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©University of Reading 2010 Friday 1 October 2010 Page 1
Student Handbook An up to date version can be found at www.reading.ac.uk/osh Welcome to the University of Reading, one of the UK's top universities with a long tradition of high-quality teaching and research, and an international reputation for excellence.
The information in this area, and on the Student pages (www.reading.ac.uk/student) see links on the left) is designed to help you prepare for your studies at Reading and be a useful source of reference over the year.
The entries in this handbook introduce you to the people and services which will help you make the most of your time at Reading.
Below you will find an A-Z list of links to useful information. On the Student pages you will find the same (and more) information grouped together thematically (Academic Support, Student Community, Student Advice, Rules and Regulations as well as specific information for Research students and International students).
On behalf of the whole University, may I wish you a very happy and successful time at Reading.
-Jennifer Ghandhi, Director of Student Services
Contents Acceptable behaviour ................................................................................................................................. 5
Behaviour ............................................................................................................................................. 5 Student discipline ............................................................................................................................... 5 Alcohol ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Behaviour while studying ................................................................................................................... 5
Accommodation ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Halls of Residence ............................................................................................................................... 6 Parking at Halls .................................................................................................................................... 6 Vacation accommodation in Halls .................................................................................................... 7 Transferring to another Hall ............................................................................................................... 7 Transferring from Hall to private accommodation .......................................................................... 7 Hall accommodation for next Session .............................................................................................. 7 Private accommodation ..................................................................................................................... 7 Family accommodation ...................................................................................................................... 8
Address changes ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Attendance .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Banks ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Barclays ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Student Services Directorate
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HSBC .................................................................................................................................................... 9 RBS ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 National Westminster Bank ............................................................................................................... 9
Buses ............................................................................................................................................................ 9 Reading Buses ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Bus passes ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Thames Travel ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Safety Bus ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Careers Advisory Service .......................................................................................................................... 10 Career Management Skills ........................................................................................................................ 11 Communication and email ...................................................................................................................... 11 Complaints Procedure .............................................................................................................................. 12 Council tax ................................................................................................................................................. 13 Counselling and Wellbeing ...................................................................................................................... 13
Contacting the Counselling Service ................................................................................................ 13 Training .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Crime and personal safety ........................................................................................................................ 14 Data Protection: fair processing notice and student responsibilities ................................................... 15
Student Responsibilities ................................................................................................................... 16 Dates of term and enrolment .................................................................................................................. 16
Term/Dates ........................................................................................................................................ 17 Hall of Residence or University Host Families ................................................................................. 17
Dental Surgery ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Disability .................................................................................................................................................... 18 Elections .................................................................................................................................................... 18
General Elections .............................................................................................................................. 18 Other Elections (Council Elections, European Elections) ............................................................... 19
Emergencies .............................................................................................................................................. 19 Equal Opportunities and Diversity ........................................................................................................... 19 Examinations and assessment.................................................................................................................. 19
Submission of coursework ............................................................................................................... 20 Examination Periods ......................................................................................................................... 20 Attendance at examinations ............................................................................................................ 20 Medical and other extenuating circumstances .............................................................................. 20 Academic misconduct ...................................................................................................................... 21 Re-examinations ............................................................................................................................... 21 Appeals .............................................................................................................................................. 22
Fees ............................................................................................................................................................ 22 Tuition Fees ....................................................................................................................................... 22 Student Fee Payment Policy ............................................................................................................. 23
Financial support ....................................................................................................................................... 26 UK Student Financial Support for UK full-time undergraduates and PGCE students ................... 26 University of Reading Financial Support for UK full-time undergraduates ................................... 27 Students from other EU countries ................................................................................................... 27
Financial assistance ................................................................................................................................... 27 Food on campus ........................................................................................................................................ 28 Freedom of speech ................................................................................................................................... 28 Harassment ............................................................................................................................................... 29 Health and safety ...................................................................................................................................... 29
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 29 Fire safety ........................................................................................................................................... 30 First Aid .............................................................................................................................................. 30
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Course work, projects and practical classes .................................................................................... 31 Safety on campus .............................................................................................................................. 31 Road safety ........................................................................................................................................ 31 Incident reporting ............................................................................................................................. 31 Living in Halls ..................................................................................................................................... 32 Safe use of computers (Display Screen Equipment) ...................................................................... 32 Smoke Free Policy ............................................................................................................................. 32 Personal safety................................................................................................................................... 32 Student Health .................................................................................................................................. 32 Pandemics and other outbreaks ...................................................................................................... 33
Insurance: students’ personal possessions ............................................................................................. 33 Intellectual property ................................................................................................................................. 33 IT Services .................................................................................................................................................. 34 International Study and Language Centre .............................................................................................. 34
Institute-Wide Language Programme ............................................................................................. 35 Job Shop .................................................................................................................................................... 35 Learner responsibilities ............................................................................................................................ 36 Library ........................................................................................................................................................ 37
Learning how to use the Library ....................................................................................................... 37 Basic information you need ............................................................................................................. 37 Help .................................................................................................................................................... 38 New research postgraduate or member of staff? ........................................................................... 38
Lost and found property ........................................................................................................................... 39 Lost items .......................................................................................................................................... 39 Found items ....................................................................................................................................... 39
Mathematics Support Centre .................................................................................................................. 39 Medical practice ........................................................................................................................................ 39
Opening hours: ................................................................................................................................. 40 The Modular System ................................................................................................................................. 40 Music .......................................................................................................................................................... 41 Nursery ...................................................................................................................................................... 41 Peer Support ............................................................................................................................................. 42 Personal Development Planning (PDP) ................................................................................................... 42 Personal Tutor ........................................................................................................................................... 43 Pre School .................................................................................................................................................. 44 Radio .......................................................................................................................................................... 44 Regulations for Conduct .......................................................................................................................... 44 Religious beliefs and spiritual care .......................................................................................................... 45
Chaplaincy ......................................................................................................................................... 45 Reporting absence .................................................................................................................................... 46 Representation.......................................................................................................................................... 46 Rules and Regulations .............................................................................................................................. 47 Security ...................................................................................................................................................... 47 Shops on campus ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Convenience Stores .......................................................................................................................... 47 Bookshop ........................................................................................................................................... 48
Sport .......................................................................................................................................................... 48 SportsPark .......................................................................................................................................... 48 VO2 Fitness Studio ............................................................................................................................ 49 Bulmershe Court ............................................................................................................................... 49 Caversham Boathouse ...................................................................................................................... 49 Wokingham Waterside Centre ........................................................................................................ 49
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How to get involved .......................................................................................................................... 49 Casual use .......................................................................................................................................... 49 Training with a specific goal in mind ............................................................................................... 50 Exercise Classes ................................................................................................................................. 50 Intramural sport ................................................................................................................................ 50 Sports Federation .............................................................................................................................. 50 BUCS Competitions .......................................................................................................................... 50 Officiating .......................................................................................................................................... 50
Student Access Card ................................................................................................................................. 51 Student Services Centre ........................................................................................................................... 51 Students’ Union ........................................................................................................................................ 52
The HUB ............................................................................................................................................. 52 Entertainments, Shops and Services ................................................................................................ 52 3sixty .................................................................................................................................................. 53 Café Mondial ..................................................................................................................................... 53 Mojo's ................................................................................................................................................. 53 The Lounge ........................................................................................................................................ 53 Campaigns ......................................................................................................................................... 53 Sports Clubs and Societies ............................................................................................................... 54 Communications .............................................................................................................................. 54 Volunteers ......................................................................................................................................... 54 NUS Extra ........................................................................................................................................... 54 Opting-out of Students' Union membership .................................................................................. 55
The Structure of the University – and where you fit into it .................................................................... 55 Faculty of Arts and Humanities ........................................................................................................ 56 Henley Business School .................................................................................................................... 56 Life Sciences ...................................................................................................................................... 56 Science ............................................................................................................................................... 57 Social Sciences (includes the Institute of Education) .................................................................... 57
Study abroad ............................................................................................................................................. 57 Study Advice .............................................................................................................................................. 58 Suspended students ................................................................................................................................. 58 Vehicles and parking ................................................................................................................................. 59
Driving on campus ............................................................................................................................ 59 Cars and insurance ............................................................................................................................ 59 Disabled drivers ................................................................................................................................. 59 Cars and international students ....................................................................................................... 59
Volunteering ............................................................................................................................................. 60 Volunteering with the Students' Union .......................................................................................... 60 Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award ..................................................................... 60 Student Tutoring ............................................................................................................................... 60 The Student Associates Scheme (SAS) ............................................................................................ 61
Web 2.0 – Being Online ............................................................................................................................ 61 Expectations surrounding the use of Web 2.0 at the University of Reading ................................ 61
Withdrawing/Transferring ........................................................................................................................ 62
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Regulations for acceptable behaviour Behaviour
The behaviour of students is important not only to staff and other students, but to other residents of Reading as well. Anti-social behaviour causes stress and unhappiness for victims and their families, may cost a great deal of money, and can bring the University into disrepute. Students, staff, local residents, the media, and parents all expect the University and the Students' Union to maintain a safe, peaceful and orderly environment. The great majority of Reading students behave considerately and responsibly.
Student discipline
When you enrol or re-enrol each year, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the University, which apply off-campus as well as within the University environment. There is a disciplinary system for the very small number of students who break these rules and behave in an anti-social fashion; in extreme circumstances we may suspend a student from the University or even remove them altogether.
Alcohol
The majority of disciplinary offences involving students also involve alcohol. This is not considered as having any kind of 'mitigating effect' in terms of the disciplinary system or the penalties applied. If you are drunk you are more likely to be involved in an assault, which may be violent, either as the victim or the perpetrator. The more drunk you are, the more you put your personal health and safety at risk. To learn more about alcohol and its effects see: www.drinkaware.co.uk or www.reading.ac.uk/medicalpractice/mp-alcohol.aspx.
Alcohol Restriction Zone
East Reading, including parts of the Whiteknights campus, has been designated as an Alcohol Restriction Zone by Reading Borough Council. This means that it is an offence to fail to surrender any alcohol for consumption in a public place. So, if you're seen out and about with a drink in your hand a Police Officer can ask you to stop drinking it or hand it over. If you don't comply with that request you could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, Fine, or arrest and prosecution.
Behaviour while studying
Whilst you are a student at the University of Reading, it is your responsibility to do the following:
• Ensure that electronic devices (mobile phones, Blackberries, PDAs, MP3 players etc) are switched off during all classes1 unless agreed beforehand with the member of staff leading the session2.
• Attend all classes punctually. Lateness is considered to be disruptive behaviour.
• Give due and proper attention to the member of staff leading the session (and any ground rules that have been set) and to show respect to your fellow students; it is unacceptable to disrupt a class.
• Leave any room or building of the University when requested to do so by any member of staff.
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Students who seriously or persistently flout these regulations will be reported to the School Director of Teaching and Learning and/or the School Senior Tutor who will take appropriate disciplinary action.
If you feel that your University experience is being disrupted by the unacceptable behaviour of other students, you are encouraged to report this to your Personal Tutor or to the member of staff teaching them if appropriate.
Students who wish to discuss any aspect of the above should talk to their Personal Tutor in the first instance.
1 'Classes' refers to any session led by a member of staff whether it is a lecture, seminar, workshop, tutorial, laboratory sessions etc. 2 NB: students may audio tape a lecture but may not visually record without consent.
Accommodation www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation
Location: Student Services Centre, Carrington Building.
Phone: (0118) 378 5555
Log a call to the Helpdesk via the RISIS web portal or email [email protected]
Halls of Residence
If you have not been allocated a Hall Place at the beginning of the Autumn Term, it should be possible to move into Hall during the Session as vacancies arise. For further information please contact the Advisory Team (Accommodation) via the Student Services Helpdesk.
When you live in Hall you automatically become a member of the Hall's Junior Common Room (JCR). The JCR provides amenities such as newspapers, television, video and games equipment, and organises social and sporting events. The compulsory annual subscription, between £40 and £60, is set by each Hall's JCR Committee.
You will be required to pay a refundable deposit against damages when you accept a place in Hall. Your deposit (less any charges incurred) will be refunded to your bank account after you have ceased to be resident in University accommodation.
Most Halls are owned by the University, but Reading Student Village and St George's Hall are private developments of self-catered accommodation.
Further information is available from the Reading Student Village website at www.thestudentvillage.com or by phoning (0118) 916 8441.
Parking at Halls
The University discourages students from bringing cars to university as we are very well served by public transport. and offer facilities for alternative forms of travel. There is very limited parking at Halls of Residence and you must apply for permission to the Hall/Group Office. Hall permits are not valid on campus. If you are a student living in Hall and you do not have a Hall permit to park, you must not park on residential roads within one mile of the campus.
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Vacation accommodation in Halls
Fully-catered accommodation is only offered during term-time.
At St Patrick's and Wantage Halls your accommodation will be self-catered during the Christmas and Easter vacation. In the fully-catered sections of Park Group (Windsor Hall and Dunsden Crescent) you will have to clear your room during the Christmas and Easter Vacations. Some accommodation is normally available on a self-catered basis during the Summer Vacation, although this may have to be in a different hall. The nightly rate will be based on the charges for the Autumn Term. If you wish to stay for the Summer Vacation you must contact the Group Office for your Hall in advance to discuss availability. Several self-catered Halls also offer a 50-week residency period, but if you want this arrangement you would need to opt for it at the beginning of the Academic Year.
Transferring to another Hall
It may be possible to transfer to another Hall during the academic year, but there are rules on such moves and an administration charge may be made.
For details, please see the Terms and Conditions of your residency, which you can download at www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/accommodation/OffersTandCs2010.pdf. You can get an Inter-Hall transfer form from any Hall Group office or the Student Services Centre Help Desk.
Transferring from Hall to private accommodation
The complete rules are quite complex and are set out in the Terms and Conditions of your residency, which you can download at www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/accommodation/OffersTandCs2010.pdf.
Please read the rules if you wish to:
• leave a Hall of Residence
• change your mind about accepting a Hall place
Failure to read the rules could cost you a significant amount of money.
Hall accommodation for next Session
The deadline for applying for a place in a University-owned Hall for next October is Monday 14 February 2011. The online application system will open from early January 2011. You will hear by mid-March whether your application has been successful.
Private accommodation
The Accommodation team advertises private accommodation vacancies on its Private Property Search webpages at www.reading.ac.uk/closed/accommodation/acc-search-home.aspx.
