Monday 7th June to Sunday 20th June 2021
Welcome to the Fourteenth Edition of our SELLL UG News, for a fortnightly round up compiled by Caroline Ede, with contributions from Professional Services (PS) colleagues in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.
This will be the last newsletter for a few weeks, but there will be a few monthly editions over the summer, with the next one planned for Monday 5th July 2021.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Online Meditation for Relaxation Sessions
The next session is on Tuesday 8th June 2021 at 13.15pm (30-40 mins).
SELLL PG Summer Conference (all students welcome)
We are pleased to announce that the SELLL PG Summer Conference will be going ahead this year from 2pm to 6pm on Thursday 10th of June via Zoom.
Although we are sure that everyone will miss the incentive of free alcohol and food, we would love for you to join us in listening to this year’s incredible panellists, as they discuss the theme of ‘Community’. Full details can be found on the attached programme; please book your place here.
We had many fantastic entries this year and extend a huge thanks to all those involved, staff and students. Feel free to bring a cuppa (or something stronger) to your laptop, as we explore class, isolation, trespassing, cyberspace, the convenience store, and what it means to belong to a community in 2021.
Please ensure that when you enter the conference you mute your microphone, so as not to create the equivalent effect of everyone in the room turning around and looking at you
PEC Deadline: end of Semester 2 – Board of Examiners’ discretion
As you are aware from previous University guidance and your Programme Handbook, all students are able to advise the Board of Examiners of any Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC) that may have affected their performance in their studies.
The Personal Extenuating Circumstances deadline is 12.00 noon on Tuesday, 15 June 2021, for submission of any circumstances affecting performance during the Semester 2 2020-21 academic year.
The SELLL blog answers any questions you might have on Board of Examiners PECs.
ACTIVITIES
Futures Festival – get involved in imagining & designing the future of our University
During the summer months we are also inviting you to participate in our Futures Festival which aims to bring students and colleagues together to innovate and influence the campus of the future. There will be a programme of events, workshops, talks and many other opportunities to engage with the discussion and feed into plans for the future of our University. More information can be found on our blogpost.
The Upcoming 2021/22 student academic year
COVID-19 has changed the way we all work and teach. We’ve been working together to reimagine and build on the learnings of the last year for the start of the 2021 academic year. Browse the webpages which set out the current plans for the 2021/22 academic year, including term dates and teaching and assessment arrangements and also the continuing student Covid-19 advice.
Improve your writing
For any students who would like some writing advice over the summer why not check out the free online service offered by the Royal Literary Fund in partnership with the British Library?
Study Skills for Summer Term from the Writing Development Centre (WDC)
The Summer term is all about assessment, whether its exams, assignments or dissertations. The Writing Development Centre is offering online sessions this term to help you do your best, whatever you’re working on. Our programme is open to all subjects and stages, and our student-centred approach is designed to respond to your needs.
To find out more and book any of these sessions, and our other provision, check out our website.
On-campus activities during the summer term – Be Connected
Whilst teaching for the majority of degree programmes will continue online for the remainder of the academic year, the easing of restrictions provides us with the opportunity to offer more extra-curricular opportunities on campus for those who are in the city.
We have created a webpage where we will set out details of the events and activities that will be available during the summer term. Please check here to find out what is on offer – more events and activities will be added over the coming weeks as Covid restrictions continue to ease.
Library summer opening hours
Our Library opening hours for the summer term have been released. To support students revising and studying on campus, the opening hours have been extended and the number of available study spaces has been increased. Bookable slots will be released in line with Covid-19 guidance, allowing for social distancing space. You can view these slots and opening hours here.
Reopening of the Sports & Fitness Centre
Our newly refurbished Sports & Fitness Centre reopened on 26 April 2021 and is free for students to use until 3 October 2021.
You must book all activities in advance online or via the app, you can do this up to 14 days in advance. You’ll need to bring your University smartcard for each visit and swipe in at our reception entry gates on arrival to avoid any no-show charges. Make sure you read our terms and conditions and our rules and regulations for using the facilities prior to your visit.
