Student Guide Academic year 2012 2013

1. Welcome32. Important information about Suffolk New College3Whos who3Corporation4Senior Leadership Team4Term Dates 2012/134Autumn Term4Spring Term4Summer Term4Diversity and Equality5Anti-Bullying and Harassment53. Student Rights & Responsibilities6Your responsibility What we expect from you6What you can expect from us Your Rights74. Attendance and Punctuality8Notifying the College of your Absence8Sickness8If you are unwell whilst at College9Absence other than sickness10Student Performance and Behaviour Policy10Formal Process11Use of i-pods, MP3 players and mobile telephones12Smoking12Alcohol, drugs or solvent abuse125. Your Safety13Health and Safety Policy13Safety in workshops13Accidents and injuries13First Aid13Emergency evacuation14Use of own equipment146. Your Security14Lost property14CCTV14Student ID Card157. Support for Students15Advice and Guidance15Financial Support15Bursary Scheme for those aged 16-18 years15Discretionary Bursary Scheme for those aged 19+16Child Care Costs16Support for Students with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities17Health and Wellbeing17Careers Advice18Chaplaincy188. Student Feedback18Your Comments18Course Representatives19Student Forums19Student Parliament19Student Surveys19Students' Union19What to do if things go wrong209. Resources for Students20Catering20The Learning Curve20VLE21IT21Other equipment21Travel to College2110. Quality22Assessment, Examinations and Appeals22Assessment22Academic Appeals Procedure22Teaching Observation23Communicating with parents/guardians23

1. Welcome

Welcome to Suffolk New College.

This handbook is intended to provide you with an introduction to your responsibilities and rights as well as setting out an overview of the services provided by the College. Further information may be obtained from the contacts listed in individual sections and the Student Guide Section on Blackboard. In addition you will receive a course handbook for your particular course.

We hope that you enjoy your time at the College. It is a vibrant and sociable community. Please get involved and have your say in order to make the most of your time here.

2. Important information about Suffolk New CollegeWhos who

CorporationThe College Corporation is a group of people known as members of Corporation who oversee the direction of the College. The main functions of Corporation are to:-

determine and review the educational character and mission of the College and to oversee its activities; approve the quality strategy of the College; ensure the effective and efficient use of College resources, the solvency of the College and to safeguard the Colleges assets; approve the annual estimates of income and expenditure; make suitable arrangements for the appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of pay and conditions for staff in the College.

Students are fully represented at all Corporation meetings by two student Corporation members. These are held by:Jemel Fox President of the Students Union

Joshua Merritt Vice President of the Students Union

You can contact them in room G08 if you want to find out more about Corporation.

Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Leadership Team is responsible for the day to day management of the College. The team members are:Dave Muller

Principal

Mary Gleave

Associate Principal

Tony Keable

Associate Principal

Orville GardenerVice Principal

Christine Walters

Vice Principal

You can see their photographs on the College website, http://www.suffolk.ac.uk/about_suffolk_new_college/our_team/senior_management

Term Dates 2012/13Autumn Term

Monday 10 September 2012 Thursday 20 December 2012Half term - Monday 29 October 2012 to Friday 2 November 2012Christmas & New Year Holiday Friday 21 December 2012 to Friday 4 January 2013*AS Term Starts 3 September 2012Spring Term

Monday 7 January 2013 Friday 28 March 2013Half Term Monday 18 February 2013 to Friday 22 February 2013Easter Holiday - Monday 1 April 2013 to Friday 12 April 2013Summer Term

Monday 15 April 2013 Friday 12 July 2013Half term Monday 27 May 2013 to Friday 31 May 2013

The College does not support requests for holidays in term-time.Diversity and Equality

The College is committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all students and employees.This will be achieved in three ways: The College will develop procedures and working practices to tackle discrimination, recognising the fact that individuals may suffer various forms of disadvantage. The College will work to continuously ensure the environment for staff and students is harmonious and safe.

Equal opportunities will be applied consistently across all aspects of service delivery, including admissions, student services, learning support, curriculum development, teaching, learning and marketing.