Details of properties available for next Session will be advertised from late January 2011 onwards. We strongly recommend that you do not begin your search for a property any earlier than this. Further information about the legal and financial aspects of renting accommodation is on the University website. The Students' Union normally organises a series of housing information talks in Halls prior to the launch of the online vacancies list.
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Family accommodation
We have a limited amount of accommodation for couples and families, for which you can apply online through the RISIS Web Portal. Some of this accommodation is in Halls or at Creighton Court, but most of the properties are in converted Offsite Housing in the vicinity of the Whiteknights campus. For certain types of property there may be a long waiting list. We cannot guarantee that family accommodation will be available for new students from the start of their course.
Therefore, if you are coming to Reading with a family you must be prepared to rent private accommodation at first.
Address changes If you change either your Reading address or your permanent home address, you must let us know so we can update your student record:
You can update your address by using the RISISweb portal (www.risisweb.reading.ac.uk), or by:
Undergraduate students: visiting the Helpdesk, Carrington Building
Postgraduate students: visiting the Helpdesk, Carrington Building, or your Faculty Postgraduate Office.
It is vital that you keep us informed of your up to date Reading address. Please also keep your mobile phone details updated since we may need to contact you urgently.
Monitoring attendance During 2010/11 a new immigration system is likely to come into effect for students who require a visa to study in the UK. One of the requirements of this system is to report on a regular basis that full-time students are still in attendance. More details on this system will be made available as soon as we have them.
Banks Banks are listed here for their proximity to the campus.
There is a branch of Lloyds TSB on the Whiteknights campus. It is open Monday to Friday 09:00–16:30 (10:00–16:30 on Wednesdays).
Please note that this branch is due to close in November 2010. The University is in discussion with other providers about the provision of ATM facilities and, if possible, limited banking facilities. Further
information will be published as soon as it is available.
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Barclays
273 Basingstoke Road; and
184 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley
HSBC
160 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley
RBS
Brunel House, 17/27 Station Road
National Westminster Bank
76 Christchurch Road; and
131 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley
There are also bank branches in Reading Town Centre.
Buses Reading Buses
www.reading-buses.co.uk
Reading Buses operate a number of services around and through our campuses. Please note that correct fares are required on all Reading buses and no change is given.
Visit these pages for information on University routes – www.reading-buses.co.uk/university
Bulmershe to Whiteknights
The number 19 bus stops at Whiteknights and Bulmershe campus. The fare for a single journey (for University staff and students) on this route is £1.20.
Bus passes
www.simplyuni.co.uk
Reading Buses will be offering University of Reading students a 10 week pass towards the end of summer. The pass will cost £99 and will entitle the holder to unlimited travel on Reading Buses. As an added bonus, if you buy the 10 week pass Reading Buses will throw in Freshers' Week for free - in effect giving you 11 weeks travel for the price of 10!
There is also a week pass available at £13 and a 90 day pass available for £154.
Details on how to apply for these passes will be made available soon - check the online entry for details.
Thames Travel
www.thames-travel.co.uk/bus144/bus144.htm
The number 144 Thames Travel bus (Reading - Wokingham) runs past the main entrance to the University.
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Safety Bus
A free late-night bus run by the Students' Union is available for students leaving campus late into the evening. A copy of the timetable can be picked up from the Students' Union reception.
Careers Advisory Service www.reading.ac.uk/careers
Locations: First Floor, Carrington Building / Bulmershe Court
Phone: (0118) 378 8359 (Whiteknights) / (0118) 378 8656 (Bulmershe)
Email: [email protected] (Whiteknights)
The Careers Advisory Service (CAS) helps you get where you want to be. We offer advice and guidance on life after University, as well as the work experience opportunities available during your degree.
To help you explore your options, we run a number of events throughout the year, including:
• Careers Fairs (Autumn & Spring Term)
• Work Experience Fair
• Law Fair
• Teachers' Fair
• Construction Fair
• Employer presentations
• Headstart Programme, providing skills sessions and workshops
CAS also provides a number of vacancy services, whether you're seeking your dream job after graduation, an industrial placement, or some greatwork experience. You can search for placements and graduate vacancies on the Careers Advisory Service website (www.reading.ac.uk/careers), or find part-time work on the Job Shop website (www.reading.ac.uk/jobshop). Alternatively, you can sign up to our Jobs by Email scheme and get the latest vacancies sent straight to your inbox.
If you're not sure what's out there and want to find out more, you can explore the many resources in the Careers Resource Centre, including books, periodicals, DVDs, employer brochures and help sheets.
If you're looking for advice and guidance, our Careers Advisers are on hand to discuss your options. You can speak to an adviser without making an appointment. For full details of our opening times and services, please visit the Careers Advisory Service website at www.reading.ac.uk/careers.
You can also explore the many resources in the Careers Resource Centre, including books, periodicals, DVDs, employer brochures and help sheets.
We look forward to seeing you!
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Career Management Skills www.reading.ac.uk/careers
Email: [email protected]
All undergraduate programmes at the University include an interactive programme of activities to develop your Career Management Skills and this contributes towards your final degree classification. The aim is very simple: to put you in control of your future.
Through CMS you will:
• Consider what you want from your future
• Explore your skills, values and interests
• Gain the opportunity to talk to employers
• Find out about work experience options while you study
• Explore all of your options including postgraduate study, gap year opportunities
• Research career paths both related and unrelated to your degree
• Find out what options are available with your degree
• Learn how to promote yourself effectively
Communication and email www.reading.ac.uk/readingLive
The University provides all students with a University email account and email is used regularly in the University as an 'official' form of communication between staff and students.
Information is also communicated to students in other ways, such as the Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard, web pages, post (for which there are pigeon holes in Schools and Halls) and on physical noticeboards.
Students should normally check their University email accounts, Blackboard and any other electronic methods of communication on a daily basis during term-time, and reply as necessary to messages
received. Students should also check their pigeon-hole for mail and other notice boards regularly.
You are expected to use your University email account in preference over private email accounts for your University correspondence for the following reasons:
• the University guarantees that this account will be available to you for the entire duration of your studies;
• the University guarantees that suitable, supported email software will be available to you for the entire duration of your studies;
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• the University offers an email service to standards of availability, reliability, performance and security which it determines and which are under its own control;
• email sent from non university mail accounts may be classified as SPAM and hence not read.
You may set up forwarding arrangements to automatically send email received in your University account to another email account of your choosing; however, you do so at your own risk and should ensure that you forward to a valid and existing account. The University can only be held responsible for email reaching your University email account. If an email has been sent without apparent problem to your University account, the sender may reasonably assume that you will receive that email. If you do wish to forward email from your University account to a private Internet Service Provider account, you can do this by changing your email options (see www.reading.ac.uk/internal/readinglive/Changes/its-rl-changes.aspx - or https://www.mailopts.reading.ac.uk/login.php, if you have an old account). It is advisable for a copy of the email to be delivered to (and stored in) your University account as well by including your University email address on a separate line under your personal email address in the mail options.
Unless otherwise instructed by your School, you should not submit coursework using email.
Student Complaints Procedure Two circumstances need to be distinguished, one from the other. First, a student may be dissatisfied with some formal process which has culminated in a decision, for example, following disciplinary procedures, examination offences or irregularities, decisions by examination boards and the like. Second, a student may have a complaint against the University relating to the delivery of teaching in some way or other or which may refer to other aspects of the student's relationship with the University. We refer to the first as 'Student Appeals' and to the second as 'Student Complaints'. The Student Complaints Procedure can be downloaded from www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/studentcomplaints.pdf.
As regards Student Appeals, the University has in place appropriate internal mechanisms for appeals to be heard against disciplinary, academic or other decisions; information is given in appropriate Handbooks. A student who is uncertain as to whether Complaints or Appeal procedures apply to any particular case should consult the Director of Student Services.
Advice on matters relating to Appeals and Complaints may also be had from the Students' Union.
readingLive email
readingLive is the University's email service, which is based on the Microsoft Live@edu service.
All new students will be given a readingLive email account.
All current students are being migrated to the new service during the course of the Autumn Term.
www.reading.ac.uk/readingLive
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Council tax www.reading.ac.uk/internal/student/student-community/council_tax.aspx
Students living in a Hall of Residence do not have to pay Council Tax. Full-time students living in a house or flat in which only full-time students are living do not have to pay Council Tax.
A house or flat occupied by one non-student and one or more full-time student/s is liable for 75% of Council Tax.
Students who have to pay Council Tax may be eligible for Council Tax Benefit and should claim (contact you local council).
Part-time students have to pay Council Tax.
Counselling and Wellbeing The University Counselling and Wellbeing service offers short-term counselling and training for all currently-registered students, free of charge. Our aim is to support you in making a success of your university life, whatever challenges are ahead.
Each year over 750 students attend one to one (1:1) sessions with one of the counsellors, psychologists or psychotherapists in the team; and more participate in the range of workshops on offer.
The counselling sessions are confidential and independent. Information shared with us is not disclosed to others, including Schools/Departments, GPs or parents, without your prior permission. Where appropriate co-ordinated support is required, we will always seek your consent (information shared is on a need to know basis only). This allows us to work closely with colleagues across the University.
The Counselling and Wellbeing team offers support for any developmental, clinical and academic problems which may arise during your time at Reading. A primary aim is to ensure that whatever your personal problems, the impact on concentration and motivation is kept to the minimum, with capacity for social, emotional, and academic achievement restored as soon as possible.
Contacting the Counselling Service
The Northcourt Avenue centre is open to request an appointment during week days 09:30-16:30 (closed during lunch time). These are our opening times during term-time and most of the vacation periods, excluding Bank Holidays (and closure days).
To make an appointment, you can telephone, email [email protected] or come in to the First Floor reception at Northcourt Avenue Health Centre, or the Carrington Building room 106, first floor (reception open from 11:00-14:00). If you are worried about your health contact your GP in the first instance, and if you need to speak to someone urgently then call the Reading NHS crisis numbers (information obtained from either Reception, or the Medical Practice).
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Training
During the year, we also offer a range of seminars/workshops on topics like settling in at university, understanding emotions, managing exam anxiety, keeping cool under pressure, better smarter thinking, and maintaining motivation to get things done, among others. These are open to all students, and there is no need to book. Information about our programme is available on our website, or you can contact reception for details.
Whatever the issue, most people prefer to try to solve their own problems before involving others. We all have different capacities for tolerating uncertainty and different ways of dealing with difficulties. Generally people like to rely on family and friends for support if this is possible. But, in the rapid transition to student life, neither might readily be available and may not anyway be sufficiently informed or experienced.
The information and trainings available through the Counselling Service can assist you in this, even if you do not yet feel ready to call and make an appointment to speak to someone which can feel like a very big step. We would like to assure you that our service surveys indicate that students who do take the first step in contacting us find the consultations and support very helpful. Some students hesitate to ask for help because they do not think they really deserve it, or think that others will be too critical, based on their experience of asking for help in the past. Our counsellors are trained to create a positive non-judgemental environment to facilitate change, and welcome feedback.
The reality is that student life is supposed to be continuously challenging, and most people will feel challenged at some stage during their time at university. These can be opportunities for growth and the development of new strengths, but sometimes a little help is necessary. Student life also moves much more quickly than in the outside world so that if, for example, you miss even a few days of classes, catching up can be difficult. If you feel you would benefit from talking with someone who understands you can contact one of the Peer Supporters (www.reading.ac.uk/peersupport).
In other words you do not have too much time to hang around experimenting with problem solving without success. You are surrounded by people willing to help, whatever the problem: your Personal Tutor, careers adviser, student union adviser, counsellor, doctor, chaplain, Peer Supporters and so on. Not one of these people will attempt to solve your problem for you. Each one of them can suggest different ways to think about it, point you to new resources, challenge your assumptions, and share experience. This permits you a renewed chance to solve the problem for yourself and to take responsibility for that.
The University Mental Health Adviser works with the Counselling Service as well as the Medical Practice. Unlike the Counsellors, he is able to go to see students in their Hall or house in circumstances where a visit may be more beneficial and practical, given the health of the student at that time.
Crime and personal safety www.reading.ac.uk/internal/student/student-advice/crime.aspx
Whilst the University employs a dedicated security team to patrol University property and create a safer environment, we do nevertheless advise you to be vigilant at all times. Each autumn during the first week of term we hold a Security and Safety Awareness Exhibition which we strongly recommend you visit. Further crime reduction advice can also be found on our website.
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All crime on University property should be reported to Security Control (0118) 378 7799 to enable us to target our resources more efficiently, as well as to Thames Valley Police 0845 8 505 505. In an emergency, or if you are aware of a crime actually taking place, ring 999 or call Security Control on (0118) 378 6300.
Data Protection: fair processing notice and student responsibilities www.reading.ac.uk/imps
Location: Room 220, Second Floor, Whiteknights House
Phone: (0118) 378 8981
Email: [email protected]
The University collects, holds and processes personal data relating to you as one of its students. It is essential for it to do so, in order to manage its operations effectively.
These activities are carried out in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, and with the University’s Data Protection Policy and Guidelines (see www.reading.ac.uk/data_protection). As such, the purposes for which the University processes personal data are notified to the Information Commissioner, and can be viewed at: www.ico.gov.uk/ESDWebPages/search.asp. Your consent given during the enrolment process indicates your awareness of the University’s handling of your personal data and your agreement with the uses of your personal data, many of which are outlined here.
The information held is mainly the details provided by you on application and enrolment forms, to which will be added data that accumulates during and after your studies at the University. This may include sensitive personal data, and could include photographs. All will be held in accordance with the data protection principles.
The University may disclose appropriate personal data, including sensitive personal data, to third parties, where there is legitimate need or obligation, during or after your period of study. Such disclosure is subject to procedures to ensure the identity and legitimacy of such agencies. These third parties may include (please note that this is not an exhaustive list):
• The University Medical and Dental Practices, the Students’ Union (a copy of the agreement between RUSU and the Univeristy can be found at www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/imps/RUSU_data_sharing_agreement_29_09_10.pdf) and the Chaplaincy
• Higher Education (HE) institutions, where students are involved in exchange or placement programmes
• Local Authorities in the vicinity, in connection with full and partial exemption of properties from council tax
• HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) for use in their analyses (see www.hesa.ac.uk/FPN for details)
• HE funding councils and other government bodies
• Sponsors, loan organisations and scholarship schemes to enable such organisations to determine whether support should continue
• Third parties attempting to recover debt on behalf of the University
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• Thames Valley Police, who will inform us when students are convicted or cautioned
• Employment agencies, other education institutions and prospective employers, who wish to verify University awards, student enrolment and subject(s) studied
• A contact nominated by you or parent(s) in the event of a medical problem or emergency
In addition, examination results may be displayed on notice boards within the University, and any award (such as a degree) made by the University is a matter of public record rather than personal data, and as such will be publicly available. Photographs of students during the course of their study may also be taken. If you do not wish your photograph to be taken, simply absent yourself from any pictures. Group photographs taken will assume the permission of individuals pictured for use in University publications and publicity materials, and publications produced by third parties authorised by the University.
