University Calendar 2007/08
Section X : Supporting Student Learning
Section X : Supporting Student Learning
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University Calendar 2007/08 Section X : Supporting Student Learning |
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3.1 Study Skills Increased student numbers and the resultant decline in student contact hours highlight the need to enable students to become independent learners. For this to succeed, it is essential that there is support available for students to develop their academic skills. Some students will need this support to help them pass their degree, but other students will want support to enable them to fulfil their potential and raise their degree results from a IIii to a IIi, or from IIi to a I. It is also essential that students know where to turn for this support. Some departments/facilities provide specific support for academic skills but students should also discuss their academic skills with their personal tutor. Tutors and supervisors are asked to make students aware of:
Students within the University can use the University Study Skills website: www.academic-skills.soton.ac.uk 3.2 University Library Our Library web-site is at www.library.soton.ac.uk where you will find detailed information about all our services. The University Library System has six libraries:
Our subject liaison librarians work in partnership with academic staff to deliver and promote the resources needed to support the delivery of teaching, and to build the skills which students need to become effective independent learners. Subject staff can help to identify appropriate print and electronic resources in support of new and developing programmes, to advise on electronic resource strategy and to discuss flexible programmes for developing information skills. Each site Library has an induction programme which is revised each year and may include tours of the libraries for new students arranged as part of School induction. School liaison staff offer initial and advanced sessions in information skills tailored to programmes and units, an increasing number of which are embedded in programme design, and which may be assessed. Enquiry services are offered in all the libraries, and school liaison librarians work with staff and students in small groups, or as appropriate on a one-to-one basis, to provide in-depth information support. They also act as your link with other library services. New tutors and supervisors are particularly encouraged to email or phone their appropriate contact for a personal introductory session to the Library and its services. A list of school liaison librarians by subject is available on www.library.soton.ac.uk/subjects/librarians.shtml. Over the past few years Library staff have looked in detail at the needs of part-time students, those working off-campus, and those with disabilities. As well as providing general information on services, the Library web-site contains information about specific services for users with disabilities on www.soton.ac.uk/library/about/accessibility.html and for part-time and distance learning students on www.soton.ac.uk/library/services/users/parttime/index.shtml. The Assistive Technology Service provides workstations with specialist software and individual training for all students who are experiencing health problems, or have a disability or dyslexia, (this includes temporary situations). These workstations are available in the Assistive Technology Centre, Hartley Library and at other sites. The Library always welcomes feedback on its services, and subject liaison libraries value the opportunity to discuss any issues relating to library services with academic staff and students. 3.3 Supporting International Students Two members of academic staff are appointed as Advisers on the welfare of international students, Mr Eric Cooke, School of Electronics and Computer Science (Ext 23271, email ecc@ecs.soton.uk) and Dr Terry Martin, School of Education (Ext 23481, email tpm@soton.ac.uk). International students who have a disability or specific learning difficulty may be referred to the Disability Service (ext 25644, email: enable@soton.ac.uk). Tutors and supervisors are reminded that application forms from international students should be closely examined to ensure that the student's proficiency in English is sufficient for the course. All students registering for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes require a score of 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), 600 on the TOEFL, or the equivalent in an approved test. However, students applying for Research Degree programmes in the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics and in the School of Biological Sciences may be admitted subject to having achieved scores of, respectively, 6.0 or 560. A list of countries whose citizens are exempted from these language requirements is available from the Admissions Office. The specific requirements of Senate are set out in the annual circular to undergraduate selectors and in the corresponding leaflet "Notes for Postgraduate Selectors" (see Section 2.8). Where an applicant does not meet the English language entry requirement, they will normally be required to attend an appropriate qualifying course. In the event of an applicant arriving in Southampton without an approved test result, they will be required to take the IELTS Test in the Language Centre on the next convenient occasion, at a cost of £88 (2005 rate, reviewed annually). For further information go to www.lang.soton.ac.uk/english/en.html. It is of course preferable if students can arrange to take this test before arriving in Southampton, as their enrolment will otherwise be delayed until the test results are available. Queries about specific students and their English language requirements should be discussed in the first instance with the Admissions Office, but further information can also be obtained from the Centre for Language Study. Once students are admitted to the University, all the Centre's facilities for English language support are available to them, although a fee is charged for courses which are required for enrolment purposes (see Section 3.4). The staff of the Centre for Language Study (see Section 3.4) are available to assist international students who want to improve their English further. The Student Advice and Information Centre (SAIC) (Students' Union) organises an introduction and welcome to the University for international students at the beginning of each session, and produces information packs for international students. If a