The University Executive Committee is responsible for all matters associated with the development and management of the university.
Student charter
Last updated: 30 March 2023
What can you expect from university?
Introduction
Our Student Charter aims to:
Explain in simple terms what all of our students can expect from the University
Outline what is reasonably expected of students by the University
Be an effective signpost for our students to help them access a range of information that will help them throughout their studies.
Reflect the University’s key values, which are outlined below:
Integrity
As individuals and a community we act honestly and openly, upholding fundamental academic and ethical values, promoting the standards of public service, and working towards the good of others.
Nurture
We act with compassion. We are inclusive and treat everyone equally and with respect. We recognise the unique value and worth of every individual, and their contribution to our community. We cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive, feel they belong, and do their best work.
Ambition
We encourage and inspire ourselves and every individual in our community to be the best they can be. We aim for excellence in everything we do. We nurture aspirations, and pursue opportunities to transform and influence society for the better.
Curiosity
We encourage questioning, open debate, and freedom of speech and inquiry. We embrace creativity, enterprise and innovation to bring about positive change. We want our students, our staff, and everyone with whom we engage to be passionate and enthusiastic about creating, gaining, sharing and applying new knowledge, insight and experience, enriching their own understanding and benefiting others.
Sustainability
We are committed to reducing our own environmental footprint and to protecting the wellbeing and viability of our community and the wider world by promoting the knowledge, skills, behaviours and commitments that will safeguard our collective future.
This Charter outlines our commitment to providing a quality student experience, to support equality, diversity and inclusion, and to building a strong sense of community within the University for our students. It also highlights our commitment to the sustainable development of the local communities of which we are part as well as playing an effective role in the wider sustainability agenda.
This document has been developed in accordance with the recommendations from the Government’s ‘Student Charter Group’ that reported in January 2011, and in full partnership with the Students’ Union. The Student Charter is reviewed and approved annually by the University’s Academic Board.
To be able to fully participate in the academic and social life of the University
To be treated with courtesy and fairness, and in a timely manner
To experience a safe and secure environment, free from harassment, victimisation, sexual misconduct or discrimination of any kind (including initiation-style events for student activities)
The University to continually review public health guidance in order to keep the campus environment safe
To be actively supported when you need help
The University to use your learning data in a responsible way, and to use this data to enable you to better understand how you are engaging with your studies or programme
To receive timely communications from the University about any significant changes being made to your studies or programme.
We expect you:
To take an active part in our supportive educational community
To be considerate and respectful to our diverse community of students, staff members and visitors
To play your part in creating a community that is safe, secure, and free from harassment, victimisation, sexual misconduct or discrimination of any kind
To be aware of and considerate to the local communities of which we are a part
To not bring the University into disrepute, and to abide by the University’s Code of Conduct at all times including your behaviour whilst on-line, and both on and off campus.
To abide by the terms and conditions of residence if living in University Halls.
To enrol on an annual basis, and to pay any monies owed to the University on time
Your studies
You can expect from the University:
An experience that will be challenging, stimulating and invigorating, in which you are part of a supportive learning community
Staff that are professional, well qualified and who demonstrate currency in both their knowledge of their subject and their understanding of student learning.
Access to a high-quality learning environment both on-campus and on-line giving you access to a wide range of information and resources to enrich your learning
Access to library resources that effectively support your learning, with specialist staff that are focused on your needs
Access to appropriate IT systems on campus to support your learning
To receive all necessary information about your studies in a timely manner
An induction programme at the beginning of your studies to give you a strong foundation for success
To receive effective and timely feedback on your academic work
To receive effective representation on matters related to your studies through the Student Representation Scheme. An academic member of staff to engage with you and to act as either your Personal Tutor or Academic Supervisor.
You can expect from the Students’ Union:
Appropriate support and representation through informal and formal procedures (including the Student Representation scheme) regarding academic provision, resources or assessment
Access to impartial and independent advice, guidance and advocacy support on academic concerns through the SU Advice Service.
Representation of the student body through elected officers sitting on University Boards and Committees to help ensure high quality academic quality and standards
The leadership of an annual Student-Led Staff Award scheme, incorporating the views of the student body for the development and sharing of excellent academic practice and support services
We expect you:
To participate appropriately in the learning activities of your studies, and to meet all study and assessment requirements
To do your utmost to wholly take part in your studies through actively attending and engaging all timetabled sessions that comprise your course programme.
To have access to personal computing equipment and connectivity enabling secure use of University systems and resources for your studies.
To be aware of and comply with all regulations and procedures governing your course/studies.
To reflect on the feedback you receive from your assessments and any submitted work to inform your future work and develop your skills
To engage with your Tutors and Academic Supervisors throughout the duration of your studies, attending meetings as required.
To act responsibly in your use of University resources, respecting the needs of other users and observing any health & safety requirements
To be aware of and comply with our regulations governing the use of libraries, computing and networking facilities
To act with academic integrity, following academic regulations and assessment guidelines. This includes only submitting work that is entirely your own and acting honestly when claiming dispensation through the extenuating circumstances procedures. Students should understand that since April 2022, ‘essay mills’ have been criminalised in law, and as such the use or attempted use of such ‘cheating services’ is an offence.