As well as maintenance of student records during and after periods of study, and of supplying operational services as part of providing a comprehensive student experience, the University processes personal data in connection with external relations and development purposes. The University may also wish to send you information about products or services which may be relevant to you, and to keep you informed about University activities.
If you do not wish the University to use your personal data in any of these ways, you should write to the Data Protection Officer (email [email protected]).
To access and check the accuracy of the personal information held about you, you may ask at the Helpdesk in the Student Services Centre, Carrington Building, phone (0118) 378 5555 or log a call to the Helpdesk via the RISIS web portal.
Student Responsibilities
Under the Data Protection Act and the University’s Data Protection Policy students also have responsibilities when processing personal data. These include:
• students who are considering processing personal data as part of their studies must notify and seek approval from their supervisor before any processing takes place;
• students who are processing personal data other than as part of their studies should contact the Information Commissioner to ensure that they are doing so in compliance with the Data Protection Act as they will not be covered under the University's registration;
• students must ensure that all personal data provided to the University is accurate and up to date. Changes of address, corrections to contact details etc. are to be notified to the Helpdesk in the Student Services Centre, Carrington Building, phone (0118) 378 5555 or via the RISIS web portal.
Dates of term and enrolment Details of the enrolment process are given on the Freshers’ website (www.reading.ac.uk/freshers). If you do not enrol there will be certain penalties, for example, for UK undergraduate students, we will not be able to report your arrival to the Student Loans Company and they will not pay your loan into your bank account.
The following table informs you of the standard Dates of Term. If you live in Halls of Residence or University lodgings you should arrive the day before the first day of Term. A small number of programmes have different term dates, including the International
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Foundation Programme and some programmes in the Institute of Education; your Programme Handbook will inform you of the correct term dates. Some programmes, such as Geography, have field course requirements; please see your Programme Handbook for more information.
Term/Dates Hall of Residence or University Host Families
Freshers' Week
(new students) Monday 4 October
You should arrive on Sunday 3 October (some students may be allowed to arrive on Saturday 2 October)
Autumn Term 2010
begins Monday 11 October (lectures begin at 09:00) ends Friday 17 December
You should arrive on Sunday 10 October
(Freshers' Week accommodation may be available for continuing students by arrangement with your Hall)
Spring Term 2011
begins Monday 17 January (lectures begin at 09:00) ends Friday 25 March
You should arrive on Sunday 16 January
Summer Term 2011
begins Wednesday 27 April (lectures begin at 09:00) ends Friday 1 July
You should arrive on Tuesday 26 April
Autumn Term 2011
begins Monday 10 October (lectures begin at 09:00)
You should arrive on Sunday 9 October
Dental Surgery Location: 9 Northcourt Avenue (behind the University Medical Practice)
Phone: (0118) 975 9660
The University Dental Surgery provides a comprehensive dental service under the terms of the National Health Service.
The Dental Surgery is open to staff, students and members of the public. The Dental surgery will undertake NHS and private work.
Opening Hours
09:00-13:00 and 13:30pm-17:00 Monday to Friday
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Students with disabilities, disabling conditions or specific learning difficulties www.reading.ac.uk/disability
Location: Ground Floor, Carrington Building.
Phone: (0118) 378 8921
Email: [email protected]
The Disability Advisory Service is the first port of call for students with queries relating to any disabilities, medical or mental health conditions or specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia) which affect your studies. We can discuss how your needs can be met, advise on your application for the Disabled Students Allowances, help with special arrangements for examinations and assessments where appropriate and act as a link between students, academic staff, support services, Local Authorities, Access Centres and expert advisers, as necessary.
You are encouraged to discuss your needs with the Disability Advisory Service as soon as you can, so that we can put appropriate support in place for you. If you have not yet told the University about your disability, you can discuss the implications of a disclosure, in complete confidence, with one of our Disability Advisers.
If you have a disability and are permanently resident in the UK, you may well be entitled to claim Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) to cover the cost of study-related support services and/or specialist equipment. We can help you with your application and with the practical arrangements for study-related support.
If you need advice or support whilst you are at university, or would like to discuss the implications of disclosing your disability to the University, please contact us to make an appointment with one of the Disability Advisers.
Register of Electors www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
General Elections
You can vote in a General Election if you are:
• a British citizen, a citizen of the Irish Republic, or a Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter or remain in the UK, or who does not require such leave
• resident in the UK
• 18 years of age or over on polling day
In order to vote in a General Election you must first be on the electoral register. You may register at two addresses (eg parental home and University address), but you will only get one vote. See the information for students on the About My Vote website for more information – www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/register_to_vote/students.aspx.
Students resident in Halls are automatically added to the electoral register.
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Other Elections (Council Elections, European Elections)
Visit the About My Vote website for details of who is eligible to vote, and how to register to vote – www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.
Emergencies In the event of an emergency, assistance can be summoned as follows:
Security Control:
(0118) 378 6300 from a mobile phone or Extension 6300 from an internal University phone.
Emergency Services (Fire, Police or Ambulance):
999 from a mobile phone or 0-999 from an internal University phone.
The international emergency number 112 will also operate in this country.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity The University of Reading, in accordance with the specific provisions and general intention of its Charter, confirms its commitment to a comprehensive policy of Equal Opportunities in which individuals are selected, developed, appraised, promoted and otherwise treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given Equal Opportunities within the University. The object of the Policy on Equal Opportunities and Diversity (2006) is to ensure that:
no applicant, student, employee, supplier, provider, contractor or user of facilities shall be discriminated against on account (for example) of his or her sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, Civil Partnership status, family responsibilities, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins and citizenship), religion or belief, political belief, membership (or non-membership) of a Trades Union or other representative association of employees or students, disability (including HIV status), age or socio-economic background.
The University opposes any form of discrimination on these stated grounds unless it can be objectively justified as genuine, substantial, reasonable and within the law.
Evidence of discriminatory behaviour (including harassment) will be treated as a potential disciplinary matter which may, in turn, result in sanctions up to and including staff dismissal or student expulsion in line with staff grievance and disciplinary procedures and student complaints and disciplinary procedures.
Information about equality related policies and procedures can be found on the Equal Opportunities website: www.reading.ac.uk/humanresources.
Examinations and assessment www.reading.ac.uk/exams
Location: First Floor, Whiteknights House
Phone: (0118) 378 8019
Email: [email protected]
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Information about the examination and assessment methods used in your programme are provided in:
• your programme handbook, issued by your School
• the programme specification, which is at www.reading.ac.uk/progspecs
• module descriptions, available from the relevant School Office or www.reading.ac.uk/module
Information about policies and procedures in relation to assessment is available in the Guide to Undergraduate Assessment and the Guide to Assessment for Taught Postgraduate Students which are available at www.reading.ac.uk/exams.
The Codes of Practice and other essential information relating to examinations and assessment are available on the Examinations Office website: www.reading.ac.uk/exams. This website also contains an archive of past examination papers which may be helpful in revision.
Submission of coursework
Coursework should be submitted by the due date in accordance with the arrangements specified by the lecturer who has set the work. If you fail to submit the work by the due date a penalty will be applied, unless you have been granted an extension to the date for submission. (If an extension is granted and the work is submitted by the revised deadline, no penalty will be applied).
The rules on extensions to coursework deadlines have recently changed so that an extension will only be granted if you have valid extenuating circumstances. It will only be possible to apply for an extension using the Extenuating Circumstances Form. See the section below for more information.
Examination Periods
Centrally administered examinations are normally held in April/May/June and re-examinations in late August/early September. Examinations are not normally held on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Examinations for postgraduate programmes in a number of Schools are held outside these periods and are administered by the relevant School. You should consult your Programme Handbook for information about the examination arrangements for your programme.
Attendance at examinations
Attendance at examinations is compulsory. Students who are absent will receive a mark of zero for the examination unless there is good reason for the absence substantiated with documentary evidence (e.g. a medical certificate) and an extenuating circumstances form.
Medical and other extenuating circumstances
If you are ill or have other difficulties, we may arrange for you to take examinations in a special examination centre.
If there are circumstances which you think might affect or have affected your performance in examinations or assessment, you must complete the University’s notification of extenuating circumstances form, which is available from your School Office or www.reading.ac.uk/exams/extcircsform09.htm. You should also inform your Personal Tutor.
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If you have been treated by a doctor not attached to the University Medical Practice, you will need to provide a medical certificate or report from the doctor. If you have been treated at the University Medical Practice, you do not need to obtain a medical certificate, but you should give your consent on the extenuating circumstances form for the doctor to disclose information about you. Examiners will take note of illness or other serious personal circumstances in considering a result, if you have provided the appropriate information.
The form, along with guidance on how to fill it in and the relevant dates for submission can be found at: www.reading.ac.uk/exams/extcircsform09.htm.
It is your responsibility to submit an extenuating circumstances form in relation to any relevant circumstances. If you do not submit an extenuating circumstances form by the relevant deadline, your circumstances will not be considered by the Examiners.
Academic misconduct
The Examinations Website contains the University’s statement on academic misconduct: www.reading.ac.uk/Exams/academicmisconduct.pdf. It is your responsibility to read and ensure you have understood the rules on academic misconduct, including plagiarism and behaviour in examinations.
Academic misconduct will be treated as a disciplinary matter.
For the full range of possible sanctions, please see the Regulations for Conduct at www.reading.ac.uk/Calendar
Re-examinations
Undergraduates
If you have failed or have not qualified to proceed with your programme in the Examination for Part 1 or 2, or if you have failed in the Final Examination for the award of a degree, you are normally permitted one further attempt at the Examination. If you are re-examined, you will be charged a re-examination fee.
If your overall result for Part 1 or Part 2 or your final degree award is a pass, you are not permitted to resit any module..
Re-examinations for all Parts (including Finals) are held in August/September.
You are normally permitted two attempts at an Examination. If you fail both attempts you are not permitted to have a further attempt and will be required to leave the University.
Postgraduates
You should consult the Guide to Assessment for Taught Postgraduate Students and your Programme Handbook for information on re-examination arrangements for your programme.
Please note:
Any candidate (undergraduate or postgraduate) who has not passed the relevant Examination before the start of the 2010/11 Session (i.e. a candidate with a result of failed, not qualified, or deemed not to have sat) and who is eligible for a further attempt at the examination in the 2010/11 Session will be required to suspend for the duration of the 2010/11 Session (and so effectively leave the University for this period). Students who are suspended pending a further examination have limited access to University resources during their period of suspension. For further information, see www.reading.ac.uk/exams/pendingresits.pdf.
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Appeals
If you wish to appeal against a result which has been agreed by the Examiners, please consult the Examinations Office website for information on the procedures to be followed: www.reading.ac.uk/Exams/ModuleMarks.htm and www.reading.ac.uk/Exams/scer.pdf.
Fees https://www.webpay.reading.ac.uk/studentpayments
www.reading.ac.uk/finance/docs/studsnotice.pdf
Your statement of account that can be found at the University Student Online Payment Service (https://www.webpay.reading.ac.uk/studentpayments) may include all or some of the following:
• Tuition Fee (tuition fees in excess of £750 annually are billed in two instalments)
• Residence Charges
• Personal Possessions Insurance Scheme Premium
• 'Battels' (damages) charges for accommodation-related damage
It will not include the Junior Common Room Fee (which is compulsory for all students who live in Hall), as this is collected by each Hall's Junior Common Room committee.
Statements of Account are issued electronically at the beginning of each term by email to your University email address. University regulations require you to access that email address on a regular basis.
Tuition Fees
UK undergraduate and PGCE students – entrants 2006 onwards
The tuition fee for all full-time undergraduate programmes is £3,290 (2010-11). You may choose to pay some or all of this upfront, or may choose to take out a Tuition Fee Loan from the Student Loans Company to cover some or all of the tuition fee. If you take out the Tuition Fee Loan, we will not invoice you while you are at the University but you will have to repay the Student Loans Company once you have left University and have an annual income above £15,000.
If you do not take out a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, the University will invoice you for the balance.
UK undergraduate students – 2005 and earlier entrants, and 2006 entrants with an agreed gap year
The tuition fee for full-time undergraduate programmes for students in these categories is £1,310 (2010-11). If you have applied to your Local Authority for means-tested support, some or all of this fee may be paid, depending on your household income. If you are deemed liable for some or the entire fee yourself, however, you may take out a Tuition Fee Loan with the Student Loans Company. Under these circumstances we will not invoice you while you are at the University but you will have to repay the Student Loans Company once you have left University and have an annual income above £15,000. If you do not take out a Tuition Fee Loan, we will invoice you.
Non-UK undergraduate students
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If you are a non-UK student your tuition fee will be between £1,310 and £12,300. If you have an approved sponsor we will invoice the sponsor; otherwise you will have to pay the fee yourself. You may pay in two equal instalments (see Student Fee Payment Policy below).
Note that if your sponsor does not pay your tuition fee you are liable to pay the University the sum outstanding.
UK and non-UK postgraduate students
If you have an approved sponsor we will invoice the sponsor; otherwise you will have to pay the fee yourself. You may pay in two equal instalments (see Student Fee Payment Policy below).
Note that if your sponsor does not pay your tuition fee you are liable to pay the University the sum outstanding.
Student Fee Payment Policy
1. Tuition Fees
You will be liable for tuition fees for the whole academic year at the time of enrolment or re-enrolment (but see section 2 below). You will be required to pay the tuition fees immediately unless:
• you are a UK or EU student on a full-time undergraduate programme and have taken out a Tuition Fee Loan from the Student Loans Company
• you can provide evidence of sponsorship by an approved sponsor. These include a Local Authority in the UK; state-funded sponsors such as the NHS; Research Councils; the British Council.
If you are in doubt over whether your sponsor is approved, please check with the relevant office (see "individual assistance" below).
