Getting ready for your course
Hello everyone, my name is AnneMarie and I am your elected Students’ Union (SU) Education Officer. I am here to represent you, your ideas and interests, and help enhance your academic experience. Congratulations on getting a place at Leicester, and I know you will have an amazing time here. We are all excited to meet you and support you throughout this next chapter of your lives. Coming to university can be a daunting experience and a big change (especially in a global pandemic). To make this transition a bit easier, it is important to know what to expect and who to go to with any questions. In this “Preparing to Study” handy tip section I will give you some insight into what the academic experience will look like for you and give you some advice.
You will have been made aware that the university will be delivering learning and teaching through a blended learning experience. This will consist of on campus and online teaching via ‘Ignite’. We know this may be a completely new experience for students and academics so it is important that you are aware of what to expect from ‘Ignite’. It will take some time to get familiar with the digital learning spaces, so don’t be too hard on yourself. It is important to know that students will have the option to learn at home or on campus, wherever they feel most comfortable. Do not feel pressured to rush back to ‘normality’. We are all adjusting, and it is important to take this at your own pace. For more information about ‘Ignite’ check out the information page on the university website- https://le.ac.uk/coronavirus/information-for-applicants-and-future-students.
Having the right IT equipment for blended learning is important - but do not panic if you don’t have everything you need! The university has worked hard to ensure the learning environment at Leicester is as accessible as possible and will be able to assist you where necessary. If you install the Outlook app on your mobile phones or tablets, you’ll be able to access your uni email at anytime. On the app you can also view your personal timetable and find quick access to Blackboard.
Blackboard? What is that? I didn’t know what Blackboard was either when I first came to Leicester. Blackboard is the Virtual Learning Environment (also known as VLE) and is used at Leicester for learning. You can find your assessments, lectures, modules, and anything related to your course on this website. Some of the classes you will attend will be recorded with a system called Reflect. You can find these to watch at a later point within Blackboard. We know that not everyone is the same and you can make personal adjustments to suit your learning style outlined here - https://uniofleicester.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/Digital-Learning/EXdHFUxdPxVHpzxHBcB_w5MB02rJXCuJ7BD6OwNaPusVaA?e=mSVjyS.
As well as using the information provided above, it is important that you know that no question is a stupid question. Don’t know where to find something in the library? Visit https://libraryhelp.le.ac.uk for more information or go visit our lovely Librarians. Feel like you want some extra guidance or training? Headstart, a program launched by the university, is offering resources and help through the summer until your classes start in October. For more information- https://le.ac.uk/study/headstart. Everyone is keen to help and just remember, we were once in your shoes.
All universities will have a process known as ‘mitigating circumstances’, which we call mit circs for short. This is a process that allows students who feel as if there are circumstances outside their control affecting their ability to learn, to request re-adjustments and/or extensions on deadlines. Once a mit circs request is sent, your school will assess whether or not to award you re-adjustments/extensions. Mit circs can range from physical and mental health conditions to personal bereavements. If you feel that you need to apply, your personal tutor as well as the SU Advice Service will be able to guide you through the process. It is important you are aware of this process and for more information check out- https://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/sas2/regulations/mitigating-circumstances .
Forming relationships, especially in these unprecedented circumstances are key. Reach out to your personal tutor or lecturers so that you have someone to go to for departmental or academic questions. The relationship you have with your personal tutor is key to ensuring your academic experience is as smooth and as stress-free as possible. If your assigned personal tutor is not quite the right fit, you can request a change by emailing your school.
If you have concerns about your school or course, then please be sure to get in touch with your student Course Representative (or course reps for short). Course reps are there to represent your concerns at a school level for your cohort. If you feel like getting involved and want to advocate for things you are passionate about or feel are important to you and your peers, volunteer and become a course rep. Course reps make sure the university experience is enriching and represents the interests of students. For more information visit: https://www.leicesterunion.com/voice/academic-representation/.
Getting to know your course mates is very important to your academic journey. The pandemic will and has made it more difficult to establish these relationships but I promise it isn’t impossible. You can meet mates online or attend different fresher’s events together. In addition to course mates, reach out to academic student groups and societies who will be organizing many virtual and in person events. Again remember there is no rush to socialize - move at your own pace and know that many will be in the same shoes.
At this point you may be feeling a range of emotions: anxious, excited, or even overwhelmed. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Myself and the other SU Executive Officers will be here to support you and advocate for you every step of the way. If you have any questions about your course, the SU or require any support, please feel free to email us at su-exec@le.ac.uk. I wish you all the best and just remember that you’ve got this!
Take care, and I look forward to safely welcoming you back.
AnneMarie Deeb