School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics
One stop shop for SELLL Newsletters
Congratulations to our MA in Writing Poetry student, Ian Glass. Their pamphlet ‘About Leaving’ has received a mention in the TLS write up of Michael Marks awards.
Check out the article here: https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/michael-marks-awards-poetry-pamphlets/
Well done, Ian!
Monday 14th December 2020 to Christmas
Welcome to the Fourth 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. Plus, our regular wellbeing, IT and assessment support, if needed, has now moved to the end of the newsletter.
NEW FOR THIS EDITION
Dates for your diary!
Last day of online teaching before Christmas
Friday 18th December 2020
School Office Christmas Closure
Monday 21st December 2020 – Friday 1st January 2021. Reopening Monday 4th January 2021.
Return to Studies for Semester 1
w/c Monday 11th January 2021
End of Semester 1 Assignment Hand-in Date
Thursday 14th January 2021
Deadline date for submitting PECs
The deadline date for submitting PECs to guarantee a response in time for hand-in is Monday 11th January 2021 by 12 noon. Please remember to upload your accompanying evidence.
Buffer / Enrichment Week
w/c Monday 18th January 2021.
THIS AND THAT
What does a PEC for Board of Examiners’ consideration mean?
Submitting a PEC for Board of Examiners’ consideration is different to submitting a PEC for extensions. We’ve put together some FAQs to help answer your questions so please read at your leisure.
A Post on Time Management
One of our Student Bloggers, Hattie, has just written a blog post all about time management. Here is what she also had to say:
With many of us students now heading back home for Christmas (covid-safely, of course!), I wanted to share some time-management tips that have helped me study remotely for the past month or so. There are also some links to downloadable and printable time management resources at the end of the blog.
Christmas in Newcastle!
Newcastle University will provide a programme of support over the Christmas Holidays if you are unable to return home. Click on this link for more information including Health & Wellbeing Support over the holidays.
This link gives information on applying for a festive hamper if you are staying in Newcastle (you must complete the festive hamper application form on the link) and activities on offer.
NUSU Festive Events
NUSU are running lots of festive events that students can take part in and feel Christmassy and less isolated, and click on this link which is different to the last newsletter.
Online Chat – Tuesday 10-12 & Thursday 2-4pm
Just a reminder that if you need a quick response to a question, you can use our twice weekly online chat service for an instant reply. Further details are included in the Wellbeing and Support section including an example of where to find online chat. It will say ‘chat with us’ when we are online and ‘contact us’ when we are not. We also offer extra sessions during submission deadlines in January.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2021
From the Professional Services Staff in the School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics.
Continue reading “SELLL UG Fortnightly News 4”The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics wishes to appoint an outstanding scholar and teacher as a Lecturer in Linguistics.
You will have a PhD, either in hand or near completion, in Linguistics, and have undergraduate teaching experience in linguistics. The ability to teach semantics/ pragmatics at undergraduate level and multilingualism at undergraduate and postgraduate levels is essential.
For more information check out the Newcastle University Vacancies website.
For further inquiries please contact Dr Heike Pichler, Head of the Language/Linguistics Subject Area (Heike.Pichler@newcastle.ac.uk) or Dr James Procter, Interim Head of School (James.Procter@newcastle.ac.uk).
In 2021 we will be welcoming Professor Jo Robinson as the new Head of School for Newcastle University School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.
Jo is coming to us from the University of Nottingham where she is currently Professor of Drama and Performance, and Head of Drama and Creative Writing in the School of English.
Congratulations Professor Robinson and we look forward to welcoming you in person, when we can!
Monday 30th November – Sunday 13th December 2020
Welcome to the Third 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 our regular wellbeing, IT and assessment support, if needed.
Carers Passport – If you have caring responsibilities during your studies
Student Health and Wellbeing Teams recognise the specific needs and challenges student carers can face, including that you may not even be aware that you are a carer. They will work with you and your academic School to create a Carers Passport, which may include adjustments to your academic commitments. Click on this link for more information and/or email: disabilityadvisor@ncl.ac.uk
Mid Module Assignment Submission & Feedback
For those modules that have a mid-module assignment, submissions are well under way. Your marks and feedback should be available within 20 days of the submission date. For further information on submission dates, how to submit your work, etc. please click on this link
Girls Club Meeting (everyone welcome). Online Zoom
Tuesday 1st December 5pm-6pm
We are keeping the current theme girls club: on power and the text is the viral personal essay Buying Myself Back: When does a model own her image? by Emily Ratajkowski. If you haven’t attended a meeting before EVERYONE IS WELCOME! 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
Travel Window for students returning home between 3-9 December 2020
Once the period of national restrictions comes to an end on 2 December, the Government has advised that any student who wants to and is able to, will be able to return home during the student travel window which will run from 3-9 December and testing is available before travelling. Online teaching will continue after this date until term ends on Friday 18 December.
