solent | student handbook 2015/16 - warsash

Your adventure starts here...Student Handbook 2015/16

2 Student Handbook 2015/16

Welcome 4 Finding your way around campus 5

What’s changed for 2015/16? 6

Changes in university structure 6

The schools 6

University jargon-buster 7

Enrolment/Registration for study 9 Enrolment – for new students 9

Registration – for continuing students 9

Course registration periods 10

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 11

Fraudulent claims 11

What you agree to 11

Enrolment statements 11

University regulations 11

Southampton Solent University Charter 11

Cadet Code of Conduct 12

Our ethics policy 12

Student attendance and participation monitoring 12

Council tax exemption certifi cates 13

Your campus card & online account 14 Your online account 14

Your account details 14

Accessing the student portal 14

Accessing myCourse (our virtual learning environment) 14

Calendar for the academic year 15 Your timetable 15

Understanding your timetable 15

Your student record 16 Updating your personal information 16

How we communicate with you 16

Medical conditions 17

Use of your personal data 17

Finding help 18 The academy student and business operations offi ce – your fi rst point of contact 18

Sponsorship 18

Pastoral care and recreational/sporting activities 18

The Students’ Union advice service 18

Academic support 19

Transferring course 20

Withdrawals/suspension and your tuition fee liability 20

Disability support 21

Financial support 22

Accommodation support 22

Faith issues 22

Counselling 22

Support for international students 22

References, qualifi cations and record of academic achievement 23

Getting a student reference 23

Getting your full record of academic achievement and professional qualifi cations 23

Useful services available to you 24 Students 1st specialist advice and support 24

The Students’ Union 24

Clubs and societies 25

Using the library 25

Developing your academic and research skills 26

Using IT systems and other learning resources 26

Careers, work and employability 26

Finding work or work experience 26

Improving employability 26

Volunteering 27

Freelancing or starting your own business 27

Solent Sport 27

ContentsContents

3http://portal.solent.ac.uk

Assessment essentials 28 Grade marking and the grade scale 28

Your results 29

Pass 29

Refer 29

Defer 30

Failed units and condonement 30

What you need to pass in order to progress 31

How your fi nal mark is calculated 31

How your work is assessed 31

Unit Assessment Boards, Progression and Awards Boards 31

External examiners 31

Assignment submissions 32 Deadlines 32

Late submission 32

Requesting an extension 32

Hard-copy assignments 32

Where to submit your hard-copy assignments 33

Online submissions 33

Turnitin – valid fi letypes and maximum size 33

Submissions via myCourse 33

Feedback on assessments 33

Assessment problems 34 Missing your exams 34

Requesting extensions to assessment deadlines 34

‘Extenuating circumstances’ – extensions due to major short-term impact on you 34

‘Special action’ – for issues not covered by ‘extenuating circumstances’ 35

Academic integrity and academic misconduct 36 What counts as academic misconduct? 36

What if I am found guilty of academic misconduct? 37

Academic appeals 38 What can be appealed? 38

Making an appeal 38

Appealing a withdrawal decision 38

Requesting an academic appeal review 38

Giving your feedback 39 Course representatives 39

Giving feedback on your units and course 39

Giving feedback on the University as a whole 39

The National Student Survey (NSS) 39

Student complaints 40

‘Speak up’ – confi dentiality and whistleblowing 40

Your academic diary 41


Welcome to Southampton Solent University – and to our existing students, welcome back. Whether this is your fi rst year or your fourth at the University, I hope 2015/16 delivers the perfect blend of academic study, hands-on practice and rich social experience you’re looking for.

We pride ourselves on being a diverse, dynamic and friendly university, and we make every effort to put you, our students, at the heart of everything we do. This handbook is a key part of that promise, designed to provide you with an overview of everything you might need to know about life at Solent – and most importantly, clear information on whom to contact when you need support or advice.

Additionally, the handbook contains an academic diary to help you keep track of lectures, tutorials and other important events. This year marks both the seventieth anniversary of Warsash Maritime Academy and the tenth year of Southampton Solent achieving university status, so there will be plenty going on – I hope you will have the chance to join in the celebrations.

Our new Spark building is due to open at East Park Terrace this academic year, providing brand-new teaching and study facilities, as well as an exciting new social and exhibition space for us all to enjoy in the form of the beautiful main atrium.

2015/16 is also the year we change from organising around three large faculties to having six smaller, more focused schools. For our new students, we hope you enjoy the more personal attention and subject-focused approach this new school structure allows us to provide. For our existing students at Warsash, however, the new structure should only have minor impact.

Whether you’re a new or existing student, if you are ever unsure what to do, your fi rst points of contact are the academy student and business operations offi ce and the student support offi ce Just drop in, give them a call or email, and they will direct you where you need to go. You can fi nd their contact details on pages 18 and 19.

For the moment, I recommend you read through this document and then keep it somewhere safe. While all the information here is also available online, this handbook is designed to help you fi nd what you need quickly and easily. You never know when you may need it.

All that remains is to wish you the very best of luck for the year ahead – may it bring all the opportunities you could hope for.

Professor Graham BaldwinVice-Chancellor

WelcomeWelcome


Welcome Section - Finding you way around

The map below shows the layout of the University’s Warsash campus.

Finding your way around campusFinding your way around campusFinding your way around campus


Changes in university structureFrom the start of the 2015/16 academic year, Solent is changing from three faculties (the Faculty of the Creative Industries, the Faculty of Business, Sport and Enterprise, and the Faculty of Maritime and Technology) to a six school structure. Warsash Maritime Academy is part of the new School of Maritime Science and Engineering, but students based at the Warsash campus will not be directly affected by the changes – although they will have access to the new services at East Park Terrace if required.

The schoolsAs of 2015, there are six academic schools at Southampton Solent University. Whichever course you’re studying, it will fall under one of these schools:

• The School of Business and Law

• The School of Art, Design and Fashion

• The School of Communications and Marketing

• The School of Maritime Science and Engineering – this includes Warsash Maritime Academy

• The School of Media, Arts and Technology

• The School of Sport, Health and Social Sciences

What’s changed for 2015/16?What’s changed for 2015/16?What’s changed for 2015/16?What’s changed for 2015/16?

If you visit our East Park Terrace campus, the construction of our fantastic new Spark building means the locations of some offi ces and services may have moved as a result. Essential locations like main reception, the Dock restaurant and the advice services at Students 1st will not move. There are no changes on Warsash campus.

The faculty enquiry points have been replaced with a single centralised student hub on the East Park Terrace campus, or the academy student and business operations offi ce on Warsash campus. You can fi nd more info on page 18.


Alumni – also called graduates, these are students who successfully completed their degree and graduated. Southampton Solent University has a thriving alumni association, which you’ll become a member of automatically when you graduate.

Certifi cate of Competency – this is your professional qualifi cation that will allow you to pursue your chosen sea going career.

Condonement of units – Under certain circumstances,some units failed as ‘marginal failure’ may be condoned as a ‘pass’ by the Progression and Award Board. Only a certain number of credits may be condoned. For more information, read the ‘Failed units and condonement’ section of this handbook (under ‘Your results’), and refer to the assessment regulations on the portal, in section 2 of the academic handbook: portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents/academic-handbook/

Further education – education following on from compulsory secondary school education – for example A-levels, BTEC, diplomas etc

Higher education – following on from further education, this involves study at a university or other institute of higher education – for example an undergraduate degree, higher national certifi cate (HNC), higher national diploma (HND) or foundation degree (Fd/FdSc/FdEng).

Hons – short for ‘honours’, this shows that you’ve passed all 360 credits from the complete number of units studied during your degree across all levels. All of Southampton Solent University’s undergraduate ‘bachelor’s’ degrees are honours degrees.

Ordinary degree – a degree passed without achieving the conditions required to gain ‘honours’, ie: where a student has been assessed in 360 credits and has passed at least 300 credits .

Portal – The student portal (portal.solent.ac.uk) is our internal website, designed to provide essential information to students and staff. www.solent.ac.uk is our external site, promoting the University to potential students – as a student most information you need will be on the portal, rather than the external site.

Postgraduate degrees – also called a master’s degree, these are higher-level qualifi cations which usually require you to have completed an undergraduate degree fi rst. Like undergraduate degrees (below), they are classifi ed by subject type: MEng, MA, MSc.

Programme specifi cation – each course has a programme specifi cation document, which lays out the course’s aims, intended learning outcomes, course structure and unit weightings (core and optional), and assessment methods.

You can fi nd the programme specifi cation for your course on myCourse, under the ‘Help and Support’ menu.

Top-up degree – These courses deliver 120 credits of study, allowing you to top-up an HND or foundation degree to a full honours degree.

Trailing units – those units you are resitting from a previous year/phase.

Continued...

