Aston Pre-sessional Staff Handbook 2018

Aston Pre-sessional 2018English for Academic PurposesStaff Handbook Centre for English Language and Communication at Aston 0

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ContentsWelcome ......................................................................................................................Students .......................................................................................................................Pre-sessional Entry Requirements ...............................................................................Programme Information................................................................................................Materials.......................................................................................................................CELCA Referencing guide ...........................................................................................Assessment and Feedback ..........................................................................................Programme Staff and Responsibilities………………………………………………… ….Programme Administration...........................................................................................Communication ............................................................................................................Resources ....................................................................................................................Quality Assurance ........................................................................................................Trips .............................................................................................................................Health and Safety.........................................................................................................Payment .......................................................................................................................Student Support services .............................................................................................Fire Safety....................................................................................................................Useful contacts…………………………………………………………………………….. 2

WelcomeWelcome to the CELCA 2018 Pre-sessional programme in English for AcademicPurposes.This programme is designed for international students who plan to study at AstonUniversity. Courses last thirty, eighteen, twelve or six weeks (plus 4 weeks for directentry students which is run separately to other courses) and it is usual for thereceiving undergraduate/post-graduate department to decide the length of the pre-sessional course that a student requires.It is delivered and managed by the Centre for English Language and Communicationat Aston (CELCA), which is currently located on the 5th floor of the Main Building(MB). We are a teaching unit housed within the Centre for Learning Innovation andProfessional Practice (CLIPP). The centre was established in the late 1990’s toprovide English for Academic Purposes programmes and support tutorials forinternational students whose first language is not English.We now offer a wide range of preparatory and year abroad/exchange credit-bearingprogrammes at pre-undergraduate, undergraduate and postgraduate level. We alsooffer English language tutorials to support students who are already studying forBachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees.This Staff Handbook covers various aspects of the programme and will answer manyquestions you may have, but is by no means exhaustive. If you have any furtherqueries, please ask. 3

StudentsStudents attending the Aston Pre-sessional are usually new to Aston University. Onsuccessful completion of their programme, most intend to progress ontopostgraduate courses. We usually have a small number of undergraduates alsoattending.The large majority of Aston Pre-sessional students will be continuing to AstonBusiness School (ABS) to pursue their studies in a number of different disciplines.There are also several students who will progress to the School of Life and HealthSciences (LHS), Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) and the School ofLanguages and Social Sciences (LSS).KYA StudentsAt the 18-week entry point, there is also a group of Japanese students from theKansai Year Abroad (KYA) programme, who started at Aston at the start of April andhave already completed a 2/3-week induction programme. They attend the 18-weekAston Pre-sessional as part of their year programme in the UK, which is thenfollowed by attending the autumn period of the International Year Abroad (IYA)Programme, finishing in December. These students are following languageprogrammes at their home university in Japan and are in their second year ofuniversity there. Their time in the UK is counted towards their final degree.PhD StudentsThere may also be a small number of PhD students attending the programme at therequest of their school of study.Pre-sessional Entry RequirementsPlease see the link for updated details of Aston University Pre-sessional programmeattendance requirements for students not meeting their postgraduate orundergraduate direct entry level.http://www.aston.ac.uk/lss/english/pre-sessional-english-programmes/Please note: the entry requirements may be subject to change. 4

Programme InformationAimsThe programme aims to equip students with the necessary English language competenciesand academic skills required to cope with the demands of a degree programme delivered inEnglish and help them succeed in their future studies at Aston University. They will alsodevelop their intercultural awareness and communication skills so that they feel moreconfident communicating in a cultural environment which is different to their own. TheAcademic programme is also supported by an ever developing social programme,designed to encourage students to engage with and integrate into their new surroundings.Learning OutcomesThe programme will enable students to:  understand the nature and features of full-length academic lectures delivered in English (e.g. identifying the parts of a lecture, recognising transition markers, identifying importance markers, guessing the meaning of unfamiliar words from context), including those related to their future academic discipline  understand the nature and features of full-length academic texts written in English, including those related to their future academic discipline  understand the nature of plagiarism and collusion and their consequences  critically evaluate sources of information  produce cohesively and coherently written research proposals and reports in English  produce cohesively and coherently written research in English  deliver effective individual and group presentations in English  understand a variety of spoken and written texts in English  express themselves in speech and in writing using some of the language of their future academic discipline  express themselves in speech and in writing using language that is formal, objective, explicit and hedged  work effectively as part of an intercultural team  use the Library catalogue  use electronic sources of data/information  conduct independent research 5

