus; On-line; On Your Side Your Learning Experience

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Your Path to Enrolling as a Student at UWTSD

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Getting Ready to Study at UWTSD IT Support and Online Learning

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Getting to know UWTSD Libraries Places to Eat & Drink Sports & Leisure Location Maps

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Supporting you at UWTSD Disabled Students’ Allowance Study Skills Finance Counselling Service Wellbeing

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TSDSU Students’ Union

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Welsh Language Opportunities

Professor Medwin Hughes, DL Vice-Chancellor I am delighted that you have chosen to become a student of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the UWTSD family. You are now members of the oldest Royal Chartered University in Wales and an international network that I hope will serve you well throughout your personal and professional life. We take great pride in our history as it has provided us with solid foundations from which to grow and continue our transformational journey.

The University is a confederation of several institutions committed to placing the needs of our students at its core. The University seeks to provide you with the opportunity to experience a wide range of academic, social and cultural opportunities to support your personal and professional development. UWTSD is renowned for the range of services that we provide to support you during your studies. Such services include the provision of a relevant and inspiring curriculum, a supportive learning environment, investing in our campuses and developing professional networks and partnerships to enhance the student experience.

University life is, after all, about students; your experiences, the opportunities that we provide you to challenge concepts, to find out who you are and what you stand for. The University’s academic and professional teams are here to ensure that you achieve your potential and I encourage you to make the most of every opportunity and enjoy this very special time in your life.

With very best wishes and we look forward to welcoming you in September.

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A brief word to extend

A VERY WARM WELCOME TO YOU to the Brimingham Learning Centres.

As Provost of the London Campus and Birmingham Learning Centre, I feel proud and privileged to be at the forefront of the University’s mission to change people’s lives through our education activities at local, regional and national levels.

What needs to be acknowledged is that in a relatively short time, the London Campus and more recently the Birmingham Learning Centre have successfully embedded themselves into local communities, whilst at the same time transforming the lives of thousands of hard working and aspiring students.

It goes without saying that serving the public and tackling social issues presents a unique and exciting challenge, especially within densely populated, ethnically diverse, and highly competitive cities such as London and Birmingham.

In this regard, I believe we can justifiably claim a healthy measure of success. I am confident that the educational and community foundations and cornerstones that we have laid, as well as the standards we have set for our staff and students alike, will reap even greater rewards and recognition as we continue to expand in the years to come.

As the University approaches its 200th anniversary, I look forward to celebrating our strong traditions, as well as focussing on the dynamism and innovation, which we at London, Birmingham and other corners of the UWTSD have contributed.

I look forward to welcoming you to our diverse and ever-expanding learning community.

With my very best wishes, Dr Conny Matera-Rogers Provost London, Birmingham & International

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ON CAMPUS ON-LINE

ON YOUR SIDE

We aim to provide a learning and teaching experience that utilises the best aspects of on-campus and online provision for our students whilst also maintaining social distancing and keeping all as safe as possible.

Going to university is an exciting time.

It’s about learning more about a subject that you love, developing your skills, discovering new passions, making new friends and, for many, living independently.

We understand that your decision to go to university isn’t just about learning, it is also about other experiences and embracing life changing opportunities.

At UWTSD we continue to aim to ensure you get a rich and rewarding university experience.

At UWTSD we want to provide you with a great experience – on-campus and online – whilst also keeping you safe. Our planning is based on 5 key principles STUDY, SOCIAL, SUPPORT SAFETY and SUCCESS. Our Learning Centres are subject to Welsh Government guidelines. Our priority is the health and safety of our staff and student community.

We’re planning a blended delivery approach 5

which means a combination of on-campus teaching with as much face-to-face contact as appropriate, as well as a high-quality online experience providing flexibility and enabling you to develop a range of digital skills.

We’re designing our online environment to enable you to engage effectively with your studies, our teams of academic and support staff, as well as your fellow students.

Should the coronavirus context change, you’ll also be able to move flexibly from our online environment to on-campus teaching and be fully supported by our academic and support teams.

