University Calendar 2007/08
Section X : Key Contacts and Procedures


MAIN INDEX
PREFACE
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
SECTION X
ARCHIVE 2002/3
ARCHIVE 2003/4
ARCHIVE 2004/5
ARCHIVE 2005/6
ARCHIVE 2006/7
1.1 School Offices
  School Offices undertake most of the academic administrative work relating to students. When trying to discover which administrator is dealing with a particular matter, initial contact should be made with the Manager in charge of the appropriate School Office.
 
SCHOOL MANAGER EXTN
Winchester School of Art Tony Galsworthy 26916
Biological Sciences Maureen Smith 27747
Chemistry Alastair Douglas (Resources) 23318
  Claire Taylor (Finance) 24163
  Joanne Bradford (Academic) 23466
Civil Engineering & the Environment Barbara Hudson 22884
  Pat Maier 22663
Education Sue Veck 22623
ECS Adrian Pickering 22898
  Mary Campbell 23665
  Maralyn Knight 22749
  Simon Farrenden 22980
  Dain Mead 26795
Engineering Sciences Maureen Sweetman 22835
Geography Jenny Stubbings 24649
SHPRS John Kness 25276
Humanities Clare-Marie Beaman 22213
ISVR James Sturgess 22343
  John Taylor (Resources) 22336
Law Christine Roberts 23622
Management Louise Roberts 25397
Mathematics Frances Hubbold 23747
Medicine Janine Morris 71-6583
Nursing & Midwifery John Layman 27927
Ocean & Earth Sciences Claire Atkins 23755
Physics Mandy Pervin (Academic) 27984
  Mary White (Finance) 23910
  Colin Miles (Resources) 22078
Psychology Caroline Allee 22585
Social Sciences Anne Edwards (Finance/Planning) 22560
  Sam Sharp (Student Affairs) 22527
  Angela Harrison (HR & Enterprise) 23572
  An individual file is kept for each student in the appropriate School Office. The file contains registration particulars, local and permanent addresses, references and reports and other official correspondence. Tutors may consult these files and are asked to keep the files up to date by supplying copies of correspondence about their students.
1.2 Student Recruitment and Admission to the University
  Student recruitment is an increasingly important activity and Joe Kaplonek (ext 24803) would be glad to hear from tutors and supervisors willing to undertake visits to schools. The University holds two Preview Days for sixth-formers in June/July each year, and members of staff may be asked to contribute to these or to help with other school visits to the University. It is important that we continue to enjoy the respect and confidence of schools and that each applicant receives careful and courteous treatement.
  For all full time undergraduate courses leading to a first degree admission to the University is through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Details of the procedures involved are given in the UCAS annual handbook and 'Notes for Applicants'. Copies of the latter may be consulted in School Offices or Registry Services in building 37 (Administration). The UCAS Handbook is available electronically from the UCAS website. Details of internal administration procedures are available from the Registry Services website. In the case of a student seeking to transfer to Southampton from another university, tutors are not authorised to make a firm offer to the candidate without prior reference to their School Admissions staff.
  For all postgraduates other than applicants for the PGCE and Social Work courses, admission to the University is by direct individual application; a formal letter of acceptance or rejection is sent to candidates from Registry Services. Supervisors are required to ensure that each prospective postgraduate student has completed an applicaation form for the course, that references are checked and that particulars of the course to be followed are reported to the Deputy Dean (Academic) for transmission to the School Board. Details of the administrative procedures inolved are obtainable upon request from Registry Services (ext 26819).
  All visiting and exchange students, including ERASMUS and SOCRATES students, should be asked to complete an application form. Betty Draper (ext 26799) co-ordinates the ERASMUS and SOCRATES programmes. No promises of accommodation should be made to visiting or exchange students.
  There are specific procedures for dealing with applications from students who have a disability; information is available from the Disability Service (ext 27726) or go to www.soton.ac.uk/studentsupport/disability.
  Tutors wanting advice/information on different aspects of student registration should contact the following officers:
 