As an employer, the College will ensure that equal opportunities will be applied to the principles of recruitment, redeployment, staff development and promotion, to ensure all individuals are encouraged to achieve their full potential.The College aims to ensure that all actual or potential students and employees are treated equally regardless of: disability; responsibility for dependents; marital status; race; colour; ethnicity; nationality; religion; gender;

sexual orientation; trade union activity; unrelated criminal convictions; age; other irrelevant criteria. The College believes that all forms of prejudice and discrimination are unacceptable, and seeks to challenge inequality, prejudice and discrimination whenever it occurs.For more information see Equality and Diversity Policy.Anti-Bullying and Harassment

Bullying and harassment are anti-social behaviours which affect everyone. Any such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The college will take firm and decisive action to protect students. Any reports will be taken seriously and will be dealt with in a fair, sensitive and speedy manner.

Bullying and harassment can have long term effects on the morale and wellbeing of individuals. Learners cannot give their best or work well in teams when under fear of harassment, bullying or abuse. Students will be actively encouraged to report incidents and will be supported through the process of making a complaint.

It is the responsibility of all students and staff to create and support a learning environment free from threat, harassment or intimidation. For more information see Student Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy.3. Student Rights & ResponsibilitiesYour responsibility - What we expect from you

As a student at Suffolk New College you agree to the following:

RespectRespect of others, regardless of differences in culture, ability, race, gender, age or sexual orientation.Attendance and punctualityAttend, be punctual and participate fully in all activities on your timetable, including any Functional Skills sessions, tutorials and agreed support sessions. You should aim for 100% attendance, and 100% punctuality.Report absenceFollow the absence reporting procedure in all cases where you cannot attend any agreed session.Learning goalDo everything you can to achieve your agreed learning goal, including completing set assignments on time, and working co-operatively with others in your class group.Support Seek support from staff if you think you need it.ParticipationParticipate actively in reviews of your progress and discuss your needs with appropriate staff.BehaviourMaintain a good standard of behaviour when participating in any activity associated with the College, including travelling to and from College.College Policies & Procedures Abide by all College policies, procedures and codes of conduct

that apply to you, and provide all information required for official procedures.Resources

Return all books, equipment or other

materials loaned to you, and return

them in good condition.Health and Safety

Take reasonable care for the health

and safety of yourself and others who

may be affected by your actions.

This includes using equipment

appropriately and in line with given

safety procedures / protective

equipment.

What you can expect from us Your Rights

Equal opportunity and treatmentWe will give equal and fair treatment to all.

Choosing the right courseWe will give you accurate information and impartial advice to help you choose the right course.

Joining your courseWe will operate a fair and efficient admission system.

Starting your studiesWe will give you an Induction Programme that helps you settle easily into your course and student life.

Standards of teachingWe will provide you with teaching that is of a high standard and helps you learn effectively.

Organisation of your courseWe will ensure your course is well organised.

Support for studentsWe will provide you with a range of support services. This will include a Personal Tutor who will offer academic and personal support that is helpful to your studies.

Appropriate resourcesWe will provide you with a wide range of resources. This will include access to books, DVDs, computers, places to eat, sports and social activities to help you make the most of your time at College.

AssessmentWe will assess your progress and achievement through a variety of fair assessment methods and give you regular feedback on your progress.

Progression OpportunitiesWe will provide you with accurate information and advice on your future study and career options.

Health and SafetyWe will provide you with a safe learning environment actively promoting health and well-being.

4. Attendance and Punctuality

You are expected to establish and maintain excellent attendance in all College classes and other learning activities which are part of your timetable. At Suffolk New College the expectation is that excellent attendance is 100%.

Punctuality is very important. Good punctuality demonstrates your commitment and that you are keen to learn and progress. Your punctuality will be noted and if there are issues these will be discussed by your Personal Tutor and an Action Plan agreed to improve this.

You should not knowingly miss or be late for class for anything other than illness or exceptional circumstances.

Notifying the College of your Absence

Sickness

You must call the absence line before 10:00am on each day of absence, unless a Doctors Certificate is submitted. The absence line is open from 7:00am each day. You need to provide details of your name, course, Personal Tutor and the reason for your absence, and how long you expect to be absent.

If you are under 19 you will need to obtain a letter from your parent or guardian for any illness lasting more than a week.