Our planning is based on

5 KEY PRINCIPLES

STUDY

SOCIAL

SUPPORT

SUCCESS COVID STATUS

SAFETY

For the latest information: check out our FAQs - If you have any questions: hwb@uwtsd.ac.uk

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The Hwb is the one-place where you can access all the information and support you’ll need to get the most out of your time at UWTSD. Download the Hwb App NOW – it will provide you with everything you need to know about completing the admissions and enrolment process, as well as up to date information on Arrival and Induction arrangements.

Download the ‘UWTSD Hwb’ App from your App store: • Google play store • App Store Or visit hwb.uwtsd.ac.uk

The Hwb Team can be contacted at:

hwb@uwtsd.ac.uk or on 0300 131 3030

You can also visit www.uwtsd.ac.uk/hwb to meet the team.

Download the App

‘UWTSD Hwb’

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YOUR PATH TO ENROLLING AS A STUDENT AT UWTSD

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HWB Download the ‘UWTSD Hwb’ App from your App store: • Google play store • App Store • Or visit hwb.uwtsd.ac.uk

2 Student Finance

If you are looking for help with childcare or parents learning allowance apply for the Dependants’ Grants.

Providing that your finance is in place, your student loan payment will be made once you have enrolled and started the course.

Check that everything is in place before your course starts.

Visit www.gov.uk/apply-onlinefor-student-finance to apply if you haven’t done so already.

If you are applying through Student Finance England, a personalised guide to help you when applying is available on your applicant homepage in MyTSD.

Dependants’ Grants Form 2020/2021

If you’re only applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowances, or studying part-time, you should complete the full DSA1 Form.

Full DSA1 Form 2020/21

For any general finance queries please email: fees@uwtsd.ac.uk

DON’T FORGET TO LET US KNOW!

3 Complete your pre-enrolment tasks Make sure you’ve uploaded your photo for your Student Card, and uploaded any documents we need from you.

Log into MyTSD (mytsd.uwtsd.ac.uk) and click on `Documents required prior to enrolment’ to check what documents we need before you enrol.

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4 Enrol on your programme of study Shortly before your course starts, you’ll receive an email telling you to log into MyTSD (mytsd.uwtsd.ac.uk) to enrol.

1 Get in touch with us: Admissions: 0121 229 3032 birminghamadmissions@uwtsd.ac.uk

You’re officially a UWTSD student!

Assessments: 0121 229 3000 birminghamassessments@uwtsd.ac.uk

Check your email for confirmation of your enrolment and details on how to access your University IT account, including your University email and IT resources such as Moodle and Wi-Fi. Make sure that you can connect and log in to each of these services before your course starts.

Counselling: 0121 229 3000 birminghamstudentservices@uwtsd.ac.uk Careers: 0121 229 3030 careers.birmingham@uwtsd.ac.uk Disability Services: 0121 229 3035 disability.birmingham@uwtsd.ac.uk IT Services: itsd@uwtsd.ac.uk or itservicedesk@uwtsd.ac.uk

The Hwb App will automatically update when you enrol, so make sure you log out and then back in to the Hwb App to access your personalised dashboard where you can view your timetable, library accounts and much more…

Librarian Liaisons: birminghamlibrary@uwtsd.ac.uk Student Services: 0121 229 3000 birminghamstudentservices@uwtsd.ac.uk

MyTSD

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You should use MyTSD throughout the year to update personal data, and to view your results.

Log into MyTSD (mytsd.uwtsd. ac.uk) to access Confirmation of Enrolment letters and (for those eligible) Council Tax Exemption Letters, should you need them.

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Sign up to what’s on offer to you as a UWTSD student Register for IT exclusives, Bursaries and Scholarships and the Students’ Union.

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Details are provided further on in this guide.

As a student, you’re also eligible to access a vast number of exclusive discounts, visit: www.studentbeans.com/uk and www.myunidays.com/GB/en-GB to find out more.