Weekly timetableEach week students will receive approximately 16-20 hours of tuition.30-week Aston Presessional onlyDay 11.00*-13.00 13.00 – 14.00 14.00-16.00Monday Class Lunch TutorialsTuesday Class Lunch ClassWednesday Class Lunch Private studyThursday Class Lunch ClassFriday Class Lunch Class18-week, 12-week, Aston Presessional (This is subject to some variation on Friday afternoons).Day 10.00-12.00 12.00-13.30 13.30-15.30 From 15.30Monday Class LunchTuesday Class Lunch ClassWednesday Class Lunch Class (times vary) Class/ lecture Speaking and PronunciationThursday Class Lunch Class/tutorialsFriday Guided study, tutorials, Lunch (times vary) lectures & assessments Speaking and Pronunciation 6

6-week Presessional (This is subject to some variation).Day 10.00-13.00 13.00-14.00 14.00-16.00Monday Class LunchTuesday Class Lunch ClassDay 10.00-12.00 12.00-13.30Wednesday Class Lunch Class/ lecture 13.30-15.30 From 15.30 Class/ lecture (times vary) Speaking and PronunciationThursday Class Lunch Class/tutorialsFriday Guided study, tutorials, Lunch (times vary) lectures & assessments Speaking and Pronunciation4-week Pre-sessionalDay 10.00-12.00 12.00-13.30 13.30-15.30 From 15.30Monday Class Lunch ClassTuesday Class Lunch Class/lecture TutorialsWednesday Class Lunch Class/lecture Tutorials Lunch Class Lunch Class (times vary) Speaking and PronunciationThursday ClassFriday Class 7

Programme StructureThe programme is divided into 4 modules. In order to successfully complete theirrespective programmes, students should pass modules 1-4 for the 30 weekprogramme, 2-4 for the 18 week programme, modules 3 & 4 for the 12 weekprogramme, module 4 for the 6 week programme.The week numbers work backwards; the first week of Module 1 (30-week Aston Pre-sessional) is called week 30, the next week is week 29, etc. The final week of theprogramme is called week 1.30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 2120 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 1110 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8

The dates of the Pre-sessional programmes are as followings:30-week: 29 January - 7 September 201818-week:12-week: 8 May - 7 September 20186-week: 18 June - 7 September 20184-week: 30 July - 7 September 2018 13 August - 7 September 2018There are several public and university holidays during the Pre-sessionalprogramme, including:Please note that the University will be closed on these days. Dates of Public and University Holiday 2018 Friday 30 March Public Holiday -Good Friday Monday 2 April Public Holiday - Easter Monday Tuesday 3 April University Closure Day Monday 7 May Public Holiday Monday 28 May Public Holiday Monday 27 August Public Holiday Tuesday 28 August University Closure Day 9

The first two modules of the programme concentrate on developing grammar,vocabulary and general communication skills (listening, speaking, reading andwriting), and a general development of academic language and academic skills. Thefinal two modules focus on subject-specific English for academic purposes. Thismeans that students will be developing their English and academic skills used intheir field of study, for example, Pharmacy, Biomedicine, Business or Management.NOTE: 4-week Pre-sessional students join for weeks 4-1 and follow their ownschedule.Weeks 30-13 Weeks 12-1General English for Subject-specific English forAcademic Purposes Academic PurposesModule 1 LA2123 Module 3 LA2124Module 2 LA2122 Module 4 LA2125Module 1 – LA2123English Language Preparation (20 credits):This module aims to develop students’ accuracy, fluency and overall communicativeability when using spoken and written English. As well as improving overall Englishability, the module will also help to increase competence in using English. Theclasses have an integrated skills approach with practice in reading, writing, speakingand listening, as well as some work on lexis and grammar.Module 2 – LA2122English Language Development (15 credits):This module aims to develop both linguistic knowledge and skills in order to raiseEnglish language and further extend linguistic understanding and skills proficiencybefore starting an undergraduate or postgraduate programme of study at AstonUniversity. Emphasis is given to building on spoken and written accuracy, fluencyand overall communicative ability within the context of a British university setting. In 10