On return to College complete the self-certification form. This is available from the Student Support office, The Learning Curve, North and South Clusters or in electronic format on the VLE.

Phone numbers to ring:

Creative Arts and Media01473 382440

Hair & Beauty / Catering & Hospitality01473 382440

Education, Care, Learning for Independence and Public Services 01473 382440

The Sixth Form Centre01473 382660

Automotive, Construction & Engineering Services01473 382660

Business, Leisure and IT01473 382660

The College will accept and authorise up to three periods of sickness absence during the academic year, but only if the sickness has been reported as outlined above. After three periods of sickness absence no further sickness absences can be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances, usually supported by a doctors letter, hospital appointment letter, medical certificate etc.

You should advise and discuss with your Personal Tutor, and/or Student Support any pre-existing or on-going medical conditions so that specific arrangements can be made. With your agreement the information will be shared on a need to know basis so that the college can help you to achieve.

If you are unwell whilst at College

If you become unwell at College you need to notify your Curriculum Centre administrator. If you need to go home you should go to the Student Support office (G18) where you absence will be recorded. Student Support will assist in arranging transport home and contacting your parent/carer if you are under 19. Absence other than sicknessAt Suffolk New College we do recognise that there are rare occasions when you may not be able to attend because of circumstances completely out of your control. These situations are dealt with on an individual basis.

Authorised Absence

An absence can only be authorised where you have submitted a self-certification form and provided the evidence or documentation required.

Pre-arranged absence must be notified in advance to enable accurate marking of the register and to inform your tutor(s) of your whereabouts.

Authorised absences may include: Illness, recovery from operation or recuperation after illness; medical appointments that cannot be arranged outside of timetabled hours; Jury Service; court appearances; Probation or YOT appointments; job interview; attendance at HE open day or interview; funerals of relative or close friend; religious holidays; participation in significant extra curricula activities.Non-acceptable reasons for absence include: routine dentist, doctor or optician appointments; holidays; work; leisure activities; birthdays or similar celebrations; driving lessons; shopping; babysitting or looking after siblings.The above is not an exhaustive list of known absences. The College reserves the right to decide what is and is not acceptable. In doing so we will consider what a reasonable employer would be prepared to accept.If you do not follow the above procedure and do not attend College you will receive an unauthorised absence mark in the registers. Any Bursary payments may then be affected, and persistent non-attendance could result in disciplinary action.For full details see Student Attendance and Punctuality Policy.Student Performance and Behaviour Policy

This policy applies to all situations where a member of the College Community is involved in activities relating to their work or study, including representing the College away from the main site and travelling to and from the College.

The Policy will be used in a positive way to help students who are displaying a pattern of misconduct, absence and/or poor performance to agree an action plan designed to help them correct their misconduct so that they may have the opportunity to complete their studies successfully. The College acknowledges that sometimes students with learning difficulties or disabilities may display behaviour which may ordinarily result in disciplinary action, but it may be more appropriate to deal with these matters outside of this procedure. In such cases, staff will seek advice from their Curriculum Centre Head.

There are four elements to the Policy: informal; Personal Performance Concerns and stage 1 and formal; stages 2 and 3.

Personal Performance Concerns (PPCs) for single incidents of inappropriate behaviour Stage 1 for incidents of continued poor behaviour

Stage 2 for serious misconduct

Stage 3 for very serious misconduct

The informal stage through the use of PPC slips and stage 1 is used to support students in making positive changes to their performance and behaviour.

Behaviours that raise serious concerns will be dealt with through the formal process. There are three levels, and the starting point depends on the seriousness of the incident. It is likely that failure to correct behaviours will lead to progression to the next level.

Formal Process Stage 1 is used for CONTINUED POOR BEHAVIOUR (normally dealt with by the Personal Tutor). Personal Tutors are responsible for monitoring PPCs, and in liaison with course team will agree when appropriate to move to stage 1 if there appears to be no real improvement in students behaviour.

Stage 2 is used for SERIOUS MISCONDUCT for incidents of a more serious nature (normally dealt with by the Programme Leader).