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GETTING READY TO STUDY AT UWTSD

OUR IT SUPPORT

We provide Telephone Support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Simply call our IT Service Desk number to speak to a specialist on 0300 500 5055 or visit: uwtsd.ac.uk/ithelp

Moodle

Microsoft Teams

Moodle is UWTSD’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platform and where you will find all your course information.

Microsoft Teams is a unified communication and collaboration platform.

Within Moodle you can:

Your tutors may use Teams to deliver your online lectures.

• Access all your course/module information

You can meet, collaborate and chat via Teams.

• Communicate with your lecturers and peers • Interactive learning activities

You can also store and share files within Teams.

• Submit your assignments

CHECK OUT OUR

IT

exclusives

SPECIALIST SOFTWARE Access the latest specialist software for your course FREE or DISCOUNTED

Download FREE Office 365 including Microsoft Word

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DISCOUNTED HARDWARE Check out our exclusive offers and discounts on hardware See uwtsd.ac.uk/it-exclusives for more.

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GETTING TO KNOW UWTSD 11

OUR FACILITIES LIBRARIES PLACES TO EAT SPORTS & LEISURE LOCATION MAP

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They also provide a wider InfoSkills programme focusing on transferable employability skills and academic skills, which you can access online www.uwtsd.ac.uk/library/infoskills.

Our Online Library is available 24/7 and gives you access to a wide range of electronic resources, such as e-books, e-journals, specialist databases and online newspapers: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/ library/online-library

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The Online Library

Our friendly and knowledgeable Academic Liaison Librarians are here to help you with: • Finding, using, and evaluating information sources • Referencing • Locating accessible resources

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Your Academic Liaison Librarians

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Here at UWTSD Library and Learning Resources we are dedicated to supporting and enhancing your learning.

Our staff and extensive collection of learning resources will help you succeed in your course and realise your full potential as a student.

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LIBRARIES

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Additional support is also currently available via Microsoft Teams/Skype or email and can be delivered to class groups or individuals via advance booking, as required.

This service may be affected by Government guidelines relating to Covid-19, for the latest information contact: library@uwtsd.ac.uk

GET IN TOUCH!

www.uwtsd.ac.uk/library

@UWTSDLib

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UWTSD Library and Learning Resources

Costa

You can head down to Costa coffee for their caffeine fix, a sweet treat or a spot of something to eat.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

With amazing burgers and ace shakes, GBK make great feel-good food right on The Water’s Edge.

Piccolino

Italy’s diverse cooking is the heart and soul of Piccolino. Piccolino restaurants combine a distinctive Italian atmosphere with casual elegance where guests always feel at ease instantly.

Pret A Manager

A busy kitchen, a baker’s oven, Italian espresso machines, the best ingredients and good, organic coffee.

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The Slug & Lettuce offer great value for money on an excellent range of beers and wines from all around the world, not to mention an extensive list of cocktails. You can come for breakfast, a casual lunch or dinner.

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Slug and Lettuce

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Quay Place is located right next to one of the most vibrant places in Birmingham City Centre – Brindley Place!

Here are our top places to eat and drink:

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QUAY PLACE

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PLACES TO EAT & DRINK

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Cravings

Wagamama

Wagamama’s Asian inspired menu has been created to soothe, nourish, sustain and inspire its visitors. Visitors can pick from all kinds of rice and noodle dishes, alongside fresh salads and shareable sides.

There are desserts, fresh juices, hot drinks, wine, sake and expertly crafted Asian beers too.

If you want a healthy option, they have one of the best meal deals on the street. Their paninis are out of this world and the salads are always crisp.

Rio’s Piri Piri

Chicken, chicken, and more chicken!

Subway

SPARKHILL

Our Sparkhill location is on the bustling road of Stratford where you can find an array of restaurants and cafes!

Here are our top places to eat and drink:

Broadway 2

Pizza, burgers, wraps…

What more could you want.

SPORTS AND LEISURE Being healthy will allow you to make the most of your time at UWTSD. There are many things you can do to help promote your wellbeing, and we feel strongly about supporting you.

