Craven College

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Student Services

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Student Services

A- Z Student Services guide

Welcome

This alphabetical guide has been produced by the Student Services Team to provide you with information about college life.

If there is anything in this guide with which you need further clarification or if you would like a copy of this guide in an alternative format, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Student Services Team on 01756 708 008 or 01756 708 007.

Absence

If a student is unable to attend College for any reason you MUST ring the College Attendance line 01756 693874 before 10.30am to report their absence and the reason. You will have to log their absence on this line each day you are absent from your course.

Accommodation

We are not a residential college, but Student Services keep a short list of accommodation that is available locally. If you are under 19 and looking for accommodation, we recommend you book an appointment to see Becci Widdup, College Mentor or Student Services.

If you live 20 miles or more from Skipton yet Craven is still your nearest college and you are thinking of looking for accommodation you may be able to get financial assistance via the Residential Pilot Scheme. For more information please contact Student Services. You can also find information on the DirectGov website.

Adult Learning Grant

Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is intended to help students over 19 studying full-time for their first full level 2 or level 3 qualifications.

More information about ALG, and application packs are available at www.direct.gov.uk/alg or by calling 0800 1218989. The ALG Coordinator Student Services is Diane Waring on 01756 693841.

Assessed Work & Examinations

You are expected to complete necessary assignments and coursework by the stated deadlines. In exceptional cases individual deadlines may be negotiated with the tutor. Outstanding work at the end of the course may be subject to a Late Completion Fee. Any evidence of plagiarism (copying) will result in disciplinary action. Students are responsible for checking their own examination timetables, Key Skills tests and must attend on time. A Craven College Photography student was the UK winner of the Shoot Nations Global Youth photography competition in 2008.

Attendance

All students at Craven College are expected to attend all classes and tutorials and to arrive on time. A good attitude leads to good time management skills and successful achievement on the course. Should an absence be unavoidable due to illness then you should ring the Attendance line on 01756 693 874 or text 07500878771 or 07500878772 first thing in the morning on the first day of absence.

Please note for those students who will receive EMA or ALG payments, 100% attendance is required to receive weekly payments. In addition any requested absences must be authorised with the EMA coordinator at least 2 days in advance and you must ring in everyday you are sick. However if you are off sick for a full week or for any other reason, you won't receive your EMA payment.

Car Parking

Limited free parking is available to students at the Aireville Campus, Aviation Academy, Centre for Construction and the Centre for Rural & Equine Studies sites. However unfortunately there is no parking at the High Street or Academy of Hair and Beauty. In the interests of the environment students are asked to consider alternative forms of transport, including cycling and car sharing where practicable.

The college is happy to offer parking to students where possible however we do ask that students drive with due care and attention while on college grounds, taking into consideration other users of the car park at all times.

Students of all ages and abilities have to walk across the car park to use the canteen facilities and access buildings therefore it is paramount that all drivers drive slowly and safely. This also includes when parking.

Careers Info & Guidance

Careers advice is a major part of each course and takes place in various ways:

Further Information

The Learning Resource Centres also have a well-stocked careers section (LINKY)

Visit the IGEN website

Childcare Support

If you are aged under 20 on 1st September prior to the start of your course, and you have children, you are eligible to receive help with the cost of childcare via the Care to Learn scheme. This scheme is not means tested.

Students aged 20 and over may be able to get assistance with childcare fees from the Student Support Fund.

College Academy of Hair & Beauty

The College Salons are open to members of the public. Located on Coach Street and Victoria Square in Skipton, they offer a valuable working experience and learning environment for our students. A full range of treatments are available including a full range of Hair treatments and Beauty treatments including; massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and nail extensions.

A price list is available from High Street Reception or you can call the Academy for more information or to book an appointment on 01756 692691. Students receive a 20% discount on treatments and 10% discount off retail products. One of our students and his model took first place at International Hairdressing Championships in Blackpool.

College Brasserie

The College Brasserie is based at the High Street Site and is open to students, staff and members of the public. The Opening times are:

We operate a more informal service “Fridays in the Brasserie” where customers can get snacks, beverages or a full meal, during term time, from mid October 10.30am – 1.00pm. Leaflets are available from the High Street Reception giving more details about the ‘Theme Events’.

To reserve a table, call the Brasserie on 01756 708 024.

