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Student Guide A-Z
This guide will take you through all the extra information you may need to know about the College. Click a title to be taken to the information you want to see, or scroll through the information from the top.
Absence
Please inform your Divisional Administrator (or Student Services on 01606 720750 if you receive EMA/ALG or a hardship grant) if you are absent for any reason. Your tutor will be notified. If a student is absent for 4 weeks without providing a valid reason the rules which govern our funding mean that we have to withdraw them from the course automatically.
Academic Appeals Procedure
Your tutors will take great care and effort to ensure that your work is assessed accurately and that you are awarded the grade it deserves. A sample of assessments are also double checked by another member of staff to ensure we are getting it right. There may, however be occasions when students do not agree with the grade for an individual assessment or a whole qualification, and in such situations they should use the College Academic Appeals Procedure.
Anxiety
Everyone gets anxious at times. Don't keep your problems to yourself. Whether it's family stress, money problems, ill health, or anything else, come and talk to one of our pastoral support team in Student Services.
Bicycles
As part of our green travel and healthy living policies we encourage cycling and walking. Cycle racks are available for securing your bicycle while at College
Bullying
The College has an anti-bullying policy. Bullying, whether physical, verbal or on line will not be tolerated at Mid Cheshire College.
If you are being bullied or intimidated in any way speak to your tutor, Student Services or any other member of staff and we will work with you to resolve the problem. If a student is seen to be bullying they will be dealt with through the student disciplinary procedure and also offered help to deal with the problem of their bullying behaviour.
Careers and Educational Advice
A comprehensive careers service is available in College, based at the back of the library at Hartford, but available on each campus. Our careers advisor can help you decide which career you want to follow by looking at your interests and abilities and also support you in finding out more about your options for more education, training or work after the course. For more information click here.
Childcare
For information on finding or funding childcare, click here, or contact Student Services 01606 720649.
Clubs and Societies
Information on clubs and societies is posted on notice boards around the College. If you are interested in setting one up, approach the Student Union or Student Services for support and to see if it can be funded.
Compliments, Complaints and Suggestions Procedure
We expect to give you a high quality service, and love to hear when we are getting things right, but also if you are unhappy in any way. Please drop us a line or an e-mail to reception, pick up a form available around the college, or use one of the suggestion boxes at College receptions.
Computer Facilities
Computers are available in the libraries on each campus and in the learning zone at Hartford for use for private study, They can be booked or you can simply drop in and use any computer which is free.
What you need for your course will be available on line in our Moodle virtual learning site, which you can also access from home.
Conduct
We have a code of conduct which we ask all students to abide by
1. Take responsibility for your learning by:
- attending all classes punctually.
- only taking time off when it is absolutely necessary (please don’t take holidays in term time).
- working to your full potential, completing work on time, and catching up with any work missed.
2. Behave at all times in an appropriate way, which includes:
- treating other students and staff in a courteous manner.
- respecting all individuals regardless of race, age, abilities, beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.
- presenting a positive and professional image when on educational visits, etc.
3. Do not use or bring onto college premises or college transport, alcohol or illegal drugs, or come in to college or on to college transport while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. This will be treated as a serious issue under the student disciplinary procedure.
4. Smoke in designated areas only. Students under 16 or those on school-linked programmes are not allowed to smoke.
5. Wear your ID card at all times.
6. Ensure the safety of everyone in the college by:
- following all safety rules.
- making sure that what you do does not put anyone else at risk.
- not bringing anything to college which could put others at risk.
7. Take care of college premises and property.
8. Follow all college rules, regulations and procedures.
Course Reps
Each course has a course rep who is elected during the first few weeks of the year. They are your link in to the Student Union. Your course rep will attend termly divisional meetings and an annual student conference to put your views forward and may also be nominated by the divisional meeting to attend termly Student Council (whole college) meetings.
Counselling
The College offers a confidential personal counselling service. If you have any worries that are causing you anxiety or concern you can discuss them in complete confidence with the Counsellor. Appointments can be made at student services. You can also e-mail the Counsellor at emort@midchesh.ac.uk or text her on 0799 077 8080.
Data Protection
(Data Protection Act 1998)
You will have signed a data protection declaration when you enrolled (printed on your enrolment form). If you would like a copy please ask at reception. You also need to be aware of the following:
1 You have an obligation to provide the College with accurate data regarding yourself, and to inform the College if any of it changes (e.g. address, marital status etc).