The testing site will be managed in accordance with Government guidelines and will open from Tuesday 1 December. It will be located in the Frederick Douglass Centre. Emails have already been circulated with all the information.
Upcoming Events from the Newcastle University Students’ Union
If you haven’t already, check out the Upcoming Events through NUSU link including Festive Activities, sharing recipes, online exercise classes, Virtual Quiz Nights and more. Click on each event for all the details and many are free!
For exciting content from your Student Bloggers (Hattie, Leanna and Quinn) and your Café Leaders (Raine and Anna) 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, as well as information on upcoming Virtual Café events. 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!
In SELLL, student wellbeing and support is one of our top priorities. We’ve highlighted some of the key contacts, services and processes available:
Personal Tutor
Your Personal Tutor is your first point of contact for any issues you might be having. If you need further help, they can recommend contacting the Senior Tutor or Student Wellbeing.
Senior Tutors
The senior tutors act as a second point of contact for you. They can also be contacted with queries about the personal tutor system or in the event of more complicated issues affecting your academic studies.
Stage 1 Senior Tutor: Dr James Cummings
Stages 2 & 3 Senior Tutor: Professor Martha Young-Scholten
School Office Staff
The SELLL School Office is currently open Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm. Members of staff are also available to contact via email. Key contacts are listed below:
Online Chat for a quick response
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 icon on the right side.
Online chat is available every Tuesday 10-12 and every Thursday 2-4pm.
Absence Requests
If you are going to be absent for 3 consecutive days or more (Monday-Friday), please submit an absence request through S3P.
Personal Extenuating Circumstances
If you have difficulties completing your assignments or handing your work in on time because of personal extenuating circumstances, the most important thing you can do is tell the School about any problems you are having. Please talk to your personal tutor or the appropriate senior tutor in the first instance. PEC forms are submitted through S3P, and more information is available on our website.
Student Support Plans (SSPs)
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.
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening and information service run by students for the benefit of students. Contact them any night of term to talk about how you’re feeling or request information about other services. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Nightline is currently only operating its instant messaging service with opening hours 8pm to 2am.
TalkCampus
A new mental health support network has been launched called TalkCampus. It’s a free to download app where you can talk with other students from around the world if you’re struggling and worried about your mental health. Your student email address will give you free access, just download TalkCampus from this site or directly from the app stores. Further information on how to set up TalkCampus can be found in this TalkCampus guide.
Mid-module Assessment Help
Many SELLL modules are currently holding their mid-module assessments. Whether you’re preparing an essay, or would like to review a past feedback, the Royal Literary Fellows can help you to hone your writing skills and learn from feedback. If you’re interested in booking an appointment please email anna.woodford@rlf.education.org.uk or carina.rodney@rlfeducation.org.uk
Other resources to help you in your assessments include:
Student IT Guide
If you are struggling with any IT issues and need some helpful information, please click on a Quick Guide to Student IT services for all you need to know. And further information is available on this link for IT support services. You should have downloaded the mobile University App by now, but if you haven’t, this gives information on your Student Timetable, Personal Tutor, Library account and finding available PC’s on Campus, plus lots more.
And to sign off with a joke…
What’s the difference between a cat and a comma?
One has claws at the end of it’s paws. The other has a pause at the end of a clause.
We hope you enjoyed reading the SELLL news.
From the Professional Services Staff in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics
Three of our students who were nominated for the Endowed Prizes Awards received confirmation that they have obtained one of the prestigious University awards.
Ashley Roberts (Stage 2, Linguistics) has won the Stanley Dennison Scholarship Prize for their academic achievement during 2019-20.
Polly Dacam (Stage 2, English Language) and Louisa Rimmer (Stage 2, English Literature) have both received one of the Endowed Prizes based on their respective academic achievements during 2019-20.
Congratulations to Ashley, Polly and Louisa on their fantastic achievements!
On Monday 16th November, the SELLL UG Student Voice Committee met for their first meeting of the year. They talked about:
Read the minutes to keep up to date, and make sure to get in touch with your reps if you would like to feed into any of these conversations.
The SELLL Undergraduate Student Voice Committee has now been confirmed.
If you have any ideas or concerns you would like to address to the committee, get in touch with your rep! You can find their details on our website, or you can get in touch via the NCL App.
Monday 16th – Sunday 29th November 2020
Welcome to the 2nd Edition of our SELLL UG News for a fortnightly round up compiled by Professional Services (PS) staff in the School of English Literature, Language and
Linguistics. Lots going on this week including our Enrichment Week starting today; Zoom Café Quiz night and a Study Abroad Drop-In session, plus more….