addition, the module helps to develop knowledge of UK academic conventions, aswell as intercultural awareness. A more intensive focus is put on applying theprinciples of independent learning, managing language learning more effectively andrefining basic research skills.Module 3- LA2124Using English in Academic and Professional Contexts I (15 credits):During this module students will develop English language skills for academicpurposes, with practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening, grammar andlexis. An emphasis is given to developing proficiency and knowledge of UKacademic conventions for writing case studies, laboratory or technical reports andusing appropriate referencing systems effectively, as well as extendingunderstanding of the nature and features of short academic texts and lectures inEnglish, including those related to students’ future academic discipline. In addition,this module helps to develop overall communicative ability and contribution toacademic discussions, group working skills and intercultural knowledge.Module 4 - LA2125Using English in Academic and Professional Contexts II (20 credits):This final module aims to refine linguistic competencies and skills in using Englishwithin an academic and professional context. Classes have an integrated skillsapproach, with practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as work ongrammar and lexis.On completion of the module, students will have developed understanding of thenature and features of full-length academic written texts and lectures in English,including those related to their future academic discipline, and will be able to criticallyevaluate sources of information. They will have gained experience in producingcohesively and coherently written research proposals and research reports, andhave built up confidence in delivering effective individual presentations in English.Academic Skills for UK Study – LA2112 (4-week)For students who already have direct entry to their degree programmes: theAcademic Skills for UK Study course is designed to help you hone your academicand study skills so that you can be better prepared for your degree programme.During your time on the course you will have an opportunity to develop awareness ofacademic conventions and practices, learn about formality and academic style andpractise emulating typical academic text types such as essays, reports, proposals, 11

research projects and literature reviews. Additionally, you will develop your academiclistening strategies, practise giving academic presentations, take part in seminarsand work in culturally diverse groups. The course will also cover critical approachesto reading and help you refine your research skills.Practising spoken EnglishAdditional conversation/speaking classes are arranged during the programme. 12

MaterialsPlease refer to the Scheme of Work for further details. Materials are available on thePre-sessional current shared drive and on Blackboard.English Language PreparationNew Language Leader IntermediateFocus on Vocabulary 1English Language Development 1 & 2New Language Leader Upper IntermediateLeap 2 Intermediate: Reading and Writing coursebookFocus on Vocabulary 2 coursebookClass sets of Focus on Vocabulary 2 are available. These may be borrowed by thestudents for weekend work but they must be kept clean (no writing in the books!) andreturned at the end of the module. From module 3 onwards we ask students topurchase their own copy to use for self-study for the rest of the Pre-sessional.Using English in Academic and Professional Contexts I & IIEnglish for Management Studies coursebookCourse packs (academic skills)Additional MaterialsWe are trying to develop the students’ abilities to operate at text level rather thansentence and word level which students themselves sometimes do not understand.Therefore, if the students’ require additional grammar input, suggest, e.g: Real English Grammar by Herman Lot, published by Marshall Cavendish MyGrammarLab by Mark Foley and Diane Hall, published by PearsonFor extra vocabulary, you could use: English Collocations in Use by McCarthy and O’Dell, published by CUP 13

