- I want to appeal against my result
- I have failed to progress to the next stage of my course
- I don't understand the extenuating circumstances procedure
- I have been accused of academic misconduct
- I want to suspend my course
- I want to become a Course Representative
- I want to submit a complaint against the University
- I am unhappy about the level of support from my supervisor
- I am worried about my exams and don't think I will pass
Being away from home and trying to juggle the requirements of your course with paid work and your social life can take its toll on your academic work.
If problems arise, you may need some form of academic advice during your time at the University. In many cases,your Personal Tutor, Course Rep or a Study Advisor may be able to help with but there are some occasions when you may feel more comfortable talking to an independent Student Advisor. The RUSU Student Advice team aims to give you all the support you need to enable you to make an informed decision about how to deal with your case.
We offer information, advice and support on a wide range of academic issues, for example:
Exam failure/poor examination or degree results
If you feel you have been treated unfairly or do not feel your extenuating circumstances have been fully taken into account, you may wish to come and speak to a Student Advisor who can explain what steps you might take. We can't tell your lecturers to change your marks and we can't make decisions for you but we can make sure you are fully informed about the procedures for appeals and requests for reviews of marks.
Plagiarism
This is defined as presenting another person's work as your own, falsifying data or results or assisting another person in committing plagiarism. You must make sure you acknowledge other people's ideas when you are writing up your work and give the necessary reference information. If you have been accused of plagiarism and wish to understand the implications and the disciplinary procedure we can explain the process to you and give you the information you need if you think you may have grounds for an appeal. If you have been accused of plagiarism it can have a very serious impact on your results and your future at University, so make sure you understand the situation. If you come to us, we will offer you impartial advice on your case.
Academic misconduct
Plagiarism is one form of academic misconduct but there are others. Taking material into exams which you should not have (for example revision notes or books), copying someone else's work, talking in an examination or impersonating (or being impersonated by) someone while taking an exam are all classed as academic misconduct. If you have been accused of any form of academic misconduct you need to understand what will happen and to be fully informed of the process.
Appeal hearings and meetings
If you plan to make an appeal or have been invited to attend acommitteemeeting, speak to a Student Advisor who can help you prepare for the appeal/meeting and can attend mostappeal hearings and meetingswith you, as an informed 'friend'.
General problems with your academic work
Being a University student is very different to being at school or college and if you come from another country you may be used to a very different way of working. Problems with study often start small but can get out of hand. We aim to give you advice before this happens. So if you don't feel you can speak to your Personal Tutor or someone else in your department, don't suffer in silence! Come and have a chat with a Student Advisor.
University policy and procedures can be very complicated and you may be at a disadvantage if you do not fully understand the situation you find yourself in. We will never tell you what to do but we will make sure you have all the information you need in order to make informed decisions about your future. Remember that studying is the main reason you are here. It can be difficult to keep up those high standards but if you need any kind of advice relating to your academic work we are here to help and where necessary can refer you to other people who may be able to help too.
Need help with study skills?
If you are having difficulty with your studies orneed advice on study methods in the UK, there is a dedicated team of University Study Advisors available. They can help with a range of study advice such as:
- Essay writing
- Preparing for exams
- Avoiding plagiarism
- Oral Presentations
- Referencing
- Time Management
- Taking part in Seminars
- Dissertations
- And much much more…..
The University Study Advisors also offer free assessments for dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia and provide support to students with specific learning difficulties to deal with the demands of higher education to enable them to achieve good degree results. The University Study Advisors are also part of a team offering support for students with Asperger Syndrome.
The University Study Advisors are based in the Carrington Building. You can see them on a drop-in basis or make an appointment to see them. For information about their service, visit www.reading.ac.uk/studyskills.
Support for students with disabilities
The Disability Advisory Service can also help you get the support you need to successfully complete your course and get the most out of your time at Reading.
The Disability Advisory Service can be contacted by telephone on 0118 931 8115. For more information, visit their web-site at www.reading.ac.uk/disability.
Useful websites
Examinations Office www.reading.ac.uk/exams
Academic Support – Study Advisors www.reading.ac.uk/studyskills
Academic Support Information www.info.reading.ac.uk/student/learning.asp
Skills Opportunities at Reading www.reading.ac.uk/SOAR
Library www.library.reading.ac.uk
University Counselling Service www.reading.ac.uk/counselling
Maths Support www.rdg.ac.uk/mathssupport
IT Support www.reading.ac.uk/its
Disability Advisory Service www.reading.ac.uk/disability
If you have any problems on course, please come and see us. We will not share any information with any member of University staff without your consent. So, if you need to talk to an independent advisor in confidence, visit The Hub and speak to a RUSU Student Advisor.
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