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In this handbook, If you see a term in bold with a question mark icon in the margin, you can refer to this section to fi nd out what it means.

There’s a lot of terminology surrounding coming to university – here’s a quick guide to help you.

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Undergraduate degrees – a fi rst degree, also called a bachelor’s degree, these are classifi ed by subject type:

• BA – A Bachelor of Arts degree – covers business or creative courses.

• BEng – A Bachelor of Engineering degree – covers engineering-related courses.

• BSc – a Bachelor of Science degree – covers science-related courses.

• LLB – a Bachelor of Laws degree – covers law-related courses.

Units and credits – Each subject covered on your course is called a ‘unit’ and has credit points assigned to it (also known as CATS – Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme).

• An undergraduate honours degree usually contains units worth 360 credits.

• An HND or foundation degree (FdA/FdSc) has 240 credits attached to it.

• A taught postgraduate course (master’s level) has 180 credits attached to it.

Unit descriptors – each unit within a course has a unit descriptor, laying out in-depth information on your workload, areas of study, the teaching and assessment strategy, and the intended learning outcomes. Unit descriptors are available on myCourse under the ‘Help and Support’ menu.

Work placement (WkPl) – also called an industry placement or for Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) a sea phase, this involves taking a break from your campus-based studies to get hands-on experience in a relevant industry workplace.

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120 CATS points (one level of study) is equivalent to 60 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points.


Enrolment – for new students Enrolment for new students is a two stage process:

1. Online registration, which you should have completed before you arrived.

2. Qualifi cation checks (if required) and identity checks at the University.

If for some reason you haven’t completed these stages, please contact our course support team at the academy student and business operations offi ce (see page 18).

Registration – for continuing studentsIf you are at the beginning of your second and any further years/phases of study, you will need to have registered as a student for the coming year. Part of this process involves you checking and confi rming all details that are held on record for you, including contact details.

Until you have registered we are unable to inform any funding body that you are a student, and they will not make any loan payments until you have registered.

If you have not yet registered, please get in contact with our course support team – email [email protected] or visit the academy student and business operations offi ce.

Enrolment/Registration for studyEnrolment/Registration for studyEnrolment/Registration for studyEnrolment/Registration for study

You are also responsible for ensuring that any relevant fees or charges are paid, even if you are sponsored by an employer or other third party.

If you are taught off -campus, and there is no requirement for you to attend a session at the University at the start of your studies, you will be notifi ed of alternative arrangements.

If you owe the University money, you will not be able to register without the approval of the Director of Finance and Resources.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol (new students) and register (continuing students) on each course/level of study.

Enrolment/registration -Signing up



Course registration periods There is a maximum period of time you may be registered on your course of study. You must achieve your award within the following registration periods – this includes any periods of suspension:

For the award of Certifi cates of Competency awarded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a pass in academic awards (HNC, HND or FdSc/FdEng) remains valid for certifi cation purposes for a period of seven years only (as stated in Marine Guidance Note 8, Section 8. 2).

Course Standard course length Maximum period of registration

Foundation Degree Marine Operations (FdSc)

3 years 5 yearsFoundation Degree Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering (FdEng)

Foundation Degree Marine Engineering (FdEng)

Higher National Diploma Nautical Science

2 years 4 yearsHigher National Diploma Marine Engineering

Access to HE Nautical Science (NCFE) 1 year 1 year

Access to HE Marine Engineering (NCFE) 1 year 1 year

Higher National Certifi cate Nautical Science (Offi cer of the Watch (OOW)

1 year 3 yearsHigher National Diploma Nautical Science (Master/Chief Mates (MCM)

Chief Mates (CME) – (post-HND Nautical Science)

1 year 1 yearChief Mates (CME) – (post-Foundation Degree)

BSc (Hons) Marine Operations Management (Top-up)

2 years 4 yearsBEng (Hons) Marine Engineering and Management (Top-up)


Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Where you can show evidence of previous relevant certifi cated study or learning gained through experience, you may be able to count this towards the learning outcomes of a unit or course.

The learning outcomes for your course are available on the relevant programme specifi cation (see page 28) – you can fi nd this on myCourse, under the ‘Help and Support’ menu.

If you feel this might apply to you, you should contact your course leader.

It’s best to make a single claim at the beginning of your studies at Solent, before completing enrolment. However, you can make an RPL claim at the beginning of any academic year. All RPL claims must be submitted to the academy student and business operations offi ce no later than four weeks after teaching begins.

Fraudulent claims If at any time we receive evidence that you have made false claims about any aspect of your circumstances, the University will take action – this may include terminating your studies.

What you agree toEnrolment statementsWhen you enrol or register at the beginning of the year, you agree to follow Southampton Solent University’s policies, charter and regulations.

You can fi nd these at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents

University regulations The university regulations cover a wide range of issues, and are available in full on the portal. You should particularly be aware of the regulations on:

• Assessment.

• Attendance and participation requirements.

• Change of personal details.

• Personal conduct.

• Drugs and smoking policy.

• Use of information technology.

• Intellectual property rights.

• Fee payment.

• Safety and security.

• Transfer, suspension and withdrawal.

Southampton Solent University Charter The Southampton Solent Charter is a statement of the shared values that are important to the University community, including staff, students and the Students’ Union.

You can view the charter at solent.ac.uk/charter

Standard A-level or Advanced GNVQ entry qualifi cations will not be considered for RPL.

While your RPL claim is being considered, you should attend all scheduled lectures, seminars, tutorials etc for your existing course as normal.


Cadet Code of Conduct Offi cer Cadets studying at Warsash Maritime Academy are bound by the provisions of the code of conduct, which has the approval of sponsoring companies. The code of conduct is provided as part of your enrolment pack; you should ensure that you have read this code thoroughly.

Our ethics policy Some research or enterprise activities that you participate in may require ethical approval. It is the responsibility of the principal investigator (a nominated group member) to submit your proposal for ethical consideration to your supervisor, in the fi rst instance.

Your supervisor will give advice regarding the ethical issues involved with the proposed project, and advise if an ethics release can be self-certifi cated or whether the proposal needs to be submitted for a full ethical review.

For full details, visit the offi cial documents section of the portal at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents

Student attendance and participation monitoringWe expect you to attend and be punctual for every class, confi rming your attendance by passing your campus card across the card reader in every classroom (swiping).

We monitor student attendance and will contact you if your attendance is poor. This is to fi nd out if you have any problems that are stopping you attending, and if there is anything we can do to help.

Any Offi cer Cadet who is persistently late or absent will be subject to disciplinary action under the provisions of the Cadet Code of Conduct.

*If you do not actively participate in your studies, the University is obliged to notify third parties such as the Home Offi ce (for overseas students), your employer (for sponsored students), and any relevant student funding body.


Cadet code of conduct

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) requires a minimum of 80% attendance on academic courses that lead to MCA certifi cation. If your attendance falls below this level you may be asked to attend a formal meeting to discuss your academic future, and eventually you may be formally withdrawn from the University.

If you are experiencing any diffi culties which are impacting on your ability to attend and/or undertake assessments, there are lots of people who can support you. We want to help any way we can - please talk to your lecturers, or to the academy student and business operations offi ce (see page 18).


Unavoidable absence If you are going to be unavoidably absent from class you must email [email protected] to let us know, and if appropriate notify your training manager.

Council tax exemption certifi catesIf you are studying full-time and living in University residences (including on Warsash campus) you do not need to pay council tax. If you are a full-time student living in private accommodation and all the other residents in the property are also full-time students, you are also exempt – but you may need to provide an exemption certifi cate.

If we have your current address, the University will automatically notify the relevant council if you live in the following postal codes:

Southampton City Council: SO14 – SO19 Bournemouth Borough Council: BH1 – BH11

We may also be able to notify other local councils, such as Fareham and Portsmouth. Check with the course support team at the academy student and business operations offi ce to see if you need a council tax exemption certifi cate. If you do need to fi ll out an individual council tax exemption certifi cate, the academy student and business operations offi ce can provide a copy as well as help if you need it.

If we don't have your current address, we cannot correctly notify the council and you may receive a request for council tax payment. Please keep your contact details up to date via the portal to avoid this.

Depending on the length of study, students on some courses/phases of their cadetship may not be eligible for council tax exemption.


Your campus card & online accountYour campus card & online accountYour campus card & online account

Your campus cardNew students will receive a campus card free of charge after formally enrolling. Your lecturer will advise you when to collect your Campus Card.

The campus card is intended to last for the full duration of your course – keep it safe, and carry it with you at all times while on campus.

Your campus card has several uses:

• You use it to swipe in at timetabled events, registering your attendance.

• It allows access to the Mountbatten Library and our off-campus art and design studio.

• It enables you to borrow learning materials and equipment.