Stage 3 is used for VERY SERIOUS MISCONDUCT (normally dealt with by a Curriculum Centre Head). The College will report to the police offences/activities that might lead to a criminal conviction. The student may be suspended pending the outcome of any police investigation and follow-up action for relevant criminal convictions will be taken in line with the Colleges Criminal Convictions Policy Students. Where students who are accused of a relevant crime committed outside the college community and where police investigations are in progress or a court case is pending the College will take action in line with the Criminal Convictions Policy Students.

All reports and relevant documentation is forwarded immediately to the PA to the Assistant Principal for consideration by the Admissions and Student Behaviour Panel.

At all stages your parents will be informed if you are under 19 years of age.

You may ask a friend or parent to come to all formal meetings.

You may appeal against the judgement under certain conditions and the Students Union may help with your appeal.

For more information see Student Performance and Behaviour Policy.Use of i-pods, MP3 players and mobile telephonesIn order not to interrupt teaching or the learning of fellow students, personal radios, stereos or mobile phones are not to be used in the following situations or locations:

In time-tabled sessions, except with the permission of the tutor where they are deployed to support learning;

Where students attend student forums or other meetings; The Learning Curve; Examinations and on-line testing rooms; Any time where the use of mobile phones may affect the concentration of others.Students should be aware that the use of mobile phones, i-pods and MP3 players in some areas of the College may contravene health and safety rules.

SmokingSmoking is not allowed on College premises or outside except in allocated smoking areas. Please remember that smoking can damage your health. The College will provide you with appropriate advice and referral should you wish to stop smoking. Please ask at Student Support in room G18.

Alcohol, drugs or solvent abuseAny student on College premises or who is off-site, but still under the supervision of College staff and is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or solvents will be dealt with under the Student Performance and Behaviour Policy.

Any student found with unauthorised drugs or solvents on their person will similarly be dealt with under the Student Performance and Behaviour Policy, and the incident will be reported to the Police.Any student, if caught selling drugs or other illegal substances on College premises, or while under the supervision of College staff will automatically be suspended under the gross misconduct clause of the Student Performance and Behaviour Policy and the incident will be reported to the Police.5. Your Safety

Health and Safety Policy

All students are required to comply with this Health and Safety Policy. As such they must ensure that they:

behave in a responsible manner and show appropriate regard for their own health and safety and others who may be affected by their actions;

co-operate with Managers and others having specific health & safety duties, to ensure that Suffolk New College complies with its statutory obligations and the aims and objectives of the College Health & Safety Policy;

comply with any rules, procedures, codes of practice or any other instructions issued in respect of health and safety matters.

Students will be informed of their responsibilities through information contained in the course handbook, induction events and through safe systems of work.

Safety in workshops

Certain machinery and apparatus must not be used by students, except under staff supervision. If in doubt, check with your tutor. For certain practical courses you may be required to purchase approved protective clothing in the interests of Health and Safety. Some protective clothing may be supplied.You will be informed of safe working procedures and must comply with these instructions.Accidents and injuries

You should report all injuries and accidents to a member of staff as soon as possible. If you are not in your classroom or workshop, report all accidents to the nearest member of staff, or Reception. Any accident will be recorded and reported to senior managers.

First Aid

There are First Aiders available for emergencies, please notify a member of staff if required.Emergency evacuation

You must familiarise yourself with FIRE PROCEDURES, which are prominently displayed in all parts of the building. Fire Drills are held at regular intervals. On hearing an alarm, or in the event of a fire, you must immediately leave the building in an orderly manner at the nearest prescribed safe exit and follow instructions of the fire marshals.

Use of own equipment

If you bring your own electrical equipment onto the College site it must be PAT tested before connecting to the College electricity supply. Please take your equipment to Facilities to be tested.6. Your Security Lost property

Please make sure you do not bring valuable property onto College site such as i-pods, cameras, expensive phones or large amounts of money unless you really need to. If you do bring money or valuables into College please keep them with you at all times. Whilst the College aims to provide a safe and secure environment thefts and losses can occur. If you cycle to College we recommend that you use the cycle storage area where there is CCTV monitoring. You should have insurance in case of theft. The College cannot be held liable for lost or stolen items.If you find an item that may be someones lost property please hand it in to reception. Likewise if you lose an item please check with reception in case it has been handed in.CCTV

The College takes very seriously the safety and security of its students and staff. CCTV is therefore used at various points around the College.Student ID Card After you have enrolled you will be issued with a student ID Card, and you will use this to gain access to the College as well as borrow books, DVDs etc. from the Learning Curve. You must carry this with you at all times whilst at College. If you are asked to show your card to any member of staff you should do so. This displays your student reference number and has the absence reporting telephone number on the reverse. If you lose your student ID card you will be charged 3 for a replacement. If you forget your student ID card you will be charged 1 for a temporary day pass.