For in class pronunciation work, you could use: English Pronunciation in Use by Martin Hewings, published by CUPNBIt is important to deliver a syllabus which reflects the objectives of the programmeand demonstrates continuity across all the groups. Therefore, if you have anysuitable materials that you would like to use to enhance those proposed; you arewelcome to do so, but in moderation. Please do share them amongst the teachingteam and give a copy to the programme director.CELCA Referencing guideA CELCA guide to referencing is now available, in digital and print format, whichprovides a ‘house style’, which all teachers and students should use as a guide in allwork during the Pre-sessional course.The guide will be available on Blackboard, and you and students can use the linkbelow to the mobile-friendly website (also found in Module Materials) to access theGuide on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.http://w02.aston.ac.uk/celcarefguide 14

Assessment and FeedbackAssessmentDuring each module, the students will be assessed in a number of different ways,through both summative and formative assessment.Assessment includes the following:Formative assessment:  At least 90% attendance  Excellent punctuality  Excellent participation in class activities  Excellent intercultural team-working ability  Completion of weekly class and self-study tasksSummative assessment breakdown:Note: submission dates may be subject to change.30 weeks LA212325th April - Essay Portfolio30th April - Reading, Listening, Grammar Test1st May – 15 min Group Presentation18 weeks LA212212th June – Report – Reflective Writing13th June - 15 min Group Presentation14th June – Class Test – written short answers12 weeks LA212418th July – Essay (I,500 words)25th July - 15 min Paired Speaking Test26th July – Class Test – case study report (600 words) 15

6 weeks LA212521st August – Class Test – Reading & Listening29th August – Report (2000 words)3rd September - 10 min presentation on project report topic4 weeks LA211231st August – Report (2000 words)4th September - 10 min presentation on project report topicThe pass mark for each piece of summative assessment on the Pre-Sessionalcourse is 40% for UG students (and 50% for PG students).It is very important that work is handed in on time as penalties may be applied towork that is submitted late. Students should pass all required modules in order tosuccessfully complete the Pre-sessional programme. Their attendance will bemonitored and they must attend at least 90% of all classes in order to pass theprogramme and to fulfil the conditions placed on them by the Home Office. AstonUniversity has a legal duty to inform the Home Office if their attendance is poor.FeedbackProviding regular, relevant and detailed feedback in both written and verbal form tostudents is encouraged throughout the course. Please note that discussion onfeedback will take place regularly throughout the programme to ensure that tutorsare consistent and provide enough detail to enable students to progress.Purposes of feedback on the Pre-sessional programme: Helps clarify what good performance is (goals, criteria, expected standards) Provides opportunities to close the gap between current and desired performance Delivers high quality information to students about their learning Encourages positive, motivational beliefs and builds confidence Encourages dialogue around learning Facilitates the development of self-assessment/reflection in learning. 16

Academic TutorsAt the start of each module, you will be assigned a group to act as their academictutor. This will usually be your afternoon class. Regular tutorials are scheduled (seeScheme of Work), which provide an opportunity to discuss with an individual studenttheir progress, help them with their study plan, and offer them advice on what areasto focus their private study on.Student FilesEach student has their own academic file and copies of key feedback should bemade and included in the relevant student file where possible. They also include thetutor section of the student study plan and a summary sheet of modules results.These are redistributed to academic tutors at the start of each new module so thatthey can be referred to during academic tutorials. Tutors can leave them in the smallfiling cabinet in MB560E or keep them at their desk, but please do not take themhome. 17

Programme Staff & ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of the programme staff are as follows:Ania Bailey: Head of CELCA  HR issues – Line management of staff, contracts, working hours, terms of employment, payment, annual leave requests, performance related issues, staff ID cards, network usernames and log-ins, references.Chantal Burden: Pre-sessional Programme Director  Staff advisor - Day to day management of teaching staff, programme content and assessment.Please note: If you are sick, you should telephone and e-mail Chantal, who will thenreport this to the Head of CELCA.  Student advisor – any practical problems students may have, and general pastoral care. Academic tutors should make the student advisor aware of any serious academic problems an individual student may be experiencing. - Students’ permissions for absence - Late arrival of students - Timetables  Programme content  Organising and booking trips  Digital softwareJacquie Harding: Deputy Pre-sessional Programme Director – Social programmeand Programme Director support.Kate Wakeman: Observations and materials support (excluding the 6 % 4 weekprogramme)Emily Waibel: Speaking and PronunciationAmmandeep Kaur and Surjit Kaur: Admin support:  Pre-sessional student applications  Fee enquiries  Student enrolment  Purchase orders for books and coaches 18