Return of the Walk & Talk events through the Newcastle University Chaplaincy
Walk and Talk is open to any student at Newcastle University, providing a great way to take a little time out from your work, enjoy some fresh air as we walk through one of our city centre parks and share in good conversation with others along the way.
Join with up to 5 others on a short (45mins) walk in the vicinity of the Newcastle University campus for an opportunity to meet new people and get some fresh air. Please click on the link above and then register to see a list of available options.
Give it a Go
Give It A Go is NUSU’s activity programme for ALL Newcastle students! Join in with Exercise classes; Live French Activity; Historical trip to York; Plant Pot Decorating; Surf Lesson; Social Badminton; Mystery Exercise Challenges; Picnic Lunch and more – there really is something for everyone.
Give It A Go is a great way to try something new, gain experiences and meet people. All the activities are delivered safely online this term meaning you can get involved from wherever you are!
SOCIAL MEDIA
INSTAGRAM, BLOGS & TWITTER – SELLL Student Leadership Programme
For exciting content from your Student Bloggers (Hattie, Leanna & Tom) make sure to follow the School’s Instagram account @NCL_English, where you’ll find loads of tips on how to engage in the SELLL community. Why not also check out the Student Bloggers recent posts on The SELLL Careers Blog? Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any internship opportunities or future posts. Did you know that the School has its own Twitter account too? Follow @NCL_English to see what we’re tweeting!
REMINDERS
SELLL School Office, Third Floor, Percy Building
The SELLL School Office is open Monday-Friday from 10am – 2pm.
SELLL Online Chat – Every Tuesday 10-12 & Thursday 2-4pm
If you have a question for the School Office and need a quick reply, you can log onto our twice weekly online chat service, through the Current Student Section on the website. To access the chat, scroll down and click on the Contact Us/Chat with Us icon on the right side.
Are you a current UG Stage 1 student, worried about finding a flatmate in Stage 2?
The ResLife Find a Flatmate Scheme is for single students who are looking to share private accommodation, and who wish to join with others to form a group. This service is available to all current first year registered students of Newcastle University. Any second year and above students should contact the Student Advice Centre in NUSU. More information is included on the above link and also to Sign up for one of the online events.
It’s never too late to get a Student Support Plan for extra help with your studies
If you need any extra help to support your studies, a Student Support Plan (SSP) can be drawn up for you with an Advisor from Student Health and Wellbeing. You can contact Student Wellbeing in person, by phone, or an online form, and the link gives all the information.
Alternatively, speak to your Personal Tutor/Senior Tutor and they can help you with this process.
When the SSP has been drawn up by Student Wellbeing, it is then sent to Caroline Ede, in the School Office, who circulates the SSP to your Module Leaders, Personal Tutor, Senior Tutor and DPD. As your modules change with each semester, your SSP is sent out for the beginning of every semester.
If you need to contact a member of the Professional Services Team in the School Office for any help with this process, please email caroline.ede@ncl.ac.uk
Student Health and Wellbeing Team
Wellbeing support is available from our Student Health and Wellbeing Teams who continue to offer one-to-one counselling appointments and wellbeing workshops.
SELLL has an anonymous suggestion box set up via the NCL App
SVC student reps are available to contact on the ncl app. There is also an anonymous online form if anyone would like to raise anything with the School, or Committee anonymously.
PEC Submissions – Just a reminder that if you are submitting a PEC for an extension or other adjustment, it must be accompanied by evidence, unless it comes within the exemptions for evidence for this year. Please see the guidance and policy for more information.
If you would like to discuss anything further or are not sure what constitutes evidence, please contact either your personal tutor, or Senior Tutor for Stage 1, Emily Murphy, or Senior Tutor for Stages 2 and 3, Martha Young-Scholten.
Library Services while you’re away from Campus – We know that many of you are studying and working away from campus in line with Government and University guidance in response to the national lockdown. The Library is still here to provide you with the information resources and support to help you study and research. From E-Books to Click and post please follow this link for more information on these services.
And to sign off with a random joke 😊
What is the longest word in the English Language?
‘Smiles’.
Because there is a mile between its first and last letters.
Thanks for Reading
From the Professional Services Staff in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics