This section contains information on how Perth College UHI manages the administration and progression of their students from admission to course completion, including student support services.
In some instances information will be exempt from disclosure where it contains personal information, or information which, if released, may substantially prejudice the commercial interests of any person, endanger the physical or mental health or the safety of an individual, substantially prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs, or constitute an actionable breach of confidence.
Recruitment and admissions
Perth College UHI believes that education is a right for all. With this in mind our recruitment and admissions procedures are designed to give access to clear information on courses, assistance and course choice, a standardised interview format and the provision of any additional support which may be required to enable a student to take up a course of study. Further information on our recruitment and admissions procedure is available on request. See also information on recruitment and admission to UHI Millennium Institute.
Fees and charges
Information on our tuition fees and associated charges for is available on request. Perth College UHI follows the UHI policy on overseas fees. A student must have three year's residency in the UK to qualify for home fees. This information is obtained from the enrolment form.
Funding is generally available for students on full-time courses, while other financial assistance may come from student loans and through our Hardship Fund. We also operate PASS (Part-time Assisted Studies Scheme) and Fee Waivers to help those who receive certain benefits to study part-time. Students are given a Financing Your Studies booklet when they discuss their application with a member of college staff. More information on all forms of finance is available on request.
Scholarships and bursaries
The College publishes a Further Education Bursaries Policy which is available in print format on request. The policy supports the aims of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council's and Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's joint corporate plan. These encompass the improvement of learning and skills in Scotland; fair access, participation and progression in and through further and higher education; and the creation and transfer of knowledge.
The policy stipulates the conditions of use of bursary funds allocated to colleges by SFEFC The bursary fund is cash-limited. Students who are eligible for support from this fund are not automatically entitled to this support.
Student scholarships are very important in helping to improve learning opportunities for people of all ages. The scholarship fund championed by Perth College UHI's Development Trust aims to encourage people to become students by contributing towards the costs of study, books equipment and travel.
Induction
A comprehensive induction programme is provided for students at both FE and HE level, incorporating Freshers' Fair and a range of induction talks and activities. All students receive a printed Induction Pack which they work through with their Student Adviser. By the end of this programme students will:
- Know other people on their course;
- Be able to find their way around the College;
- Know more about their course;
- Understand the appropriate examination body systems;
- Begin to explore specific study skills;
- Know their course timetable;
- Be familiar with key staff in their Faculty and across the College;
- Know what is expected in terms of their course and general College requirements;
- Have an opportunity to discuss their expectations;
- Clarify sources of support in College;
- Know where to go with questions.
In order to address the issues of retention and achievement for late-starts, and to help both full and part-time students adjust to College life, a series of Late Start induction sessions are offered up to the October Reading Week. These ensure that all students are given the opportunity to attend IT and library inductions and Students Services talks.
Examinations
The College follows the prescriptive guidelines laid down by the various examining bodies, such as City and Guilds or SQA. Information on arrangements for examination at HE level can be found in the UHI publication scheme. Students are advised of these arrangements prior to examinations by academic staff and at the commencement of the examination by invigilators.
Progression
The College's membership of UHI Millennium Institute means we can offer degrees in Computing, Aircraft Engineering, Popular Music Performance, Child and Youth Studies and Social Sciences. Students have the chance to progress from HNC to HND and then to degree level without having to move elsewhere. BA Child and Youth Studies is available on-line and can be studied flexibly at Perth College UHI or at any of our Learning Centres.
As well as our own advanced courses, we have close links with many of Scotland's universities and higher education institutions, including the Universities of Dundee, Abertay Dundee, Stirling, Heriot Watt, Napier, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Robert Gordon and the Open University. Successful HNC and HND students can often use their qualification from Perth College UHI to join the second or third year of a degree programme elsewhere.
Our Access programmes can help people who may not have thought about a university education to enter a degree programme after a year of successful study, and include: Nursing and Midwifery; Science, Technology and Health-Related; UHI. See our progression diagram for more information.
Learning support provision
Perth College UHI believes education is a right for all, so we make every effort to support students with learning difficulties and disabilities. Education and training on offer includes mainstream and social and vocational studies programmes. Our aim is to ensure that those who need additional support make the most of their time with us, so we encourage students to contact Student Services as early as possible.
Extended Learning Support (ELS) is available to all students who need it to follow their chosen course. ELS may comprise: adaptations of teaching, learning or assessment materials; provision of specialist equipment or teaching support; assisting those with a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia; provision of personal care; or access to and use of College facilities, Learning Centres and services. Anyone who receives additional support also gets a Personal Learning and Support Plan. This document is agreed jointly with the College and shows support measures which will be put in place. Regular monitoring sessions are set up between the student and a named member of staff and the Plan is reviewed and updated at these meetings.
Another service the College offers is Study Skills Support. During their course some students may find that there are gaps in their education that interfere with their ability to learn new subjects. Students with gaps in their English may find that written work is more difficult. If students don't have a basic knowledge of arithmetic and maths, they may find problems with numeracy-based subjects. For those who feel that some background study skills let them down, or who lack confidence in their study and learning skills, the college can offer support, regardless of the level of course. Study Skills Support can be given individually, in a group, or in a workshop. Self-study materials and a guide to on-line support materials are also available in the Learning Resources Centre.
Student welfare
Perth College UHI has a range of welfare and advice services available to students, the focus for which is Student Services. This unit provides information on money matters, including Hardship Funds, which are made available by the Government for students who are in financial difficulties.