7. Support for Students

Advice and Guidance

The Student Support Team, found in room G18, is headed by Dawn Waqalevu. The Student Support Team will try to help you with any non-academic issue that may occur while you are a student at the College. Some of the issues dealt with by the advisors include: accommodation, finances, concerns about the welfare of another student, relationship issues, and health issues. Advisors can also refer you to an external agency for specialist help and support where required. Financial Support Bursary Scheme for those aged 1618 years This fund is designed to help students who face financial barriers to participate in education. Three groups of students are guaranteed support, Those in care (or have recently left care)

Students in receipt of income support in their own name

Students who are disabled and in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance in their own name

Discretionary bursaries will be awarded when the household income can be shown to be less than 16,190 a year.

Application forms can either by downloaded from the College website in the Financial Support section under Support for Students or collected directly from the Student Support offices (Room G18), and should be submitted with evidence of eligibility to Student Support either in person or by post as soon as possible after enrolment. Student Support can help complete the form if required.

For more information see http://www.suffolk.ac.uk/support_for_students/financial_support/16_18_bursary_fund_information19+ Discretionary Learner Support Fund Guidance NotesThis fund is designed to help students who face financial barriers to participate in education. These funds are known as Discretionary Learner Support Funds.

These funds are limited and no more applications can be accepted once it is all allocated. Applications will be assessed in order of date received. Awards will only be made available when the student has enrolled and has started attending College meets the following eligibility criteria:

Enrolled on a full-time further education course at Suffolk New College

Over 19 years of age on 31 August 2012

Have a household income below 16,190 per year (Disability Living Allowance is ignored when assessing students income in relation to Discretionary Learner Support)

Have their own bank account

Meet the residency requirements for SFA funded courses

Students cannot apply if they are:

Studying on a Higher Education course

Studying on a Leisure Learning or a part-time course

Aged under 19 years of age on 31 August 2012

Any DLSF grant can be changed or withdrawn if there are problems with a students behaviour or attendance. Students are expected to attend all lessons, and placements (where applicable).

Application forms can either by downloaded from the College website in the Financial Support section under Support for Students or collected directly from the Student Support offices (Room G18), and should be submitted with evidence of eligibility to Student Support either in person or by post. Student Support can help complete the form if required.

For more information see http://www.suffolk.ac.uk/support_for_students/financial_support/19_discretionary_learner_support_fundChild Care Costs

Most parents are unsure about leaving a young child to attend College.

Care to Learn (C2L) supports young parents in learning by providing them with access to guidance and support through the National Careers Service. It also offers financial support for their childcare and associated transport costs.

If you want to learn and you are under 20 the scheme can offer financial support for your childcare if you meet the eligibility requirements. To find out more contact Student Support (01473 382738) or visit: www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/Caretolearn

Students aged 20+ can apply for support with child care costs via the 19+ Discretionary Bursary Scheme.

Support for Students with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities

Suffolk New College encourages students with learning difficulties/disabilities to declare these during application, interview or enrolment. This is so your needs can be assessed to enable us to offer you the support you require to access your course.

If you have a learning difficulty/disability but have not yet told anyone at the College about it please contact the Liz Suddell, Specific Learning Needs Advisor on 01473 382306, room G18.

You will be asked to complete a disclosure form so we are authorised by you to share information about your disability with the staff who need to know.Any support needs will be discussed and agreed with you before being put into place.If you have never been diagnosed with a learning difficulty, such as Dyslexia, you can request screening to identify whether you may need an assessment for a learning difficulty. If you think you may have a learning difficulty that has not been diagnosed, please speak to your tutor.