To be aware of and comply with the University’s principles and procedures governing ethics and integrity in research and assessment
Your development
You can expect from the University:
To be able to access a range of advice, interventions and support services that better enable you to be well equipped for graduate/professional level employment upon the completion of your studies
Access to a range of practical work-based experiences that are either linked directly to your studies or that you can freely access to build your capabilities
Where appropriate, your course or academic department to have direct links with relevant professional accrediting bodies, so that wherever possible you will be viewed as highly qualified by employers
A range of opportunities open to you to actively engage in and be recognised for volunteering, leading student-led projects, and representing your peers. Such opportunities can enhance your student experience and develop your skills
Access to a wide range of support to enhance your study skills to give you the best chance of academic success
You can expect from the Students’ Union:
The opportunity to experience and participate in the governance and management of the Union as an elected officer or trustee.
Student-led sports club and societies in which you can develop a range of skills and experience through being elected to a leadership role.
The opportunity to gain formal recognition for significant engagement within SU-led co-curricular activity.
We expect you:
To be proactive in utilising the services and opportunities available to build your skills and experiences beyond your studies so you have the greatest chance of achieving success in the employment market once your studies are complete
To respect and abide by the policies of any workplace or organisation in which you may be engaged via work experience or voluntary positions through the University and Students’ Union
Your student life
You can expect from the University:
Access to easy-to-find high quality and appropriate support, advice and guidance on issues that affect you whilst you are a student
A range of support services that will support your wellbeing, health and welfare
High quality facilities and services that enhance your student experience
You can expect from the Students’ Union:
Support and signposting through elected full-time officers on non-academic issues
Welfare-related campaigns and services, and effective signposting to local organisations and advice services
A strong partnership with the Student Services Department to ensure the non-academic needs of students are met
Social experiences through the provision of Students’ Union events, student groups, sports clubs and student societies.
A permanently available and updated calendar of events and activities you can take part in throughout the academic year.
We expect you:
To be proactive in seeking out any personal support that you may feel you need
To advise the University of any circumstances, needs or restrictions that may affect your successful participation in the University whether they be pre-existing or new, in order that we can support you effectively
To behave responsibly when representing the University at sporting, cultural or other events
To respect and abide by the published policies and constitution of the Students’ Union
Your views
You can expect from the University:
To have opportunities to provide feedback to the University on the quality of its academic programmes and support services
To be represented by students and the Students’ Union in the committee structure of the University
To have at least one fully trained student representative for your course/area of study
To have the opportunity to become involved as a student representative should you so wish
That copies of minutes from official committee meetings are available on its website
That clear and transparent information is provided on action taken in response to student feedback
You can expect from the Students’ Union:
To lobby on behalf of the student body on appropriate issues.
Training for all student representatives to ensure that you are represented effectively
Transparent and well managed election processes for all elected posts to ensure that you are able to participate in the selection of your representatives
Effective and accessible mechanisms in place so that you can give feedback about your student experience
Real opportunities to shape the Students’ Union through its democratic processes, and its Students’ Union Executive, Board of Trustees or other elected officers and committees.
We expect you:
To support student and Students’ Union representatives and to make them aware of your views, in order that they can represent you effectively
To take part in the election processes for student and Students’ Union representatives
To engage with the feedback mechanisms that the University uses to gauge student opinion (e.g. Module Level Evaluations; National Student Survey (NSS); Postgraduate Taught Survey (PGT); Postgraduate Research Survey (PGR))
Your concerns or difficulties
You can expect from the University:
To be able to make a complaint or lodge an appeal using the official procedures without fear of any recrimination
To enable you to easily report any concerns related to harassment, victimisation, bullying, sexual misconduct (identified or anonymously) and expect a professional and supportive response.
Information about all of the University’s student-related procedures to be easily accessible on the University website
To be treated fairly and reasonably with respect and courtesy if you participate in any University investigative or disciplinary procedures
You can expect from the Students’ Union:
Support to put across your case in appeals, complaints or academic breach procedures through the SU Advice Service
Effective signposting to further services within and external to the University as appropriate.
An SU representative will sit on appeals and complaints panels, ensuring that a student view on the case is present
We expect you:
To follow the procedures closely, and wherever possible, to provide relevant key facts and supporting evidence within the specified timescales
To act with respect and courtesy if you are involved in any University procedures
Not to make any malicious or vexatious complaints or allegations
Further Information
There is an expectation that students will behave in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct, and that students should expect the University to invoke its investigatory/disciplinary procedures should any students breach the code.
More details on the content of this document and a wide range of further useful University information and student-related policies can be found on our Student Charter web-pages: www.glos.ac.uk/life/pages/student-charter.aspx
We hope that you find this Student Charter useful and relevant, and we would welcome your suggestions on how we could improve it. You can give such feedback either through your elected student representatives or by e-mail: studentservices@glos.ac.uk
In the grids below are some useful University and external web-links:
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