Staff Contact DetailsName Email Telephone RoomAnia Bailey [email protected] 0121 204 3811 MB560DChantal Burden [email protected] 0121 204 3733 MB560A 0797 5612716Robert Fox [email protected] 0121 204 3177 MB560DJacquie Harding [email protected] 0121 204 3568 MB560ABranka Visnjic [email protected] 0121 204 5386 MB560BKate Wakeman [email protected] 0121 204 5450 MB560BEmily Waibel [email protected] 0121 204 5481 MB560ATeaching Staff and ClassroomsThe students will be divided into groups and be taught in a specific classroom for theduration of the module*. Each group normally has one tutor for the morning and adifferent tutor for the afternoon. The composition of the groups may change at thestart of a new module.*There may be some exceptions where classrooms will change due to roomtimetabling.Details of staffing for courses will be given out separately. 19

Tutoring Responsibilities  Teaching on the Pre-sessional Programme in English for Academic Purposes following the clearly defined specification and syllabus.  Ensuring that all aspects of course delivery meet required standards and learning objectives.  Providing one-to-one academic support for students, including advice on language, academic discourse and academic skills.  Fulfilling the role of academic tutor (of the afternoon class)  Defining individual and groups of students’ learning objectives, assessing students’ progress and providing high quality written and verbal formative and summative feedback on assessed work.  Preparing lessons and completing lesson plans.  Strictly keeping attendance records and reporting any absences immediately.  Timely marking of all homework assignments and module assessments to the set criteria.  Writing student progress reports and reporting marks within the deadlines required.  Attending weekly staff meetings and any scheduled standardisation meetings, plus any other meeting which may be required.  Attending and actively participating in continued professional development (CPD) sessions relating to skills and knowledge of EAP teaching methods and approaches.  Collaborating with other staff members to ensure good practice.  Any other teaching or administrative duties appropriate to the role of the person appointed. 20

Programme AdministrationSchemes of Work/TimetablesThis is a combined document which will be handed out at the start of each moduleand you will be advised in advance if there are going to be any minor changes. It isalso available on Blackboard and on the shared S: drive.Students are provided with a hard copy at the beginning of each module but can alsoaccess electronic versions via Blackboard. Students will gradually be encouraged touse Blackboard for all programme information.RegistersThese are available on the shared S: drive, in the Pre-sessional currentfolder under Registers. Please ensure you complete the registers every day,morning and afternoon, and mark 1 for present, 0 for absent and AA for an absenceauthorised by the Pre-sessional Director (LA is for late arrival on the module –students usually have up to one week to arrive after the start of the module, with theexception of the 30 week programme where they can arrive up to four weeks afterthe start).Records of WorkThese are available on the shared S: drive, in the Pre-sessional currentfolder under Records of work. Please ensure you complete these documents everyday.Attendance & Tier 4 Visa Regulations (Subject to change)The students are on Tier 4 visas. This means that they MUST attend classes. If theydo not, they may be in danger of not being allowed to get another visa for futurestudy. If they do not attend for 10 days or more, then the University is legally boundto report them to the Home Office and risks losing its Tier 4 licence if it does not.In accordance with University policy, copies of all the registers have to be sent toMargarita Seresht every Friday. If any students do not attend for a number of daysthey will be contacted by e-mail within less than 10 days inviting them to a meeting toexplain their reasons why. If they do not attend this meeting, they will be withdrawnfrom the course and reported to the Home Office on the 10th day of absence.Please ensure that the registers are up-to-date and accurate, as the HomeOffice can phone or visit at any time to check attendance. If the students are late,please mark how many minutes and what the reason is. 21