2. Instalments
If your fee is greater than £750 per year, you will be permitted to pay in two equal instalments. The first instalment must be paid at enrolment or re-enrolment and the second instalment will be payable at the beginning of the following Term (eg, for those beginning programmes in October, the two instalments are due in October and January).
The University reserves the right to vary the number of instalments in exceptional circumstances. The University will determine annually the minimum amount of fee which may be paid in instalments. Students whose programmes last for less than one term will not be permitted to pay by instalments and all fees must be paid before the end of a student's programme. If you are permitted to pay by instalments and default on the payment, you will be immediately liable to pay the whole of the outstanding amount.
3. Accommodation Fees
If you are living in a Hall of Residence you will be invoiced each term. This allows students to pay accommodation fees by instalments rather than in full at the beginning of the year. Note that instalments may not be of equal proportion.
If you are living in other University accommodation you will typically be invoiced on a quarterly basis.
Separate arrangements for payment apply to those living in University accommodation over the vacation periods.
4. Prompt Payment Discount
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If you are living in University accommodation, you will receive a discount on your fees if you pay promptly and if you are not in arrears with any other payments. The discount is termly for the Halls of residence and quarterly for other University accommodation. The discount is offset against the following accommodation bill, or returned to you via the deposit repayments if you are not going to continue in University accommodation.
The University will advertise the prompt payment discount dates, and will determine annually the value of the prompt payment discount; please see "2010–11 information" below.
5. Determination of Fee
The calculation of your tuition fee is based upon:
• the programme you are following
• your mode of attendance (full- or part-time)
• your fee status (Home/EU, Islands, or Overseas)
If you have any queries about the level of fee you have been charged, please consult the relevant office (see "individual assistance" below).
6. Debts and consequences of non-payment
You are required to pay all of your fees on demand. If you are in debt to the University we may take some or all of the following actions:
• suspend your enrolment until such time as the debt is paid
• require you to leave University accommodation if the debt relates to accommodation fees (in accordance with the Residency Agreement)
• withhold any examination results, certificates or confirmation of award, including participation in any graduation ceremony if the debt relates to academic fees
• pursue recovery of your debt through the legal process (the University will also seek recovery of the costs associated with the legal process)
Students whose programme lasts for one term or less may not pay by instalments.
If you find that you are unable to pay your fees to the University, you are strongly advised to make an early appointment with the relevant office (see "individual assistance" below). Please do not simply ignore the problem.
7. Refunds
The University will refund your tuition fee in full if you have paid your tuition fees and withdraw from your programme within two weeks of the start of the academic programme. If you withdraw after two weeks, we may make a partial refund of your tuition fee according to the length of time you have been enrolled. We will also, of course, make refunds if we have invoiced you in error.
We are happy to accept prepayment of either tuition or academic fees, but please note that UK legislation prevents us from disbursing living expenses from a third party. This means that we cannot take a sum of money, deduct tuition and/or accommodation fees, and repay the remainder to you for living expenses.
8. Payment arrangements
Invoices and statements produced by the University will be in pounds sterling, and settlement will be in pounds sterling. Where currency conversion is required, any charges
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will be applied to the student's account. It is your responsibility to ensure your account is settled in full by the relevant date.
You can pay your bill in one of the following ways:
• a cheque in pounds sterling drawn on a UK bank
• a UK debit card (Delta, Maestro or Solo) – please note that non UK debit cards will be treated in the same way as credit cards and will incur the surcharge
• cash (pounds sterling)
• a bank transfer (please quote your 8-digit Student Number)
• travellers' cheques (in pounds sterling)
There are other methods of payment, but they will cost you extra money:
• credit card (Mastercard or Visa) which incurs a 1% fee (up to £50 maximum per transaction)
• travellers' cheques in pounds sterling
• a cheque in pounds sterling drawn on a non-UK bank*
• a cheque in currency other than pounds sterling*
*this can be very expensive
We do not accept American Express or Diners International cards.
The University's account details are:
Barclays Bank plc
90-93 Broad Street Reading Berkshire RG1 2AP
sort code: 20 71 03
account number: 10468509
IBAN: GB68 BARC 2071 0310 4685 09
BIC/SWIFT CODE: BARCGB22
For more information about methods of payment, please refer to the document on the finance webpage (http://www.reading.ac.uk/finance/docs/studsnotice.pdf).
9. Application of payments
Payments to your account will be credited in the following order unless you specify otherwise. Funds will be paid towards tuition fees first, unless you have an approved sponsor. Once tuition fees have been settled, remaining funds will then be applied to accommodation fees. Any subsequently remaining funds will then be applied to other charges.
10. 2010–11 information
The termly prompt payment discount dates, applicable to those living in Halls of Residence, will be:
• Friday 29 October 2010
• Friday 4 February 2011
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• Friday 13 May 2011
The termly prompt payment discount will be £20.
The quarterly prompt payment discount dates, applicable to those living in other University accommodation, will be:
• Friday 29 October 2010
• Friday 4 February 2011
• Friday 13 May 2011
• Friday 8 July 2011
The quarterly prompt payment discount will be £15.
Individual assistance:
If you require further information or assistance with any aspect of paying your fees, please contact the Helpdesk, Student Services Centre.
Financial support UK Student Financial Support for UK full-time undergraduates and PGCE students
Before you begin your studies, you should have applied on form PN1 or online at the direct.gov website (www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance) and should have received a Financial Notification providing confirmation of your level of support. The following assumes that you are eligible by virtue of nationality and residence to receive Financial Support.
Statutory Student Financial Support comprises a number of elements:
• A Tuition Fee Loan (see Fees - Tuition Fees)
• A Maintenance Loan of up to £4,950 depending on your household income
• A Maintenance Grant of up to £2,906 depending on your household income
• Grants for disabled students and those with dependents, as eligible.
The Maintenance Loan has both non-means-tested and means-tested elements. The breakdown is as follows:
2009 & 2010 entrants:
• The first 72% of the maintenance loan (£3,564) regardless of household income
• The final 28% of the maintenance loan (£1,386) depending on your household income
2006-2008 entrants:
• The first 75% of the maintenance loan (£3,559) regardless of household income
• The final 25% of the maintenance loan (£1,186) depending on your household income
Note that if you need to contact Student Finance England/Local Authority while you are here you will need your Customer Reference Number - as shown on your confirmation from Student Finance England, and your PIN.
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University of Reading Financial Support for UK full-time undergraduates
2006 and 2007 entrants: If you are eligible for any part of the Maintenance Grant, you are also eligible for a University of Reading Access Bursary of up to £1,400.
2008, 2009 and 2010 entrants: If you are eligible for government student financial support and have annual household income of £45,000 or less, you are also eligible for a University of Reading Access Bursary of up to £1,400.
You should receive confirmation of this via email from mid-September depending on when the Student Loans Company pass information to us. We continue to assess bursary entitlement through the academic year. We will pay your bursary in three instalments - 20% in November, and 40% in each of February and May. Note that bursary awards are based on your liability for the tuition fee. If you are undertaking a placement year and paying 20% of the tuition fee, you will be assessed for up to 20% of the maximum bursary. If you are not liable for the variable rate fees (£3,290 in 2010) then you will not be eligible for the access bursary.
Students from other EU countries
If you are an undergraduate student on a full degree programme and a national of another EU country you may apply for the Tuition Fee Loan, but are not entitled to maintenance loans or to the Maintenance Grant. If you have not already applied for a Tuition Fee Loan, please go to the Helpdesk, Student Services Centre, as soon as possible.
If you are a visiting student, you are not eligible for any contribution to your fees, and will have to pay the fee yourself, unless you are at Reading under an exchange scheme (eg Socrates).
Financial assistance www.reading.ac.uk/moneymatters
Location: Ground Floor, Carrington Building.
Phone: (0118) 378 5555
Log a call to the Helpdesk via the RISIS web portal (www.risisweb.reading.ac.uk)
Struggling to make ends meet? UK Students who are facing financial problems can apply for help from the Access to Learning Fund (formerly known as the Hardship Fund). This is money provided by the government and is given on a means-tested basis by the University. Priority will be given to students who are parents, disabled students and finalists, but all students are welcome to apply. You will need to have lived in the UK for at least three years and (if you are an undergraduate or PGCE student) to have applied for your full student loan entitlement.
Application forms are available from Faculty Offices, RUSU, Palmer Building, and the Student Services Centre. You will be required to provide a copy of your recent bank statements, together with information about your student loan.
If you think that you will face financial difficulties, please apply as early as possible. You do not need to have reached your overdraft limit to qualify for help from this fund, but you do need to be able to demonstrate that you will face financial problems during the year. You can pick up application forms before the beginning of the year, but payments will only be authorised after you have enrolled.
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There is a small Hardship fund available to international students who are experiencing financial difficulties. In order to qualify you must be able to demonstrate that you made proper financial provision for your time in Reading before you started your course. Awards are usually quite small and are made to students who encounter unexpected financial problems. Application forms are available from Faculty Offices, RUSU, Palmer Building, and the Student Services Centre.
Food on campus If you are in University lodgings or private accommodation you should be able to take meals in a Hall of Residence. Guests can buy meals in catered Halls.
There are also a wide range of catering outlets on campus, where you can purchase snacks or more substantial meals. There are some food outlets run by RUSU which can be found in the Students' Union building and other food outlets run by the University across our campuses. You can find lists of these outlets using the links below:
• RUSU catering outlets in the Students' Union www.rusu.co.uk/intheunion/venues_and_catering/
• Independent Catering outlets in the RUSU Retail Mall www.rusu.co.uk/intheunion/retail_and_services/
• University catering on campus www.fmd.reading.ac.uk/Events_and_catering/Places_to_eat/
• Map of University catering outlets (all campuses) www.fmd.reading.ac.uk/Events_and_catering/Places_to_eat/Map.aspx
Freedom of speech Freedom of speech is basic to a University. The Council of the University therefore requires all members of the academic staff, employees and students of the University to tolerate and protect the expression of opinions within the law, whether or not those opinions are repugnant to them.
Accordingly, and as required by law, the Council has approved and adopted this Code which is binding on all members of the Academic staff and of the Council and on all employees and students of the University. For students it has the force of regulations for conduct.
Any alleged breach of this Code will be subject of disciplinary proceedings as provided for under the Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of the University and where appropriate under contracts of employment. If you are intending to organise a meeting, the nature of which is such that the
maintenance of freedom of speech or of related good order cannot reasonably be assumed, you are required to inform the University Secretary before any arrangements are made. The full text of the Code of Practice is available from the University Secretary.
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Harassment www.reading.ac.uk/harassment
The legal definition of harassment is unwanted conduct that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. However, in reality harassment is difficult to define and may take many forms. It can range from violence and bullying to less obvious actions such as ignoring someone at work - a single act or comment can constitute harassment in certain circumstances.
A key concept is that harassment is defined by the perception of the victim (ie how it feels to the recipient) rather than by the intent of the person causing offence. It cannot, therefore be excused or justified by claiming that it was unintentional or humorous - action which would be acceptable, even welcome, to one recipient may be harassing to another. It is important to remember that in the University context, harassment is relevant to relations between staff and students alike.
Although harassment is a rare occurrence, you may encounter it in some form during your time at the University. As this may have a detrimental effect on your studies, you should feel free to discuss your concerns with someone at the earliest opportunity.
It is usually possible to resolve the situation informally (for example approaching the person causing offence and explaining why the behaviour is unacceptable) but there may be occasions where you need to speak to someone on a formal basis. This person may be your Personal Tutor, your Hall Resident Tutor, an officer from the Students' Union or one of the Harassment Advisers who can assist you and if necessary, arrange informal mediation.
Should the situation not be resolved by informal means, then you would be given advice on the most appropriate formal procedure for instance, through the Student Complaints Procedure (if the harassment involves a member of staff) or Regulations of Conduct (if the harassment involves a fellow student but note that not all harassment as defined in the University’s Policy involved a breach of the Regulations for Conduct). In some cases you may also be advised to report the matter to the Police.
The University has clear policies on the prevention of harassment. Certain members of the University have received training and act as Harassment Advisers and can support anyone who believes they have been harassed. You can find their details by downloading the List of Harassment Advisers from the Harassment webpage at.
Health and safety www.reading.ac.uk/health-and-safety
Introduction
The University of Reading recognises that it has responsibilities for the health, safety and welfare of its students. We aim to provide an environment which is stimulating and safe to study in, and which promotes high health and safety standards. This includes:
• Information, training and supervision to ensure that during your course of study, any risks to you are minimised.
• Premises and equipment which are safe and fit for purpose.
• Arrangements for dealing with emergencies such as fires.
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• Listening to any concerns of students about your health and safety and taking appropriate action
To help us to do this, it is important that as a student you appreciate that you also have responsibilities to look after your own health and safety and that of others. At all times you must:
• Conduct yourself both socially and in your studies in a mature, safe and considerate manner.
• Take all reasonable steps to ensure your own health and safety, and the health and safety of others.
• Cooperate with the University by complying with all health and safety requirements (for example by attending any safety briefings).
• Not interfere with any equipment provided for reasons of health and safety.
Fire safety
Fire safety is particularly important. You must ensure your own safety and that of other people by:
• Attending fire safety briefings or training, or completing on-line fire safety training and tests.
• Familiarising yourself with buildings that you visit, live or work in, and making sure you know the fire evacuation procedures.
• If you need assistance to evacuate, making yourself known to your School Disability Adviser, Resident Tutor (Warden) or Hall Manager so that a personal evacuation plan (PEEP) can be developed for you.
• Not misusing any equipment provided for fire safety e.g. fire alarms, detectors or extinguishers.
• Reporting when you use such equipment so that it can be replaced e.g. fire extinguishers, fire blankets.
• Reporting any fire related incidents (including significant near misses) and bringing to the attention of your supervisor (or any other member of staff) any concerns you might have about fire safety.
You must evacuate the building immediately if the fire alarm sounds.
Further information can be found on the Health and Safety website at www.reading.ac.uk/internal/health-and-safety/IncidentReportingandEmergencyProcedures/emergency-procedures-contact.aspx.
You can also watch the fire safety film on the Health and Safety website at www.reading.ac.uk/internal/health-and-safety/hs-training/TrainingCourseDetails/hs-training-firesafetyfilm.aspx.
First Aid
If you or another person needs first aid during a lecture or practical class, please ask either your academic supervisor or a technician, who will contact a first aider.
Names and telephone numbers of first aiders are posted on local notice boards in all buildings.
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Alternatively, ring the emergency telephone number for University Security: Tel. 0118 378 6300.
