Toggle search Toggle menu Home » Articles » Student charter Governance and Structure The University Executive Committee is responsible for all matters associated with the development and management of the university. Search Student charter Last updated: 3 November 2021 Policies, procedures and useful links A list of useful links to university policies and procedures is available at the bottom of this article. You’ll also find links to external organisations which offer more information across a range of relevant topics. Introduction What can you expect from university? 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, as outlined below: Nurture We are committed to nurturing the holistic development of our students and staff – their academic, social, emotional, physical, cultural and spiritual well-being. Creativity We pursue excellence in the generation of new knowledge and encourage creativity, fun and the exploration of truth. Sustainability We are dedicated to creating sustainable futures within a flourishing university. Service We are responsive to the needs of all stakeholders and strive to enhance all aspects of our services to students, communities and the organisations that we work with. Respect We value each member of the university and are committed to relationships characterised by respect for the individual. Trust We promote a climate of trust and accountability underpinned by a commitment to open, honest and transparent communications. This Charter outlines our commitment to providing a quality student experience, to support equality and diversity, 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 charter 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. Jump to: COVID19 In general Your studies Your development Your student life Your views Your concerns or difficulties Further information and links COVID19 Since the pandemic commenced the University has taken a wide range of steps in line with Government advice to support the health and wellbeing of our students and staff members. It is possible that disruption resulting from the pandemic will continue to affect University operations during the academic year 2021/22, as such the ongoing commitments set out in this Charter must be read in the context of the exceptional circumstances. While all of the commitments set out in this Charter will continue to apply throughout the Academic Year 2021/22, the way in which the University (or the Students’ Union) implement and deliver those commitments may have to be varied to comply with changing Government restrictions. In our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, you can expect the University: To ensure that all students can live and study in an environment that meets government public health guidance to ensure a ‘Covid-Secure’ environment. To enable students to access testing as simply as is possible in line with Government guidance To ensure that blended programmes of study, combining online and campus-based teaching, give all students support to engage with their courses, access appropriate learning resources, and learn effectively To ensure that all teaching programmes reflect good pedagogic practice, and that all assessment leads to academically valid results. To make every effort to provide for students a University experience that is rewarding, high quality and good value for money. To keep all students informed about changes we need to make as the pandemic evolves through our Coronavirus Information Hub which will be permanently located on MyGlos. In partnership with the Students’ Union to provide social and extracurricular opportunities The University has a rigorous Covid risk assessment exercise for all aspects of University and campus life, and will implement measures as appropriate to protect our community on campus, such measure may include (and not be limited to) those listed below: Enhanced cleaning and sterilising regimes; Social distancing in line with Public Health England guidance; Clear guidance to students about how to look after their health, and how to seek support and how to raise concerns about members of the University community who are not following the appropriate guidance. You can expect from the Students’ Union: Wherever possible the continuation of activities associated with student life (i.e. clubs, societies and events) albeit potentially delivered differently from the norm, to adhere to Government guidance; Effective representation on behalf of the student body on all matters related to COVID19. We expect you: To immediately inform the University via the MyGlos App should you have symptoms, be tested positive for or diagnosed with Covid or be contacted as part of the ‘track and trace’ scheme, and to then follow self-isolation guidelines as appropriate; To adhere to social distancing guidelines both on and off campus as issued by the University and Public Health England; To behave with dignity and respect towards others, and play a positive role in encouraging others to follow University and Government guidelines; and proactively take personal measures to minimise risk to yourself and others. To engage with online teaching, learning and student services when provided as part of a blended programme. In general You can expect: 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). 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 an on-line learning environment 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 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 Course Representative system and other student representatives. An academic member of staff to engage with you and to act as either your Personal Tutor or Academic Supervisor for the duration of your course 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 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 fully and appropriately in the learning activities of your studies, and to meet all attendance, engagement, study and assessment requirements To have access to personal computing equipment and connectivity enabling secure use of University systems and resources for your studies. To have access to personal computing equipment in order that you can be successful in 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 Personal Tutor or Academic Supervisor 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 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 continuing development of its JobShop service, to support you in finding part-time employment that fits around your studies. 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 confidential 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. Annual Course Evaluation (ACE); National Student Survey (NSS); Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES); Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 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: Signposting on information related to appeals, complaints or academic breach procedures 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 and useful links 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 Useful university links Student Contract 2020/21 Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Engagement and Attendance Policy Learning Analytics Policy Customer Services Charter Disciplinary procedures for student matters Disciplinary procedures flowchart for student matters Investigatory procedures for student matters Student code of conduct Appeals and complaints Fitness to practise procedures Supported study procedures / Supported study procedures – flowchart Substance abuse policy Harassment procedures – guidance for students Lecture capture policy Useful external Links Students’ Union National Union of Students (NUS) Office of the Independent Adjudicator The Office for Students Student Loans Company Student Finance England Student Finance Wales Student Awards Agency for Scotland Student Finance Northern Ireland Vitae: Support for Researchers Was this article helpful? 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