Welcome to the Fifteenth Edition of our SELLL UG News for July, compiled by Caroline Ede, with contributions from Professional Services (PS) colleagues in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.  This is a special edition including dates for your diary and some useful reminders.  Also look out for our revamped monthly newsletter which will be coming soon.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest – streaming from 2 July to the 16^th July 2021
NUTS (NU Theatre Society) have collaborated with the national charity Acting for Others and the Sunderland Empire to develop a unique production of Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest (the acts of the play are interspersed with original content relating to the life of Wilde)that will be available through streaming from 2 July to the 16th July. Tickets are on sale now and all details are on the attached press release.

As Louisa Rimmer, a SELLL second-year student and President of NUTS says, “It is the biggest project that the society has ever executed, being directed, produced, filmed, edited, acted, and marketed all by Newcastle University students, in an effort to raise as much money as possible, so I would be so grateful, along with the rest of the society, if you fancied buying a ticket or sharing the event with anybody who you think might enjoy it!”

Graduate Photography Events – 16^th July 2021
If you have signed up for one of these events, just a reminder that the timeslot allocated for all SELLL programmes is Friday 16^th July 2021 from 9am-1pm and further information is provided on this link.

GIVE IT A GO Summer 2021
This year has been like no other, but the Give It A Go team has continued to come up trumps with a fun and action-packed programme and we’ve seen some great activities along the way! We’ve tried our hand at Zoomba Zumba, live virtual experiences with Kielder Observatory, online exercise classes and enjoyed the return to in-person activities like surfing! But it’s not over yet, we still have some Fun Activities and Exciting Tours coming up with Give It A Go this summer

Fun Activities – Tune into our Instagram and Facebook accounts where we’ll be posting regular activities for you to be involved in. From exercise classes you can do in your own time, to craft tutorials, language lessons, and summer baking ideas – we’d love to see you involved!

Exciting Tours – Our fantastic tour partners Lundgren Tours are delivering a fun summer programme to visit our favourite places in Northumberland and beyond! These are always great experiences and an opportunity to visit beautiful places, whilst learning all about them.

Continue reading “SELLL UG Monthly News 15 – July 2021”

Monday 7^th June to Sunday 20^th 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 5^th July 2021.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

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 10^th 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!

Continue reading “SELLL UG Fortnightly News 14”

Monday 24^th May to Sunday 6^th June 2021

Welcome to the Thirteenth 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. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SELLL School Office, Third Floor, Percy Building
The SELLL School Office is now open Monday-Friday from 10am – 2pm.

Weekly newsletter from the Chaplaincy Service
If you are interested in reading the weekly newsletter from the Chaplaincy Service for the University community, for w/c Monday 24^th May 2021.

Apply to be a Peer Mentor – today (24^th) is the last day to apply
As Peer Mentor training will be taking place online, we’ve decided to extend the application deadline until 24th May, 4pm. If you have any questions about the programme, and whether it’s right for you, please email english@ncl.ac.uk.

To apply to be a Peer Mentor, simply fill in this online form. 

You can find more information about the programme, what’s involved and why YOU should take part, on Canvas.

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 where you can also register for the opening event on Tuesday 25 May.

Module Choice Information is closing soon
The deadline to submit your module choices will be Wednesday 26th May by 8pm.

On the 18th and 19th of May, S3P opened for undergraduate Module Choices. This means that all students in stages 1 or 2 will need to submit their module choices for next year. Students on their year abroad or on placement will also need to submit their module choices at this time.

We’ve compiled lots of information in Canvas to help you make your module choices. We will also be releasing module videos to give you more information on some of the modules available to you next year within the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.

There is quite a lot of information to process – including programme regulations and module pre-requisites – so please do take your time reading through the information. If you have any questions about the process, please do get in touch with the relevant Module Choice contact. 

Online Meditation for Relaxation Sessions
The next session is on Thursday 27^th May at 1.15pm (30-40 mins).

ACTIVITIES

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.

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; Paella Cook Along; Yoga; Mystery Exercise Challenge; Pot Luck Picnic; Day Trips;  Arts in the Park; Language classes 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

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 some random weather jokes 😊

Why is the sun so smart?

It has over 5,000 degrees.

If six children and two dogs were under an umbrella, how come none of them got wet?

Because it wasn’t raining.

