Students as partners
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Students as partners

Students and staff are members of the academic community  and are all partners with complementary roles and responsibilities in the learning process. Students and staff have jointly developed an agreement that sets out key principles that underpin this partnership. Through this partnership, we are enhancing academic standards and achieving the University’s vision, mission and values.

We are already an ambitious, world-class university. By placing enterprise at the heart of everything we do, we will develop an innovative and creative culture that empowers people.  Key principles of this partnership are below.

 

PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS STUDENTS' COMMITMENT TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

 

Working and learning together​

  • Encouragement to be part of an inclusive community in which everyone is treated  respectfully and independently to ensure equality of opportunity
  • Recognising the partnership between members of the University by showing mutual respect and working together
Teaching and learning​ ​
  • A stimulating learning environment, with high quality research-informed teaching and academic support using methods appropriate to your subject
  • High quality tutorial support for your well-being and personal development, enhancing lifelong learning skills for future success
  • Fair and impartial assessment of your coursework, returned with appropriate constructive feedback within 20 working days
  • Taking responsibility for your own learning, with regular attendance and active participation in all learning activities
  • Making the most of all opportunities for development of skills and knowledge and constructive use of contact time with tutors
  • Submitting assessed work on time in accordance with academic regulations and reflecting on feedback to inform your continued learning
Quality​
  • Internal and external monitoring, review and improvement of the quality of courses, providing regular opportunities for students to comment on the provision of academic and service support
  • Helping to improve the experience for current and future students by making your views known at the earliest opportunity through active feedback, the course representative system, and your Students’ Union
Sustainability and community​
  • Education in a diverse community, with opportunities to study internationally
  • Commitment to sustainability and social responsibility in all our activities
  • Promoting a culture of active, co-operative citizenship through involvement with our communities ​
  • Appreciating your potential as an informed  global citizen who can apply knowledge in a diverse society
  • Being aware of economic, environmental, social and ethical issues
  • Recognising that you are a member of wider local communities, with appropriate responsibilities and opportunities
Employability​
  • ​Providing varied opportunities to gain enterprising skills and attributes that are highly valued and sought by employers
  • Recognising opportunities to enhance your employability prospects through programme-related and extra curricular activities
Health, safety and security​
  • Providing a safe, secure and healthy learning environment
  • Being proactive to ensure your own and others’ health, safety and security both on- and off-campus
Services and facilities​
  • Access to a wide range of services and facilities with trained and qualified staff who will provide information, assistance and advice before and after graduation
  • Clear information about course fees, payment options and deadlines, including an estimate of any optional extra costs for specific facilities and services
  • Making effective use of facilities and services provided and planning your use of resources responsibly and in accordance with published codes of practice
  • Making prompt payment of any charges due to the University
 

The Students’ Union plays an essential role in enhancement of the student experience

UPSU undertakes to:
  • Ensure that the Students’ Union is run for students, by students
  • Encourage and support students' participation in quality enhancement activities – especially through the election, development and training of course representatives
  • Communicate students' views to the University
  • Assist students with academic and welfare problems either via UPSU advice or by sabbatical support via representation or campaigns
  • Represent the interests of students at both local and national level
  • Support active student/community engagement and proactively work with students and external agencies in encouraging positive social behaviour
  • Provide a range of student led societies, sports clubs, and volunteering opportunities to enhance personal and professional development