If you need support you may be offered one or more of the following:

Access to a drop in service for study support in the Learning Curve

Additional support in lessons Loan of equipment Access to software or IT facilities Special arrangements for your exams

Equipment loans (books, CDs, Dictaphones etc.) must be returned at the agreed time.For further information please contact Student Support in room G18.

Health and WellbeingInformation on Health and Wellbeing can be accessed via the student support team in room G18. Here you will find information and advice relating to your personal health and wellbeing. Student support advisors are trained in giving advice in sexual health. Body Wise is a sexual health clinic with a medical doctor and nurse which is held on Mondays and Fridays 12:00-2:00pm located on the ground floor, near to Student Support, in room G126. Drop in to discuss any issues concerning sexual health in confidence.Student Support will deliver events in the Atrium throughout the year promoting your sexual, mental, physical and spiritual health.

The Student Support office is open between 8:15am and 5:15pm Monday-Thursday, 8:15am and 5:00pm Friday, and an advisor will be pleased to have a confidential chat about any issue causing you concern, and they will offer support and professional advice to help you.Careers Advice

Information on career opportunities and advice on higher education courses is provided mainly by teaching staff on courses. In addition, advice on UCAS applications, applying for HE, finance and loans is provided by the Learning Curve team.There is also a general careers library in the Learning Curve providing advice and guidance on a range of issues. There are a range of different computer programmes available in our Careers Library available to all students. These can help you to work out what your career path might be by asking you a series of questions and then matching your answers against a database of careers. There are other programmes that can give information on careers and what training is needed. Chaplaincy

As part of the College's support network, the multi-faith chaplaincy team is a resource for students of all faiths and none. They are available to talk to if something is troubling you, or just if you want to explore some of life's big (or even small) questions.Our multi-faith chaplaincy has representatives from a number of different religions and denominations who provide guidance on moral or ethical issues, help with personal issues and of course more traditional opportunities for individual and collective celebration of faith through prayer and service.

To contact a member of the Chaplaincy Team e-mail: chaplaincy@suffolk.ac.ukor call 01473 338403.

8. Student Feedback Your Comments

The College welcomes and encourages your feedback on any aspect of your experience at this College and there are several opportunities for you to tell us what you think, including a Students Union. The President and Vice President represent all students on Corporation. Course Representatives

A course representative is the voice for all students studying on a particular course. Course representatives collect your views of College life and course specific issues and take them to the Programme Area Student Forum. Tutorial time will provide opportunities for you to discuss your course and receive feedback from Student Forums and the Student Parliament. Staff, students and the Student Parliament work together to make changes to benefit you and your fellow students.Student Forums

These take place within each programme area with course representatives from a number of courses/year groups attending. They provide an opportunity for you to feedback your thoughts on specific issues such as the way your course is organised and delivered, and wider College life such as catering.

Student Parliament

The Student Parliament meets three times a year. Representatives from each programme area attend the Parliament to feed back to College management directly on issues other than course specific issues. The Student Parliament also directs the activities of the elected officers. The chair of Student Parliament is the President of the Students Union.Student Surveys

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire at various points during your time at the College. These may be on-line or in paper format. Please make sure you complete them as honestly and accurately as possible and complete them on time.Students Union The College has a Students Union that is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS).The President of the Students Union is Jemel Fox who can be contacted on 01473 382445 in room G08, which is the Students Union office.

If you wish to be involved in the Students Union please contact the President. The SU has many clubs and societies and participates in a wide variety of sporting activities and competitions. The SU also manages the content on the Student Life website (http://studentlife.suffolk.ac.uk) where photos and write-ups of student activities and events can be seen. What to do if things go wrong

If, for whatever reason, you are unhappy with anything at the College, we will do everything possible to resolve it. In the first instance please talk to your personal tutor or course tutors. If you wish to make an individual complaint about any issue that you feel cannot be dealt with through any of the above processes, or if you are not satisfied with the way your comments have been dealt with please use the formal complaints procedure. This can be found in the student guide section on Blackboard. For more information see Complaints Procedure.9. Resources for StudentsCatering

The Oasis caf provides a range of hot meals, sandwiches, salads and snacks, and is open daily, term-time MondayThursday 8:00am6:00pm and Friday 8:00am4:00pm. The manager regularly attends Student Parliament to hear your views on how to improve.

