Welcome to the Sixth 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 the news has also been emailed to you on Monday. The Student Wellbeing and Support section is at the end of the news.
NEW FOR THIS EDITION
Dates for your diary!
Joining SELLL as the New Head of School Monday 1st February 2021 Welcome to Professor Jo Robinson, who joins us today as our new Head of School.
Semester 2 Teaching & Student Support Plans (SSPs) Monday 1st February 2021 Semester 2 teaching starts today, and for anyone who currently has a Student Support Plan (SSP), these are circulated at the start of each semester to your Module Leaders, Personal Tutor and Senior Tutor, for information.
Mental Health in 20th Century Literature Reading Group
Tuesday 2nd February at 5pm on Zoom We will be focusing on the poetry of Maya Angelou, Anne Sexton, James Baldwin, Simon Armitage, and Sylvia Plath. This is intended to be a fun, informal session, so please feel free to bring your tipple of choice and listen in or, even better, share your ideas!
The group is open to undergraduates and postgraduates. To register your interest and for the Zoom link, please email m.stevenson1@newcastle.ac.uk
Reminder for changing modules or seminar groups
Friday 5th February 2021 by 4pm is the deadline to change any modules or seminar groups.
End of Semester 1 Module Marks and Feedback Available from Thursday 25th February 2021 If you have had a PEC extension your marks and feedback maybe be released a little later.
THIS AND THAT
Peer Mentor of the Year Nominee 2020-21 Congratulations to Yasmine Bridge who was nominated for Peer Mentor of the Year. Here’s what she had to say: ‘I loved being able to guide my mentees through some of the more unexpected challenges faced in first year. I think giving them the honest, student to student perspective really helped them, and allowed me to share everything I’ve learnt at Uni so far in a comfortable environment. It was definitely a really rewarding scheme to be part of’
New Student Blogger Congratulations to Tom Moorcroft who has been recruited to join the Student Leadership Programme as a Student Blogger. Tom will be joining Leanna & Hattie in providing you with regular social media content and updates. Make sure to follow the School on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see his posts.
Covid-19: Supporting our Students Here are some of the ways you can receive support during lockdown and through this difficult period. From Rent Rebates, IT loan scheme, Wellbeing Support, Academic Safety net and more, click on this link for more detailed information.
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.
NUSU Events Check out the Online events and activities, NUSU are running this term at your Union – click on this link for all the information.
Online Chat – Every 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.
Thought of the fortnight
A Journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step
Thanks for reading – From the Professional Services Staff in the School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics
Welcome to the Fifth 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.
Students are working hard on their upcoming assessments.
NEW FOR THIS EDITION
Dates for your diary!
Buffer Week w/c Monday 18th January 2021 (further details below)
End of Semester 1 Assessment Hand-in Date NOW Thursday 21st January 2021
Semester 2 Induction Week w/c Monday 25th January 2021 Meet with your Personal Tutor via Zoom (if you haven’t already in Buffer week). Prepare for the start of online teaching the following week. Semester 1 Induction material is still available on Canvas.
SELLL Postgraduate Panel Event for UG students Are you interested in studying for a Master’s degree? Look out for the upcoming SELLL Postgraduate Panel Event (w/c 25th January), organised by Engsoc. Details to be announced soon on SELLL social media. Newcastle University’s PG Virtual Open Day is being held on Monday 8th February – sign up to find out about all aspects of PG study from the link on the University website home page.
Next Girl’s Club Meeting (and first for 2021) Tuesday 26th January 2021, 6-7.30pm (full details below)
Semester 2 Teaching Starts Monday 1st February 2021
THIS AND THAT
Buffer week w/c 18th January 2021 A reminder that Semester 2 module Canvas sites will be published from today (18th January). Material from the Semester 1 enrichment week – such as Doing the Degree videos and the information about the marking, moderation and Exam Board processes, is still available on Canvas. Given the now extended assessment submission deadline, there will be no further scheduled enrichment activities for this week, but there is a further enrichment week at the beginning of March.
Assessment tips from Module Leaders & Students Our student leaders asked some SELLL lecturers and students for their advice on how to tackle those end-of-module essays. Head over to Instagram to see what your English Literature and Language colleagues have to say. Best of luck for all your assignments from all of us.
Girl’s Club Meeting – Tuesday 26th January 2021, 6-7.30pm The new theme for this semester is girls club: on consumption and the text is EAT UP! by Ruby Tandoh. No problem if you don’t have time to read the book, everyone is still very welcome to pop by for a chat! To clarify it is not a girl’s only reading group. Any questions, comments or concerns please do email Tamsin at t.rees1@ncl.ac.uk Join Zoom Meeting https://newcastleuniversity.zoom.us/j/85669186272 Meeting ID: 856 6918 6272
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 have put together some FAQs to help answer your questions so please read at your leisure.