2 You have the right to access data held by the College. You can do this by completing a Student Data Request Form available from reception.
3 The College may release information about your successes to the local press.
Disciplinary Procedure
In the event of behaviour issues the following three stage procedure is followed.
Stage 1 – repeated minor issues
Stage 2 – more serious issues or failure to respond at stage 1
Stage 3 – gross misconduct or failure to respond at stage 2
At each stage students are entitled to be accompanied by a supporter and have a right of appeal.
Discounts
To access the full range of discounts negotiated by the National Union of Student nationally and internationally you will need to buy one of their NUS Extra Cards. For information on this go to www.nusextra.co.uk
Drugs and Alcohol
The college is keen to do all it can to help any student wishing to deal with a drugs or alcohol issue. Talk to the College Counsellor in confidence in the first instance for advice.
We do not, however, allow drugs or alcohol on college premises or on off-site activities. This is treated as a serious issue (gross misconduct) and drugs incidents will also be reported to the police.
The college operates a Drugs Awareness Programme, including a team of student peer drug educators. If you would be interested in contributing in this way, please give your details to Student Services.
For immediate confidential advice on drugs issues telephone:
National Drugs Helpline (24 hours)
0800 776600
DISC (Drug Intervention Service) Cheshire
Chester and Ellesmere Port Community Alcohol service
01244 347087
Alcoholics Anonymous
0161 236 6569
Or contact the Pastoral Co-ordinator for advice or information.
Duty Head
There is a nominated member of staff in charge at each campus whenever it is open. If you have any issues or concerns you feel they may be able to help with you can contact them through reception or on the telephone number displayed in the foyer of your campus.
Enrichment Activities
Part of your course will include enrichment activities. Information on these activities will be given at induction.
Equality and Diversity
Our Equality Policy stresses that anyone attending the College will be treated equally and will not be discriminated against on grounds of race, sexuality, disability, religion, age or gender.
If you feel that you are being discriminated against whilst at the College, discuss it with your tutor or the Student Services Manager, or use the Compliments, Complaints and Suggestions Procedure to raise the issue.
Every Child/Youth Matters
The College is a partner in contributing to the government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ initiative for students under 18. This aims to see every child and young person:
Be healthy
Stay safe
Enjoy and achieve
Make a positive contribution
Achieve economic well-being
Many of these aspects are covered in your course, particularly in tutorial
Faith
Christian Union
The Christian Union meets each week at a time to suit members. If you would like to be involved in the Christian Union please leave your name and e-mail or a contact number with Student Services. Alternatively, you can e-mail djames@midchesh.ac.uk
Other Faiths
If you wish to set up your own ‘faith’ group contact Student Services.
A room for quiet reflection and prayer can be accessed on request to Student Services or Reception.
Finance
If you have any queries or concerns about finance talk to Student Services, but the following is some basic information which might be useful.
Student Support Fund
This fund is to assist students in financial difficulty. Each case is considered individually. Awards can be made towards costs of course books and materials, uniform, educational visits, travel, childcare, and in cases of severe hardship, general living costs. Application forms are available on our website or from Student Services or seek advice from Student Services.
State Benefits
Usually you cannot study for more than 16 hours per week whilst receiving benefits. Contact Student Services for more information on this.
Fire
Fire evacuation drills are held periodically on each site. Green and white notices with arrows posted around College will inform you of your nearest evacuation route. Leave the building in an orderly manner as quickly as possible. Do not use the lifts. Do not re-enter the premises until told to do so.
First Aid
Emergency First Aid is available from qualified members of staff. Please see any member of staff for help with this.
Food and Drink
Our catering outlets on each campus offer a wide selection of reasonably priced, good quality food and drink. Healthy options are promoted and special dietary needs catered for.
Water bottles are allowed in classrooms (we encourage you to drink plenty of water), but otherwise food and drink can only be consumed in the canteens. Any spillage anywhere in the college should be reported immediately so that it can be cleared up.
Health and Safety
Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please play your part by:
reading and following all Health and Safety guidance and notices carefully.
following all instruction from staff.
never damaging or disabling any safety equipment or device.
behaving in a responsible and considerate manner at all times.
reporting any potential danger you see to a member of staff.
reporting any accident, no matter how small to a member of staff.
reporting any spillages of food and drink so that they can be cleaned up.