One of the best ways to stay fit and healthy is to work gentle activity into your everyday routine. You don’t have to join the gym - simply making an effort to walk instead of catching the bus could make a big difference to your wellbeing.

For ideas on how to incorporate activity naturally from day-to-day, the NHS offer great advice on their website: nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/free-fitness-ideas/

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What more is there to say? It’s fresh, made-to-order sandwiches are affordable and healthy.

Treatz

If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for a light bite, Treatz is the best place to pop in to.

And much more!

UWTSD BIRMINGHAM QUAY PLACE CENTRE

UWTSD Birmingham Quay Place Centre

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Arena Birmingham

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

International Convention Centre

Birmingham New Street Station

The Wharf

SPARKHILL CENTRE

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UWTSD BIRMINGHAM SPARKHILL CENTRE

CITY CENTRE & QUAY PLACE CENTRE

Hig

hg ate Rd

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Darbar-e-Alia Ghamkol Sharif Sparkhill Methodist Church

A41 Paigham-E-Islam Trust

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R ord atf Str

St John’s Church

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English Martyrs R C Church

Guru Nanak Gurdwara Library

UWTSD Birmingham Sparkhill Centre

Pool/Gym

d ford R Strat

Jamatia Islamic Centre St Christophers C of E Church

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Stratford Rd

SUPPORTING

YOU AT UWTSD

Our services can be offered remotely.

Disabled Students’ Allowances If you are looking for help with childcare or parents learning allowance apply for the Dependants’ Grants.

As a higher education student, you can apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you have a disability, including a: • long-term health condition • mental health condition • specific learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia

Dependants’ Grants Form 2020/2021

You must meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010. The support you get depends on your individual needs and not on income.

If you’re only applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowances, or studying part-time, you should complete the full DSA1 Form.

You may get help with the cost of: • Specialist equipment, e.g. a computer if you need one because of your disability • Extra travel because of your disability • Examination Support (Amanuensis or Reader) • Specialist Mentoring • Specialist 1:1 Study Skills Support • Other disability-related costs of studying

Full DSA1 Form 2020/21

DON’T FORGET TO LET US KNOW!

For more information go to www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas (students from England).

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Study Skills

Study skills support is available to all University of Wales Trinity Saint David students who need assistance with their studies.

Refine your study skills and achieve your best. Support is offered with researching, referencing, avoiding plagiarism, academic writing, critical thinking, presentation skills, planning and organisation, and exam revision.

This support is designed to supplement but not replace the subject-specific teaching and advice provided by your academic tutors.

Study Skills will be available to you Monday - Fridays.

Finance

The University has dedicated finance officers at the three main campuses or contact Birmingham Student Services.

Financial support for eligible students includes University bursaries and scholarships, and the UWTSD Hardship Fund (for students experiencing financial hardship).

Counselling Service

The University has a well-established, professional Counselling Service. All our Counsellors work in accordance with the Ethical Framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

For more information go to: www.uwtsd. ac.uk/student-services/financial-support

No-one needs to know that you are seeing a Counsellor. You have nothing to lose by doing so, and you may well find it a supportive and helpful experience.

At all the campuses, there is an “in house” free Counselling Service which is available throughout the year. During term-time appointments are offered on most weekdays and there is a reduced service during vacations.

For more information go to: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/counselling

Wellbeing Help and support is available for all students: uwtsd.ac.uk/student-services

The University offers a Wellbeing service during term time for students who: • Need some advice • Need someone to talk to • Don’t know who to turn to • Need someone to listen

ALL THE SERVICES ABOVE ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE IF SUPPORT SESSIONS ON CAMPUS ARE AFFECTED BY THE ONGOING SITUATION. 17

@UWTSDUNION

Hello & Welcome

from everyone at Trinity Saint David Students’ Union.

We are here to help you make the most of your time at university; from getting settled in and making friends, to providing support and representing your opinions.

We’re a charity that’s independent of the university, and leading us is a team of student-elected Sabbatical Officers. We’ve also got a network of officers and reps to make sure your voice is heard; you’ll have the opportunity to get involved later in the year.