A note about giving visa adviceWe are not legally allowed to give visa advice. If any students have visaquestions/problems, they should go to the Hub to see a legally-trained visa andimmigration advisor.Lesson PlansPlease use a lesson plan as part of your preparation process. This is a useful tool towork in collaboration with colleagues. You can store copies of lesson plans in thegroup folder.CommunicationStaff to StaffWeekly Teaching Staff MeetingThe weekly staff meeting usually takes place every Thursday after class, unlessstated otherwise, commencing at 15.40, usually in a classroom on the 5th floor nearto the centre. Details will be confirmed.E-mail and telephoneA list of teaching staff email and telephone details will be collated and circulatedamongst staff, so you can contact each other if needed.Programme DirectorIf you have any queries regarding the programme, please speak to Chantal Burden.Sickness: If a member of the teaching staff is off sick, please phone and e-mailChantal as early as possible so that cover can be arranged; she will then report thisto the Head of CELCA.Head of CELCAIf you have any HR queries, please contact the Head of CELCA. 22

BlackboardA staff folder has been set up for the programme on Blackboard which will includeuseful documents, templates, assessments etc.Staff to StudentTutorialsTutorials will generally be held weekly, on Thursday or Friday depending on theweek (some variation may occur); as you will see on the Scheme of Work, some willbe individual tutorials, while others may be group tutorials on areas identified by thetutors as needing attention and further work. These are opportunities to advise andguide students on their programmes of self-study, as well as post-assessmentadvice.E-mailPlease ensure that you provide your academic tutees with your Aston email address.Do not use personal email addresses and please refrain from giving students yourpersonal phone number.CELCA NoticeboardStudents will be able to refer to the CELCA noticeboard, and notices on the glasswall by the photocopier located on the 5th floor for a variety of information. Pleaseencourage them to check it.Programme Director (student and staff advisor) and DeputyStudents may make an appointment by email to see Chantal or Jacquie. In addition,office hours will be available for students to drop-in to see either Chantal or Jacquieif required. We try to encourage students to communicate freely with staff.Each class will elect a student representative, who will meet on a regular basis withthe student advisor. The role of the representatives is to pass on to teaching staffand the student advisor anything the students want to know about or would like todiscuss.Permissions for a short leave of absence must be discussed with the student advisorin advance. 23

If students need to return home during the Pre-sessional programme, they mustinform the student advisor BEFORE they leave the UK. They will need an‘authorised leave of absence’ letter from Aston University in order to re-enter the UK.BlackboardStudents should be encouraged to use Blackboard immediately as this will be aprimary communication tool in their future studies.ResourcesCELCA Resource BankYou will find a variety of teaching publications in the CELCA Book Bank which islocated in the cupboards in MB560E. You are free to use the materials there forreference. If you wish to take a book away to borrow, please let Chantal or Jacquieknow and be sure to return the book as soon as possible.CELCA WebpagesA number of links to useful electronic resources are available on the CELCAwebpages: http://www1.aston.ac.uk/lss/english/english-language-resources/Additional information found online may be useful to point out to students. 24

PhotocopyingYou can photocopy in CELCA reception area.The photocopier is activated by either your ID card or your Aston login.Please remember that there are strict copyright regulations that you are required toadhere to as a member of staff at Aston. Please ask if you are not sure. 25

Quality AssuranceThe Pre-sessional programme at Aston has been established for a number of yearsand has always excelled in delivering effective results. In 2013 the programme wasawarded BALEAP accreditation. The programme will be reassessed for accreditationin July 2018.In order to maintain high standards, a number of checks have been put in place inrecent times:  The programme has an external assessor who verifies the programme content, and assessment rigorously.  Teaching observation – please refer to the observation policy document provided before a scheduled observation.Aston Pre-sessional Social activitiesA number of trips and social events have been schedules during the programme.Please refer to the social programme schedule on BlackBoard. Tutors will be askedto encourage student participation and may be asked to get involved!Health and SafetyPlease refer to the Aston University Health and Safety Policy, and Aston UniversityFire Procedures, which can be found in the “Aston Pre-sessional, My Organisations”on Blackboard in “Staff documents” (Institution documents).PaymentPlease refer to your contract for further details. If you have any queries about yourpayment or contract, please see the Head of CELCA.[If you are required to submit a time sheet you MUST do this no later than the 1st dayof the subsequent month of teaching. Failure to do so may result in your pay beingdelayed. 26