new student is arriving in your School after that time, please suggest that they contact Margaret Buchan, who has special responsibility for international students, in the Student Advice and Information Centre (Ext 25212). The International Officers together with SAIC organise a "Meet and Greet" coach pick-up service for new international students arriving at Heathrow Airport over the two days immediately preceding the Introductory Welcome Day. If students coming to your department enquire about transportation from Heathrow to Southampton, please inform them of the service and ask them to contact Miss Carlene Geddes (Ext 26808 email cjlg@soton.ac.uk) for further information. SAIC also co-ordinates an English conversation scheme for international students who want to improve their spoken English and classes for partners of students who want to learn, or improve, their English. Supervisors must ensure that research students are provided with detailed and accurate information on access to laboratories, equipment and library facilities prior to the start of the course. Failure to do this can lead to false expectations and affect future recruitment. Word of mouth recommendation is extremely important. You are also encouraged to give more detailed guidance to international students on study methods, particularly in research methodology. Postgraduate students can find themselves in difficulty if the time required to complete their research or writing up exceeds the period for which they are funded. Supervisors should aim to ensure that students do complete on time, and must also ensure that theses are read and vivas arranged as quickly as possible, normally within two months of submission. Sponsors and students should be given realistic advice on the time likely to be required for the completion of the degree. The International Women's Club offers a meeting place and social contact for women of all nationalities and welcomes international women students and the wives of international students. 3.4 Centre for Language Study The Centre for Language Study (CLS) provides a wide range of opportunities for language learning. It is located within the School of Modern Languages and can be found on the upper second level of the Avenue Campus building. It is open to all students and staff who want to begin a new language or to refresh one they have already studied. CLS runs a wide range of credit-bearing courses. Languages taught include Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Latin. Many units are designed to complement different types of degrees, so that you can take for example, French for Engineers, German for Scientists or Intermediate Business Language in English, French or German. Those who are unable to take a language as a degree option or who wish to study a language for business or pleasure may prefer to attend one of the many lunch-time part-time 'voluntary' courses which are available to all staff and students for a small fee. New College also offers evening classes in many languages. CLS also runs year-round English Language courses for international students. The main Language Resources Centre at the Avenue Campus offers learning resources for both students taking formal language courses and for the independent learner. Many of the materials are self-contained - complete with exercises, guidance notes, answer keys and transcripts. The Centre also offers satellite TV in a number of European languages, a self-access language laboratory and a range of computers with specialised language learning software. There are also small language learning resources rooms at Southampton Oceanography Centre, Winchester School of Art and the Hartley Library. To help learners maximise their use of the language learning facilities and to help them plan their study more effectively, CLS also offers a language advisory service for all who are learning or thinking of learning a language. This is available at the Avenue Campus, Monday to Thursday evenings during term-time and users are encouraged to book an appointment in advance. A similar service is available for International students in the afternoons during term-time at the Hartley library. English Language Teaching Programme The Centre for Language Study runs qualifying courses in English for Academic Purposes during the Summer Vacation and throughout the year. These courses are designed primarily for students who have not yet met the University's English language entry requirements. However, they are recommended for all international students, since, in addition to English, they offer a broad induction to the university and an opportunity to settle in Southampton. A one-year Foundation Programme for students intending to move on to undergraduate degrees in Humanities, Law, Management and Social Sciences is available for students who come from countries where the final secondary school certificate is not accepted for direct entry into programmes at Southampton. Students Starting their Main Course of Study in October Students with an IELTS score of 5.0 or 500 in TOEFL (173 CBT) are required to attend a 6-week full-time Summer Preparatory Course at a tuition cost of £875 (2006/7 rates) before attending the nine-week pre-sessional course (Course A). Students with an IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL 530 (197 CBT) are required to attend a nine-week full-time pre-sessional course (Course A) at a cost of £1,435 (2006/7 rates). Those with 6.0 IELTS or 560 TOEFL (220 CBT) are required to attend a five-week course (Course B) at a cost of £745 (2006/7 rates). For those requiring a slightly longer course, full-time and part-time courses run throughout the year. Enquiries for Pre-Sessional Courses should be made to Ext. 27715, e-mail: EAPcourses@soton.ac.uk. Further information is available at www.lang.soton.ac.uk/english/presess.html. Students Starting their Main Course of Study at Other Times, or Needing Longer Courses of Language Study A full-time 10 week EAP Intensive course is offered each term. In order to satisfy the University's English language entry requirements, students with an IELTS score of 4.0 or 450 in TOEFL would normally require at least three terms of tuition at a cost of £2,100 (2006/7 rates) each term. Students with an IELTS score of 4.5-5.0 or TOEFL 480-500 must start in the Spring Term and will require at least two terms of EAP Intensive courses and those with an entry level of IELTS 5.5-6.0 or TOEFL 530 or higher must start in the Summer Term of EAP Intensive courses. Enquiries for Intensive courses should be made to Ext. 27715, email: EAPcourses@soton.ac.uk). In