Health and Wellbeing
We are active in promoting health and wellbeing, through the services and activities we offer and through the tutorial curriculum. See our ‘Safe and Well’ pages for more information.
The College does not provide a medical service but please speak to the College Pastoral Co-ordinator and Counsellor in confidence if any health issues are worrying you or you need advice on how to get help.
Holidays
Students are asked not to take holidays in term time.
Identity Cards
These must be worn at all times. They are your passport to the Learning Zone, Libraries, workshops and all College sites. If you lose yours - report its loss to Student Services. New ones will be issued on payment of a £3.00 fee. If you are not wearing your ID card you can be asked to leave the premises.
Insurance
The College can not accept responsibility for any personal property. Any claims for loss or damage need to be pursued through your own "House Contents" policy.
Internet Rules
As a student you will have free access to our student intranet and the Internet. They are important sources of information, but in order to ensure that they are used responsibly we have a few simple and obvious rules that you will be asked to sign up to. If they are not followed access may need to be withdrawn.
Library Services
You’ll find the College libraries and the drop-in computer centre helpful places to study outside normal class times. There are books and other resources to support your course and help you get the best from your studies. You will also find helpful staff to support you in finding and using the information that you need. Click here for more information.
NUS (National Union of Students)
While the Student Representatives (see Student Union) are supporting your views they are helped by the NUS.
The NUS supports Student Unions by training Student Union officers and providing help through their term of office to improve your Union. They provide NUS cards, legal representation and also give financial advice to student unions. The NUS and your Student Union run campaigns and provide services to students. The student movement prides itself on its democracy and places the emphasis on student participation.
NUS Extra is a discount card that can be used nationwide. It gives access to student discounts and offers. The card costs £11 and can be purchased online or from the Student Union room (conservatory Hartford). For more information go to www.nusextra.co.uk or see Jenny White in Student Services.
The Student Executive can be contacted through Student Services. Look at the notice boards for updates and information.
National Union of Students
Second Floor, Cenrtro 3
Mandela Stree
London
NW1 0DU
Tel: 020 7380 6600
email nusuk@nus.org.uk
Website http://www.nus.org.uk
Parking
Please drive slowly and carefully through College campuses, following one-way systems and parking in designated spaces only. This helps keep access routes free for emergency and delivery vehicles and helps keep our campuses safe for all of us and particularly for school pupils and people with disabilities. Cars parked on the college premises are left at the owner’s risk.
Photocopying and Printing
Photocopying facilities are available in the Libraries at each site, and in the Learning Zone and Design Studios on the Hartford site. Copier credits can be purchased from the shop (Hartford) and at receptions.
Full-time students have access to 300 free prints on the student network. Further copies can be purchased from the Hartford shop or the libraries at Winsford and London Road.
Policies and Procedures
Much of what you do at college is covered by written policies and procedures. If you would like to see a copy of any of these please click here or ask at student services.
Protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults
The college is part of a network of support agencies committed to protecting people under 18 and adults with disabilities from all forms of abuse. If we become aware of any alleged abuse situations we will share this information with Social Services so that any help needed can be put in place.
Our College Counsellor is available to help all students with any issue, including those related to abuse.
Safe and Well
Your safety and wellbeing are important to us. If you have any concerns about this, inside or outside College, talk to any member of staff you feel comfortable approaching or contact our pastoral co-ordinator Elaine on:
Text: 0799 077 8080
Email: emort:midchesh.ac.uk
Security
Security cameras are situated at various points both inside and outside the College buildings, for your protection.
Sexual Health
A range of services including free condoms and Chlamydia testing are available in College. Look out for posters or contact Student Services for more information.
Shop
The shop is located in the foyer at Hartford and is open Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 2.30 pm. It sells a wide range of stationery items, art materials, computer items, photocopy cards and other general items, including stamps and greetings cards etc. Suggestions for other stock are always appreciated. Items are also on sale daily at the London Road Studios.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere within the College buildings and only in the designated smoking areas outside. Students under 16 or those on school-linked programmes are not allowed to smoke.
Smoking seriously damages your health and support is available through Student Services to quit.