Computers

Over 1000 PC and laptops are available across the College campuses for student use. The College has a highly effective virtual learning environment established to support students’ learning.

Counselling

The College offers a confidential Counselling Service which is available to all students throughout the academic year. Counselling is a voluntary and confidential activity. All of the counsellors who work at the College offer the highest possible level of confidentiality consistent with the law, and the codes of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), an important element of the counselling contract, we aim to respect the privacy of our clients.

If you have any questions about the Counselling Service, you can talk things through on a confidential basis, by text on 07624 808 505 or by calling 07984 599 789.

Drugs and Alcohol Code

Craven College has no history and little experience of the consequences of drug abuse or drug related crime. However this is no reason to be complacent.

The College’s policy and response to drug and alcohol related issues is part of a broader holistic approach that promotes the health and welfare of all members of the College community. Craven College believes that taking a firm stance on the misuse of drugs or alcohol on College Campus will have a positive effect on individual abilities to learn and will help to avoid associated crime, risk taking behaviour, bullying and health and safety issues. Craven College policy towards illegal substances (drugs) is one of zero tolerance which applies equally to:


Any student found in possession, using, distributing, purchasing or sharing any such illegal substance will be immediately suspended from College and subsequently subject to expulsion under the final stage of the College’s disciplinary policy. The police will automatically be informed as will parents of students under 18.

The College operates in partnership with the Craven Organisation for Drugs and Alcohol (CODA).

CODA offers a free and confidential service providing advice, information, counselling and day services. Staff are fully trained and come from a variety of disciplines including social work, nursing, counselling and youth work. The advice service is available to both students and parents. Students may also talk to Student Services or course tutors.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA )

This is a government funded scheme which aims to assist students with the costs of continuing in education after Year 11. To receive EMA for the academic year 2009-2010 you must have been born between 1 September 1989 and 31 August 1992 and your household income must be below £30,810 per year. Depending on the household income you will receive £10, £20 or £30 per week.

If you think you may be eligible and wish to apply you can get an application pack by ringing 0800 121 8989 or visiting http://www.direct.gov.uk/ema

Once the application has been accepted the student will be sent an EMA Contract Part I which they must bring to the EMA Coordinator in Student Services. Without this document they cannot be enrolled onto the EMA system to receive payments.

Any student considering applying must come to Student Services as soon as possible after the beginning of term to see the EMA Coordinator. The EMA Coordinator in Student Services is Diane Waring contactable on 01756 693 841.

Emergency Contact

We will make every effort to contact a student for emergencies, but for non-emergency contact we ask that parents make alternative arrangements. Please bear in mind that mobile phones must be switched off during lessons.

Equipment & Reading Lists

If you intend to enrol on a Practical Cookery and Hospitality, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Holistic Therapy, Sports Therapy, Art and Design, Sports, Outdoor, Public Services or Equine Management course, you should have already received a list detailing the equipment you require for the course. If you haven’t received these details or you feel you are unable to meet these costs as your family income is low then please contact Student Services on 01756 708 008 as we may be able to offer assistance with costs.

Financial Support

You should have received information regarding financial support when you attended your interview. Help may be available for the cost of essential course equipment and books. If you require further information or advice please contact Student Services on 01756 708 008. In addition, you may also be able to obtain financial assistance from local Charities or Trusts – we have an extensive list which is available on request from Student Services.

Help with the Cost of Travelling to College

There are a number of ways you can get help with your travelling expenses, the list below gives details of all the main discounts and travel passes available locally.  If you have concerns regarding the costs of travelling to college, please contact Lauren Ingram, Student Services Manager, who will be happy to discuss your individual circumstances.

Travelling from Clitheroe

Transport is provided from Clitheroe to Skipton with a substantial reduction in fare.  Please contact Student Services for information.  The cost of a pass for this academic year 2009 is £325 which lasts for the full academic year and can be used on the X80 which will stop outside the Aireville Campus and the 280 Service which stops outside the train station.   Please note that a deposit of £175 is required when ordering the pass and the second payment of £150 is payable on invoice after Christmas.  Payments are not refundable if you stop using the transport.

For Students who live in North Yorkshire

Students under 19 years of age who live more than 3 miles from college will be eligible for a bus pass from NYCC for which there will be a cost of £325 per year (£8 per week).  Please refer to the NYCC information booklet which should have been sent to you direct from NYCC.  Copies also available from Student Services Craven College, School or Connexions.
If you are over 19 and travel on the train from Settle, Long Preston, Giggleswick, Clapham, Hellifield, Carlisle, Gargrave or Wennington you can buy a Dales Railcard. The cost is £10 per year and you can use it to obtain a third off your rail travel.

