August Aspire Magazine

Associate Student MagazineASPIRE

August 2014

Support Sta�Student StoriesEssential InformationWhy become an Associate Student?

Welcome to our �rst ever newsletter for the Associate Student Project!This newsletter is designed for you, to give you an insight into the project, the staff, and Edinburgh Napier in general. We know doing something different can be a bit daunting, but we’re here to help make the transition as easy as possible for you.

First off: you should know you’ve made a good decision. As an Associate Student, you’ll have access to everything that Napier has to offer, from the library to the sports facilities to guest lectures.

More than that, you have taken a positive step for your career: your course will help you become more employable when you finish your studies, as well as helping you develop key skills that are essential to succeeding in a working environment. You can read more about this on page 2.You don’t have to take our word for it either - who better to tell you than someone who’s already been there? A former student, Derek, can tell you more. Turn to page 5 to read his honest account of settling in at Napier as an Associate Student, and to page 9 to see the work of someone who has recently graduated.

If you need support of any kind while you’re with us, we have a fantastic team of people just for that purpose. Find out more in our ‘Student Support’ section on page 4. There’s also a section on upcoming events, some FAQs, and an example of work from one of our recent graduates. I hope it both inspires and reassures you that you’re in good hands.

Don’t forget - this newsletter is for you. If you have any suggestions or topics you’d like us to cover, let us know. We’re here to help and support you, so get in touch.

Best wishes, and good luck!

Debbie MehargDebbie MehargLecturer & College LiaisonSchool of ComputingEdinburgh Napier University

[email protected]

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ASPIRE

Contents1 Welcome3 Associate Students4 Settling In6 Student Support9 College Partners

Welcome

ASPIRE

Welcome to our �rst ever newsletter for the Associate Student Project!This newsletter is designed for you, to give you an insight into the project, the staff, and Edinburgh Napier in general. We know doing something different can be a bit daunting, but we’re here to help make the transition as easy as possible for you.

First off: you should know you’ve made a good decision. As an Associate Student, you’ll have access to everything that Napier has to offer, from the library to the sports facilities to guest lectures.

More than that, you have taken a positive step for your career: your course will help you become more employable when you finish your studies, as well as helping you develop key skills that are essential to succeeding in a working environment. You can read more about this on page 2.You don’t have to take our word for it either - who better to tell you than someone who’s already been there? A former student, Derek, can tell you more. Turn to page 5 to read his honest account of settling in at Napier as an Associate Student, and to page 9 to see the work of someone who has recently graduated.

If you need support of any kind while you’re with us, we have a fantastic team of people just for that purpose. Find out more in our ‘Student Support’ section on page 4. There’s also a section on upcoming events, some FAQs, and an example of work from one of our recent graduates. I hope it both inspires and reassures you that you’re in good hands.

Don’t forget - this newsletter is for you. If you have any suggestions or topics you’d like us to cover, let us know. We’re here to help and support you, so get in touch.

Best wishes, and good luck!

Debbie MehargDebbie MehargLecturer & College LiaisonSchool of ComputingEdinburgh Napier University

[email protected]

ASPIRE

1

ASPIRE

Contents1 Welcome3 Associate Students4 Settling In6 Student Support9 College Partners

Welcome

ASPIRE

Being an Associate Student: What does it mean for you?The Associate Student scheme has been created to help you make a smooth transition from college to university. As an Associate Student, you are beginning a new and exciting part of your four-year journey, from college, to a linked degree course. The skills you acquire during this degree will equip you for the working world, and can help you make choices about the right career for you.

We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen to become an Associate Student at Napier, and we want to help you get the most out of it. Among other things, this means making sure you have access to our resources - essential for getting the degree you want. It’s important to us that you feel supported in the work you do, and that you feel able to make confident decisions when the time comes. And we want you to enjoy it too!

What will Napier staff provide?

Staff will provide:

Tutorial supportGuest LecturesUniversity visitsAcademic literacy workshops Other supporting activities

What facilities can I use?

You will also have access to the same great facilities as all University students, including:

University Library services - for all your studying needsMoodle – our online learning environmentStudent support servicesSports facilities at ENU student ratesArranged visits and lectures at Edinburgh NapierFeatured lectures by Edinburgh Napier staff at college

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AssociateStudent

Associate Student

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Being an Associate Student: What does it mean for you?The Associate Student scheme has been created to help you make a smooth transition from college to university. As an Associate Student, you are beginning a new and exciting part of your four-year journey, from college, to a linked degree course. The skills you acquire during this degree will equip you for the working world, and can help you make choices about the right career for you.

We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen to become an Associate Student at Napier, and we want to help you get the most out of it. Among other things, this means making sure you have access to our resources - essential for getting the degree you want. It’s important to us that you feel supported in the work you do, and that you feel able to make confident decisions when the time comes. And we want you to enjoy it too!