Admissions Registry Services
School Admissions Offices
Student Recruitment General: Debbie Dyke x28546
Undergraduate: Vacancy
Postgraduate: Alison Tebbutt x 22473
International: Jo Doyle x22760
Enrolment Zoe Heathcote x22820
Examinations Jacky Lupton x22823
Graduation Sharon Hinwood-Chapman x25864
1.3 International Recruitment
  The International Office can offer expertise to individuals on opportunities for internationalisation including student recruitment. The office can be consulted on market information, international contacts and the acceptability of international qualifications.
  Admissions Tutors may wish to refer to the International Office website www.soton.ac.uk/international which offers useful information on current recruitment activities and advice on international qualifications.
  Members of staff given leave of absence for overseas visits (including conferences) are encouraged to promote the University's courses, facilitate links and feedback information on overseas institutions. Literature and advice can be obtained from the International Office for this purpose.
  The University holds a list of formal and informal international links which are updated annually and can be found at www.soton.ac.uk/studentservices. Advice on academic links, guidelines for agreements and Memoranda of Understanding can also be obtained from the International Office.
1.4 Grants to Students
  Undergraduates: Department for Education and Exployment (DfES) information and circulars on grants and loans for 2006/7 are available for reference in each School Office.
  Postgraduates: Particulars on postgraduate (eg: EPSRC) awards are available from Heads of School or from Jill Speake in the Research Support Office in building 37 (x23635). Information about Arts and Humanities Research Board studentships is available from the School of Humanities. Students on PGCE courses are normally eligible for a mandatory award from their LEA.
1.5 Grants for Additional Study
  Grants (including, in approved cases, travel costs) for study during vacations may be payable in some Schools.
  Application forms for required vacation study are obtainable from School Offices. After completion by the student, the form should be certified by the Head of School and returned to the School Office (detailed instructions are given on the forms themselves).
  The rates of grant for additional study vary according to circumstances and, particularly, location. Details of the current rates are obtainable from School Offices. The greater part of any grant for study abroad is paid in advance to the student. Other grants may be paid in advance in cases of hardship.
  Postgraduate students not supported by Research Councils may apply for assistance to attend conferences if no other source of financial assitance is open to them. Forms are available from Jill Speake in the Research Support Office in building 37 (x23635).
1.6 Correspondence with LEAs and other Sponsoring Bodies
  The Director of Student Services is the 'Authorised Officer' of the University for all such correspondence (including certificates of attendance) which must not be sent direct to an Authority or sponsor by a tutor. The School Office concerned will, of course, contact a tutor on any enquiry from an LEA about a student if other than routine matters are in question. It should be noted particularly that students' claims for supplementary allowances require signature by the Director of Student Services (or by staff designated to sign documents on his/her behalf, normally the School Manager) before submission to an LEA. Other members of staff are not authorised to endorse such forms.
1.7 Accommodation
  School or course selectors are issued separately with necessary information on UCAS and internal procedures. However, tutors are often called upon to assist in interviewing candidates and, at this stage, misunderstanding have arisen over residential accommodation. The facts are that first-year accommodation in a university residence is guaranteed to the following categories of students only:
 
  1. UK undergraduate entrants who firmly accept either an unconditional offer or a condition offer and meet the terms of that offer.
  2. All international, EU and Channel Islands undergraduate entrants without dependants (regardless of whether Southampton is their first or insurance choice).
  3. All postgraduate entrants without dependants.
  All international fee-paying entrants, except those bring dependants to Southampton, are guaranteed University accommodation for the normal duration of their course.
  In addition, UK undergraduate entrants who accept Southampton as their insurance choice are guaranteed a first-year place in a university residence within four weeks of the start of session. These guarantees do not cover students who live locally, have dependants or who do not return their accommodation application forms by the stipulated deadlines. The residence application form gives candidates a chance to state their preferences between traditional halls (some meals provided), self-catering halls or approved lodgings with bed and breakfast provided by a resident landlord/landlady. Although every efforts is made to give entrants their first preference, that is not always possible. Fees are reviewed annually. Agreements are for 30 weeks in catered halls and 39 weeks in self-catered halls.
  Tutors must be careful not to mislead those who are not entitled to University accommodation as this can lead to disappointment and resentment. Many of these students will have to live in lodgings, at least for the first few weeks. Far fewer places are available for senior undergraduate students than for first-year students, and many students will not be offered a further year in hall during their studies here. They will be expected to find private accommodation usually in shared rented houses.
  Postgraduates are not eligible for catered halls, although at the Glen Eyre and Wessex Lane complexes some meals may be able to be provided in term-time by special arrangement only. Arrangements for self-catering halls are on a 39 or 50 week basis. South Hill and Montefiore III have a large number of single rooms with ensuite facilities for postgraduates only. Wolfe House, Highfield Hall has 18 studio flats for postgraduates. Accommodation is particularly difficult to find for married students with children, and students are advised to come alone initially and then to send for their families when accommodation has been secured. Any enquiries regarding accommodation should be made to the Accommodation Office which deals with both University-owned and privately-rented accommodation and is located in the Student Services Centre in building 37; Enquires: x23994.
  The University has some fully accessible accommodation suitable for students with various disabilities, some of whom require personal or domestic care. Since the closure of Clarkson House, this accommodation is available in a number of different halls of residence. Such students should be referred to the Assistant Accommodation Officer, Ms Karen Chakir-Smith (x25874) or to the Disability Service (x27726).
1.8 Council Tax
  Most student accommodation is exempt but, if student live with other who are not students, the situation is more complex. The Student Advice and Information Centre in the Student Services Centre in building 37 can provide advice where necessary.
1.9 Regulations for Students
  The General Regulations for students listed in the University Calendar (Section IV) include information on procedures for student attendance, opting out of membership of the Students' Union,, transfer and withdrawal from courses, and the conduct of examinations. See Section V for the current regulations in respect of higher degrees. A student handbook, which includes summaries of the General Regulations, is issued to new students. If anyone requires a copy of Regulations (or any other University policy document) in an alternative format (eg: braille or audiotape) they should contact the Disability Service (x25644).
1.10 Student Course Representation
  Student Services and the Students' Union have been working together to develop the system of course representation at the University. Aas part of this initiative a resource pack has been produced to support Schools in raising the profile of student representation and working with their student representatives. In addition, the Students' Union has produced Course Representation Handbooks and will be providing training for student representatives.
  Staff support, both moral and practical, is of paramount importance to the development and success of student course representatives. This can occur through the sharing of information, or access to their fellow students through occasional announcements at the beginning of lectures. These may sound like small gestures but they could make all the difference.
  Probably the most useful way in which Schools can support student course representatives is to have a named member of staff, such as a member of Staff/Student Liaison Committee, who acts as a liaison point between the School and students. If your School has such a memebr of staff it would be very useful to give their name to your students. If a student is interested in becoming a student course representative, he/she should be directed to the Membership Services Department in the Students' Union, or the School Office, where the resource pack is available.
1.11 Safety and Security
  1.11.1 Safety

The University Safety Policy and associated guidance can be accessed from the Safety Office Home Page at www.hr.soton.ac.uk/safety/

Staff with 'devolved management responsibility' will include Heads of Research Groups, Heads of Teaching Programmes and academic supervisors. Further advice on the role of the research supervisor can be found in the Health and Safety Executive publication 'Managing Health and Safety Aspects of Research in Higher and Further Education', available on loan from the Safety Office.

The use of the terms "supervisor" and "supervision" in this document are in relation to safety, and not in relation to academic matters. This needs to be clearly understood as what might be considered an appropriate level of supervision for academic purposes may well not be adequate for safety purposes. The role of supervisory staff is particularly important in achieving day-to-day health and safety. They have a key role in ensuring that staff and students under their control adhere to departmental rules and procedures.

Responsibility TO ASSESS ALL ACTIVITIES TO IDENTIFY HAZARD AND EVALUATE RISK, AND TO ENSURE ADEQUATE RESOURCES ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO IMPLEMENT THE NECESSARY CONTROL MEASURES
Guidance Guidance on assessments can be found in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and associated Approved Code of Practice. Advice is available from ASAs. Generic assessments can be included in departmental safety policies. Specific activities where there is a possibility of significant risk should be assessed in detail, and the results of the assessment recorded in writing. Risk assessments will identify the control measures required to work safely. Where resources are inadequate to supply or implement control measures, the supervisor must ensure that the activity does not proceed. Training needs and the level of supervision should be included as part of an assessment. Assessments should be reviewed whenever there is a change in the nature of the work, or at least annually. Those responsible for carrying out assessments must be trained in appropriate techniques. The quality of risk assessments will be monitored during departmental safety inspections.
   
Responsibility TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE JOB TRAINING, INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS
Guidance Training needs should be identified by risk assessment. When considering training needs the past experience and previous training of those expected to perform the task are particularly important. What might be appropriate for one person performing a particular task might not be appropriate for another person carrying out the same task. Nobody should be expected to undertake any work for which they have not been trained. The Training and Development Manager and ASAs can provide assistance in defining training needs and in providing training courses.
   
Responsibility TO ATTEND APPROPRIATE INDUCTION AND OTHER TRAINING COURSES
Guidance All members of staff will be expected to receive training arranged by or on behalf of the Heads of Schools. There may need to be special courses for supervisory staff in addition to these, but this can only be determined by analysis of training needs. All those delegated safety related duties should receive training relating to those duties.
   
Responsibility TO TAKE ADVICE FROM SPECIALIST ADVISERS WHERE APPROPRIATE
Guidance Specialist advisers should be consulted whenever the existing knowledge, training and experience is insufficient to adequately assess the hazards or risks associated with an activity or project. The provision of non-routine items of personal protective equipment (PPE) is an area where such advice is likely to be needed.
   
Responsibility TO MONITOR THE WORK OF THOSE BEING SUPERVISED
Guidance Supervisors must monitor that those they supervise are working in accordance with risk assessments and are using necessary control measures. Should an accident or other incident occur to staff or students under their control, supervisors should investigate the causes, take necessary remedial action, and issue appropriate reports to their line manager, School Safety Officer and to the Safety Office.

1.11.2 Security

An information leaflet 'Safe and Sound - a guide to protecting yourself and your possessions' is available from the Student Advice and Information Centre in the Students' Union. All students are advised to take note of the guidelines contained in this leaflet. Personal alarms may be purchased from the Students' Union Shop or from the Student Advice and Information Centre. Security Staff may be contacted at any time via the Maintenance Control Centre (Ext 22811).
1.12 Equal Opportunities
  The University has a designated Staff Diversity Manager, Kirsten Dey (x 22945) who is responsible for promoting the development and implementation of the University's Equal Opportunities Policies and also acts as a focus for internal and external enquiries about equal opportunities in the University.
1.13 Harassment Contacts
  The University has a Harassment Policy, a copy of which is available from Human Resources or the Student Advice and Information Centre. This policy applies to all members of the University community. HR or SUAIC can also supply a full list of Harassment Contacts, a group of volunteers to whom the recipient of harassment can speak in complete confidence. They are there to listen, to hear and to understand what has happened and to offer help and support whether or not an individual wishes to make a formal complaint.
  If you want further advice on the details of the Harassment Policy, please contact the Staff Diversity Manager or go to any one of the named contacts, not necessarily the one in your School.
1.14 Staff Training and Development
  Human Resources
Level 3, Building 37
Tel: 24053
email: sdu@soton.ac.uk
Staff Development Manager: Tony Cooper, x23800; email cac@soton.ac.uk
  The Staff Development Unit has a responsibility to provide and support training and development opportunities to all groups of staff. The key services provided are:
 
  • Management development
  • Production of a central training opportunities programme
  • Development of training policy and procedures
  • Consultancy and tailored training
  • Training to support the implementation and maintenance of appraisal schemes for all staff
  • Support and guidance for Heads of Schools in identifying staff development needs and development planning
1.15 Data Protection Act
  As a general principle, information collected about students will be stored as a permanent part of the record and used only for the purposes for which it was collected: to enable the University's central and legitimate activities (mainly teaching and research) and the procedures which underpin those activities (ie: admitting, registering, accommodating and examining students, compiling records and statistics, and developing a continuing relationship with the University through the University of Southampton Society) to be undertaken efficiently. The information collected will be no more than is necessary for these purposes. For the purposes of the Data Protection Act [1998], the Data Controllers is the University of Southampton and the University will attempt to ensure that this information is as accurate as possible, that it is kept up-to-date and safeguarded from unauthorised disclosure. It will, however, be disclosed in certain appropriate circumstances: for example, to external agencies in which students undertake supervised placement work; in references to prospective employers or to another University; in cases where this is necessary to fulfil the University's statutory obligations to authorised bodies; to other parties in the pursuit of the University's legitimate interests, for example publishing examination results and providing reports to grant awarding authorities. The University may be called upon to co-operate with the Police in crime investigation, and with certain public authorities; in such circumstances, personal data may be released.


Sources of Assistance for Members of the University
Sources of Financial Assistance for Students
Students' Union
Tutorial Supervision
Introduction : The Role of the Personal Tutor
Responsibilities and Obligations of Tutors
Supporting Student Learning
Supporting Students' Welfare


Submitted by the Secretariat
Last reviewed: 04-Feb-2008
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