• It acts as your membership card for sport and recreation facilities.

• It assists with identifi cation and campus security.

Lost, stolen or faulty cards must be reported to the academy student and business operations offi ce as soon as possible. You can also get replacement cards, though there may be a charge of £5.

Your online accountYour Solent account allows access to all of the University’s online resources: email, information on the portal, course details, your student record, assignment submission tools, the digital library and more.

Your account detailsYour Solent username will normally be e-mailed to your personal email address before you start your studies. Your username is usually:

• The second digit of your student number (this is on letters we send you, as well as your campus card)

• The fi rst four letters of your family name

• The fi rst letter of your fi rst name

• The last two digits of your student number.

Your initial password is your date of birth in the format DDMMYY. You should change your password when you fi rst login and keep it secret.

Your university email address is your [email protected]

Example Name: Jane Trueman

Student no: 01234567 or Q01234567

Date of birth: 12 September 1994

Username: 1truej67

Password: 120994

Email: [email protected]

Accessing the student portalThe student portal has all the information you need about living and studying at Southampton Solent, including more detailed information about a lot of the subjects covered in this handbook.

You can fi nd the portal at portal.solent.ac.uk – use your Solent account details to log in.

Accessing myCourse (our virtual learning environment)myCourse is where you can fi nd online assignment submission tools, course details, extra information from your lecturers, and plenty of academic help and support.

You can access myCourse at mycourse.solent.ac.uk, or from the ‘Solent’ menu in the top right corner of the portal.

Your campus card/online account

Email is the main contact method we use to tell you about important information - so be sure to check your Solent email regularly.


Calendar for the academic year

Your timetable Your personal academic timetable includes taught sessions for any core and optional units that you are studying. Your timetable will be released the week before the start of each teaching period, and is available to view on noticeboards on the ground fl oor of the Admiral Jellicoe building, and on the portal (under ‘My Apps’, select ‘Timetable’).

You are advised to check your timetable online or on notice boards regularly as it may be subject to change.

If you have any clashes, concerns or questions regarding your individual timetable, please contact your course leader. Alternatively, talk to the timetabling offi cer on 023 8201 4279.

Understanding your timetable Each entry in your timetable includes the unit, the location and the member of teaching staff.

If you need help to interpret your timetable, talk to the timetabling offi cer on 023 8201 4279.

Calendar for the academic year Calendar for the academic year Calendar for the academic year

This handbook includes a diary for the academic year - please use as you see fi t.

Trailing units are not timetabled on your individual timetable.

Examination timetables are also available from the noticeboard on the ground fl oor of the Admiral Jellicoe building, and on the Warsash academy student and business operations offi ce myCourse page: mycourse.solent.ac.uk/warsash-campus

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Calendar for academic year - understanding your timetable


Your student record Your student record Your student record Your student record

Updating your personal information You can normally update information such as your addresses and contact details via the portal – select your name in the top right, then ‘edit my details’. If you need to make any changes to anything other than your address and contact details, or if you need help with making changes, please contact the course support team in the academy student and business operations offi ce.

How we communicate with you Email

You can access your email via the ‘Mail’ app on the student portal, or set up your account to forward university emails to your personal (non-Solent) email address.

For more information on email and account information, see your online account, page 14.

Please remember to keep the University informed of any changes in personal data (address, fi nancial sponsor, and so on).

Your Solent email address is the main way we will contact you with important information. It is vital you receive and read such emails, so check your email regularly.

If you are forwarding your Solent email and change your personal email address, don't forget to update your forwarding arrangements.

Communication


Letters

If your mailing address is a student residence, post will be placed in the pigeonholes in the Warsash Library.

If you are in a shared house, we recommend that you and your housemates agree a location where post will be left – check that place regularly.

Physical noticeboards and digital signage Notices and important information will be posted on the various digital screens around the campus, and on the notice board in the Moyana Building.

The student portal portal.solent.ac.uk

The student portal is home to all the information and services you need, from rules and regulations, event details and your student record to assignment submission tools, library services and student support information.

Your username and password are the same as for your email account – see your online account (page 14) for more information.

myCourse mycourse.solent.ac.uk

We may also provide information about your course and academic matters through myCourse, the University’s virtual learning environment.

Medical conditions If you have an ongoing medical condition, we strongly advise you to wear a medical bracelet or similar item. In an emergency, this will ensure that fi rst aiders or paramedics are immediately aware of your situation.

Use of your personal data When you fi rst enrol at Solent you will receive a statement specifying how your personal data will be stored and used by the University.

For more information, visit portal.solent.ac.uk/portal-apps/registration/data-protection-declaration.aspx or talk to staff at the academy student and business operations offi ce.

The noticeboard on the ground fl oor of the Admiral Jellicoe Building is used for publishing examination timetables.

Some courses may have specifi c additional data protection requirements - your lecturer should inform you of these, but if you have any questions then please contact the academy student and business operations offi ce.

If we need to send you physical letters or other post, we will send them to the mailing address you have given us on the student record system. Please keep this up to date.


Finding helpFinding help

The academy student and business operations offi ce – your fi rst point of contact The academy student and business operations offi ce, located on the ground fl oor of the Coastguards building, should be your fi rst point of contact if you have any course-related problems or queries, or if you are unsure which part of the University can help with a question or query.

On the East Park Terrace campus, you can contact/visit the student hub.

Sponsorship The cadet administrator is the fi rst point of contact and liaison with sponsoring companies and training managers. You can contact them on:

Tel: 023 8201 4286


Pastoral care and recreational/sporting activitiesThe cadet liaison offi cer can help with pastoral care, so if you have any personal concerns or worries, or are interested in setting up activities, you can contact them on:

Tel: 023 8201 4171


Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the professional support team in the academy student and business operations offi ce, or to the Students’ Union (see pages 18 & 24)

The Students’ Union advice serviceThe SU advice service operates separately from the University’s student hub (see page 24) and can provide you with an independent academic caseworker for:

• Extenuating circumstances

• Complaints

• Appeals

• Academic misconduct

• Signposting to external organisations

The advice service is located on the ground fl oor of the Students’ Union building on East Park Terrace campus, and provides free, impartial and confi dential advice on academic issues.

You can fi nd more information about support at portal.solent.ac.uk/support

During term time these services usually operate normal working hours. For out-of-hours support, contact Warsash main reception on 07740 924873.

Information on key professional support staff within the academy student and business operations offi ce is available via mycourse.solent.ac.uk/warsash-campus


Academic supportSucceed@solent is our online, interactive induction and skills development programme, which aims to help you settle into study, and give you the tools to achieve better grades.

The service can also help you develop key skills in writing effectively, researching, presentation and assessment, and help you with the rules around plagiarism and other kinds of academic misconduct.

Students at Warsash Maritime Academy can access this service via the Student Support Offi ce in room MY014.

Tel: 023 8201 4181


Finding help section -Student Hub



Transferring courseIf you want to change your course, fi rst discuss it with your course leader and the cadet administrator.

For any kind of change, you will need to complete the relevant form and return it to the academy student and business operations offi ce – this will ensure that your student record is updated if your request is authorised.

Transferring between coursesTo change courses you will need to fi nd out whether there are places available on the course you want to transfer to, and transferring can also affect your fees. For a transfer to be approved, you will need to have demonstrated good attendance and have no outstanding tuition fee debt.

You may also need to go through a recognition of prior learning (RPL) panel to ensure that your studies so far will enable you to meet the study or assessment requirements of the new course. If this isn’t the case, the RPL panel will determine whether you can catch up during the current academic year.

If it is not possible to catch up, then the RPL panel might suggest that you start the alternative course at a later date.

Withdrawals/suspension and your tuition fee liability If you are considering withdrawing from or suspending your studies, you should discuss this with your course leader or student achievement offi cer.

If after discussing the matter with your training manager, you decide to withdraw from your course or to suspend your studies, you must notify the academy student and business operations offi ce immediately in writing. If you are staying in one of the University’s student residences, please also inform student accommodation staff in writing.

If you suspend your studies or withdraw, you cannot access any university services/facilities. If you withdraw we will work out whether you are entitled to any interim award, and your student record will be closed down.

You must continue attending the course, designated on your timetable until your transfer is approved.

Suspending your studies is when you need to put your studies on hold for a short time. If you withdraw from your studies this means you are leaving the course and do not plan to return.

On withdrawal/suspension, you may be entitled to a repayment of some or all of your tuition fees. You can fi nd out more what you are entitled to at www.solent.ac.uk/tuition-fees.


Your withdrawal/suspension date is normally the date you notifi ed us in writing – this date will be used to calculate any fee repayment.

Disability supportOur Access Solent service offers disability, mental health and dyslexia support. You can talk to Access Solent via [email protected], 023 8201 3201, the student hub on East Park Terrace or the academy student and business operations offi ce.