If you need an ambulance, ring 999 or 112, then inform University Security.
Further information can be found on the Health and Safety website at www.reading.ac.uk/internal/health-and-safety/IncidentReportingandEmergencyProcedures/emergency-procedures-contact.aspx.
Course work, projects and practical classes
You must consult your tutors on the health and safety precautions relevant to your course work or projects. There is also a named member of staff in each School/ Department who is appointed as the Area Health & Safety Coordinator, who can advise on health and safety issues. You may be asked to carry out a risk assessment for experiments or other higher risk activities. If so, please check with your tutor that your risk assessment is sufficient before you start work, and ask your tutor for help if you need it.
You must not undertake activities related to your course of study if you have not received appropriate training or information.
If you will be working in science laboratories, you will be expected to follow our Good Laboratory Practice Guides. Copies of the Practice Guides can be found on the Health and Safety website at www.reading.ac.uk/internal/health-and-safety/resources/hs-resources-guidance.aspx.
Safety on campus
The lake on Whiteknights campus, and the river at Greenlands must never be used for swimming, skating, or any form of boating.
Slips, trips and falls can cause serious accidents on campus e.g. broken bones. Please keep our campuses safe for other people by not running electrical cables, power supplies for laptops and other personal electrical equipment across walkways or other places where people might trip over them.
Work or study outside normal office hours must be in accordance with your School's Area Health and Safety Code and/or local rules.
Road safety
On all our campuses roads are shared between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles (except where signed). It is therefore essential that you are alert to other road users, and show consideration for them.
You must obey all parking and speed limit restrictions.
Incident reporting
You must always report all accidents that occur during teaching and practical classes (including project work), to your academic supervisor as soon as possible, and make sure an accident report form or accident book is filled in. This includes all incidents, no matter how minor, as well as incidents that happen off campus, when you are undertaking an activity sanctioned by the University e.g. field trips.
If the accident takes place on the University premises - other than during a teaching or practical class - you should ensure you report it to a suitable member of the University's staff
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e.g. School or Hall office, library or catering supervisors, etc. Also ensure that you inform your academic supervisor as soon as possible.
Please also report any incident which could have caused serious injury or damage, but did not i.e. 'near misses', as well as hazards or faulty equipment.
Living in Halls
If you live in Halls, your Halls Handbook has further essential health and safety information. You will be asked to demonstrate a good awareness of fire safety by attending a mandatory training session and undertaking a short fire safety test.
Safe use of computers (Display Screen Equipment)
Intensive or incorrect use of computers can lead to short and long term health problems, caused by poor posture and working practices.
General guidance on the safe usage of computers is given below.
• Take a short break every half hour or so - that will encourage you to get up and move around, get blood flowing to muscles, and give your eyes a rest from the screen.
• Be sensible about the amount of time spent on the computer, either for study or social activities.
• Adopt a good posture, with adequate back support - don't slouch!
• The mouse and keyboard should be within easy reach, with your forearms horizontal and your wrists straight - don't overstretch.
If the evacuation alarm sounds you must immediately stop what you are doing and evacuate the building.
You can download the Good DSE Practice guide at www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/health-and-safety/GoodDSEWeb.pdf. Note that only staff who are DSE Users are entitled to eyesight tests or DSE glasses.
Smoke Free Policy
It is the policy of the University that all our workplaces are smoke free, and all students and staff have a right to work and study in a smoke free environment. This includes all Halls of Residence, including study bedrooms.
Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and within 10 metres of all buildings. This ensures that smoke does not enter a building from outside and that people entering or exiting the premises are not exposed to second-hand smoke. Should someone become exposed to second-hand smoke in this way, they have the right to request that the smoker moves away, and the smoker is expected to respect that request.
Smoking in buildings, enclosed and semi-enclosed areas is a criminal offence.
Personal safety
See the section on Crime and personal safety for further information and links.
Student Health
See the section on the Medical practice for further information and links.
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Pandemics and other outbreaks
In the event of a pandemic (eg Swine flu – see www.reading.ac.uk/student/swineflu) or other contagious outbreak (eg mumps or legionnaire's disease) the University will issue guidance via the Student Homepage (www.reading.ac.uk/student), or via other means, like email (in the case of a localised outbreak).
The information given in these pages will be supplemented by local rules and information set out in your School's Area Health and Safety Code. If you are in doubt at any time about what is expected of you, please ask.
Insurance: students’ personal possessions Endsleigh Insurance provides an automatic block insurance scheme for insuring students' possessions in Hall (£6.21 in 2010/11). The charge for this will be included on every Hall resident's invoice. Full details of the cover and exclusions are available from Endsleigh Insurance (see www.endsleigh.co.uk/Student/Pages/student-insurance.aspx). Any student wishing to opt out of the scheme must do so by writing to the Student Services Centre, Carrington Building (email [email protected]), or by accessing the FAQ on insurance from the RISISweb portal (www.risisweb.reading.ac.uk); in this case the premium will be refunded. Your letter or email must arrive by Friday 8 October 2010 if you begin your studies in the Autumn term.
Students living out of Halls should remember that student houses are often targeted by thieves, and as such they ensure that their possessions are insured.
Intellectual property The University has a Code of Practice on Intellectual Property, Commercial Exploitation and Financial Benefits which is approved by Council
The main points are as follows:
The University of Reading asserts its rights to ownership of all Intellectual Property (IP) created or devised by its staff in the normal course of their employment, except where funding agreements dictate otherwise.
The University of Reading does not automatically own student intellectual property. However, there are circumstances where the University will request students to assign their IP to the University before, during or after the course of studies.
These can include where a project is funded by a third party under a grant or contract or where a student is working in collaboration with University Staff
Follow the links below for full details of the Code of Practice on Intellectual Property: www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/reas/CodePracticeIntellectualProperty_v1.2.pdf The Code needs to be read in conjunction with the Guide to the Commercial Exploitation of Intellectual Property, which is available to University staff and students by accessing the following webpage - www.reading.ac.uk/closed/res/TechnologyTransferClosed/PoliciesProceduresClosed/reas-TTProcedures.aspx
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IT Services www.reading.ac.uk/its
The University provides a wide range of IT facilities which include:
• The University computer network, email and internet access
• PC facilities and central servers
• S@il (Student Access to Independent Learning)
• Online learning environment (Blackboard)
• ITS Help designed to resolve simple computing problems quickly
• Presentation technology in central classrooms
• IT training including flexible drop-in and learn (Di&L) sessions
• Digital technology loans
• Video conferencing suite
• readingConnect network (or equivalent) in hall study bedrooms
There are 19 University PC Facilities Managed by ITS on campus each with a varying number of workstations. Some facilities are bookable. All offer: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet access, network file space and laser printing (using cash top-up stations and prepaid cards). Some facilities, including the libraries, offer colour printing and scanners.
Access to some PC facilities is available 24 hours a day using the University Access card.
You may wish to bring your own computer to the University for use within your own residence and on campus. A broadband network connection is available in most hall study bedrooms providing access to the campus network and internet.
More details can be found at www.readingconnect.net
Network connections are also available in the Main Library for connecting personal laptops to the campus network as well as wireless zones on campus. See the Guest Networks website for further details – www.reading.ac.uk/internal/its/eduroam/its-eduroam-main.aspx
ITS Help is available for reporting faults, quick advice, training enquiries and booking and supporting the technology. Details, including links to online notes, can be found www.reading.ac.uk/ITS
ITS Help contact details can be found on the ITS Help pages - www.reading.ac.uk/internal/its/help/its-Helpcomputing.aspx
International Study and Language Centre www.reading.ac.uk/islc
Phone: (0118) 378 6983
Email: [email protected]
The International Study and Language Centre (ISLC) at the University of Reading specialises in the provision of academic and language programmes designed both for international students and the wider University community. The programmes, courses and facilities
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available through the ISLC have a long established reputation for academic excellence and student support.
The University's ongoing investment in this sector acknowledges the ever-increasing importance of internationally-focused education, communication and understanding.
In line with the University's international reputation for quality, the ISLC is fully staffed and
managed by highly qualified and experienced University tutors and lecturers.
Institute-Wide Language Programme
www.reading.ac.uk/IWLP
Phone: (0118) 378 7318
Email: [email protected]
Widen your horizons by learning a foreign language while you are at Reading. The Institution Wide Language Programme (IWLP) offers you the opportunity to study a foreign language for credit, as part of your degree programme. Should you already have a full set of credits for the year, you can also join the programme as a non-credit student for a modest fee. The aim of the programme is to develop the ability to communicate effectively in the target language, with particular emphasis on practical language skills, so class work involves active use of the language. IWLP currently offers modules in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Classes may be offered at up to 5 different levels, depending on demand, from complete beginner onwards. Progress within the ‘Reading Languages Ladder’ enables students to move from the higher levels of IWLP to take classes within the departments of French, German and Italian Studies, where degree programmes are offered in these languages. Full details are available on the IWLP website.
Job Shop www.reading.ac.uk/jobshop
The Job Shop is a dedicated job centre for Reading students which advertises part-time vacancies (usually 16 hours or less per week). The University's location in the prosperous South-east region means that students who wish to work part-time have a range of jobs on offer.
The Job Shop works with local employers finding term-time and vacation work for students. There is typically a wide range of part-time work on offer from jobs in tutoring, mentoring, interpretation, translation, to data processing, admin, clerical, and shop work. Wages will vary but you can expect to earn between £5 and £15 per hour.
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Statement on learner responsibilities Whilst you are an undergraduate student at the University of Reading, it is your responsibility to do the following:
In compliance with University rules and regulations, we expect you to:
• comply with the University Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations as set out in the University Calendar. www.reading.ac.uk/calendar
• satisfy all formal assessment requirements, including attendance at examinations. www.reading.ac.uk/calendar
• comply with the University regulations regarding acceptable behaviour (see below)
• ensure that the University is informed of changes to enrolment or other personal circumstances
• act responsibly and with due regard for the health and safety of others
• act responsibly with due regard for the learning environment and for University property.
In order to make the most of your university experience, you are expected to:
• ensure that you see your Personal Tutor at least once per term. To actively set agendas for your meetings with your Personal Tutor and to reflect on your learning development, including your Individual Learning Profile (ILP), your Personal and Academic Record (PAR) or your iLearn BlackBoard area with your Personal Tutor. www.reading.ac.uk/internal/pdp/PersonalTutorialSystem/pdp-Aboutthepts.aspx
• take the initiative in seeking information, advice and support if you have a particular problem or issue. www.reading.ac.uk/student
• attend punctually lectures, seminars, practicals, fieldwork and tutorials as required
• complete and submit all written or practical coursework on time
• provide reasons and, if necessary, supporting documentation for absences or missed deadlines. www.reading.ac.uk/exams
• ensure that you achieve a balance between academic work and other activities and, whilst studying full-time, not normally undertake more than 16 hours of paid employment per week during term-time
• respond to evaluation questionnaires or other requests for information and student opinion.
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Library www.reading.ac.uk/library
Location: Main Library Whiteknights / Bulmershe Library, Bulmershe Court
Phone: (0118) 378 8770 (Whiteknights), (0118) 378 8652 (Bulmershe)
Email: [email protected]
The University Library and its staff are here to support your studies, providing you with access to information – online, multimedia or printed – and the skills to make the most of it.
Learning how to use the Library
A large academic library can be confusing and hard to find your way around. Get a head start by...
• coming to a one-hour Finding your way workshop (www.reading.ac.uk/library/finding-info/training/lib-training-findingyourway.aspx) at the Main Library to find out how to search Unicorn and find items on the shelves
Or
• logging on to CyberLibrary (www.reading.ac.uk/library/finding-info/training/lib-cyberlibrary.aspx) to find out how to use the Library and search Unicorn, the Library catalogue. Available 24/7 on Blackboard, the University's online learning system
Or
• take an online tour of Main Library (www.reading.ac.uk/library/using/sites/lib-tours.aspx)
Also, watch out for any Library induction sessions that your School might have arranged. These will show you the basics of using the Library tailored to your subject.
Basic information you need
• Opening hours - find out when the Main Library and Bulmershe Library are open www.reading.ac.uk/library/using/hours/lib-hours.aspx
• Joining the Library www.reading.ac.uk/library/using/joining/lib-joining.aspx
• Unicorn (the Library catalogue) - search this to find out what's available in the Library www.unicorn.reading.ac.uk/
• Borrowing - everything you need to know including, how many books you can borrow and for how long www.reading.ac.uk/library/using/borrowing/lib-borrowing.aspx
• Course Collection - how to get hold of the most popular books on your reading lists www.reading.ac.uk/library/using/collections/lib-course-collection.aspx
• Jargon buster - Library words explained www.reading.ac.uk/library/using/lib-jargon.aspx
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• Online dictionaries, encyclopedias and other reference sources - for summaries or definitions www.reading.ac.uk/library/eresources/reference/lib-ereference.aspx
• Study zones - we have an number of different types of study area available to allow you to work in groups or work quietly www.reading.ac.uk/library/using/services/lib-study-zones.aspx
• Code of Conduct and Library rules www.reading.ac.uk/library/about-us/policies/lib-code-of-conduct.aspx www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/library/libraryrules.pdf
Help
Your librarian
Each subject has a liaison librarian who can help you with any subject related enquiries.
• Find out who is your liaison librarian www.reading.ac.uk/library/contact/staff/lib-liaison.aspx
• What can your liaison librarian do for you? www.reading.ac.uk/library/contact/staff/lib-liaisonrole.aspx
Information desks
Staff on our Information Desks can help you with general enquiries - don't be afraid to come and ask for help! There are Information Desks on the Ground, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floor of the Main Library, and on the entrance floor of Bulmershe Library.
Guides
• Making the most of guide - provides a general introduction to the Library www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/library/makingthemostofguide.pdf
• Finding information in your subject - use the 'Getting started' section if you're a Fresher; if you're a new postgraduate try the 'Beyond the basics' and 'Specialist resources' sections for your subject www.reading.ac.uk/library/finding-info/subjects/lib-subject.aspx
• Understanding your reading list - how to find items on your reading lists www.reading.ac.uk/library/finding-info/guides/lib-understanding-readlists.aspx
Help for disabled and dyslexic students
• Information for disabled users www.reading.ac.uk/library/contact/info-for/disabled/lib-disabled.aspx
• Information for dyslexic users www.reading.ac.uk/library/contact/info-for/disabled/lib-dyslexic.aspx
New research postgraduate or member of staff?