What did one raindrop say to the other?

“Two’s company.  Three’s a cloud”.

Thanks for Reading

From the Professional Services Staff in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics

Monday 10^th May to Sunday 23^rd May 2021

Welcome to the Twelfth 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. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Online Meditation for Relaxation Sessions
The next session is on Tuesday 11^th May at 1.15pm (30-40 mins)

NCLA’s Spring and Summer Events Programme continues on Thursday 13th May with Jon McGregor in conversation with Rachel Hewitt about his latest novel ‘Lean, Fall, Stand.’ The event will run from 7pm to 8pm via Zoom and is free to attend, but please book your place to receive YouTube details.

The NCLA: James Berry Poetry Prize is the first national poetry prize to offer both mentoring and publication! The James Berry Poetry Prize will assist young and/or emerging poets of colour with mentoring to help them develop their work, followed by publication of their debut book-length collection with Bloodaxe Books.

SELLL Creative Writers of Instagram is closing soon
Are you interested in having your creative writing published on the School’s Instagram page? Our student leaders are now accepting applications for the second edition of their SELLL Creative Writing showcase. Head over to the School’s Instagram page to find out how to enter, and to read some poetry by first year SELLL students Josh and Diya. Deadline to submit is Wednesday 19^th May.

Module Choice Information opening soon
On the 18th and 19th of May, S3P will open for undergraduate Module Choices. This means that all students in stages 1 or 2 will need to submit their module choices for next year. Students on their year abroad or on placement will also need to submit their module choices at this time.

We’ve compiled lots of information in Canvas to help you make your module choices. We will also be releasing module videos to give you more information on some of the modules available to you next year within the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. 

There is quite a lot of information to process – including programme regulations and module pre-requisites – so please do take your time reading through the information. If you have any questions about the process, please do get in touch with the relevant Module Choice contact. 

The deadline to submit your module choices will be 26th May by 8pm.

Apply to be a Peer Mentor
As Peer Mentor training will be taking place online, we’ve decided to extend the application deadline until 24th May, 4pm. If you have any questions about the programme, and whether it’s right for you, please email english@ncl.ac.uk.

To apply to be a Peer Mentor, simply fill in this online form. 

You can find more information about the programme, what’s involved and why YOU should take part, on Canvas.

ACTIVITIES

Participants for Research Study Needed
My name is Andreas Krug and I am a PhD student at Newcastle University.

To conduct my studies, I need native Tynesiders to take part in my online study on the comprehension of sentences and short stories.

The study contains five tasks: a headphone check, a decision task, a memory task, a matching task and a transcription task. You will also provide some demographic information.

The study should take no longer than 45 minutes and you will receive a £7.50 Amazon voucher for your participation.  If you are interested, please fill in this form to sign up for the study: https://forms.ncl.ac.uk/view.php?id=11203986 .

Study Skills for Summer Term from the Writing Development Centre (WDC)
The Summer term is all about assessment, whether it’s 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

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.

On-campus activities during the summer term
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. 

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; Paella Cook Along; Yoga; Craft Social; Picnic Lunch in Leazes Park; Zoomba Zumba; Virtual Book Swap; Virtual Harry Potter Tour of Alnwick Castle; Language classes 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!

Continue reading “SELLL UG Fortnightly News 12”

Monday 26^th April to Sunday 9^th May 2021 and Welcome Back

Welcome to the Eleventh 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. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Weekly newsletter from the Chaplaincy Service
If you are interested in reading the weekly newsletter from the Chaplaincy Service for the University community, for w/c Monday 26^th April 2021.

Mental Health in 20^th Century Literature Reading Group
The next session on Mental Health in 20th Century Literature will take place on Tuesday 27th April from 5-6pm! We will be having a chat about the first chapter of James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room.

Everyone is welcome, so please feel free to come along even if you haven’t been to any of the previous sessions.  With deadlines coming up, it’s also fine to come along just to listen to other people’s ideas if you don’t have time to read the extract too! For the extract and zoom link, please email m.stevenson1@newcastle.ac.uk

 Online Meditation for Relaxation Sessions
The next session is on Wednesday 28^th April at 1.15pm (30-40 mins)

SELLL CV Workshop
On Wednesday 5^th May, 2-3pm, we’re hosting a SELLL CV Workshop, open to all School of English undergraduates and PGTs. 
This one-hour webinar is designed to help you create a CV that showcases everything you – as a student of English Literature, Language and/or Linguistics – have to offer. It aims to address the following:

1. What does an effective CV look like?
2. What skills/attributes have I developed on my degree and how can I present them on my CV?
3. How should I present my extra-curricular experience, including any part-time jobs?
4. What are recruiters looking for when they read a CV?
5. Anything else you’d like to ask on the subject!