You are encouraged to declare any: Learning support includes

• Specifi c learning diffi culties (eg dyslexia, dyspraxia).

• Chronic or long-term medical conditions.

• Physical or sensory impairments.

• Mental health conditions.

• Autistic spectrum declarations (eg Aspergers).

• Academic help, eg exam arrangements, dyslexia tutors, mentoring, note-takers.

• Individual assistance in the library.

• Confi dential advice and guidance with study problems.

• Liaison with other departments and organisations

• Help with assistive software/technology, and short-term loan of equipment.

• Screening and assessment.

• Help for students receiving a disabled student allowance.

Students studying at Warsash Maritime Academy who withdraw during a full year of study may not be eligible for a refund. For more information, please read the course fee and guidance notes, which are available from the academy student and business operations offi ce.

If you have not notifi ed us in writing of your intention to withdraw/suspend, you will remain liable for the full fee. Finding help



Financial supportOur student funding advisers can offer guidance on all aspects of student funding and debt, including student loans, state benefi ts and the Access to Learning Fund.

Visit the student support offi ce in room MY014, Warsash campus.

Accommodation supportIf you are having problems with private accommodation or your student residence, contact the Warsash accommodation offi ce.

Tel: 023 8201 5013


Faith issuesThe Chaplaincy provides support and people willing to listen in a place of confi dentiality and trust, regardless of your faith, or whether or not you have a faith.

At Warsash Maritime Academy the Solent Chaplaincy Quiet Room is situated on the fi rst fl oor of Drummond Building. The Chaplaincy is also able to provide information on local places of worship.

CounsellingOur counselling service provides various types of free support for students, including one-to-one counselling, group workshops and hypnotherapy – all provided by trained professionals.

Further information is available on the student portal, at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/health-wellbeing/counselling-mentalhealth/counselling.aspx

Support for international studentsIn addition to the support available at Warsash, our international team can provide advice and guidance on visa applications, Home Offi ce regulations, life in the UK and studying at Solent. You can contact them at [email protected], the student hub on East Park Terrace campus, or via the academy student and business operations offi ce at Warsash.

�nancial support

International support


References, qualifi cations and record of academic achievementGetting a student referenceIf you need a reference from the University during or after your studies, the Director of the School of Maritime Science and Engineering should be named as your referee.

Please email [email protected]

The University’s references follow a standard format, including:

• Course of study.

• Dates and duration of attendance.

• Academic profi le, including a results transcript for completed study.

• A generic statement of outcomes achieved from study, including transferable skills.

• A standard statement on honesty and integrity, unless this is not considered appropriate.

Getting your full record of academic achievement and professional qualifi cationsIf you wish to have a complete record of your academic achievement to date, please email the assessment and certifi cation team in the academy student and business operations offi ce, at [email protected]

If you require a more detailed personal reference from a member of staff , you will need to ask them in person. These references are not endorsed by the University, and cannot be on Solent headed paper or signed using the staff member's university title.


Useful services available to youUseful services available to youUseful services available to youUseful services available to you

The student support offi ce in Moyana Building (and at East Park Terrace the student hub, near the shop on the main Michael Andrews building concourse), offers a range of specialist advice and support services.

Students 1st specialist advice and supportStudents 1st offers specialist advice and support relating to personal and practical issues. All queries are dealt with in the strictest confi dence, and our advisers can also refer you to Students@Solent if a personal issue is affecting your academic studies.

The Students 1st team provides advice on a range of student life issues including health and wellbeing, University procedures relating to a complaint or disciplinary, and police liaison and personal safety. It can also arrange access to the following student specialist advice and support:

• Access Solent.

• Funding and money.

• International, including immigration and visas.

• Counselling and hypnotherapy.

• Chaplaincy, religion and belief.


Tel: 023 8201 3427

Facebook: Students 1st

The Students’ Union The Students’ Union is home to everything you could need to get the most out of your time at University. Led by students, for students, the union provides independent representation, academic support and the opportunity to take part in national student campaigns, societies and volunteering opportunities. On East Park Terrace the SU has a shop and bar, while its award-winning diner offers great food and drink at student-friendly prices.

Students on the Warsash campus are supported by the SU through the Warsash Maritime Academy Offi cer, an elected student volunteer who is responsible for representing issues facing Warsash students and encouraging participation in the Students’ Union. To get in touch with the WMA offi cer, email [email protected]

The Students’ Union shop operates outside the Mariners Bar once a fortnight selling Warsash branded social kit.

If you are having personal diffi culties, there are lots of ways Solent can help. Whatever the problem might be, please get in touch - the sooner you talk to us, the better we will be able to help.

You can also fi nd a lot of information on the services available to you on myCourse, under "Succeed@Solent".

Mariners bar


Clubs and societiesThe Students’ Union offers a huge range of student-run clubs and societies – take a look at solentsu.co.uk/societies for more.

Using the libraryThe libraries and learning resource centres at the University offer modern and spacious learning environments where you can study quietly or work in groups.

They combine access to print, online and visual materials for your research, computing facilities, equipment loans and a range of software. The website offers fast information access both on and off campus whenever you need it.

Staff at the library are available to answer your questions whether they are general, IT related or subject-specifi c, to provide support with learning skills and help you develop as an independent learner.

The Warsash learning resource centre is located on the fi rst fl oor of the library building, and includes PCs available for private study.

Printing is also available on a pay-per-print basis.

If you would like to set up your own society or club, you will need eight other signatures from interested students. Read the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Students' Union societies page or tweet @solentengage for more information.

For more information on library services access Succeed@Solent on myCourse, or visit portal.solent.ac.uk/library

Useful services - Library


Useful services available to youUseful services available to youUseful services available to youUseful services available to you

Developing your academic and research skills If you want to improve your skills with research, exams, coursework, organisation, referencing or other academic skills, the library can help provide support and training.

Using IT systems and other learning resources Our learning resource centres offer advice and training in using the computer systems. Drop-in sessions, training classes and one-to-one sessions are available.

Careers, work and employabilityIf you’re looking for work during university, advice with applying for jobs, or help after graduating, the University’s Employability and Enterprise service can help you develop the contacts, skills and confi dence you need.

For more information, visit www.portal.solent.ac.uk/careers

Finding work or work experienceThere are plenty of part-time jobs available in and around Southampton, and at the University.

Solent also has a strong focus on building practical experience, so your course will be able to offer plenty of opportunities for industry placements and work experience. Talk to your course leader to fi nd out what’s available.

Improving employabilityThe Employability and Enterprise service offers advice and support on getting a job, from creating a professional and targeted LinkedIn page and CV to drop-in support about making applications, mock interviews, meeting employers and promoting your abilities.

The employability and enterprise drop-in centre is based on the ground fl oor of the Mountbatten Library at East Park Terrace. For complex issues you can book a one-to-one guidance appointment – just email [email protected]

You can fi nd the Warsash learning resource centre on the fi rst fl oor of the library building. Under the "Employability" tab

on the student portal, visit the "Find a job" and "Work while studying" sections for more.

You will also have been automatically registered on "CareerBox", the Employability and Enterprise service's comprehensive page of careers information, links and resources. Find more information on your Mycourse homepage, or search for CareerBox.

Finding work/starting your own business


VolunteeringThe Students’ Union offers access to plenty of volunteering opportunities, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

You can also fi nd volunteer positions through the university careers pages on the portal.

www.portal.solent.ac.uk/careers

www.solentsu.co.uk/get-involved/volunteering/

Freelancing or starting your own businessIf you are interested in freelancing or starting up a business, Employability and Enterprise can also give you advice and guidance. Help, funding and support is available for entrepreneurial students. Take a look at the ‘Business start-up’ section of the ‘Careers’ tab on the student portal.

Solent SportThe University offers a huge range of sports clubs and activities, and the Warsash campus is home to our fantastic watersports centre . Visit room WW007 on the Warsash campus to fi nd out more, or call:

Solent Sport: 023 8201 4270

Watersports Centre: 023 8201 4298

sport-clubs and societies

Volunteering


Assessment essentialsAssessment essentialsAssessment essentials

All of the University’s courses operate under a common set of assessment regulations, which are reviewed annually. Any exceptions are detailed in the programme specifi cation for your course – you can fi nd this on myCourse.

Grade marking and the grade scaleThe University marks your assignments on a grade system, meaning that for some of your assessments you’ll get a letter grade (such as B2) rather than a percentage mark (65%).

Each assessed element within a unit will be awarded a grade, which will be entered into the student records system and combined (with weightings) to give a mark for the whole unit.

The grading criteria used for all courses are shown below:

This section provides an overview of the regulations - for full details, visit portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents or ask the academy student and business operations offi ce for advice.

Some assessments will be exempt from grade marking. If your unit has an exemption then details will be in the relevant unit descriptor.