• Our Information for researchers page gives pointers to our resources for supporting your research www.reading.ac.uk/library/contact/info-for/researchers/lib-researchers.aspx
• There is also a wealth of guidance for staff, including ways in which we can provide resources to support your teaching, on our Information for staff page www.reading.ac.uk/library/contact/info-for/staff/lib-staff-info.aspx
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Lost and found property Location: Reception Desk, Palmer Building
Phone: (0118) 378 7150
Lost items
If you have lost something at the University, please contact Palmer Reception who will tell you whether the item has been handed in. If it has not been received, we will keep your contact details and a description of the lost property on file in case the item should be handed in later.
Out of normal working hours contact Security on 0118 378 7799
Found items
Please take all found property to Palmer Reception between 10:00–14:00, Monday–Friday, where it will be logged on our database.
When Palmer Reception is closed please take any property to Security, Who can be located at the North entrance to Whiteknights House.
We keep found property for six weeks prior to disposal. After that the finder is entitled to claim it on production of the receipt provided when the item was deposited. Unclaimed items are given to charity. Should there be any identifying marks on the item we will, of course, attempt to find the owner.
Mathematics Support Centre www.reading.ac.uk/mathssupport
Location: First Floor, Main Library Whiteknights, 11:00 – 17:00 hours (Mondays – Thursdays) 11:00 – 16:00 (Fridays).
Phone: (0118) 378 7484 between 09:00 – 16:00.
Email: [email protected]
The Mathematics Support Centre provides individual drop-in support on mathematical topics to students from all disciplines: basic arithmetic, percentages, formulae, differentiation, integration, basic statistics, etc. Support with more advanced statistics is also available, by appointment, on Wednesday afternoons. There is also a regular programme of workshops.
The Maths Support website has links to video lessons, self-help leaflets, worksheets, information about the workshop programme and how to access the service.
Medical practice www.reading.ac.uk/medicalpractice
Location: Northcourt Avenue
Phone: (0118) 987 4551
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If you are away from home for more than three months, you are required by the National Health Service to register with a doctor in Reading or in the area where you reside. The University of Reading Medical Practice, based at the University Health Centre in Northcourt Avenue, is set up specially to meet the needs of University students and staff.
Routine consultations and telephone consultations (where appropriate) are available by appointment. A duty doctor is available each day to speak to patients who feel they cannot wait for a routine appointment.
Opening hours:
08:00–18:30 Monday to Friday (details of additional extended hours clinics are available by contacting reception).
Thursday evening and Saturday morning clinics by appointment only
Outside of these times a recorded message gives the telephone number of WestCall, the out-of-hours service for this area, and the facility to be transferred directly to them.
The University’s Modular System www.reading.ac.uk/module
The University's Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate degrees all operate on a modular system, intended to give you greater flexibility and choice. The requirements and structure of your degree are set out in a 'Programme Specification', which you can find in your programme handbook or on the Programme Specifications webpage (www.reading.ac.uk/internal/progspecs/prog-index.aspx).
At the beginning of each Part of your programme, you register for specific modules, each of which carries a credit-weighting. The majority of modules are worth 10 or 20 credits, although projects or dissertations may have a higher credit value. Each credit equates approximately to 10 hours of work (including all contact hours such as lectures or classes, as well as further reading and any assessments) for the average student.
Normally, each Part of an Undergraduate programme has a total of 120 credits and each programme has 360 credits in total for a three-year degree or 480 for a four-year degree. Taught Postgraduate programmes normally have a total of 180 credits. At the end of the programme, you will receive a document called a Diploma Supplement, which will provide details of your degree programme, including a transcript of the modules taken and your marks.
Modules are placed at particular Levels, which in general correspond to the Parts of your programme, so allowing you to progress academically throughout your time at Reading. Therefore, for Undergraduate programmes Level 1 modules are taught in Part 1, and so on. Occasionally some modules may be taught to students at a slightly higher or lower level, and you may find in Part 3 that you are taught a module which is placed at the 'M', or
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Masters, Level. In general, for Taught Postgraduate programmes, modules will be placed at the 'M Level'.
Whilst we hope that all students complete their programmes, in order to allow students greater flexibility and to reward achievement, we have built in 'stopping-off points' to both Undergraduate and to Taught Postgraduate programmes, so that students successfully completing particular sections of programmes and who leave the University for whatever reason, may gain a qualification. Therefore, Undergraduate students who successfully complete modules totalling 120 credits (normally equating to Part 1) are eligible for the award of a University Certificate in Higher Education, whilst those who successfully complete modules totalling 240 credits (which normally equates to completing Parts 1 and 2) are eligible for the award of a Diploma in Higher Education in the subject that they have been studying.
On Taught Postgraduate programmes, students who successfully complete modules totalling at least 120 credits are normally eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma, whilst those who successfully complete modules totalling at least 60 credits are normally eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate.
Music www.reading.ac.uk/music
Phone: (0118) 378 8518
Email: [email protected]
Music in the University is open to all. Instrumentalists and singers are welcome in a range of ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, Wind Band, Chamber Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Gospel Choir.
Large scale concerts are mainly given at the University's beautiful Great Hall and there are free Lunchtime Concerts on Whiteknights campus every Tuesday at 13:10. Practice rooms are available on both Whiteknights and Bulmershe campuses. Instrumental and vocal lessons can be arranged and there is an award scheme to help with costs. Solo opportunities include an annual Concerto Competition. Reading University Music Society is one of the largest on campus. The Students' Union has regular open mic opportunities and the Director of Music is committed to encouraging music making in a wide range of forms.
Little Learners Day Nursery www.rusu.co.uk/nursery
Location: Reading University Students’ Union, Whiteknights
Phone: (0118) 378 4128
Email: [email protected]
Little Learners Day Nursery, a brand new facility which opened in September 2009, is located on Whiteknights campus and offers approximately 94 places to children aged from three months to five years. The facility is staffed by a team of experienced and professional childcare practitioners.
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Places are offered to the children of students and staff of the University of Reading only. The Nursery is also able to offer free education sessions to children who are in the term after their third birthday subject to availability.
This purpose built modern facility boasts five child-centred rooms which lead directly into the outdoor area. Each room is designed to be flexible to the needs of the children in which it provides care and offers contemporary equipment throughout. Our onsite cook will ensure that the children are offered fresh and nutritious meals and snacks.
The Nursery opens all year round with the exception of University closure periods (Easter and Christmas), Public Bank Holidays and Students' Union Closure Days. More details of opening times can be found on our website (www.rusu.co.uk/nursery).
The opening hours for the Nursery are 08:30-18:00 for 36 weeks of the year and until 17.30 for the remainder of the year.
There is an option to book a full-year contract or a 36-week contract depending on your childcare needs. During term time there is also an optional breakfast club service from 07:30 which is chargeable in addition to regular nursery fees. To find out up to date information on the Nursery or to apply to go onto the waiting list please visit our website (www.rusu.co.uk/nursery) or contact the nursery on 0118 378 4128.
Peer Support Peer Support offers friendly, informal, and confidential support for students by students.
All students find university life stressful and challenging at times, and, at those times, talking to someone outside the immediate situation can help. Finding someone to talk to, though, can be hard because everyone seems so busy, and it can sometimes feel like everyone else is coping, and only you aren’t.
Peer Supporters are University of Reading students who have had training in listening and support skills. They have experience of student life from the inside. They will be happy to listen to you. They won’t tell you what to do, but they will make time to listen to you and won’t judge you. Their aim is to help you make sense of things, and think through your options. They can also point you in the direction of other sources of help and support.
To find out more about Peer Support, and how to contact a peer supporter, go to www.reading.ac.uk/peersupport.
If you’re interested in becoming a Peer Supporter yourself, the website also has information about the training and how to apply.
Personal Development Planning (PDP) www.reading.ac.uk/pdp
During your time at Reading you will be expected to engage with the process of Personal Development Planning (PDP). There are various aspects to the PDP process and these include:
• attending your Personal Tutorial meetings and to discuss your academic development and progress with your Personal Tutor (http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/pdp/PersonalTutorialSystem/pdp-Aboutthepts.aspx)
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• completing your Individual Learner Profile (ILP) and reflecting on this as you progress through your programme (http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/pdp/resources/pdp-IndividualLearnerProfile(ILP).aspx)
• utilising your iLearn area for recording reflections, thoughts and evidence for your personal and learning development and your employability and future options (http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/pdp/resources/pdp-iLearn.aspx)
• engaging with career management skills – which often forms part of a taught module at part two of your programme
• reflecting on your academic work and feedback and setting goals for your personal, academic and career development.
Employers value the process of PDP and many graduate jobs incorporate PDP as part of continuing professional development – getting into the habit of reflecting whilst at university will give you a head start for your future. It is your responsibility to engage with PDP whilst at Reading but there is plenty of support available to you to help you make the most of the opportunities available to you.
Your Personal Tutor http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/pdp/PersonalTutorialSystem/pdp-Aboutthepts.asp
One of the most important people you will meet while you are a student at Reading is your Personal Tutor, usually a member of academic staff. Your Personal Tutor’s duties are:
• to see you regularly to help you reflect on your progress and support your Personal Development Planning
• to help you in the transition as you settle in to university, and to help you make the most of your time at Reading
• to advise and support you regarding your studies, and help you with any academic or personal difficulties that may affect your progress
• to provide reports and references for future academic or career choices
Obviously this relationship relies upon regular contact and mutual confidence between you and your Personal Tutor. As a bare minimum, you must see your Personal Tutor at least once a term at a time agreed with your Personal Tutor. But you should also take the initiative to see your Personal Tutor whenever you have something you would like to talk over, and you should feel free to do so at any time. Your Personal Tutor will be able to give you better advice and sounder references if he or she knows you well. Make sure your Personal Tutor knows about your achievements and skills, particularly those outside the immediate programme curriculum by engaging in iLearn and sharing a portfolio with your Personal Tutor (see http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/pdp/resources/pdp-iLearn.asp)
If it appears that the relationship between Personal Tutor and student is not working as it should, either party can request a re-allocation. You should discuss this in the first instance with the Sub-Dean/Faculty Director of Administration of your Faculty.
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University of Reading Pre School www.universityofreadingpreschool.co.uk
Location: Employees’ Social Club, Building 2, Earley Gate
Phone: (0118) 926 8988 Mob: 07958 598106
Email: [email protected]
The University of Reading Pre School is open to children of all current staff and students. The Pre School operates from 09:15 - 12:00 during school terms and there are 24 places for children aged two years and six months to five years. The Pre School is OFSTED-registered and is run by a team of highly experienced and qualified staff. The Pre School follows the curriculum for Early Years. The cost is £11 per session for children of students at the University of Reading; funding is available from three years.
Radio Junction11 is the students’ own radio station, located in the Students’ Union and run by student volunteers. Listen online at www.rusu.co.uk/junction11.
Better still, get involved as a presenter, producer or engineer!
Regulations for Conduct www.reading.ac.uk/calendar
The University, like any other society or collective body, must have rules to be observed by its individual members and these must include sanctions against their infringement. The maintenance of the standards of scholarship, personal integrity and communal life essential to the existence and good name of the University must, however, depend mainly on the responsibility accepted by its members for organising their academic work, their personal lives and their participation in the University community. It depends in particular on their accepting and where necessary helping to enforce the decisions taken by the University as a whole and upon their cooperating with those authorised by the University to take action to ensure that good standards of behaviour are maintained.
Students residing outside the University in rented accommodation or in halls operated by other providers have a responsibility for maintaining a proper regard of their neighbours in the local community and should ensure that they and their guests behave in a considerate and seemly manner in order to maintain the good reputation of the University. Where students share such accommodation this responsibility is both an individual one and a corporate one. The University depends in particular on students accepting and where necessary helping to enforce the decisions taken by the University to take action to ensure that good standards of behaviour are maintained.
Freedom of discussion is basic to a university and all its members must tolerate and protect the expression of unpopular opinions. The right to freedom of speech must not, however, be exercised in ways which adversely affect the rights and freedom of others. The University has adopted a Code of Practice relating to the Freedom of Speech which has the force of these Regulations and to which the same sanctions apply.
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The Regulations for Conduct which apply for 2010-11 and the penalties for breaking the rules can be found in Section G of the Calendar in addition there is a Code of Conduct for those residing in Halls of Residence which supplements these Regulations and which is available to all students in Halls.
Religious beliefs and spiritual care The University recognises that religion or belief is an important component of many students' lives. If it is anticipated that an issue of religion or belief may conflict with the requirements of study (including assessments) in such cases a student should raise the matter as early as possible with his or her Personal Tutor or with the appropriate School Director of Teaching and Learning. Where a student has not been able to resolve any conflict between aspects of
religion or belief and the requirements of study at School level the student may wish to contact the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Officer or the Director of Student Services. The University will always endeavour to respond to requests in a reasonable and practicable way but it cannot guarantee that a request can be accommodated (particularly when there has been limited advance notice of an issue). The BBC has produced a multi-faith calendar (www.bbc.co.uk/religion/tools/calendar/) outlining religious festivals and celebrations. Other sources of information are available, for example, the Shap Working Party (www.shap.org/) produces a calendar of religious festivals and holidays. If you need any further guidance with a religion or belief related request please contact the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Office (www.reading.ac.uk/Personnel/rdg-only/equal_opportunities.htm).
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy offers pastoral support to students and staff of all (or no) faith, as well as contact information for local faith communities and places of worship. The Chaplains and other Faith Advisers may be contacted confidentially by any member of the University via the Chaplaincy Centre or directly:
Chaplains:
• The Rev Mark Laynesmith (Anglican) Telephone: 0796 313 4623, Email: [email protected]
• Sabine Schwartz (Roman Catholic) Telephone: 0780 937 7904, Email: [email protected]
• Mr Andrew Waugh (Baptist) Telephone: (0118) 926 8869, Email: [email protected]
• Revd Dr John Ogden (Methodist) Telephone: (0118) 969 6319, Email: [email protected]
• Dr Edmund Burke (Quaker) Telephone: (0118) 987 3976, Email: [email protected]
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• Rev Robert Weston (United Reform Church) Telephone: (0118) 926 5003, Email: [email protected]
With support from:
• Fr Anthimos Papandreou (Greek Orthodox) Telephone: (01386) 852940, Email: [email protected]
The Chaplaincy Centre, opposite the Physics building on the Whiteknights campus, provides a meeting place and focus for Christian students. The Muslim Society has a site next to Whiteknights House offering a place for regular prayer and meetings. See the Muslim centre website for further details (www.muslimcentre.co.uk/).
