The University of Essex Student Charter

Our Student Charter has been jointly developed by the University of Essex and the University of Essex Students’ Union, as part of our ongoing commitment to create an outstanding environment that offers the highest standards of teaching, research and support in an international and multi-cultural community. To achieve this, and to define the responsibilities and expectations of all members of this community, our Student Charter states clear expectations for our students, from application through to graduation and membership of our Essex alumni. This Student Charter represents our commitment to developing a stimulating, diverse and safe environment for your student experience.

When you apply

You can expect to:

• have access to a user-friendly prospectus that contains full and accurate information on courses and facilities at Essex, and gain further information from our website, open days and visits to any of our campuses;
• have your application considered fairly and promptly;
• be given a prompt response to your enquiries and your application; and
• be provided with a personalised myEssex portal for applicants.
  • Undergraduate applications
  • Postgraduate taught applications
  • Postgraduate research applications

You are expected to:

• take advantage of the information available to you about our University; and
• provide full, timely and accurate information to enable us to process your application promptly and fairly.

When your place at Essex is confirmed

You can expect to:

• receive extensive information about our University, including our facilities, our accommodation and all that we offer at all of our campuses; and
• receive details about registration arrangements and induction events for when you start your undergraduate or postgraduate course, including information on your academic and social life, our campuses, fees and payments, safety, travel, library facilities and the availability of a range of support services.

You are expected to:

• read and understand all information about joining our University;
• provide relevant qualification certificates and documentation, when requested; and
• check and update your student record, and complete all pre-registration requirements in preparation for starting your course.

When you arrive at Essex

You can expect to:

• complete your registration and receive your student registration card;
• have access to your personalised student portal;
• have access to your academic timetable or supervision schedule;
• receive information on your coursework and submission deadlines, administrative staff and tutor contact details and availability, timeframes for feedback, assessment criteria, guidance and support within and outside your department, extenuating circumstances and appeals procedures; and
• be advised of University regulations relating to academic and general conduct, including disciplinary regulations; guidance on how to avoid plagiarism; Computing Services and IT facilities on our campuses; Student Support services; the University Skills Centre and our complaints procedures, plus details of many other support services.

You are expected to:

• register and comply with University regulations and pay your fees and other charges on time;
• attend induction events, particularly within your department, during Welcome Week, or whenever you begin your undergraduate or postgraduate course; and
• seek support if and when you need it.

When you are studying at Essex

You can expect to:

• study in a student-centred and collaborative environment that is conducive to your learning, at every stage of your studies;
• learn in a challenging and stimulating environment of world-class research and top-quality teaching;
• be part of a friendly, inclusive and international academic community, spread across three campuses and characterised by honesty, respect and a pride in diversity;
• have full access to library resources, with links to other information providers and an extensive range of electronic, printed and audiovisual media resources for loan or reference;
• have free network and computer access, with advice and help on the use of IT facilities, including e-resources;
• work with courteous and professional staff who set and meet high standards, and who are knowledgeable, competent and well qualified in their areas;
• have access to clear and up-to-date information, regulations and policies that apply to your course;
• receive clear information on your coursework deadlines and assignment, project and dissertation requirements;
• receive your coursework marks and constructive feedback within published deadlines and to clearly defined criteria; and
• develop your employability skills in the framework of your subject through graduate skills embedded in the curriculum, and have the opportunity to apply for work placements and overseas experience.

You are expected to:

• attend and contribute fully to lectures and other teaching or supervisory sessions;
• meet deadlines for submitted work;
• actively engage in your academic community;
• make a personal commitment to academic honesty in all your work;       
• seek help if you encounter difficulties of an academic or personal nature;
• inform us of any disabilities or individual needs that you may have if you wish us to make any reasonable adjustments;
• inform your department if you are unable to attend any teaching sessions;
• check your University e-mail account regularly and respond promptly to all requests for information, meetings etc; and
• take responsibility for enhancing your employability and preparing yourself for your future.

While you are a student at Essex

You can expect to:

• receive membership and the full support of the University of Essex Students’ Union and access to its many services and facilities;
• have access to a range of extra-curricular activities and sports, arts and social facilities to enable you to enrich your student experience;
• have access to a range of effective and accessible support services, provided by professional staff and/or peer support, offering information, advice and guidance to assist you throughout your student life;
• have access to a named adviser from whom you will be able to receive essential information and referral to specialist support, as appropriate; and
• reside in a secure and supportive environment whilst living in University-provided accommodation.

You are expected to:

• take responsibility for seeking any support that you may need;
• engage positively with our University community, which treats all of its members with respect, courtesy and without discrimination, and be aware of, and engage with, the Dignity and Respect Community Principles, which define positive membership of your community;
• behave in a responsible manner, on- and off- campus, and ensure that your actions reflect the values of our University, its environment and its place in the local community;
• understand and comply with our University’s regulations, policy and procedures relating to all aspects of studying, working and living at our University;
• respect your surroundings and your fellow residents’ entitlement to work, rest and live in a harmonious and stress-free environment, whether you are living on- or off- campus; and
• ensure that we have your up-to-date contact details during your time at Essex and after you are invited to join our alumni community at the end of your studies.

When you complete your studies

You can expect to:

• be welcomed into our Essex alumni community, linking all Essex graduates into a global network; and
• be able to receive continuing careers advice and guidance for a further three years.

Signed

Professor Anthony Forster
Vice-Chancellor

and

Nathan Bolton
President, Students' Union

Updated: January 2013

This Student Charter will be reviewed and updated annually