Student Services staff can also assist with problems or questions about bursaries, EMA, fees or loans and are happy to talk to students about budgeting, debt management or understanding credit agreements. Sometimes students encounter personal difficulties or have health problems, such as anxiety or depression, that can affect their studies or their ability to cope with College life. Student Services staff are available to discuss issues in confidence and help students decide on appropriate support, which could include referral to a counsellor.
Careers services
A local Careers Adviser is in Perth College UHI several times a week. The College runs workshops and information sessions to help students prepare for their next steps in education or employment and brush up their job search skills. We can arrange other specialist workshops suitable for specific courses. Appointments for students in Learning Centres can be made through Learning Centre Managers. Careers materials are available in Student Services and the Learning Resource Centre.
Student records
All student records are held in accordance with the College's Data Protection Policy. This document includes information on how to make a subject access request.
Student discipline
The Disciplinary Code outlines types of behaviour that are not acceptable within the College and is highlighted to students at enrolment. Disciplinary action may be taken against those who breach the code. In summary, it is a breach of College discipline for any student to:
- Damage or steal any property belonging to the College, Students Association, staff member, fellow student or visitor on the College campus or attempt to defraud the College of any money.
- Abuse, threaten, assault or seriously endanger the health and safety of any person on the College campus.
- Possess, use or trade in, illegal drugs on any part of the College campus.
- Infringe any other published College regulation e.g. Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Networks.
- Interfere with the day-to-day running or business of the College or Students Association. This includes teaching, study, administration or recreational activities.
- Be under the influence of alcohol or other substance within the College to the extent that it is believed to be to the detriment of his/her appropriate response or behaviour. Any person found to be under the influence of alcohol or other substance will be asked to leave the College.
- Make use of any unfair means or practice deceit, or assist another student to behave in this way, during any College test, examination or in the carrying out of any assignment.
Students are also reminded that:
- Failure to attend College on a regular basis can result in withdrawal of funding.
- Tuition fees must be paid promptly where necessary.
- The College holds the right to withdraw a student from his/her course as a disciplinary measure. There is no need for a previous warning. A criminal conviction or other unacceptable behaviour outwith the College can also be seen as a serious breach of College discipline.
Student accommodation
Perth College UHI aims to help students find suitable places to stay locally through our accommodation register, which contains details of rooms in family homes, bedsits and flats.
Student complaints
Perth College UHI firmly believes that all complaints should be thoroughly investigated and dealt with as quickly as possible. The Complaints Procedure clearly identifies the people to whom both formal and informal complaints should be made. A new leaflet is available to students from the Students Association and at points around the College, which gives a brief guide to Comments and Suggestion. It explains key elements of the College Procedure with a view to helping to make Comments and Suggestions and Complaints as effective as possible. The Procedure is reproduced, in full, in the Handbook of Student Entitlement. Students can also seek guidance about making a complaint from Student Services Staff.
Student facilities
Students can find details of the services, facilities, policies and procedures which relate to them in the Handbook of Student Entitlement. Copies are kept in each College Faculty, Student Services, the Students Association Office, Student Records, the Study Centre, College Reception and Learning Centres and are available on request.
The following facilities are available to students:
The Study Centre in the Brahan Building houses an excellent range of resources and study facilities, including a Lecture Theatre, computing facilities, Learning Resources Centre (library), and Core Skills Workshops. Students may use some of these facilities as part of their course but can access the Learning Resources Centre at other times, including evenings.
The Learning Resources Centre is on the first floor, and contains a wide range of materials to help with study, including books, journals, newspapers, CD ROMs and videos. There is also a photocopier and laminating/binding facilities. A number of laptop computers are available for loan and can be used anywhere within the LRC and the top floor of the Study Centre, providing access to the Internet and electronic databases. There are study areas for groups, and a quiet study room for those who wish to work on their own. The LRC catalogue is computerised and students can search for materials on dedicated terminals at the issue desk.
Core Skills Workshops take place on the second floor of the Study Centre. Some courses are offered on a flexible basis and students are provided with all the course materials, instruction and support. Communication, Numeracy and IT skills plus Study Skills Support Drop-in Workshops are taught on this floor. Students are encouraged to visit the Centre as soon as possible. An initial induction should be arranged for each student by their Student Adviser.
Refectories are situated on the first floor of the Brahan Building and the ground floor of the Goodlyburn Building. Services include hot and cold beverages, snacks, confectionery and meals. The services are open before the start of classes each day and closing times will vary. Snacks and drinks are also on sale in the Brahan Refectory Shop.
There are public telephones at the Study Centre in the Brahan Building and next to the reception in the Goodlyburn Building.
The College runs a purpose-built nursery which provides an exciting and challenging environment for children aged 1-5. It is registered with the local council and the Care Commission, so is inspected regularly and run to very high standards. The children enjoy a wide range of activities with our friendly and professional staff, which help with learning, independence and a range of skills. As well as separate rooms for different ages, the building also features an all-weather outdoor play area and a large wooded garden, full of new activities.
Relationship with the Students Union/ Association
The legal and structural basis of the College's relationship with the Students' Association is defined by the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992. Further information can also be found in the Perth College Students' Association Constitution and Code of Practice.
Perth College UHI's Students' Association is run by students for students, and represents their views to the rest of the College and to outside agencies. The President, Vice President and Executive Team are all elected, and run social events, RAG (Raise And Give) Week, campaigns and raise awareness about health and welfare information and student issues.
The SRC (Student Representative Council) meets each month to discuss relevant issues and make decisions on behalf of every student. Students who are interested in joining the SRC can stand as rep for their class. Or, if they want to become more involved with the Students' Association as a whole, they can stand as a candidate in the Executive Team elections. Further information can be found in the Students' Association Class Representative Rough Guide.