Reserve your space by filling in this online form.  Zoom details to be distributed closer to the time.

NCLA’s Spring and Summer Events Programme continues on Thursday 6th May with Niven Govinden in conversation with SELLL’s Preti Taneja about his novel ‘Diary of a Film.’ The event will run from 7pm to 8pm via Zoom and is free to attend, but please book your place to receive YouTube details.

NCLA: James Berry Poetry Prize
The first national poetry prize to offer both mentoring and publication! The James Berry Poetry Prize will assist young and/or emerging poets of colour with mentoring to help them develop their work, followed by publication of their debut book-length collection with Bloodaxe Books.

Applications for the Student Leadership Programme 2021-22 are closing soon!
Are you passionate about SELLL? Looking for paid work experience that fits around your studies? Then we want to hear from you! To find out more, and apply, please check out our news item.

The deadline for applications is: Friday 7th May at 4pm. Please send any questions to english@newcastle.ac.uk

SELLL Creative Writers of Instagram
Are you interested in having your creative writing published on the School’s Instagram page? Our student leaders are now accepting applications for the second edition of their SELLL Creative Writing showcase. Head over to the School’s Instagram page to find out how to enter, and to read some poetry by first year SELLL students Josh and Diya. Deadline to submit is Wednesday 19^th May.

Module Choice Information
On the 18th and 19th of May, S3P will open for undergraduate Module Choices. This means that all students in stages 1 or 2 will need to submit their module choices for next year. Students on their year abroad or on placement will also need to submit their module choices at this time.

We’ve compiled lots of information in Canvas to help you make your module choices. We will also be releasing module videos to give you more information on some of the modules available to you next year within the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. 

There is quite a lot of information to process – including programme regulations and module pre-requisites – so please do take your time reading through the information. If you have any questions about the process, please do get in touch with the relevant Module Choice contact. 

The deadline to submit your module choices will be 26th May by 8pm.

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; World Food Quiz; Yoga; Craft Social; Virtual Book Swap; Virtual Harry Potter Tour of Alnwick Castle; Language classes 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!

Continue reading “SELLL UG Fortnightly News 11”

Monday 29^th March to Sunday 25^th April 2021 and Happy Easter

Welcome to the Tenth Edition of our SELLL UG News and an extra edition over the University Easter Holidays with some Updates and Reminders.  Compiled by Caroline Ede, with contributions from Professional Services (PS) colleagues in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

University Easter Holidays
Monday 29^th March to Sunday 25^th April – returning on Monday 26^th April 2021
Good Friday – 2^nd April 2021
Easter Sunday – 4^th April 2021

Online Meditation for Relaxation Sessions
Next sessions are Wednesday 31^st March at 1.15pm (30-40 mins) and Friday 16^th April at 1.15pm (30-40 mins).
On the link, scroll down the page for the March Meditation session and how to join and the April session is at the top of the link.

SELLL CV Workshop
On Wednesday 5th May, 2-3pm, we’re hosting a SELLL CV Workshop, open to all School of English undergraduates and PGTs. 
This one-hour webinar is designed to help you create a CV that showcases everything you – as a student of English Literature, Language and/or Linguistics – have to offer. It aims to address the following:

• What does an effective CV look like?
• What skills/attributes have I developed on my degree and how can I present them on my CV?
• How should I present my extra-curricular experience, including any part-time jobs?
• What are recruiters looking for when they read a CV?
• Anything else you’d like to ask on the subject!

Reserve your space by filling in this online form.  Zoom details to be distributed closer to the time.

Applications for the Student Leadership Programme 2021-22 are now open!
Are you passionate about SELLL? Looking for paid work experience that fits around your studies? Then we want to hear from you! 
To find out more please check out our news item here and to apply please complete the application form at the end of the link.