What will Napier staff provide?

Staff will provide:

Tutorial supportGuest LecturesUniversity visitsAcademic literacy workshops Other supporting activities

What facilities can I use?

You will also have access to the same great facilities as all University students, including:

University Library services - for all your studying needsMoodle – our online learning environmentStudent support servicesSports facilities at ENU student ratesArranged visits and lectures at Edinburgh NapierFeatured lectures by Edinburgh Napier staff at college

ASPIRE

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AssociateStudent

Associate Student

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5

AssociateStudent

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HOW I GOT HERE:

Before returning to full-time education I enjoyed a few different career paths, including working as an electrical engineer for 10 years. In my spare time I began building simple websites as a hobby and realised I would need to get recognised qualifications if I were to pursue it as a career. My three years at college were interesting and a great starting point for me in my goal of studying at degree level. HOW I FOUND IT:

The transition from college to university (year 3) is quite a significant one; at first it can seem quite daunting and a bit of a whirlwind. One thing that became very apparent was the pace of the course - within a matter of weeks I was submitting my first piece of coursework for grading. I am now heading towards the end of my second trimester and the pace has been consistent throughout the entire year.

WHAT IT’S LIKE:

What is very clear at Napier is that hard work is rewarded. The staff within the School of Computing support you in every aspect of university life and from day one they encourage you to be the best you can be, to get the best degree you can and to ultimately get the best job you can.

Following my three years at college and first year at Napier University I can pass on the following advice from my experience:

Before you start:

Prepare well. Spend time reviewing the courses at Napier and the modules within them. Visit our site for more details.Research, research, research. Speak to Napier staff, attend open days and ask questions.Have a think of where you want to be at the end of your degree. From day one you will be encouraged to focus on your future career.

Once you’re here:

Take all the help and support you are offered. Lecturers in the School of Computing have immense expertise and their knowledge is invaluable. If you’re not sure - ask!Grasp opportunities. There are loads of activities to get involved in outwith your course.Feed off other students. There is very much a positive ‘vibe’ around the campus and you can’t help but be inspired. Understand the assessment and grading structure as quickly as possible. In Year 3 virtually every mark you get will determine the level of degree you can achieve. Unlike college, it’s not just about passing - it’s about passing well!Use the facilities on campus. The Jack Kilby Computing Centre is like my second home and I find it a very motivational place to work. It is open almost 24/7 and I often end up here at the weekend too. The library also has fantastic facilities for working and studying.

AND MOST IMPORTANT… Don’t be scared - enjoy the experience!

Year 4 at Napier University School of Computing studying Web Design & Development BSc (Hons).

My Napier experience began September 2013 after studying at Edinburgh College Sighthill campus where I successfully completed my NC, HNC and HND in Interactive Media.

Derek Hendry

Settling In

5

AssociateStudent

2

HOW I GOT HERE:

Before returning to full-time education I enjoyed a few different career paths, including working as an electrical engineer for 10 years. In my spare time I began building simple websites as a hobby and realised I would need to get recognised qualifications if I were to pursue it as a career. My three years at college were interesting and a great starting point for me in my goal of studying at degree level. HOW I FOUND IT:

The transition from college to university (year 3) is quite a significant one; at first it can seem quite daunting and a bit of a whirlwind. One thing that became very apparent was the pace of the course - within a matter of weeks I was submitting my first piece of coursework for grading. I am now heading towards the end of my second trimester and the pace has been consistent throughout the entire year.

WHAT IT’S LIKE:

What is very clear at Napier is that hard work is rewarded. The staff within the School of Computing support you in every aspect of university life and from day one they encourage you to be the best you can be, to get the best degree you can and to ultimately get the best job you can.

Following my three years at college and first year at Napier University I can pass on the following advice from my experience:

Before you start:

Prepare well. Spend time reviewing the courses at Napier and the modules within them. Visit our site for more details.Research, research, research. Speak to Napier staff, attend open days and ask questions.Have a think of where you want to be at the end of your degree. From day one you will be encouraged to focus on your future career.

Once you’re here:

Take all the help and support you are offered. Lecturers in the School of Computing have immense expertise and their knowledge is invaluable. If you’re not sure - ask!Grasp opportunities. There are loads of activities to get involved in outwith your course.Feed off other students. There is very much a positive ‘vibe’ around the campus and you can’t help but be inspired. Understand the assessment and grading structure as quickly as possible. In Year 3 virtually every mark you get will determine the level of degree you can achieve. Unlike college, it’s not just about passing - it’s about passing well!Use the facilities on campus. The Jack Kilby Computing Centre is like my second home and I find it a very motivational place to work. It is open almost 24/7 and I often end up here at the weekend too. The library also has fantastic facilities for working and studying.

AND MOST IMPORTANT… Don’t be scared - enjoy the experience!