Student Support servicesThe HubThe Hub brings together all Aston’s key student support departments to ensurestudents can get answers to their most frequent queries without having to go fromone part of the University to another. The Hub has an Advice Zone and a FinanceZone.Support departments accessed through The Hub Advice Zone include:  Counselling Service  Disability and Additional Needs Unit (DANU)  International Student Advisers for immigration advice  Registry  Visa Compliance  Student Advisers (for advice about academic issues, academic finance, income tax and council tax, housing and money advice)  Student Funds Administrator (for extra funding such as the Access to Learning Fund for UK students and the Susan Cadbury Fund for International and EU students)The Hub Advice Zone is also the place to collect University letters pre-ordered onMAP.Opening Hours in the Advice ZoneUndergraduate Term time: 9.30 am to 5 pm (10 am to 5 pm on Wednesdays)Undergraduate Vacations: 10 am to 4 pmThe Hub Finance Zone is the place to pay accommodation fees and tuition fees.Location:The Hub is located on the ground floor of the Main Building on the east side of theupper foyer.Contact details:Email: [email protected]: 0121 204 4007 27

International Student AdvisersThe University has specialist International Advisers to assist students with a range ofissues including immigration advice about student visas and work permits, culturaland social activities and English language support sessions.For more information contact the International Student Advisers by telephone: +44121 204 4567 or email: [email protected] or visit the website at:www1.aston.ac.uk/current-students/studentsupport/issu/Campus safetyCrime on the Aston University campus is very low (the lowest of any Midlandsuniversity) and our security measures and close-knit community atmosphere help tokeep it that way.Our team of fully trained security staff are always on hand to help ensure the safetyand security of the Aston community. Our campus is a safe and friendly placecovered by extensive CCTV and security patrols. We also enjoy excellent relationswith the local West Midlands Police, with officers covering the campus beat.The on-campus emergency (Internal) number is 2222. See the website:http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/security/. 28

Fire SafetyPlease refer to the Aston University Fire Procedures below. Also you must watch theshort fire safety video at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owvq6e9KJgA&feature=youtu.beIn case of fire: Do not use the lifts. Go to Car Park 12. 29

Who to orientate students to talk to if they have aquery or a problemAcademic matters (your work, your Academic Tutorlevel, our progress etc.); study adviceInformation or advice concerning the Programme Directors/ Student AdviserPre-sessional ProgrammeGeneral enquiries about the university, The Huband your welfareEnquiries about visas The HubEnquiries about accommodation The Accommodation OfficeStudent Complaint Procedure Student AdviserAlso see the following for information on:Aston Medical Centre:http://www.aston.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/parents/06suppfacilities/doctors/Welfare and Support advice:http://www.aston.ac.uk/study/accommodation/welfare-and-support/advice/Security & Emergencies:http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/security/Formal Complaints Procedure:http://www1.aston.ac.uk/registry/for-staff/a-to-z-of-registry-services/complaints-procedure/ 30

Useful NumbersInternal: External:Accommodation Office Health Centre, Boots, High Street0121 204 4707/4704/4722 0121 411 0363Credit Control National Express Coaches0121 204 4384 08705 808080Chaplaincy Birmingham International Airport0121 204 4277 08707 335511The Hub Rail Bookings0121 204 4007 08457 484950Security (Emergency) Visit BirminghamExternal 0121 359 2922 0121 202 5115Internal 2222 www.visitbirmingham.comStudents’ Union Live Brum (All Birmingham Events –0121 204 4848 Music, Theatre, Museums, Culture, Dance, Comedy) http://livebrum.co.uk/ 31