The deadline for applications is: Friday 7th May at 4pm Please send any questions to english@newcastle.ac.uk

Give It A Go
Give It A Go is NUSU’s activity programme for ALL Newcastle students!  Check out the online activities throughout the Easter holidays including Multinational Speed Friending; Exercises classes; Guitar lessons; Baking Tutorials; Escape Room Events; Local Socially Distanced Walks; Language classes 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!

Continue reading “SELLL UG Fortnightly News 10”

Monday 15^th March to Sunday 28^th March 2021

Welcome to the Ninth 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.  Lots of extra Health and Wellbeing information included in this edition.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Online Meditation for Relaxation Session
Next session is Tuesday 16^th March at 12.05
Scroll down the page on the link for the March Meditation session and how to join.

Mental Health in 20^th Century Literature Reading Group
Tuesday 16^th March at 5-6pm on Zoom
We will be discussing extracts from Albert Camus’ The Outsider. It’s set to be an exciting session, as this will be our first discussion on a work in translation, as well as tacking the expansive and philosophical realms of existentialism. For the session, we will be reading Part 1, Chapters 1 and 6 and Part 2, Chapter 1, all of which can be found online on the Internet Archive website:  The group is open to undergraduates and postgraduates.  To register your interest and for the Zoom link, please email m.stevenson1@newcastle.ac.uk

Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts (NCLA)
Thursday 18^th March from 7pm to 8pm via YouTube
NCLA’s next free online event featuresNatasha Pulley in conversation with Newcastle University’s Laura Tisdall about ‘The Lost Future of Pepperharrow’.   You will be transported to Japan, where time, destiny and love collide to electrifying effect… 

‘As intricate as an origami sculpture.’ Spectator 

‘Wildly inventive, full of eeriness and magic, and fiendishly intricate plots.’ The Times 

To book a place, and view the remainder of the spring/summer events programme visit NCLA 

Girls Club Meeting via Zoom
Tuesday 23^rd March, 6pm-7.30pm on Zoom
Informal discussion group on a different text/piece of media each month. Current theme for this term: On Consumption. Everybody welcome and not just for girls. Contact: t.rees1@newcastle.ac.uk  

NEW RESOURCES IN THIS EDITION

Personal Extenuating Circumstances also known as PEC – is the process to use if your studies or assessments are seriously affected by unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.  This video takes you through why you might need to submit PEC, what you will need and talks through the process of filling out the application.

Exam Boards
For more information on Exam Boards, download a copy of the PowerPoint (Understanding Degree Classifications and other Exam Procedures) that Aditi Nafde, the Chair of the Undergraduate Board of Examiners in SELLL has prepared.   Scroll to the end of the SELLL Blog, on the Board of Examiners PEC questions link to ‘Exam Board and marking for students 20-21’ and click Download.

SVC student reps are available to contact on the ncl app.  There is now an anonymous feedback form in the app that is available to all SELLL students, so if anyone would like to raise anything with the School, or Committee anonymously, you can do so in the app.

Weekly newsletter from the Chaplaincy Service
If you are interested in reading the weekly newsletter from the Chaplaincy Service for the University community.

Continue reading “SELLL UG Fortnightly News 9”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Enrichment Week – A time to pause, reflect and explore
w/c Monday 1st March 2021

Please review the SELLL Enrichment Week Canvas Pages for more information on what is going on this week within the School. Also the University has general events, courses and materials that take place during enrichment week for you to take part in.

The Literature Speaker Series is open to all UG students
An upcoming talk by Grace Lavery (Berkeley) on Tuesday 4th March 2021, 4-5pm via Zoom.

Grace Lavery (Berkeley), “Some Objections to the Anti-Pornographic Reading of The Old Curiosity Shop“. These online events aim to help the SELLL community think critically about the value of literature and to reflect on the big questions animating the field of literary studies. Please join us for what promises to be an exciting discussion. Zoom details are below.

Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts
Tuesday 11th March 2021 at 7pm

NCLA’s next online event is jointly hosted with the Poetry Book Society, featuring Jen Hadfield and Rowan Ricardo Phillips in conversation with SELLL’s John Challis is on Thursday 11th March at 7pm. To book a place, and view the spring/summer events programme visit NCLA 

Covid-19 Living Cost Support Fund
Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday 5^th March 2021

An email has recently been circulated about this Support Fund and how to apply, but there is still time.  More details about the Fund, including eligibility criteria and how else you can be supported if you are struggling financially can be found here.