Sports
Fitness suites are available at Hartford and Winsford and are free for students at lunchtimes. An induction needs to be completed with the fitness instructor before any equipment can be used.
A range of sports are available in the gym at Hartford at lunchtimes such as table tennis, basketball and badminton.
Student Ambassadors
There are many opportunities to help out across College by volunteering to become a Student Ambassador. Contact Jenny White in Student Services for more information.
Student Charter
The Charter lays out your rights and responsibilities as a student at the College. You should have received a copy when you applied but copies are also available on our website, from Student Services, or from reception points around the College.
Student Development Centre for Additional Support
A team of enthusiastic and well qualified tutors are available in class or in the Centres to help you to:
- develop your maths, English, IT and study skills
- compose CVs and personal statements
- plan and structure assignments and improve your grades.
The Student Development Centre also provides a range of specialist help - including dyslexia/dyscalculia assessment and support, communicators for hearing impaired students and equipment for visually impaired students. Student Development tutors are based in Room 132 of Hartford Campus, but can be accessed on each campus.
If you would like further information on the support available please contact Pam Ramduny, Room 132 (email pramduny@midchesh.ac.uk) for a confidential interview. All support for FE students is free.
Student Services
Student Services provides a wide range of support for students. Click here or pick up one of the leaflets around the college for more details. Just call in to discuss any enquiries or issues you may have or ring 01606 720504, or email asimpkin@midchesh.ac.uk
See Finance
Student Union
The Student Union is the VOICE of the students. Once at the College you automatically become a member. The Student Union is democratically run by students with support from the National Union of Students (see NUS) and Student Services staff, and it promotes the interests and well-being of the students. To help in the Student Union, become a course representative or stand for election to the Executive Committee.
For more information speak to your tutor or see Jenny White in Student Services.
Term Dates|
Start |
Finish |
|
First year full-time 5 September |
20 October |
|
Second year full–time All part-time First year HE 12 September |
20 October |
|
Second year HE 19 September |
20 October |
| 31 October | 16 December |
| 4 January | 10 February(staff training day 8 February – no daytime classes) |
| 20 February | 30 March |
| 16 April | 1 June (Bank Holiday 7 May)staff training day 15 May – (no daytime classes) |
| 11 June | 29 June (check with course tutor for finishing dates of individual courses) |
Transport
If you live more than 3 miles from college (or under 3 miles as well if you are using an Arriva bus) we offer subsidised bus passes, or if you meet our green travel criteria, travel grants.
For further advice, application forms or timetables click here or contact Tracey Ingham in Student Services on 01606 720750.
Higher Education students are not eligible for subsidised travel as an allowance for travel is included in your loan. You may apply to purchase a pass on a spare seat basis from your local transport office.
Tutorials
All students will be allocated a Personal Tutor. Full-time students have regular tutorials. The tutorial period is an important part of the course - you will benefit from the support of the group members as well as the tutor. Topics covered in these sessions include study skills, careers, CV/application form completion, lifestyle issues and individual progress reviews. You will also have the opportunity to discuss feedback and Student Union initiatives with your course representative.
Welfare Advice
Student Services provides information and advice to students on a range of welfare topics including the following:
- Welfare Benefits
- Grants
- Childcare Issues
- Health Issues
- Debt
- Drugs/Alcohol Abuse
- Harassment (including bullying)
- Legal Issues
Useful Telephone Numbers
Social Services 0300 1238123
(Emergency Duty Team) 01606 76611
DSS/Job Centre 0845 604 3719
Connexions (Cheshire & Warrington)
Northwich 01606 331515
Winsford 01606 862213
Northwich Police 01606 48000
Citizen's Advice Bureau
Northwich 01606 815268
Winsford 01606 596389
Samaritans 01606 43211
Relate (Marriage Guidance Council) 0300 100 1234
British Pregnancy Advice Service 0845 7304030
(BPAS) AIDS Relief Cheshire & District 01244 390300
Childline - Freephone 0800 1111
DISC (Drug Intervention Service Cheshire) 0151 348 5621
Cheshire Drug Service 01270 216118
Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Organisation 01270 587543
Winsford Youth Forum 01606 554649
Women’s Refuge (Aid) 01606 871523/01270 250390
Young Person's Sexual Health Clinic - Northwich 01606 544167
Young Person’s Sexual Health Clinic – Winsford 01606 556249