The Granary is a caf style outlet run by students on Catering courses. It is open term-time 10:00am-2:00pm all snacks such as pizzas, sandwiches, salads and cakes, are made by students.Shelleys Restaurant is open term-time, lunchtimes from 12:00-1:30pm daily and Monday-Thursday from 6:30-9:30pm, and provides a lunch/dinner menu in a restaurant setting.

The Learning Curve

The Learning Curve provides a number of resources including books, journals open access PCs including netbooks and study space. Details of the services and facilities available and how to access them will be given to you during induction. You will need your ID card to borrow any item. You will need to return all items on time, and failure to do so may result in sanctions such as limits on your access to the internet.Opening times are:Monday Thursday 8:00am- 5:30pm

Friday 8:00am 4:45pm

The Learning Curve is also open in the holidays. Please see posters in the Learning Curve for times.

For more information on the Learning Curve and services offered please see section on Blackboard.

VLE

The College VLE is called Blackboard. Tutors will use this to support your access to schemes of work, assignments etc. If you miss a class you may find tutors Powerpoint or notes on your course. You will be shown how to access the VLE during your induction. All of the policies and detailed information on Student Support and the Learning Curve can be found on Blackboard.

IT

The College has computers for student use in the Learning Curve and teaching areas. To use the computers you must do so via a network user account. This account is automatically generated for you after you have enrolled. You are required to comply with the College policy and more information can be found in the Student IT Acceptable Use Policy.

Other equipment

Apparatus, equipment and books must not be removed from the premises without authorisation. Students may be held responsible for any damage they might cause to College equipment or property and may be charged for damage caused.Travel to CollegeThere are limited car parking facilities onsite and students are encouraged to use Green Transport options. The College charges a daily fee for car parking. Cars parked in the disabled parking bays must display a disabled badge at all times. Storage racks for bicycles are available. Please do not lock your bike in any other place or where it may block emergency exits. The College site is well served by public transport. 10. Quality Assessment, Examinations and Appeals

Assessment

The most important part of your course is the assessment. Without undertaking the assessments, whatever form they are in, you cannot pass your course. For more detailed information see Assessment Policy and Guidance.

Where a course is assessed through coursework:

An assessment schedule will be given to you early in your course and you are expected to meet hand-in deadlines unless you have acceptable mitigating circumstances your tutor can advise you.

Copying: All work submitted must be your own, there are penalties if you are found to have copied the work of others, including downloading and reproducing items from the internet. Cheating: Cheating is where you seek to gain academic advantage in an assessment or exam e.g. through the use of hidden notes. If you are found to have cheated, the Awarding Body will be notified.Where a course is assessed through examinations: All students will be notified of the time and place of their exams in advance. Students who receive support may be entitled to extra time, or a reader, or a writer, or a combination of these. Students should discuss their needs with their tutor, and access arrangements will be made through liaison with the exams team and Student Support.

Any clashes of exams should be reported immediately to Student Support, who will advise a way forward.

You must follow invigilators instructions: failure to do so will result in reporting to the Awarding Body and you may be disqualified from the examination, receiving zero marks.

If you are absent from an exam without good reason then you or your guardian/parents if you are under 19, will be invoiced for the exam re-sit.

For more information see Student Guide to Examinations.

Academic Appeals Procedure

You may appeal against an assessment decision where:

You have evidence you were disadvantaged by the assessment process; or The assessment has not been marked according to the Awarding Body.For further information on the procedure see Internal Appeals Policy.

Teaching Observation At some point every year teachers are observed whilst teaching. The observers will be College managers, or an external person such as an Ofsted Inspector. You may be in a session where this happens. Although they may ask you questions or ask you to complete a questionnaire they are not assessing you, but are checking whether appropriate learning and teaching is taking place. Communicating with parents/guardians

The College recognises and welcomes the support parents/guardians give. For students under 19 years old, when joining your programme the College will keep your parents or guardians informed of your progress and needs. Each course will arrange a minimum of 2 parents/guardians events each academic year where your progress will be discussed. We will write to and telephone your parents/guardians if we have concerns about your behaviour such as failing to attend classes or failing to hand in work.

Thank you for taking the time to read the Student Guide. Enjoy your time being part of Suffolk New College.

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