* For generic grading descriptors broken down by level and skill, search our offi cial documents database (portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents) for “generic grade criteria”

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Generic grading criteria * Grade mark %

Exceptional in most/all aspects, substantially exceeding expectations for this levelA1 100

A2 92

Excellent quality, exceeding expectations for this level in many aspectsA3 83

A4 74

Meets all the intended learning outcomes and exceeds the threshold expectations for this level in several of them

B1 68

B2 65

B3 62

Meets all the intended learning outcomes and exceeds the threshold expectations for this level in some of them

C1 58

C2 55

C3 52

Meets all the intended learning outcomes at, but rarely exceeding, the threshold expectations for this level

D1 48

D2 45

D3 42

Fails to meet all of the intended learning outcomes and is marginally inadequate for this level

F1 35

Fails to meet all of the intended learning outcomes and is inadequate for this levelF2 20

F3 15

Submitted S 1

Non-submission N 0


Your results Any results you receive during the course of your studies are provisional until the relevant Boards have met. All assessments in all levels count.

PassThe academic pass mark for a unit is 40%.

For the award of your bachelor’s degree you must pass all 360 credits (or for a top-up degree, 120 credits) on your course. For these purposes, recognised prior learning (see page 11) counts as passed credit.

For the award of a foundation degree or a higher national diploma (HND) you must pass all 240 credits.

For a taught master’s degree, you must pass all 180 credits.

ReferRefer means that you have failed your coursework and/or exam, or did not submit/attend.

You will automatically have two reassessment attempts at each failed element where you have not passed the unit, unless you are required to repeat the level or have an academic misconduct penalty which does not allow you any further attempts.

Your marks for any examination resits or resubmitted coursework will be capped at 40%.

You will access your grades and unit marks on the portal via the Results app. (You can fi nd this under "Apps", top right).

Note that some professional bodies may have diff erent requirements. Talk to the academy student and business operations offi ce to make sure you understand your specifi c pass requirements.

If you are not assessed in (and do not pass) all of your units, you may not receive the full award you enrolled on.

If you are a student at Warsash Maritime Academy, you may not be able to view your marks online but you will receive a letter detailing your results.

You must submit work for all assessments in every unit and you must achieve a certain number of credit points overall - otherwise you might not be eligible for your award (degree etc). Graduating


Assessment essentialsAssessment essentialsAssessment essentials

To enable you to make good any failed assessments as early as possible, resits are held throughout the year for students based on the Warsash campus. Details will be provided by your lecturers or the assessments and certifi cation team based at Warsash.

The University charges for reassessments and for repeating a phase/level.

DeferDefer means that you have submitted and had accepted a claim for extenuating circumstances (see page 34).

Failed units and condonementWhere you have failed a unit but have a minimum mark of 30% in each element of assessment, the Progression and Award Board can condone the unit as a pass. A maximum of 20 credits can be condoned each year at Levels 3-6 (undergraduate level), and a maximum of 30 credits can be condoned at Level 7 (master’s level).

If you reach the fi nal level of your Bachelor’s Degree with a fi nal level average of 50% or more, and have a failed unit in your fi rst level, the Progression and Award Board can condone this unit as a pass in order for you to be able to achieve your degree.

If you are a student at Warsash Maritime Academy, failure to take/retake all elements of assessment at the next available opportunity may aff ect your MCA exemptions.

Where you have received a condoned pass the credits for that unit will be awarded but the mark will not be changed.

Condonement is only available under specifi c circumstances. For more information, speak to your lecturers or refer to the assessment regulations at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents/student-documents

If you deferred on your fi rst attempt at an assessment your marks will not be capped at 40%. Referred/deferred coursework and examinations are taken at the next available opportunity.

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What you need to pass in order to progressTo proceed to the next stage you can only carry a maximum of 20 credits still to be passed.

If you are referred in 60 credits or more at the end of the academic year, you will not be able to take any resits unless you have had extenuating circumstances accepted and have ‘defer’ results.

You will then be required to repeat the entire level, including attendance at lectures, tutorials etc.

How your fi nal mark is calculatedCalculation of your fi nal mark depends on the type of course. For full details, view the assessment regulations on the portal at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents, or visit the academy student and business operations offi ce.

For the full assessment regulations, check the portal at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents/student-documents

How your work is assessedExams and coursework are marked anonymously wherever possible, to make sure that the marking process is fair and impartial.

Unit Assessment Boards, and Progression and Awards BoardsThe University has two tiers of assessment board: Unit Assessment Boards and Progression and Awards Boards.

Unit Assessment Boards approve the marks for all students taking particular units. These take place three times per year, in January, June and October.

Progression and Awards Boards make decisions on issues such as condonement of units, progression between levels or award of qualifi cations, and normally meet after the Unit Assessment Boards in January, June and October.

External examiners External examiners on units are responsible for ensuring that the marking by internal examiners is accurate, consistent and fair to students, and confi rming academic standards for the unit based on a sample of student work.

External examiners on Progression and Awards Boards are responsible for confi rming academic standards at award level, and that awards are consistent with both University policy and any requirements of professional and statutory bodies.

You can only repeat one level during your entire named award (degree etc).

External examiners on units have the right to moderate the marks awarded by the internal examiners, but not to change any individual mark in isolation.

If one of your units has an exemption from this policy, you can fi nd the details in the relevant unit descriptors, available on myCourse.

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Assignment submissionsAssignment submissionsAssignment submissions

Once you have submitted an assignment you cannot update it, even before the deadline. If you do submit more than one version of your assignment, the fi rst submission will always be the one that is marked.

Deadlines

Late submissionFor fi rst assessment attempts, the assessment regulations allow you to submit an assignment up to fi ve working days late. Late submissions have an academic penalty applied, capping the mark at 40%.

For referral attempts there is no allowance for late submissions. Any referral assignment not submitted by the deadline will be treated as a non-submission and awarded a mark of zero.

Requesting an extensionSee the ‘Assessment problems’ section on page 34.

Hard-copy assignments

All assignments must have a formal cover sheet attached. These are available outside the student support offi ce and the Warsash library. Please make sure all copies of the cover sheet are legible.

When you hand in your assignment, it will normally be stamped with the date and time of submission. You will receive a receipt, which you should keep safe as proof of submission.

You can only submit your assignment for marking once.

Submission deadlines are strictly adhered to.

Please ensure that you keep a copy of (or back-up) all assignments that you submit, in case there are any problems. Failure to do this may result in you being asked to redo an assignment at the next available opportunity.

Any hard-copy assignments must be handed in by 4pm on the date of submission or they will be considered late. Allow plenty of time for queues at the hand-in point, and do not leave it until the last minute to submit. Check your assignment submission point for opening times.

Cadet code of conduct


Where to submit your hard-copy assignmentsWarsash Maritime Academy assignments should be submitted to the assessment and certifi cation team, located in the academy student and business operations offi ce in Coastguards Building. Assignments must not be handed to individual lecturers.

Online submissions

Most text–based assessments will be submitted electronically through the Turnitin system, via myCourse. Turnitin detects and reports on plagiarised work, and gives you the chance to check your references as you go. Feedback from your lecturers may be electronic or in hard-copy.

For full guidance on submitting assessments online, visit mycourse.solent.ac.uk/student-turnitin

Turnitin – valid fi letypes and maximum sizeTurnitin currently accepts the following fi le types: MS Word (.doc and .docx), PowerPoint (.pptx) WordPerfect (.wpd), PostScript (.eps), Portable Document Format (.pdf), HTML (.htm or .html), Rich Text (.rtf) and Plain Text (.txt). All fi les submitted to Turnitin must be text based and not exceed 20MB.

Submissions via myCourse When use of Turnitin is not appropriate, for example to submit video, images, projects or eportfolio fi les , you may be asked to upload assignments to myCourse. For more information, see mycourse.solent.ac.uk/mycourse-submissions

Feedback on assessments Feedback from your lecturers may be electronic or in hard-copy – this should normally be provided within 28 days of the date of submission.

Online submissions must be submitted by 10pm on the deadline date. This applies ONLY to assessments submitted online - see "Hard-copy assignments" on page 32 for details of hard-copy submission deadlines.

It can take several minutes (or even longer) to upload video or audio fi les. You should therefore leave plenty of time before the submission deadline, otherwise your assessment might not upload in time and will be considered late.

Uploading assessments does not happen instantaneously, especially when large numbers of students are using the system. Do not leave submission until the last minute, as your assessments might not upload until after the deadline time - meaning you miss the deadline and your assessment will be considered late.

Certain types of student work, such as physical objects, are not appropriate for handling through the usual submission point. In these cases a lecturer will be authorised to collect your work – if in doubt, speak to your course leader.