Information about other religious groups in the University, including the Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish societies can be found on the Chaplaincy Centre website (www.reading.ac.uk/chaplaincy).
Reporting absence If you have to be absent from any compulsory classes you should inform the School/Department Office. Students who are persistently absent from classes or appointments for no reported reason will be liable to sanctions under the Neglect of Work procedures (see the Regulations for Conduct –
www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/stdserv/G-RegulationsforConduct.pdf)
Representation The University encourages feedback on any aspect of your time here. There are committees to discuss just about any issue you might be interested in, from the Student-Staff Liaison Committee and the Boards of Studies in your School or Department, through to Faculty Boards for Teaching & Learning, to the Careers and Employability Board. Make sure you know who your representatives are and make your views known – or even better, become a representative yourself. See the RUSU website (www.rusu.co.uk) for further information.
There are also representation groups for particular groups such as mature students or postgraduate students. See the RUSU Representation page (www.rusu.co.uk/home/Get_Involved/Representation/Representation_Home.aspx) for further details.
Elected officers of the Students' Union do a great deal to promote student views within the University, and co-ordinate the Student Academic Representation (StAR) system; see the StARs website (www.rusu.co.uk/home/Get_Involved/StARs.aspx) or drop into The HUB for more information.
Elected officers of the Students' Union also represent the student view to the University on any issue, whether connected to your course or on broader issues such as the campus environment, local community relations, and much more. You have an opportunity to influence these discussions by ensuring the Students' Union is aware of your view. Visit the RUSU Speak Up Campaign page
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(www.rusu.co.uk/home/Campaigns/SpeakUp/Speak_Up_Campaign.aspx) for more information.
Rules and Regulations The University's Charter, Ordinances and Regulations are available in the University Calendar. This is available for you to consult in the Library or you can access the Calendar online at www.reading.ac.uk/internal/Calendar/cal-introduction.aspx.
Many of the student-related rules and regulations can be found on the Rules and Regulations pages of the Student website at
www.reading.ac.uk/internal/student/rules-and-regulations/stdserv-rules-and-regulations.aspx.
Security www.fmd.reading.ac.uk/For_University_staff/Campus_services/Security/
Location: Whiteknights House
Phone: (0118) 378 7799; (0118) 378 6300 (emergencies)
Email: [email protected]
The University has a team of approximately 40 security staff, who patrol and provide emergency response for all University properties. There are four campus shifts and a dedicated Halls team who all work closely with the Police and other neighbourhood stakeholders to provide a constant presence around the clock.
Shops on campus Convenience Stores
R U Being Served is in the Students' Union Building, Whiteknights. It sells food, drink (including alcohol), household goods, stationery, newspapers and much more.
Shop hours: Monday to Friday 08:30-20:00 (08:30-17:30 during Vacation); Saturday 10:00-18:00
Bully's Shop is on the Bulmershe Court campus. It sells everything from food to stationery to clothing.
Shop hours: Monday to Friday 08:30-17:30
Cerealworks is a breakfast bar offering a range of cereals, waffles, smoothies and the campus renowned bagel. Watch out for the special bagel of the day.
Kimee Oriental Convenience Store is in the Students' Union Building, Whiteknights and stocks a great range of oriental and international food and drinks.
Proper Pastie Company offers pasties, savoury slices, bacon butties and sausage rolls.
Hair Salon
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Uni-Cuts Hair Salon in the Students' Union Building, Whiteknights, provides a complete range of unisex hair services and other beauty treatments at great prices.
Bookshop
Blackwells Bookshop is in the Students' Union Building, Whiteknights.
Shop hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00
Sport www.sport.reading.ac.uk
www.rusu.co.uk/activities/sports_home
Phone: (0118) 378 8799 (SportsPark)
Email: [email protected]
The University of Reading provides excellent sports facilities for the health and well-being of our University and wider community and to ensure the success of our sports clubs. Most of the sports facilities can be found at the SportsPark at the heart of the Whiteknights campus.
SportsPark
The University sports centre is called SportsPark and offers both indoor and outdoor facilities, including:
• 100 station VO2 Fitness Studio
• Large sports hall for badminton, volleyball, 5-a-side, basketball etc.
• 2 specialist studios for dance, martial arts, yoga and Pilates.
• 4 squash courts (incl. 2 championship glass back courts)
• 3 third generation five-a-side football pitches
• Full size floodlit synthetic turf pitch
• 5 Floodlit tennis and 4 netball courts
• 3 grass tennis courts
• Grass pitches for rugby, football and more
• Floodlit grass training areas
• County standard cricket square
• Synthetic cricket wicket
• Indoor cricket nets
• Sports therapy room
SportsPark is open Monday to Friday 07:00-22:00; Saturday and Sunday 09:00-21:00
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VO2 Fitness Studio
The VO2 Fitness Studio is state of the art. Split over two levels, the groundfloor houses a reception area for consultations and an extensive range of fixed and functional strength equipment. The first floor boasts a vast range of cardiovascular equipment. Combined, they provide excellent training options for everyone from the novice gym user to the elite athlete. All areas are fully accessible and with two entertainment styles on offer your workout will never feel like a chore.The Cardiotheatre zone, which contains four 42
inch plasma screens showing the latest sports action, music videos, news and entertainment. Alternatively there are integrated viewing screens providing a wider range of viewing options.
Bulmershe Court
Bulmershe Court provides the training base for some of the sports clubs and also hosts some of the matches for the popular Intramural competitions. The facilities consist of a sports hall, gymnasium, hard surfaced tennis courts and grass pitches.
Caversham Boathouse
Olympic medallists James Cracknell MBE, Debbie Flood, Richard Egington and Anna Bebington are all ex-Reading rowers but you don't have to be an elite competitor to take part. Every year many students take up this unique opportunity to try out rowing at the purpose built facility on the River Thames, having never had the chance before.
Wokingham Waterside Centre
Our canoeists are based at this modern facility located on a nearby stretch of the River Thames, providing a great chance to take part in this exciting sport.
How to get involved
Everyone is encouraged to take part in sport at Reading, whether it's casual with your friends at the SportsPark or by joining one of our student sports clubs. Students get discounted and activity prices at the SportsPark.
You can find out more information regarding SportsPark membership on the SportsPark website (www.sport.reading.ac.uk) where all of your options and the prices are clearly explained. You can also avoid the queues at reception by signing up for your membership online. All you need to do is follow the simple registration and payment procedure. Just make sure you remember to bring your Student Access Card on your first visit to the SportsPark as this will also become your membership card!
Casual use
Call into the SportsPark and take advantage of some of the
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fantastic facilities on offer. Choose to train in the gym or play tennis, badmington, squash, basketball or 5-a-side football with your friends. There are loads of activities available all year round.
Training with a specific goal in mind
Whether you want to look fab in your posh forck and finery for the Summer Ball, tone up for a summer holiday, improve your sporting performance or just improve your general health, our fitness consultants can help. They can tailor a programme to meet your individual needs using the state-of-the-art equipment in our fitness studio.
Exercise Classes
The SportsPark boasts the best selection of drop-in group exercises classesin the area. You can choose from spin, circuits, step, box-fit, Pilates, yoga and many, many more. Our timetable offers more than 50 classes every week. In addition our courses run for eight weeks each term. They provide progressive instruction for beginners in activities including belly dance, pole fitness, yoga and Pilates.
Intramural sport
The SportsPark and RUSU work together to provide an extensive programme of friendly sports competitions for students and staff. These take place throughout the year in both league and tournament format. There is the opportunity for men's, women's or mixed teams to take part in sports such as football, netball, rugby and cricket.
Sports Federation
There are over 60 sports clubs at the University of Reading, ranging from popular varsity sports like football, rugby, hockey and netball to a number of different martial arts and the more unusual sports such as ultimate frisbee, floorball, clay pigeon shooting and mountaineering. The clubs provide a welcoming environment and encourage everyone to take part in and enjoy their sport to their full potential.
BUCS Competitions
The University enters the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions in many sports, providing you with the opportunity to compete against other further and higher education institutions. Matches or training usually take place on a Wednesday afternoon, with some clubs also training on additional weekday evenings.
Officiating
We always need students to help officiate (as well as compete) in the intramural sport competitions. A rugby refereeing course runs annually at the SportsPark but qualified officials from other sports are required too!
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Student Access Card When you enrol at the University you will receive a Student Access Card. This card will allow you access to the University Library, 24-hour IT/Computer Facilities, and some buildings and rooms where swipe card access facilities have been installed (which may include your Hall of Residence). If you are a student who has purchased a meal package in connection with your accommodation you will need to use the Access Card to get for your meals.
You can also use the card to claim exemption or reduction of Council Tax.
The photograph taken of you will become part of your electronic student record and will be used by the Schools/Departments that teach you and by other support services to get to know you. The card is not an Identity Card but you are strongly advised to carry it with you at all times since it is evidence that you are a student here.
If your card is lost or stolen you must inform the University immediately using the form on the Access card website (www.fmd.reading.ac.uk/For_University_staff/Campus_services/Security/Access_cards/).
You remain responsible for the card, and for the uses made of it, until you inform us that the card is lost or stolen. You can obtain a replacement card in the Carrington Building, or in the Institute of Education Office (Bulmershe Court), or, out of office hours, at the Library. There is a charge of £10.00 to issue a replacement card. You may be asked to provide evidence of your identity before a replacement card can be issued.
Student Services Centre www.reading.ac.uk/student
Location: Helpdesk, Student Services Centre
Phone: (0118) 378 5555
Email: [email protected]
To contact the Helpdesk online, or to look at FAQs, go to the RISISweb portal/Helpdesk (www.risisweb.reading.ac.uk).
The Student Services Centre provides help and support in the following main areas:
• Accommodation
• Careers
• Council Tax queries
• Counselling
• Debt
• Financial Support
• Student Loans Company queries
• Study Advice
• Transcripts
• Tuition Fee charges
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• Withdrawals and Suspensions
Students’ Union www.rusu.co.uk
Locations: Whiteknights and Bulmershe Court
Phone: (0118) 378 4100
The Students' Union (RUSU), offers representation, advice, services, over a hundred sports clubs and societies, a 94 place nursery, volunteer opportunities, a retail mall and a great night out!
RUSU is independent from the University and is a not-for-profit organisation led by an elected team of five Student Officers.
RUSU exists to represent you, so make sure you go along to the democratic meetings and tell the Student Officers what you want and have your voice heard. Your involvement can determine the future of the organisation.
The HUB
www.rusu.co.uk/intheunion/hub_and_lounge/
On entering the main entrance of the Students' Union visitors are greeted by 'The Hub'. It is here that the Students' Union:
• provides independent and confidential advice and support on welfare issues, such as housing & accommodation, money & debt, immigration & nationality and advice and support on academic matters, such as appeals, disciplinaries and complaints
• develops volunteering activity - helping students to engage with the community
• co-ordinates over 100 sports clubs and societies
• supports student development - recognising that you need skills outside of your academic studies
• always makes sure that you feel comfortable and supported whilst at University.
The building contains the RUSU Student Advice team and the team of staff delivering support for those involved in volunteering and student activities, as well as a Student Media space and the Thet Win Aung Boardroom.
You can also find the five Student Officers here; students leading the Union and the representation agenda on campus and in the community, as well as campaigning on issues which matter to students.
Entertainments, Shops and Services
www.rusu.co.uk/intheunion/retail_and_services/
www.rusu.co.uk/intheunion/venues_and_catering/
As well as being home to 3sixty, one of Reading's premier nightclubs, the Students' Union has several lively bars. They regularly run local rough cuts band nights, comedy and quiz nights, regular society parties and other events. Any student wanting to put on an event can also hire the Union venues.
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In the RUSU retail mall, you'll find RU Being Served, a general store offering everything under one roof. From sandwiches and stationery to official University of Reading merchandise; all the essentials to make sure you never have to go without. There's also Blackwell, an independent in-house bookstore, Uni-Cuts Hairdressers and Kimee Oriental Food store. There are plenty of places to grab food from whether you're after pasties from the Proper Pasty Company or a campus renowned bagel from Cerealworks.
Each and every penny spent in the Union goes back to you the students, so the more money you spend, the more money your representatives can spend on campaigns, welfare, advice, sports, societies, volunteering and services.
3sixty
Situated in the Students' Union, 3sixty is Reading's premiere venue, with the best in sound and lighting effects. It hosts many great events, including concerts, themed nights and the legendary Wednesday and Saturday club nights. Accredited with a Best Bar None Award the venue monitors corporate social responsibility in licensed premises. Tickets for events are available from the 3sixty box office or via the RUSU website.
Café Mondial
During the daytime Café Mondial is a sophisticated lounge-bar serving a full range of Fairtrade hot drinks, international beers, juices and a great breakfast and lunch menu. The relaxing environment includes sofas, WIFI, news and free international newspapers, with the venue serving as a fully-functioning bar hosting events and DJs during the evening.
Mojo's
Mojo's is the traditional student bar open six days a week and is the first choice venue to eat on campus with a full range of freshly prepared pub style food. You can meet for a quick drink, or as the warm-up to a big night out in the Union. From comedy on Tuesday to the quiz and karaoke on Thursday and live bands every Friday. Whether you like big screen sports or Neighbours, Mojo's brings all your favourites together in one place!
The Lounge
www.rusu.co.uk/intheunion/hub_and_lounge/
This unlicensed social space is available for use by all RUSU groups and is where you'll find the RUON TV Student TV station, bookable meeting rooms and a relaxation room complete with mood lighting.
Little Learners Nursery
www.rusu.co.uk/intheunion/nursery/
RUSU's purpose built nursery offers 94 places for children aged between three months and five years who have parents studying or working at the University. The Nursery is Ofsted registered and also offers free education sessions to children who are in the term after their third birthday subject to availability. There are five child-centred rooms furnished with new contemporary equipment and an exciting outdoor play area.
Campaigns
www.rusu.co.uk/campaignsanddemocracy/
The Students' Union leads campaigns on a local, regional and national level.
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From fighting for a free, fair and funded education system to educating students on sexual health, encouraging students to vote at elections and recycle more, the Students' Union focuses on the needs of students. The Students' Union meets with the University daily to ensure that students at Reading have the best possible facilities and community on campus and the Union regularly meets with local councillors, neighbours, MPs and media to discuss issues affecting students. With over 700 other Students' Unions around the country, RUSU is part of the National Union of Students (NUS) which campaigns on behalf of over 6 million students in the UK.