If at any point you are in need of support and are not sure where to go, remember you can always email covidsupport@ncl.ac.uk and the team will be able to signpost you to the right services, be it financial hardship, emergency food supplies or wellbeing support.

ACTIVITIES & FURTHER INFORMATION

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.

Book a study space at Marjorie Robinson or Walton Library
If you want to book a quiet place to study at the Library, book your space here.

Give It A Go
Give It A Go is NUSU’s activity programme for ALL Newcastle students!  With fun activities all year round from crafts, to cooking and baking, learning languages, fitness sessions, mindfulness and yoga, and exciting events with our many societies and clubs – there really is something for everyone.

Give It A Go is a great way to try something new, gain experiences and meet people.  All our activities are delivered safely online this term meaning you can get involved from wherever you are!

Online Meditation for Relaxation Sessions in March
These gentle guided mindfulness sessions will help you chill out and recharge your batteries.

Sport & Fitness – Virtual fitness classes
Virtual can never replace the thrill and excitement of a real class, but it’s the next best thing.  Register now and download the mywellness app to enjoy.

Weekly newsletter from the Chaplaincy Service
If you are interested in reading the weekly newsletter from the Chaplaincy Service for the University community.

Continue reading “SELLL UG Fortnightly News 8”

Monday 15th February to Sunday 28th February 2021

Welcome to the seventh 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.  

Some new items below for this edition and important dates for your diary and please note that this section of the news is now included within the email.  The regular Student Wellbeing and Support section is now a separate attachment to the email.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SELLL UG Town Hall Style Event on Zoom with our new Head of School Professor Jo Robinson

Monday 15^th February, 5.30-6.30pm AND Monday 22^nd February, 5.30-6.30pm
As a newcomer to Newcastle and the School I’m keen to find out what you’ve enjoyed, and what has been more challenging – with the awareness that these have not been the easiest times this year! 

I’ll be joined by Dr Adam Mearns, who is the School Director of Excellence in Learning and Teaching. If you’d like to come along, please book a slot for one of the following times via the link here, and if you want to send any questions through in advance please send these to english@ncl.ac.uk. 

PEC submission deadline for BoE in Semester 1
Friday 19^th February 2021 by 12 noon
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, during the Semester 1, 2020-21 academic year.  Please submit your PEC through S3P in the usual way.

Next Girl’s Club Meeting on Zoom
Wednesday 24^th February 2021, 6-7.30pm (full details below)

End of Semester 1 Module Marks and Feedback
Available from Thursday 25^th February 2021
If you have had a PEC extension your marks and feedback may be released a little later.

ACTIVITIES & MEETINGS INFO

Book a study space at Marjorie Robinson or Walton Library
If you want to book a quiet place to study at the Library, book your space here.

Give It A Go
Give It A Go is NUSU’s activity programme for ALL Newcastle students!  With fun activities all year round from crafts, to cooking and baking, learning languages, fitness sessions, mindfulness and yoga, and exciting events with our many societies and clubs – there really is something for everyone.

Give It A Go is a great way to try something new, gain experiences and meet people.  All our activities are delivered safely online this term meaning you can get involved from wherever you are!

Zoom Girl’s Club Meeting – 24^th February, 6-7.30pm
The new theme for this semester is girls club: on consumption and the text for this month is the very brilliant recent television series It’s a Sin available to watch online at Channel 4/4od. 

No problem if you don’t have time to watch the whole series, everyone is still very welcome to pop by for a chat!  It is a really informal space for us all to get together, have a chat and spill the tea (or wine). And to clarify it is not a girl’s only reading group – everyone is welcome!

Any questions, comments or concerns please do email Tamsin at t.rees1@ncl.ac.uk

Online Meditation for Relaxation Sessions in February & March
These gentle guided mindfulness sessions will help you chill out and recharge your batteries.

Sport & Fitness – Free virtual fitness classes until 28^th February 2021
Virtual can never replace the thrill and excitement of a real class, but it’s the next best thing.  Register now and unlimited usage of our on-demand class library will be free of charge until 28^th February 2021.

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!

Continue reading “SELLL UG Fortnightly News 7”