Why not? Most students already do some form of extra-curricular activity and/or work. All psychology students are taught a range of skills during their degree. The BEA allows students to use these experiences to their advantage and provides certification of these skills. Really, why would you not do that? How can they get involved? Students who are not already enrolled need to speak to John Jackson, the BEA (email j.jackson@bangor.ac.uk, phone 01248 388424. However, year 1 students need to wait until semester 2. Is it difficult to complete? I guess that would depend on the types of activities that you are involved in already. If you do any form of work (paid or voluntary) and are a member of clubs and societies, then the award is relatively easy. Are there any disadvantages or side effects to taking part? Not really, but as a tutor, I would have to advise students to make sure that they put the same effort into their academic work as they would into the BEA and to plan accordingly. Employers are looking for students with good grades AND good skills, so both parts need to be worked on. There are forms to fill in online and workshops to attend for the BEA so students need to factor these extra commitments into their academic schedule so as not to over-stretch themselves. 13 Interesting and Rare Mental Health Disorders Coreen Moore (2nd year psychology) Boanthropy- is a mental illness in which sufferers are in a delusional state and believe that they are cattle, such as a cow or ox. Paris Syndrome- is when some people (mostly Japanese tourists) discover that the chic romantic image of Paris is not what it seems and happens when the city does not meet expectations. About 100 people a year consult a psychiatrist with this condition and a quarter of that number are hospitalised. Munchausen syndrome - is a disorder in which a person deliberately causes injury or illness to another person, (such as their child) usually to gain attention or some other benefit. Apotemnophilia- a mental disorder in which a sufferer has an overwhelming urge to amputate one of their own healthy limbs. In many cases the person is successful. Hybristophilia- is when an individual is attracted to people who have committed crimes. Those with Hybristophilia have been known to help a murderer kill, or help a criminal escape.
Yes, we do drink but don’t we also do huge services to the community? Volunteer like no one else? Be prepared to get behind any cause and do anything to make Bangor a better place? Yes. We do. But we are rarely perceived as such. Overarching all of it is the anti-social, excessive drinking perpetrated by a minority, and the general drinking done by the majority that somehow tarnishes our reputation. I don’t know the solution to this problem but it’s something to think about: How can you contribute to a better perception of students? Peer guide interview with John Galvin and Rhiannon Edwards Bryony-Fleur Hopwood (3rd year psychology) How do you feel Freshers’ week went? Overall, it went well, all went according to plan. Even with the stress two weeks beforehand all the external companies showed up. This is always a difficulty relying on others. People are always looking to you for the answers and you have to be prepared to give them the ones they need. Advice to future peer guides? Keep in contact with your peer guides constantly. Wheldon staff are incredibly helpful. It’s all about who you know so use your contacts and listen to the advice others give you. If you don’t know, ask. You need to find the right person for everything, do it in advance, plenty of plan time, have back up plans as there may be mistakes, this improves your people skills both within the university, the SU and external contacts. You learn the importance of direct correspondence through emails, learn how to approach issues and not lose your cool. Do not give in, and don’t worry yourself, it does work out with organisation and planning and a good support team. This was the first year with the joint honours programme coordinated by Liz Burns. This betters the previous service by setting out to improve contact for new students through having a peer guide. The Masters peer guide scheme run by Ruth Marsden, covering tours, collaboration with the psychology department, encourage events, co-oordinate with post grad ambassador, and merged with fresher’s events. The overseas and home school coordinator was Declan McCelland, who is a Welsh bilingual, a good skill to have with this post. The mature students were coordinated by Phil Nelson. An events team was set up for assignment of individual roles, everyone had a role. It’s all about team work and coordination!