Assessment problems

Missing your exams

Exam information is available on myCourse, and on the notice board on the ground fl oor of the Admiral Jellicoe building.

Requesting extensions to assessment deadlines ‘Extenuating circumstances’ – extensions due to major short-term impact on youThe University operates a ‘fi t-to-study’ policy, which means that you are responsible for deciding that you are fi t to submit an assessment. If your circumstances prevent you from taking an assessment – for example, if you are too ill to sit an exam – you must apply for your circumstances to be taken into consideration as soon as possible.

All applications must be supported by documentary evidence. Full details of the University’s Extenuating Circumstances procedure, along with an application form, can be found on the portal at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents/extenuating-circumstances

If your submission for extenuating circumstances is accepted, you will be able to submit your assessment at any time up to fi ve working days after the submission deadline without any academic penalty.

If it is not possible for you to sit/submit the assessment within this timeframe you may be granted a ‘defer’ result which means that you will sit/submit the assessment at the next available opportunity.

Assessment problemsAssessment problems

You are responsible for making yourself aware of the date, time and venue of your examinations.

You cannot apply for an extension to an examination date, but you may be able to apply for extenuating circumstances. If you are unable to sit an examination, contact the academy student and business operations offi ce for advice.

If you miss an assessment deadline and your request for an extension or deferral is not accepted, the standard academic penalty for late submission will apply (a 40% cap on your mark, or being counted as a non-submission. See "late submission" on page 32).

If you think you may need to make an application, please contact the academy student and business operations offi ce for advice. Downtime of University computer networks for short periods, problems with IT equipment, high workload accommodation and travel problems, and "planned" events such as weddings or holidays will not be considered for "extenuating circumstances".


‘Special action’ – for issues not covered by ‘extenuating circumstances’If you need support for personal circumstances but are not eligible to claim under the criteria outlined under ’extenuating circumstances’, you may be able to apply for ‘special action’.

If you think you may need to make an application, please contact the academy student and business operations offi ce for advice.

Where special action is taken, work will have to be submitted in time for it to be assessed and the marks presented to the next Unit Assessment Board (see page 31).

For long-term circumstances affecting your academic progress, for example situations lasting longer than 20 working days, the University may recommend that you suspend your studies.


Academic integrity and academic misconduct

When you have completed your course, you want to be proud of your achievement and to know that you (and your fellow students) have gained your awards fairly and honestly. Employers will also look at the standard and integrity of our graduates.

As such, the University takes breaches of academic integrity very seriously.

What counts as academic misconduct? The following actions and behaviours are considered to be academic misconduct.

Plagiarism. Using someone else’s words, ideas, images etc without showing clearly what is your work and what is from other sources. You also need to provide suitable references.

Collusion. Working with others on individual assignments, or sharing your work with others. You can discuss your ideas and sources with other students, but writing up your work must be done independently.

If you write, sell or otherwise provide an assessment to another student, or lend or make your work publicly available (even by accident), then if the work is copied YOU will get into trouble as well. You are required to take adequate measures to ensure the security of your work.

Replication. Attempting to submit work that you have already used for assessment during your current course or any previous course of study (other than where reworking a failed assessment, where this is explicitly allowed by the brief). This includes cutting and pasting parts of the previous work.

Falsifi cation. Passing off someone else’s work as your own, inventing facts, graphs, data or quotes, or falsely claiming to have carried out research.

Taking unauthorised notes or devices into an examination. Notes in pencil cases, mobile phones or other electronic devices all constitute academic misconduct. Where your course allows you to take certain books or notes into an examination, make sure you know exactly what is allowed.

Academic integrity and academic misconduct Academic integrity and academic misconduct Academic integrity and academic misconduct Academic integrity and academic misconduct Academic integrity and academic misconduct Academic integrity and academic misconduct

Academic practices at Solent may be diff erent from those for your previous studies and cultures. Please familiarise yourself with Solent's rules, below.

If you are working in a public place or on a shared computer, make sure your work is password protected or otherwise secure. Never lend your work to anyone.

Considered a severe ethical breach on many courses, falsifi cation could jeopardise your whole career. Professions such as law will not allow entry to their professional bodies if such an accusation is proven.

Direct quotation (using exactly the same words) and paraphrasing (putting an idea into your own words) are acceptable as long as you show you are quoting someone else, and provide clear references.


Obtaining an unauthorised copy of an examination paper. If the accusation is proven, this could cause you to fail the entire level of your course, or be required to leave the University.

Communicating (or trying to communicate) with another student during an examination. Communication, attempting to observe or copy another student’s work, or attempting to show your answers to another student are all deemed academic misconduct.

Impersonation in relation to an examination. If you attempt to pass yourself off as another student or ask someone else to sit an examination for you, you may be withdrawn from the course.

Buying essays from a third party. Getting someone else to write your assignments for you is considered academic misconduct, and taken very seriously by the University.

Failing to meet ethics requirements. Failing to get ethics approval for an assignment or project which requires it, or breaking one of the approval conditions, is considered academic misconduct. Check with your lecturer if you are not sure.

Providing assessments for the purpose of academic misconduct. If you write, sell or otherwise provide an assessment to another student this is deemed academic misconduct.

Fraudulent extenuating circumstances claims. Submitting a false claim for extenuating circumstances is considered academic misconduct.

What if I am found guilty of academic misconduct? The University has a range of penalties available from failing the assessment or the whole unit through to failing the entire level of the course or being required to leave the University.

For more information, you can contact the academic misconduct offi cer.

Tel: 023 8201 3851

You are required to provide photo identifi cation at the beginning of every examination, and staff will be present to invigilate.

Academic integrity/misconduct - Plagiarism


Academic appeals

When you receive your formal results you may not always feel the decision is correct. If this is the case, you can appeal this with your academic school.

What can be appealed? You may appeal the decision of a Unit Assessment Board or Progression and Award Board where:

• New, relevant, written extenuating circumstances are presented, supported by appropriate evidence that (for good reason) was not originally made available and therefore was not considered at the time of the decision.

• You believe current approved policies and procedures were not followed, or there was some other assessment irregularity.

• There has been a signifi cant error in the recording, processing or calculation of assessments/results, for example, you believe that there has been a transcription error in the recording of your results.

You can also appeal a decision to withdraw you from studies on grounds of non-attendance.

Making an appealIf you wish to appeal your results, you must put your request in writing to the director of school c/o assessments and certifi cation team (email: [email protected]) within 10 days of the date of the results publication.

You should use the University’s academic appeal form, which you can download from your results page on the Student Portal (or get from the assessments and certifi cation team in the academy student and business operations offi ce). You need to state what your reasons are for appealing the decision of the Board and provide any relevant evidence.

You should normally receive an answer to your query within 10 working days.

Appealing a withdrawal decisionWhere a student is withdrawn by the school because of non-attendance, any appeal against that decision should be made in writing to the student assessment manager within 10 working days of the date of notifi cation of the withdrawal.

You should normally receive an answer to your query within 10 working days.

Requesting an academic appeal reviewIf your appeal isn’t resolved to your satisfaction, you can request an appeal review. This should be addressed to the head of student achievement, Academic Services.

The full appeals procedure can be found in the academic handbook, on the portal at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents/academic-handbook. If you need advice, talk to a student achievement offi cer or the Students’ Union.

Academic appealsAcademic appeals

You cannot appeal on the grounds of extenuating circumstances if you submitted the assessment or sat the examination.

You cannot ask for a review of your mark or grade just because you think it is worth more than the lecturer has given.


Giving your feedback

Your feedback is valuable to us. While it is not always possible to do exactly what is requested, we will always listen to what you have to say.

Course monitoring systems and surveys are also discussed at a high level within the University, such as at university committees (which include student representatives or Students’ Union sabbatical offi cers as full members).

If you would like to know more, talk to the student hub or the Students’ Union.

Course representativesThe students on each course at Solent elect course representatives, trained and supported by the Students’ Union, to act as their voice and provide a vital link between students and staff.

Giving feedback on your units and course • The Solent Unit Evaluation (SUE) is a short, online

survey we use to collect feedback from students at the end of every unit. You should receive this via email.

• Every year our yourCourse survey asks fi rst- and second-year students about their course. Like the SUE, this valuable feedback shows us where we are meeting your needs and where things could be improved. The results are published on the portal – see below.

• At the end of each academic year, we review each of our courses and produce an annual report – this contains a number of key educational performance measures and includes an analysis of student feedback, as well as an action plan for the forthcoming year.

The results are published on the portal – you can fi nd them at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents/student-survey-results.

Giving feedback on the University as a wholeThe National Student Survey (NSS)

Commissioned by the higher education funding bodies for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the annual NSS asks a sample of students, mostly fi nal-year undergraduates, to provide feedback on the following topics:

• Quality of teaching.