UG Student Voice Committee (SVC)
Monday 16th November 2020, 3-4pm. Online.
Your undergraduate committee will be meeting with staff to discuss how you’ve found the start of term, and the transition to teaching online. If you have any thoughts or ideas you would like to raise with the committee, please get in touch with your course representative. All rep details can be found online and will be made available on the NCL app very soon.
Buffer/Enrichment Week
w/c Monday 16th November 2020. Online.
This week has been reserved for enrichment activities, which means that you will have no timetabled teaching. Instead, academics, professional services staff and students from the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics (SELLL) have put together, what we hope will be, an interesting and helpful week.
The week will include live sessions and drop-ins which we hope you can join. We will also be releasing material throughout the week which you can digest at your own pace and return to later. The Zoom invites and material will be released on your SELLL Induction Course on Canvas. Click on the link above for further information.
Café Quiz Night (SELLL Virtual Café)
Tuesday 17th November 2020, 4-5pm. Online (Zoom details on Canvas)
Join your fellow students and Café Leaders for a variety of rounds to test your general knowledge and have a laugh with your course mates! Bring along your drink of choice, a pen and some paper and let’s get quizzing!
Girls Club Meeting (everyone welcome).
Tuesday 17th November 2020, 5-6pm, Online (email for Zoom link)
The current theme is girls club: on power, and this month’s text is the brilliant HBO series I MAY DESTROY YOU written by and starring Michaela Coel. (Content warning for the show and any reading/watching around it: sexual assault, rape, spiking, stealthing, alcohol and drug abuse)
Everyone is welcome! Even if you haven’t watched it all, or watched it at all, pop along anyway if you fancy a chat! Any questions, concerns or comments please do email Tamsin at t.rees1@ncl.ac.uk
If you are interested in Studying Abroad and to help answer your questions, Gary Taylor-Raebel & Ella Mershon are hosting a drop-in Zoom session.
SELLL Placement Year Workshop for 2021/22
Wednesday 18th November, 2-3pm. Online (Zoom details in Canvas)
Helen Robertson and Jos Harrison from the Careers Service will be hosting a meeting for Stage 2 SELLL students who are considering taking an optional Careers Placement Year in 2021/22.
SELLL Student Leadership Programme
For exciting content from your Student Bloggers (Hattie, Leanna and Quinn) and your Café Leaders (Raine and Anna) 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, as well as information on upcoming Virtual Café events. 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!
Mid-module Assessments
Many SELLL modules are currently holding their mid-module assessments. Whether you’re preparing an essay, or would like to review a past feedback, the Royal Literary Fellows can help you to hone your writing skills and learn from feedback. If you’re interested in booking an appointment please email anna.woodford@rlf.education.org.uk or carina.rodney@rlfeducation.org.uk
Other resources to help you in your assessments include:
Student IT Guides
If you are struggling with any IT issues and need some helpful information, please click on a Quick Guide to Student IT services for all you need to know.
And further information is available on this link for IT support services
You should have downloaded the mobile University App by now, but if you haven’t, this gives information on your Student Timetable, Personal Tutor, Library account and finding available PC’s on Campus, plus lots more.
In SELLL, student wellbeing and support is one of our top priorities. We’ve highlighted some of the key contacts, services and processes available:
Personal Tutor
Your Personal Tutor is your first point of contact for any issues you might be having. If you need further help, they can recommend contacting the Senior Tutor or Student Wellbeing.
Senior Tutors
The senior tutors act as a second point of contact for you. They can also be contacted with queries about the personal tutor system or in the event of more complicated issues affecting your academic studies.
Stage 1 Senior Tutor: Dr James Cummings
Stages 2 & 3 Senior Tutor: Professor Martha Young-Scholten
School Office Staff
The SELLL School Office is currently open Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm. Members of staff are also available to contact via email. Key contacts are listed below:
Online Chat for Quick response
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 icon on the right side.
Online chat is available every Tuesday 10-12 and every Thursday 2-4pm.
Absence Requests
If you are going to be absent for 3 consecutive days or more (Monday-Friday), please submit an absence request through S3P.
Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC)
If you have difficulties completing your assignments or handing your work in on time because of personal extenuating circumstances, the most important thing you can do is tell the School about any problems you are having. Please talk to your personal tutor or the appropriate senior tutor in the first instance. PEC forms are submitted through S3P, and more information is available on our website.
Student Support Plans (SSPs)
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.
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening and information service run by students for the benefit of students. Contact them any night of term to talk about how you’re feeling or request information about other services.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Nightline is currently only operating its instant messaging service with opening hours 8pm to 2am.