all cases accommodation costs are in addition to the tuition fees quoted. Where a student arrives in the University too late for a pre-sessional course or fails to reach a satisfactory standard on the course, he or she may be required to attend a part-time in-sessional Qualifying course at a cost of £999 (2005-06 rates). These courses are normally only suitable for research students since they involve quite a heavy workload (about 15 hours per week). Enquiries for the part-time Qualifying course are dealt with by Maria Rossetti (Extn. 27715, e-mail: EAPcourses@soton.ac.uk). Outside these mandatory programmes, the Centre for Language Study provides a range of English language degree and support courses, individual tutorials and self-access learning resources for all international students. Enrolment for Centre for Language Study English language support courses for registered students takes place at the Hartley Library during the first two weeks of the first semester. Students should either go to the English Language Advisory Service in the Hartley Library, situated near the Enquiries Desk on Level 2, or to the Centre for Language Study office (at the Avenue Campus) where they can pick up an information leaflet, and follow the instructions for enrolment. They will normally be given advice about an individual scheme of study, chosen from the following facilities offered by the Centre:
Contact the CLS office for further details of courses or learning opportunities, or, visit the Centre for Language Study website: www.lang.soton.ac.uk Tel: CLS Administrator 023 8059 3977; Email: clsmail@soton.ac.uk 3.5 Supporting Mature Students Each School has a nominated staff contact for mature students whose role is:
The University's Equal Opportunities policy indicates that a person will not be discriminated against because they have a disability, and indeed we have a number of services available to support those with disabilities in their studies. The term "Disability" has a broad definition and includes:
New Legislation From September 2006 the University has been subject to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (Part V) which means that:
If you are in any doubt about whether an action is discriminatory, please ask for advice. The Disability Service is always happy to discuss a case in an anonymous form if you are more comfortable in doing so. Services Available to Students:
Funding There is extensive funding available to support UK students' needs via the Disabled Students Allowance; part-time and international students can usually be helped too via the Access to Learning Fund. Further written information on support for students with disabilities is available in various alternative formats, including braille, from the contacts below or from the University website. Contacts Disability Service Building 37, Highfield Campus Tel. 023-8059-7226; Ext 27226; E-mail: enable@soton.ac.uk . A more detailed summary of the University's Services for disabled students may be found at the Student Support website: www.soton.ac.uk/studentsupport. 3.7 Supporting Students with Dyslexia and Other Specific Learning Difficulties The Learning Differences Centre (LDC) provides support for all dyslexic students and students with other specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. The LDC provides:
3.8 Supporting Students with Mental Health Difficulties and Chronic Medical Conditions The Mentor Service provides support for students with mental health difficulties and chronic medical conditions, as well as those who have experienced severe crises. Mentors provide:
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 7241 (24-hour answerphone service) Email: mentors@soton.ac.uk 3.9 Information Systems Services The University is committed to providing high quality information systems to support the learning and teaching needs of students. All registered students are entitled to use computing and networking facilities (including electronic mail and access to Internet) provided and supported by Computing Services. Full details on all available services can be found on the web at www.iss.soton.ac.uk/ Computing facilities used primarily for learning and teaching are based on:
Each campus has one or more clusters of personal computers and the larger academic campuses also provide clusters of Unix systems. Through these workstations students can make use of a very wide range of applications software and a variety of specialist devices. They may also connect to the centrally managed information services. Some specialist systems are available if, say, intensive compute power is required. Students must apply to use these systems on an individual basis and will need the support of their course tutor. On several campuses, workstations are available which feature software and other equipment which may be useful to those with a disability or specific learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia. Each cluster of workstations is provided with its own high quality printing facilities. A charge is made for each page printed, to cover the costs of consumables, using a pre-payment card. Data storage media (diskettes) can be purchased on most major campuses through vending machines using the same pre-payment card. Public workstations can be booked in advance for supervised taught courses. At other times workstations are available on an open access basis. Some workstations areas open late into the evenings and at weekends. Details of workstation cluster locations, opening hours, and the facilities and software provided are given in the printed documentation and are provided at www.sucs.soton.ac.uk. Information Systems Services publishes material to help new staff and students learn about services.
A telephone and e-mail based ServiceLine for general and technical queries is available throughout each working day during term and vacation (internal telephone 25656, email serviceline@soton.ac.uk). Help is also provided through information HelpPoints located at Avenue, Boldrewood, General Hospital, Highfield (east), Highfield (west), New College, Oceanography Centre (Waterfront Campus) and Winchester campuses. The use of Information Systems Services by all members of the University is subject to the University's General Regulations on the use of computers as well as regulations which apply specifically to Information Systems Services. Information Systems Services has a Charter which sets out their expectations of their users and what their users can expect from Information Systems Services in return.
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