• Assessment and feedback.

• Academic support.

• Organisation and management.

• Learning resources.

• Personal development.

• Overall satisfaction.

NSS results are published through the Unistats website, and have a major impact on league table position and public perception of the University.

Giving your feedback Giving your feedback

You can see what action was taken as a result of student feedback on the portal, at portal.solent.ac.uk/campaigns/you-said-we-listened

Giving Feedback


Giving your feedback

Student complaintsWhere you have a problem or concern, we recommend you fi rst try to resolve the issue informally with the relevant member of staff, or visit the academy student and business operations offi ce for initial advice.

If this does not resolve the issue, you can raise a formal complaint through the student complaints procedure – for more information visit the portal at portal.solent.ac.uk/support/offi cial-documents/complaints-conduct

‘Speak up’ – confi dentiality and whistleblowing The student ‘speak up’ policy allows students to draw the University’s attention to serious matters of concern with the assurance of confi dentiality.

The ‘speak up’ policy covers ‘legitimate concerns over any matter which may be unlawful, which is contrary to university policies, or which negligently or knowingly amounts to unethical or improper behaviour’.

You can fi nd more information about whistleblowing on the portal, at portal.solent.ac.uk/documents/academic-services/academic-handbook/section-2/2w-students-speak-up-policy.pdf

Giving your feedback Giving your feedback

This is not about routine complaints or appeals, for which there are separate policies.


Your academic diary

This diary covers the coming academic year – please use it however you like.

And remember: if you have any problems or questions, we’re here to help. There are plenty of people you can talk to, offering advice and support on everything from academic problems to counselling to fi nance and accommodation.

Talk to

• Your lecturers

• The student support offi ce

• the Students’ Union

Enrolment/registration -Signing up

Your academic diaryYour academic diary


MONDAY : 24 August 2015MONDAY : 24 August 2015MONDAY : 24 August 2015MONDAY : 24 August 2015

WEDNESDAY : 26 August 2015WEDNESDAY : 26 August 2015WEDNESDAY : 26 August 2015WEDNESDAY : 26 August 2015

FRIDAY : 28 August 2015FRIDAY : 28 August 2015FRIDAY : 28 August 2015FRIDAY : 28 August 2015

TUESDAY : 25 August 2015TUESDAY : 25 August 2015TUESDAY : 25 August 2015TUESDAY : 25 August 2015

THURSDAY : 27 August 2015THURSDAY : 27 August 2015THURSDAY : 27 August 2015THURSDAY : 27 August 2015

SAT & SUN : 29 & 30 August 2015SAT & SUN : 29 & 30 August 2015SAT & SUN : 29 & 30 August 2015SAT & SUN : 29 & 30 August 2015SAT & SUN : 29 & 30 August 2015SAT & SUN : 29 & 30 August 2015


MONDAY : 31 August 2015 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 31 August 2015 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 31 August 2015 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 31 August 2015 Public Holiday (UK)

WEDNESDAY : 2 September 2015WEDNESDAY : 2 September 2015WEDNESDAY : 2 September 2015WEDNESDAY : 2 September 2015

FRIDAY : 4 September 2015FRIDAY : 4 September 2015FRIDAY : 4 September 2015FRIDAY : 4 September 2015

TUESDAY : 1 September 2015TUESDAY : 1 September 2015TUESDAY : 1 September 2015TUESDAY : 1 September 2015

THURSDAY : 3 September 2015THURSDAY : 3 September 2015THURSDAY : 3 September 2015THURSDAY : 3 September 2015

SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 September 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 September 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 September 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 September 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 September 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 September 2015


MONDAY : 7 September 2015MONDAY : 7 September 2015MONDAY : 7 September 2015MONDAY : 7 September 2015









FRIDAY : 2 October 2015FRIDAY : 2 October 2015FRIDAY : 2 October 2015FRIDAY : 2 October 2015


THURSDAY : 1 October 2015

SAT & SUN : 3 & 4 October 2015SAT & SUN : 3 & 4 October 2015SAT & SUN : 3 & 4 October 2015SAT & SUN : 3 & 4 October 2015SAT & SUN : 3 & 4 October 2015

THURSDAY : 1 October 2015THURSDAY : 1 October 2015THURSDAY : 1 October 2015


MONDAY : 5 October 2015MONDAY : 5 October 2015MONDAY : 5 October 2015MONDAY : 5 October 2015

WEDNESDAY : 7 October 2015WEDNESDAY : 7 October 2015WEDNESDAY : 7 October 2015WEDNESDAY : 7 October 2015


TUESDAY : 6 October 2015TUESDAY : 6 October 2015TUESDAY : 6 October 2015TUESDAY : 6 October 2015

THURSDAY : 8 October 2015THURSDAY : 8 October 2015THURSDAY : 8 October 2015THURSDAY : 8 October 2015

SAT & SUN : 10 & 11 October 2015SAT & SUN : 10 & 11 October 2015SAT & SUN : 10 & 11 October 2015SAT & SUN : 10 & 11 October 2015







SAT & SUN : 31 October & 1 November 2015SAT & SUN : 31 October & 1 November 2015SAT & SUN : 31 October & 1 November 2015SAT & SUN : 31 October & 1 November 2015SAT & SUN : 31 October & 1 November 2015


MONDAY : 2 November 2015MONDAY : 2 November 2015MONDAY : 2 November 2015MONDAY : 2 November 2015

WEDNESDAY : 4 November 2015WEDNESDAY : 4 November 2015WEDNESDAY : 4 November 2015WEDNESDAY : 4 November 2015

FRIDAY : 6 November 2015FRIDAY : 6 November 2015FRIDAY : 6 November 2015FRIDAY : 6 November 2015

TUESDAY : 3 November 2015TUESDAY : 3 November 2015TUESDAY : 3 November 2015TUESDAY : 3 November 2015

THURSDAY : 5 November 2015THURSDAY : 5 November 2015THURSDAY : 5 November 2015THURSDAY : 5 November 2015

SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 November 2015SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 November 2015SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 November 2015SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 November 2015SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 November 2015




FRIDAY :20 November 2015FRIDAY :20 November 2015FRIDAY :20 November 2015FRIDAY :20 November 2015





MONDAY :30 November 2015MONDAY :30 November 2015MONDAY :30 November 2015MONDAY :30 November 2015

WEDNESDAY : 2 December 2015WEDNESDAY : 2 December 2015WEDNESDAY : 2 December 2015WEDNESDAY : 2 December 2015

FRIDAY : 4 December 2015FRIDAY : 4 December 2015FRIDAY : 4 December 2015FRIDAY : 4 December 2015

TUESDAY : 1 December 2015TUESDAY : 1 December 2015TUESDAY : 1 December 2015TUESDAY : 1 December 2015

THURSDAY : 3 December 2015THURSDAY : 3 December 2015THURSDAY : 3 December 2015THURSDAY : 3 December 2015

SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 December 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 December 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 December 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 December 2015SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 December 2015


MONDAY : 7 December 2015MONDAY : 7 December 2015MONDAY : 7 December 2015MONDAY : 7 December 2015









FRIDAY : 25 December 2015 Christmas Day – Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 25 December 2015 Christmas Day – Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 25 December 2015 Christmas Day – Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 25 December 2015 Christmas Day – Public Holiday (UK)


THURSDAY : 24 December 2015 Christmas EveTHURSDAY : 24 December 2015 Christmas EveTHURSDAY : 24 December 2015 Christmas EveTHURSDAY : 24 December 2015 Christmas Eve

SAT & SUN : 26 & 27 December 2015 Boxing DaySAT & SUN : 26 & 27 December 2015 Boxing DaySAT & SUN : 26 & 27 December 2015 Boxing DaySAT & SUN : 26 & 27 December 2015 Boxing DaySAT & SUN : 26 & 27 December 2015 Boxing DaySAT & SUN : 26 & 27 December 2015 Boxing Day


MONDAY : 28 December 2015 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 28 December 2015 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 28 December 2015 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 28 December 2015 Public Holiday (UK)


FRIDAY : 1 January 2016 New Year’s Day – Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 1 January 2016 New Year’s Day – Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 1 January 2016 New Year’s Day – Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 1 January 2016 New Year’s Day – Public Holiday (UK)


THURSDAY : 31 December 2015 New Year’s EveTHURSDAY : 31 December 2015 New Year’s EveTHURSDAY : 31 December 2015 New Year’s EveTHURSDAY : 31 December 2015 New Year’s Eve

SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 January 2016


MONDAY : 4 January 2016 MONDAY : 4 January 2016 MONDAY : 4 January 2016 MONDAY : 4 January 2016

WEDNESDAY : 6 January 2016 WEDNESDAY : 6 January 2016 WEDNESDAY : 6 January 2016 WEDNESDAY : 6 January 2016