If you study at UWTSD, you’re automatically a member of the Students’ Union. There are no forms to fill in and no joining fees to pay.

Make friends and be a part of something great. You can dedicate your time to helping the community through our volunteering opportunities.

Check out our website to learn more.

A helping hand We hope your time at university goes smoothly, but we’re here if you need help; from issues around your studies to health we’re here for you.

STUDENT REPRESENTATION CLUBS & SOCIETIES ADVICE & SUPPORT EVENTS

MEET YOUR REPRESENTATIVES Course Reps Every course can elect a Course Rep to raise issues at a class level.

Students Voice Reps

James Mills

Group President Sabbatical Officer

Responsible for working closely with your Course Reps on issues of academic representation, and delivering your feedback to the University.

Learn all about your Students’ Union and how you can get involved at uwtsdunion.co.uk 18

Wales Cymru

WELSH LANGUAGE OPPORTUNITIES UWTSD is proud to be a truly bilingual institution offering opportunities to study through the medium of Welsh across our campuses. Whether it’s the whole course or one module students are also able to submit their work and be assessed through the medium of Welsh.

Welsh speakers can also access a range of services across the University in Welsh.

But at UWTSD bilingualism is about more than just providing services. It’s about promoting the use of the Welsh language and working to create a truly bilingual Wales.

Learning Welsh

The University is also home to the Welsh Language Services Centre, RhagorIAITH. The centre provides a range of courses for individuals and staff who are looking to learn and improve their Welsh and can also advise students on the options available to them via Learn Welsh, the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

The Centre has also developed provision for students, whether Welsh speakers or learners, focusing on Welsh in the workplace. If you’re interested in learning more, speak to your program directors or contact: Dr Lowri Lloyd, Director of Welsh Services Centre; RhagorIAITH lowri.lloyd@pcydds.ac.uk

Welsh resources

Canolfan Peniarth is UWTSD’s publishing centre and has developed many resources including apps to help students develop their language skills while studying.

These include the Sglein App, Cywirdeb Iaith App, and the mutations app, Ap Treiglo.

These are all available via the Apple app store and Google Play.

More info: canolfanpeniarth.org Contact: G.wynne@pcydds.ac.uk Canolfan Peniarth CPeniarth

If you’re new to Wales you might notice that everything from signs to emails are in two languages.

WHY NOT TRY OUT SOME OF THESE EASY WELSH GREETINGS TO GET YOU STARTED?

Good morning - Bore da *Boh-reh dah

How are you - Shw’ mae? *Shoo my

Good afternoon - Prynhawn da *Prin-houn dah

Good bye - Hwyl fawr *Hoo-il vowr

Good evening - Noswaith dda *Noss-why-th tha

For more information contact: Bethan Wyn Branch Officer bethan.wyn@uwtsd.ac.uk 01267 676618 @CangenDDS Bethan Wyn Cangen-Pcydds / Cangen y Drindod Dewi Sant Cangen y Drindod

*English phonetics

UWTSD plays a key role delivering Welsh medium higher education and has an active branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. The branch is based in Carmarthen but has active members across all campuses.

Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Language Skills Certificate

Support for your study

Freshers‘ weekend

UWTSD and Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries to support you in studying for the medium of Welsh.

Find out more on our bursaries page; www.uwtsd.ac.uk/colegcymraeg-en/scholarships/ or get in touch with the Coleg branch officer.

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All Welsh speakers can take this certificate which provides evidence the employers of your language skills and enhances your CV. Find out more; colegcymraeg.ac.uk/en An opportunity for Welsh speaking students in the Carmarthen campus to get to know each other before the term starts, if you’ve let us know you speak Welsh will be receiving details of this event soon. And don’t worry if you’re on a different campus there will be plenty of events for you to get involved in with the Coleg Cymraeg and Your Students’ Union Welsh society throughout the year.

Check out our channels.

We would love to hear from you. trinitysaintdavid uwtsd_birmingham @UWTSDBirmingham UWTSD Birmingham Learning Centre