Year 4 at Napier University School of Computing studying Web Design & Development BSc (Hons).

My Napier experience began September 2013 after studying at Edinburgh College Sighthill campus where I successfully completed my NC, HNC and HND in Interactive Media.

Derek Hendry

Settling In

How Napier supports its students

Aileen MacLean

POSITION: Academic Support Adviser SCHOOL: School of Computing

At Edinburgh Napier University we have a strong support network in place to assist you with whatever help and advice you may need. We hope that every student who comes to Edinburgh Napier has an enjoyable and enriching experience. Whether you need help with searching for funding, finding somewhere to live, careers advice or a confidential chat with a qualified counsellor, we have somebody to help you.

Dedicated support is available to students with disabilities and learning difficulties through our highly experienced Disability & Inclusion team. Our Student Mentors are a valuable source of information and support about the study techniques and uni tips they’ve discovered along the way. And if you wish to increase your employability skills in a structured way, our Confident Futures programme is free and a great opportunity for all students. For those of you with English as your second language, we offer a range of English Language Support modules that will help build your confidence and improve your English in small groups, as well as pre-sessional English courses for those already accepted onto degree courses.. In addition to the cutting-edge resources provided by your faculty, we have excellent library and computing facilities on each of our three campuses to ensure you get the best from our extensive information resources. We also have librarians that are always more than happy to help.

7

Student Support

Student Support

6

How Napier supports its students

Aileen MacLean

POSITION: Academic Support Adviser SCHOOL: School of Computing

At Edinburgh Napier University we have a strong support network in place to assist you with whatever help and advice you may need. We hope that every student who comes to Edinburgh Napier has an enjoyable and enriching experience. Whether you need help with searching for funding, finding somewhere to live, careers advice or a confidential chat with a qualified counsellor, we have somebody to help you.

Dedicated support is available to students with disabilities and learning difficulties through our highly experienced Disability & Inclusion team. Our Student Mentors are a valuable source of information and support about the study techniques and uni tips they’ve discovered along the way. And if you wish to increase your employability skills in a structured way, our Confident Futures programme is free and a great opportunity for all students. For those of you with English as your second language, we offer a range of English Language Support modules that will help build your confidence and improve your English in small groups, as well as pre-sessional English courses for those already accepted onto degree courses.. In addition to the cutting-edge resources provided by your faculty, we have excellent library and computing facilities on each of our three campuses to ensure you get the best from our extensive information resources. We also have librarians that are always more than happy to help.

7

Student Support

Student Support

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Edinburgh CollegeEdinburgh College is the largest college in Scotland and one of the largest in the UK. We have the strongest single student body in Edinburgh and our key commitment is to put students at the centre.

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CollegePartners

College Partners

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West Lothian CollegeWest Lothian College is an award winning provider of further education based in Livingston, West Lothian since 2001. West Lothian College’s vision is “To be a high performing and creative College within a national reputation for excellence in demand led learning and skills development” and in fulfilling that vision provides and invaluable resource to the people of West Lothian and beyond.

New College LanarkshireNew College Lanarkshire combines what were Motherwell College and Cumbernauld College. The size and scale of the College allows it to operate more effectively with a firm focus on the social and economic well-being of Lanarkshire.

Edinburgh CollegeEdinburgh College is the largest college in Scotland and one of the largest in the UK. We have the strongest single student body in Edinburgh and our key commitment is to put students at the centre.

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CollegePartners

College Partners

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West Lothian CollegeWest Lothian College is an award winning provider of further education based in Livingston, West Lothian since 2001. West Lothian College’s vision is “To be a high performing and creative College within a national reputation for excellence in demand led learning and skills development” and in fulfilling that vision provides and invaluable resource to the people of West Lothian and beyond.

New College LanarkshireNew College Lanarkshire combines what were Motherwell College and Cumbernauld College. The size and scale of the College allows it to operate more effectively with a firm focus on the social and economic well-being of Lanarkshire.

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Questions:

Debbie MehargLecturer & College LiaisonSchool of ComputingEdinburgh Napier UniversityMerchiston CampusEdinburghEH10 5DTT 0131 455 2927E [email protected]

An electronic copy of this magazine is available at:

What’s coming up...

What? Where? When?

Associate Student Open Day (1st Year)

Napier University Merchiston Campus

25th September 2014

Napier Open Day Napier University Merchiston Campus

4th October2014

Study Skills Sessions *Research Skills

Your College Campus w/c 6th October 2014

College Induction Your College Campus August2014

Study Skills Sessions *ReferencingSkills


Study Skills Sessions *Report Writing Skills


Drop-in Lectures1st & 2nd Year

Napier University Merchiston Campus

3rd November 2014

Half-day University visit Your College Campus w/c 24th November 2014

Manitory Optional

Where? When?

Documents

August Aspire Magazine