FRIDAY : 8 January 2016 FRIDAY : 8 January 2016 FRIDAY : 8 January 2016 FRIDAY : 8 January 2016

TUESDAY : 5 January 2016 TUESDAY : 5 January 2016 TUESDAY : 5 January 2016 TUESDAY : 5 January 2016

THURSDAY : 7 January 2016 THURSDAY : 7 January 2016 THURSDAY : 7 January 2016 THURSDAY : 7 January 2016








SAT & SUN : 16 & 17 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 16 & 17 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 16 & 17 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 16 & 17 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 16 & 17 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 16 & 17 January 2016 SAT & SUN : 16 & 17 January 2016


MONDAY : 1 February 2016MONDAY : 1 February 2016MONDAY : 1 February 2016MONDAY : 1 February 2016

WEDNESDAY : 3 February 2016WEDNESDAY : 3 February 2016WEDNESDAY : 3 February 2016WEDNESDAY : 3 February 2016

FRIDAY : 5 February 2016FRIDAY : 5 February 2016FRIDAY : 5 February 2016FRIDAY : 5 February 2016

TUESDAY : 2 February 2016TUESDAY : 2 February 2016TUESDAY : 2 February 2016TUESDAY : 2 February 2016

THURSDAY : 4 February 2016THURSDAY : 4 February 2016THURSDAY : 4 February 2016THURSDAY : 4 February 2016

SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 February 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 February 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 February 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 February 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 February 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 February 2016


MONDAY : 1 5 February 2016MONDAY : 1 5 February 2016MONDAY : 1 5 February 2016MONDAY : 1 5 February 2016








WEDNESDAY : 2 March 2016WEDNESDAY : 2 March 2016WEDNESDAY : 2 March 2016WEDNESDAY : 2 March 2016

FRIDAY : 4 March 2016FRIDAY : 4 March 2016FRIDAY : 4 March 2016FRIDAY : 4 March 2016

TUESDAY : 1 March 2016TUESDAY : 1 March 2016TUESDAY : 1 March 2016TUESDAY : 1 March 2016

THURSDAY : 3 March 2016THURSDAY : 3 March 2016THURSDAY : 3 March 2016THURSDAY : 3 March 2016

SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 March 2016SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 March 2016SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 March 2016SAT & SUN : 5 & 6 March 2016


MONDAY : 7 March 2016MONDAY : 7 March 2016MONDAY : 7 March 2016MONDAY : 7 March 2016





SAT & SUN : 12 & 13 March 2016SAT & SUN : 12 & 13 March 2016SAT & SUN : 12 & 13 March 2016SAT & SUN : 12 & 13 March 2016







SAT & SUN : 19 & 20 March 2016SAT & SUN : 19 & 20 March 2016SAT & SUN : 19 & 20 March 2016SAT & SUN : 19 & 20 March 2016SAT & SUN : 19 & 20 March 2016




FRIDAY : 25 March 2016 Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 25 March 2016 Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 25 March 2016 Public Holiday (UK)FRIDAY : 25 March 2016 Public Holiday (UK)



SAT & SUN : 26 & 27 March 2016SAT & SUN : 26 & 27 March 2016SAT & SUN : 26 & 27 March 2016SAT & SUN : 26 & 27 March 2016SAT & SUN : 26 & 27 March 2016


MONDAY : 28 March 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 28 March 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 28 March 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 28 March 2016 Public Holiday (UK)


FRIDAY : 1 April 2016FRIDAY : 1 April 2016FRIDAY : 1 April 2016FRIDAY : 1 April 2016



SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 April 2016SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 April 2016SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 April 2016SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 April 2016SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 April 2016


MONDAY : 4 April 2016MONDAY : 4 April 2016MONDAY : 4 April 2016MONDAY : 4 April 2016

WEDNESDAY : 6 April 2016WEDNESDAY : 6 April 2016WEDNESDAY : 6 April 2016WEDNESDAY : 6 April 2016


TUESDAY : 5 April 2016TUESDAY : 5 April 2016TUESDAY : 5 April 2016TUESDAY : 5 April 2016

THURSDAY : 7 April 2016THURSDAY : 7 April 2016THURSDAY : 7 April 2016THURSDAY : 7 April 2016








SAT & SUN : 23 & 24 April 2016SAT & SUN : 23 & 24 April 2016SAT & SUN : 23 & 24 April 2016SAT & SUN : 23 & 24 April 2016SAT & SUN : 23 & 24 April 2016SAT & SUN : 23 & 24 April 2016







SAT & SUN : 30 April & 1 May 2016SAT & SUN : 30 April & 1 May 2016SAT & SUN : 30 April & 1 May 2016SAT & SUN : 30 April & 1 May 2016SAT & SUN : 30 April & 1 May 2016SAT & SUN : 30 April & 1 May 2016


MONDAY : 2 May 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 2 May 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 2 May 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 2 May 2016 Public Holiday (UK)

WEDNESDAY : 4 May 2016WEDNESDAY : 4 May 2016WEDNESDAY : 4 May 2016WEDNESDAY : 4 May 2016

FRIDAY : 6 May 2016FRIDAY : 6 May 2016FRIDAY : 6 May 2016FRIDAY : 6 May 2016

TUESDAY : 3 May 2016TUESDAY : 3 May 2016TUESDAY : 3 May 2016TUESDAY : 3 May 2016

THURSDAY : 5 May 2016THURSDAY : 5 May 2016THURSDAY : 5 May 2016THURSDAY : 5 May 2016

SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 May 2016SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 May 2016SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 May 2016SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 May 2016SAT & SUN : 7 & 8 May 2016


MONDAY : 9 May 2016MONDAY : 9 May 2016MONDAY : 9 May 2016MONDAY : 9 May 2016







MONDAY : 30 May 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 30 May 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 30 May 2016 Public Holiday (UK)MONDAY : 30 May 2016 Public Holiday (UK)

WEDNESDAY : 1 June 2016WEDNESDAY : 1 June 2016WEDNESDAY : 1 June 2016WEDNESDAY : 1 June 2016

FRIDAY : 3 June 2016FRIDAY : 3 June 2016FRIDAY : 3 June 2016FRIDAY : 3 June 2016


THURSDAY : 2 June 2016THURSDAY : 2 June 2016THURSDAY : 2 June 2016THURSDAY : 2 June 2016

SAT & SUN : 4 & 5 June 2016SAT & SUN : 4 & 5 June 2016SAT & SUN : 4 & 5 June 2016SAT & SUN : 4 & 5 June 2016


MONDAY : 6 June 2016MONDAY : 6 June 2016MONDAY : 6 June 2016MONDAY : 6 June 2016



TUESDAY : 7 June 2016TUESDAY : 7 June 2016TUESDAY : 7 June 2016TUESDAY : 7 June 2016






FRIDAY : 1 July 2016FRIDAY : 1 July 2016FRIDAY : 1 July 2016FRIDAY : 1 July 2016



SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 July 2016SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 July 2016SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 July 2016SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 July 2016SAT & SUN : 2 & 3 July 2016


MONDAY : 4 July 2016MONDAY : 4 July 2016MONDAY : 4 July 2016MONDAY : 4 July 2016

WEDNESDAY : 6 July 2016WEDNESDAY : 6 July 2016WEDNESDAY : 6 July 2016WEDNESDAY : 6 July 2016


TUESDAY : 5 July 2016TUESDAY : 5 July 2016TUESDAY : 5 July 2016TUESDAY : 5 July 2016

THURSDAY : 7 July 2016THURSDAY : 7 July 2016THURSDAY : 7 July 2016THURSDAY : 7 July 2016



MONDAY : 1 August 2016MONDAY : 1 August 2016MONDAY : 1 August 2016MONDAY : 1 August 2016

WEDNESDAY : 3 August 2016WEDNESDAY : 3 August 2016WEDNESDAY : 3 August 2016WEDNESDAY : 3 August 2016

FRIDAY : 5 August 2016FRIDAY : 5 August 2016FRIDAY : 5 August 2016FRIDAY : 5 August 2016

TUESDAY : 2 August 2016TUESDAY : 2 August 2016TUESDAY : 2 August 2016TUESDAY : 2 August 2016

THURSDAY : 4 August 2016THURSDAY : 4 August 2016THURSDAY : 4 August 2016THURSDAY : 4 August 2016

SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 August 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 August 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 August 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 August 2016SAT & SUN : 6 & 7 August 2016


Notes Notes

The University believes that all information contained in this publication is correct at the time of print. If there are any inaccuracies these will be

reported to students at the earliest opportunity.

Southampton Solent UniversityEast Park Terrace

SouthamptonSO14 0YN

Tel: 023 8201 3000

www.solent.ac.uk

solent | student handbook 2015/16 - warsash

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