NUSU Events Check out what events and activities, NUSU are running this term at your Union.
Online Chat – Every 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.
Some English Facts to sign off
No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver and purple.
The word “whatever” consistently ranks as the most annoying English word.
A new word is created every 98 minutes, which is about 14.7 words a day
English is spoken by 952 million people around the world – 339 million people speak English as a first language, and 603 million speak it as a second language. It is the official language in 67 countries and 27 non-sovereign countries such as Hong Kong.
From the Professional Services Staff in the School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics.
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.
Merry Christmas from the School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics
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.
When submitting a PEC, students can opt for ‘Board of Examiners (BoE) consideration’. But what does this mean? We’ve put together some FAQs to help answer your questions.
Students studying in the Percy Building Long Gallery.
What does a PEC for Board of Examiners’ consideration mean?
If a student has had personal and extenuating circumstances and wishes to inform the Board of Examiners’, they can submit a PEC form via S3P requesting the adjustment “BoE consideration”. You will need to provide accompanying evidence to support your case. Your case will be discussed anonymously at the next PEC Committee meeting, usually February to discuss Semester 1 cases, June to discuss Semester 2 cases and September to discuss any resits/deferrals. The Committee will decide whether to “support” or “not support” your case. The decision is then passed to the Board of Examiners who will use this information when considering a profile of marks. The decision is passed to the Board of Examiners anonymously, only the decision and a unique ID will be visible.
NOTE: Sometimes the PEC Committee might decide to “not support” the application. This does not mean that they don’t believe the student or that the student has not been affected by their circumstances. It might mean that the PEC Committee can see that they have already received reasonable extensions for these assignments, and feel that they have been adequately compensated.
What happens at the Exam Board meeting?
The Exam Board meet to discuss marks and whether (a) you should progress to the next stage or (b) if you are in your final year, what degree classification you are entitled to. The Exam Board will see that the student has a decision of “PEC BoE supported” or “PEC BoE not supported”. The reason for your PEC is never disclosed to the Exam Board – only that the decision is either “supported” or “not supported”. If you have clearly passed the Stage you will move onto the next Stage. However, if you are a borderline case, the Exam Board will take into consideration your decision from the PEC Committee and look at your overall marks. The Exam Board may use their discretion to progress you to the next stage.
I am a Stage 3 student/in my final year. What does this mean for me?
The same as above, but this time they will consider what classification of award you should receive. If it is clear that you are due to receive a First, 2:1, 2:2 etc, then that is what you will receive. However, if you are borderline, the Exam Board will discuss whether or not you should go up into the next category of award. The Board follows university examination regulations, considers individual marks across stage 2 and 3 and whether or not you have a PEC rating for supported or not supported, for these stages. The Exam Board will have met previously to discuss other disruption, across all Stages and all students. Once everything has been taken into consideration, they may use their discretion to award a higher degree classification.
I have had previous extensions. Can I also request BoE consideration on the same assignment?
In extraordinary circumstances, the PEC Committee would look at your case and may decide to support it. It depends on the severity of your circumstances.
I have really struggled with personal and extenuating circumstances this year, but managed to submit my work on time. Is it worth submitting a PEC requesting BoE consideration if I feel my work has been affected?
Yes, definitely.
If I submit a PEC for BoE consideration, does this mean my work will be marked favourably?
No. Your work will be marked the same as everyone else on your module. Marks cannot be changed. Markers do not know which students have submitted a PEC for BoE consideration.
What sort of things are considered? What are “personal extenuating circumstances”?
This can vary from student to student, it might be personal illness, whether physical or mental, hospital admission, close friend or family bereavement, family illness, etc. Please see the Policy and Procedure and Guidance available on our website for further information. If you are not sure whether it will be accepted or not, please have a chat with your Personal Tutor, Senior Tutor or email Karen.Patterson@ncl.ac.uk
For more information, check out the PowerPoint presentation that Aditi Nafde, the Chair of the Undergraduate Board of Examiners in SELLL has prepared.
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.
Keep on top of all the SELLL News and Events.
News
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!
INSTAGRAM, BLOG AND TWITTER
A message from our Student Leadership Team.
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!
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 10-12 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.
Further Information
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
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….
This week students are participating in Enrichment Week activities and preparing for mid-module assessments.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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
Study Abroad Options for 2021/22 Wednesday 18th November, 1-2pm. Drop-In Zoom Session. Online.(Zoom details in Canvas)
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.
Keep Reading for more information tailored to SELLL UG students
GENERAL INFORMATION
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Bonfire Night will be a little different this year. Make sure to stay safe.
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.