Sports Clubs and Societies
www.rusu.co.uk/activities/sports_home/
www.rusu.co.uk/activities/societies_home/
RUSU runs over a hundred sports clubs and societies, all offering different experiences. They are run by elected student committees who volunteer their time to organise training sessions, competitions and social events. We are sure that there will be one that suits you, but if there isn't then the Students' Union can give you guidance on how to set one up yourself!
Come and see the range of activities available to you at the Freshers' Fayre!
Communications
www.rusu.co.uk/activities/media_home/
There are many ways to engage with the Union and to find out what's going on. RUSU has launched a brand new website for this new academic year and this is full of fantastic information about the Students' Union and all it has to offer as well as campaigns information, opening times and online ticketing for events. In addition, the student newspaper, Spark*, the RUON Student TV station and the radio station, Junction11, are operated by student volunteers through the Union and will keep you in touch with what is going on in and around campus.
Volunteers
www.rusu.co.uk/activities/volunteering_home/
The volunteers' centre is based in The Hub and the Union is committed to improving volunteer opportunities. Reading is recognised nationally as having a huge breadth of experience in volunteering, and this continues to grow each year.
With dedicated support and advice, the Students' Union is the place to ask about becoming a volunteer, whether it is writing for Spark*, hosting your own radio show or helping out in the local community.
NUS Extra
www.rusu.co.uk/freshers/nusextra/
As a student at Reading you are automatically a member of the Students' Union and the National Union of Students (NUS), the national movement representing students and fighting at a national level for your interests. This means you are eligible to purchase an NUS Extra card. The NUS Extra card allows you to participate in democratic activities and provides you with access to a huge amount of discounts available at both local and national
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level, on the high street and online. You can purchase your card by registering online via the RUSU website or by dropping into the Union building.
Opting-out of Students' Union membership
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1994, 22(2)(c), a student who is required to be a member of the Students' Union may opt out of membership by giving notice of this in writing to the Director of Student Services within two weeks of his or her enrolment or re-enrolment. This decision is then binding until the student's normal re-enrolment (ie until the beginning of the following academic year). A student who opts out of membership is not eligible to participate in the Union as a full member, and specifically may not hold office in the Union or in any Union club or society. There is no change to the tuition fee paid by or on behalf of a student who has opted out of membership of the Union.
The structure of the University – and where you fit into it The University of Reading is a big place – over 17,000 students and almost 4,000 staff – and as with all complex organisations it can take a while to find out how everything fits together. Here is a brief guide to the University from a student viewpoint.
As a student, you will be enrolled on a programme. This will be the title of your degree, eg BA in English or MSc in Real Estate. Your Personal Tutor (or Programme Director for postgraduates) will be a member of academic staff, normally someone who teaches on your programme. You will receive a Programme Handbook at the beginning of your programme and can view Programme Specifications (which give details of programmes and their learning outcomes) on the Programme Specifications website (www.reading.ac.uk/internal/progspecs/prog-index.aspx).
Taught programmes are made up of modules. Each module carries a number of credits (typically 10 or 20 credits). Each programme will require you to gain a certain number of credits per year (usually 120 for undergraduate programmes, 180 for Masters). Module descriptions can be found on the website (www.reading.ac.uk/module).
Each programme is managed by a School or an intra-School Department, although combined degrees will be taught by more than one School/Department. If you have queries over your module enrolment, go to your Department or School Office for help.
Each School belongs to a Faculty. There are five Faculties:
• Arts and Humanities
• Henley Business School
• Life Sciences
• Science
• Social Sciences (includes the Institute of Education)
Each Faculty is headed by a Dean, who is a senior member of academic staff. Each Faculty also has a Director of Teaching & Learning who is responsible, among other things, for the admission and progress of students and for development of new academic programmes. The Dean and Director of Teaching & Learning are supported by a Sub-Dean/Director of Administration in a Faculty Office.
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Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Dean and Director of Research:
Professor Susan Walker
Director of Teaching & Learning:
Dr Paddy Woodman
Sub-Dean:
Mr Nigel Trethewy
Contact Details:
• Part-time courses enquiries - [email protected]
• General UG admissions enquiries - [email protected]
• General PG enquiries - [email protected]
Henley Business School
Dean:
Professor John Board
Deputy Dean:
Professor Ginny Gibson
Faculty Director of Teaching and Learning:
Dr Peter Miskell
Faculty Director of Administration:
Mr David Stannard
Contact Details:
• General enquiries - [email protected]
• General UG admissions enquiries - [email protected]
• General PG admissions enquiries - [email protected]
• Admissions enquiries (Greenlands programmes) - [email protected]
• Henley MBA enquiries - [email protected]
Life Sciences
Dean:
Professor Richard Ellis
Faculty Director of Teaching and Learning:
Dr Julian Park
Sub-Dean:
Miss Sally Adams
Contact Details:
• Queries relating to current UG students - [email protected]
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• General UG admissions enquiries - [email protected]
• General PG admissions enquiries - [email protected]
Science
Dean:
Professor Gavin Brooks
Faculty Director of Teaching and Learning:
Dr Orla Kennedy
Sub-Dean:
Miss Sally Adams
Contact Details:
• Queries relating to current UG students - [email protected]
• General UG admissions enquiries - [email protected]
• General PG admissions enquiries - [email protected]
Social Sciences (includes the Institute of Education)
Dean and Director of Research:
Professor Dianne Berry
Faculty Director of Teaching and Learning:
Dr Martha-Marie Kleinhans
Sub-Dean:
Mr Nigel Trethewy
Contact Details:
• For matters other than admissions - [email protected]
• General UG admissions enquiries - [email protected]
• General PG enquiries - [email protected]
Study abroad Did you know that you could study abroad as part of your existing degree programme and potentially be funded to do so?
The University of Reading currently has exchange agreements with numerous universities throughout Europe (via the Erasmus programme) and partnerships with some of the most prestigious universities in Australia, Canada and the USA.
• All of your academic work undertaken abroad will count towards your degree
• You do not pay extra tuition fees to the host institution
• You could be eligible for a non-refundable grant towards subsistence via the Erasmus programme or through the Annual Fund Study Abroad bursaries, neither or which will adversely affect your existing funding
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• Your department and the Reading International Office will guide you through the application process and support you whilst abroad.
Many of our European partner institutions teach in English, but there are also the facilities to strengthen your existing language skills, both at the University and via the Erasmus programme.
Deadlines for applications to study abroad during next academic year at one of non-European partner universities are approaching, so if you are interested please visit our website at www.reading.ac.uk/studyabroad/outgoingstudents/vso-outgoingstudents.aspx - it will tell you where you can study and what you need to do next. If you have any specific questions please email us at [email protected]
Study Advice www.reading.ac.uk/studyadvice
www.reading.ac.uk/SOAR
Location: First Floor, Carrington Building and First Floor, Main Library Whiteknights
Phone: (0118) 378 4242 (Reception at Carrington Building between 10.00 –14.00)
Email: [email protected]
To get the success you deserve at university, you will need to develop your practices for studying - to manage more complex reading and written assignments, get the most out of your lectures and seminars, and organise yourself and your workload. The Study Advice team are specialists in teaching these topics. In addition to the support provided by your tutor, they can talk to you about essay and report writing, time management, reading and note-making, exam revision, dissertations and the way you study. Contact them by phone, email, or in person to book a individual session, or workshop place.
The Study Advice website has all the information you will need about developing your study for success at university, with self-help guides for undergraduates and postgraduates, details of their regular workshop programme and how to book an individual session with an adviser.
Suspended students If you are deemed to be suspended pending re-examination, you may retain some limited rights to Library and IT access, including Blackboard. Access to individual modules on Blackboard is not guaranteed, however, so you are advised to gather all the information you need before you leave Reading. You will not retain these rights, however, if you are suspended for debt reasons. Your Personal Tutor should be able to offer more information.
Find out more in the ‘Use of University facilities by students during suspension pending re-examination’ document here - www.reading.ac.uk/exams/pendingresits.pdf.
International students
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International students who require a visa to study in the UK should note that in the event of your suspension, the University would have to inform the UK Border Authority that you are no longer studying, and you should return home. See the RUSU Student Advice: Immigration Advice webpage for help and advice. www.rusu.co.uk/home/Student_Advice/International/International.aspx
Vehicles and parking www.fmd.reading.ac.uk/For_University_staff/Campus_services/Security/Parking_/
Vehicles are not permitted on the Whiteknights, Bulmershe Court or London Road campuses during the working day without a valid vehicle entry permit. The working day is defined as Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00.
Students are not normally permitted to bring cars onto campus but a very limited number of permits may be granted. For application forms and further details please see the website.
There is very limited parking at Halls of Residence and you must apply for permission to the Hall/Group Office. Hall permits are not valid on campus. If you are a student living in Hall and you do not have a Hall permit to park, you must not park on residential roads within one mile of the campus.
Driving on campus
When driving on campus you must adhere to the speed limits and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists - remember the person crossing the road ahead may have impaired hearing.
Always park in a designated bay; yellow lined zones must be kept clear in accordance with Health and Safety Regulations.
Parking infringements may result in a £60.00 penalty and possible disciplinary proceedings.
Cars and insurance
Students using private vehicles for visits or field trips connected with University courses must check with their insurance provider that they are insured for this purpose. The University's motor insurance does not automatically cover you.
Disabled drivers
Blue badge holders are required to apply for a permit but this will be issued free of charge.
Cars and international students
The law relating to driving in the UK as an international student is complex. For a full explanation of the current position, you should visit the DirectGov pages on driving in Great Britain on a foreign licence (www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/index.htm)
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Volunteering Volunteering with the Students' Union
www.rusu.co.uk/activities/volunteering_home/
Email: [email protected]
If you are interested in any kind of volunteer work then you've come to the right place! We can find you opportunities to work with children and young people, to organise community events, to get involved in sports and arts projects, and much more.
We are always keen to meet new volunteers - either for one-off events or for ongoing projects. Whatever your skills, talent, and interests, we will try to match you with a fun and worthwhile opportunity. Take part just once or become a Project Leader - the choice is yours!
Volunteering is a great addition to your CV, a good chance to meet new people, and your opportunity to get involved in the Reading community.
Drop into The HUB in the Students' Union for more information about any aspect of volunteering.
Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award
www.reading.ac.uk/redaward
Location: Room 205, Carrington Building
Phone: (0118) 378 4213
Email: [email protected]
The University is now offering the opportunity for students to take part in the RED Award, a scheme that is aiming to reward students for their extra-curricular activities and helping them to develop both personally and for the world of work.
Students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 hours of voluntary work in any one of the many options available to them. It could be volunteering in the local community, being a committee member of a sports club or society, mentoring, tutoring, being involved in the JCR in your hall or being a student representative in one of the many opportunities available through the Students' Union. In order to achieve the Award, this will be supplemented with either further volunteering, work experience or paid work as well as attending some development sessions.
This is a great chance to be rewarded for the things you do outside of your curriculum, as well as helping you to develop personally and professionally.
Student Tutoring
www.reading.ac.uk/studenttutoring
Location: Student Recruitment, Room 2L18, Agriculture Building, Earley Gate
Phone: (0118) 378 6144 (mornings)
Email: [email protected]
This major volunteering project is a Student Tutoring scheme. The prime purpose is to raise the aspirations of pupils in schools and to encourage them to continue in education beyond
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16 years of age by placing volunteer students in the classroom, working alongside the teacher.
Students spend one half-day a week (normally Wednesday afternoons) for a minimum of 10 weeks in a local school; there is a choice of primary, secondary or special schools.
Benefits to pupils, schools and students are enormous - pupils receive more individual attention from someone they can relate to more easily, schools get extra help, and you will probably find your confidence and communication skills improve, not to mention the pleasure you will derive from helping youngsters.
Please note that all new applicants are required to attend a training session on Wednesday 13 October 2010, (Agriculture Building foyer, 14:45 -17:30) when allocation to schools takes place.
The Student Associates Scheme (SAS)
www.reading.ac.uk/sas/sas-homepage.aspx
SAS is run by the Institute of Education and is open to all students. SAS offers paid work placement in schools
• To inform those considering teaching as a career
• To offer positive role models for HE in line with the Widening Participation agenda
• More generally to widen understanding about the education system among future graduates.
The scheme has been running since 2003 and is highly regarded by schools and students. Recruitment will start in the Autumn Term; information events will be held in November and details of the dates of the scheme for 2010-11 and the application form will be on the website at the start of the Autumn Term.
Web 2.0 – Being Online Expectations surrounding the use of Web 2.0 at the University of Reading
What we will do for you:
• Provide Web 2.0 tools and the IT infrastructure so you can access them;
• Promote the use of Web 2.0 among staff in order to better facilitate student learning and communication;
• Continue to use university email as our official channel for communication but we will also use Web 2.0 technologies where appropriate to better spread messages;
• Support your development of technical skills; and,
• Ensure our community is one in which the use of Web 2.0 technologies is safe, secure and appropriate.
We expect you to:
• Protect yourself ...
o Remember that not everyone is who they say they are. Before you join a group/accept a friend request check to see that they are who they say they are.
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o Be aware of which personal details you make public online.
o Remember that your online presence may outlive your University career.
o Use third party applications intelligently (e.g. beware of viruses and phishing attempts).
o Be aware of the possible legal implications of your Web 2.0 activities.
• Respect others ...
o Don't post other people's private details online.
o Think before you post or tag: be considerate of the feelings of others.
• Use Web 2.0 ...
o Keep in touch with friends, family, halls, tutors, clubs and societies.
o Inform your research/coursework (but check the reliability of sources).
o Build a strong online identity.
Withdrawing/Transferring You may come to consider leaving the University, either permanently or temporarily. You may be hoping to transfer to another university, to begin another programme next year here at reading, or you may be hoping to come back to your current programme in the future. Whatever the situation please go first to the Helpdesk/Carrington Building. You will be invited to discuss your future plans and offered advice and guidance. You may be referred to
other people within the University.
For undergraduate students, it is especially important that you know that you will be charged the full tuition fee for the year if you are still in attendance on 1 December, even if you decide to leave later in the year.
International students
International students who require a visa to study in the UK should note that in the event of your withdrawal, the University would have to inform the UK Border Authority that you are no longer studying, and you should return home. If you intend to study at another institution you will need to obtain a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and a new Visa for that institution before being allowed to start. See the RUSU International Advice pages (www.rusu.co.uk/advice/international_advice/) for help and advice.