TalkCampus
A new mental health support network has been launched called TalkCampus. It’s a free to download app where you can talk with other students from around the world if you’re struggling and worried about your mental health.
Your student email address will give you free access, just download TalkCampus from this site or directly from the app stores. Further information on how to set up TalkCampus can be found in this TalkCampus guide.
And to sign off once again with a joke…
Why did the reader give up on Pride and Prejudice?
It was too Austentatious
We hope you enjoyed reading the SELLL news.
From the Professional Services Staff in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics
Monday 2nd – Sunday 15th November 2020
New this semester, SELLL UG News is a fortnightly round up compiled by Professional Services (PS) staff in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. The idea is to give you a summary of what is going on in the School with standard items such as wellbeing support, upcoming events and topical information. If you would like to see certain information included in the Newsletter, please email your ideas to caroline.ede@newcastle.ac.uk
UPCOMING EVENTS
Virtual Go Abroad Fair
Wednesday 4th November 2020, 1-4pm. Online.
Current Stage 2 students are invited to the Virtual Go Abroad Fair to learn about opportunities to go abroad during your Newcastle degree. The event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. It is recommended that you install the app onto your device in advance. You can sign up to the event online. You will be sent a link to join the Go Abroad Fair on the morning of the event.
UG Student Voice Committee (SVC)
Monday 16th November 2020, 3-4pm. Online.
Your undergraduate committee will be meeting with staff to discuss how you’ve found the start of term, and the transition to teaching online. If you have any thoughts or ideas you would like to raise with the committee, please get in touch with your course representative. All rep details can be found online and will be made available on the NCL app very soon.
Buffer/Enrichment Week
w/c Monday 16th November 2020. Online.
A schedule of events for your Enrichment Week will be made available on Canvas, in the same course you found your induction information.
Mental Health in 20th Century Literature Reading Group
Wednesday 11th November 2020, 5-6pm
A new informal reading group set up in conjunction with the Postgraduate Culture Group (PGCG). The first meeting will be discussing short extracts from The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Extracts will be provided by email in advance, so no need to buy the book. The group is open to undergraduates and postgraduates. To register your interest, please email m.stevenson1@newcastle.ac.uk
CURRENT STUDENT SUCCESS
Lucia Qureshi, a 3rd year BA in English Literature and History student, has been highly commended at the Global Undergraduate Awards Programme 2020 for her essay ‘Crossing the Boundaries Between Primates and People: An Exploration of Anthropomorphism and Zoomorphism in The Jungle Book and She’. This is a fantastic achievement which came out of her work on the School’s ‘Victorian Passions’ module.
More SELLL student success
Three of our students were nominated for the Endowed Prizes Awards and received confirmation that they have obtained one of the prestigious University awards.
Ashley Roberts (Stage 2, Linguistics) has won the Stanley Dennison Scholarship Prize for their academic achievement during 2019-20.
Polly Dacam (Stage 2, English Language) and Louisa Rimmer (Stage 2, English Literature) have both
received one of the Endowed Prizes based on their respective academic achievements in 2019-20
STUDENT WELLBEING & SUPPORT
In SELLL, student wellbeing and support is one of our top priorities. We’ve highlighted some of the key contacts, services and processes available:
Personal Tutor
Your Personal Tutor is your first point of contact for any issues you might be having. If you need further help, they can recommend contacting the Senior Tutor or Student Wellbeing.
Senior Tutors
The senior tutors act as a second point of contact for you. They can also be contacted with queries about the personal tutor system or in the event of more complicated issues affecting your academic studies.
Stage 1 Senior Tutor: Dr James Cummings
Stages 2 & 3 Senior Tutor: Professor Martha Young-Scholten
School Office Staff
The SELLL School Office is currently open Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm. Members of staff are also available to contact via email. Key contacts are listed below:
Online Chat for a quick response
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 icon on the right side. Online chat is available every Tuesday 10-12am and every Thursday 2-4pm.
Absence Requests
If you are going to be absent for 3 consecutive days or more (Monday-Friday), please submit an absence request through S3P.
Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC)
If you have difficulties completing your assignments or handing your work in on time because of personal extenuating circumstances, the most important thing you can do is tell the School about any problems you are having. Please talk to your personal tutor or the appropriate senior tutor in the first instance. PEC forms are submitted through S3P, and more information is available on our website.
Student Support Plan (SSP)
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.
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening and information service run by students for the benefit of students. Contact them any night of term to talk about how you’re feeling or request information about other services. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Nightline is currently only operating its instant messaging service with opening hours 8pm to 2am
And to sign off with a joke…
How did Charlotte Brontë make it easier for everyone to breathe?
She created Eyre…
We hope you enjoyed reading the SELLL news.
From the Professional Services Staff in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.