Travelling by Train on the Airedale and Wharfedale Line

All students are eligible for 25% reduction on the ticket price by showing their Craven College ID card when purchasing tickets at a manned station.  The only exception to this is when a station does not have a ticket office e.g. Steeton/Silsden station.

Scholar’s Permit (Metro)

If you are under 19 and use the bus to travel in West Yorkshire, you can purchase a half fare pass to use on the bus in the West Yorkshire area (i.e. you can use scholar’s permit to travel by bus down to the train station and then use Craven College ID card to purchase your train ticket at 25% reduction).  It is now possible to use your scholar’s pass on the Keighley and District Buses through from West Yorkshire into Skipton (i.e. if you prefer to travel by bus from Keighley through to Skipton).  The Leeds Met and Bradford Met area have a good range of cheaper passes which can give unlimited travel on buses and trains within the Bradford Met and Leeds Met area only.  Please check at your local bus station or train station.

Students resident in Sutton-in-Craven, Crosshills and Glusburn age 16/17 years of age

Students aged 16/17 years of age can purchase a half fare pass for use on the Keighley and District buses.  The Super Saver application forms are available from the Bus Station Office or Student Services.  Students from both Bradford Met. area and North Yorkshire are entitled to use these forms.  This method may provide cheaper travel as an alternative to purchasing a pass from North Yorkshire County Council.

Pennine Buses

If you travel on a Pennine Bus into Skipton; by showing your college ID card to the driver you will qualify for half fare travel.  Weekly tickets can be purchased to reduce your travel expenses.

Wheels2Work Scheme

Mopeds/Scooters are available to hire for providing reasonably funded transport for students living in remote areas.  Contact details as below:

Bradford Wheels2Work Scheme:  01274 782555 or look at website http://www.sbvs.org.uk
Lancashire Wheels2Work Scheme:  comes to an end May 2009 but will be reviewed in October 2009
North Yorkshire Wheels2Work Scheme:  0751 569 3296 or via Skipton Connexions Centre 0845 034 9572 – email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (candidates must live within the Craven or Harrogate Districts) - or visit the website at http://www.wheels2work.co.uk

Useful Travel Links

Craven College Contribution Towards your Travelling expenses

Did you know that Craven College offers a generous Travel Policy?

What Support is available?

If you spend more than £100 per term on the cost of your main journey to and from Skipton using the cheapest form of public transport possible (including the use of available travel passes) we will pay the excess up to a maximum payment of £200 per term.  This means, for instance, if you spend more than £8.00 a week (or £2 per day for a 4-day week) on your main journey in a 10/13 week term we will make up the rest to a maximum of £200.
The College is not in a position to contribute towards the cost of students’ local bus or car travel between their home and the start point of their principal journey except in extreme cases or in extreme financial circumstances.  Example of Principal Journey is – i.e. residents in Haworth can claim for train journey from Keighley only but must use half fare pass for use on bus to train station.

How will students be assessed to see if they are eligible?

Student must be enrolled on a full-time course at the college for the academic year 2009/10.

Are there any deadlines?

At the end of each term, students must complete a TRAV form, attach all bus / train tickets, and give it to his / her tutor to verify attendance and to sign.  Forms not signed by tutors will not be paid. The form must then be sent to the finance department via reception or student services at the end of term or within two weeks of the following term - in the case of the summer term, within the first two weeks of July.  Forms received after these dates may not be paid depending on circumstances and subject to there being sufficient funding.  

REMEMBER:

For more information/applications forms on any of the above or to discuss your circumstances further, please contact Student Services on 01756 708008 or Lauren Ingram, Student Services Manager on 01756 693860

Higher Education

Student Services and course tutors offer help and assistance to all students who are considering Higher education. Each year the college offers students the chance to attend the local annual UCAS Higher Education Convention. In addition the college resource centres hold a stock of university prospectuses as well as guide books for students to use. Students are also able to access the online application systems ensuring their applications are dealt with as quickly as possible.

Holidays

Students should not take holidays during term- time as this may affect your work and progress. If family holidays are unavoidable during term-time, please contact your course tutor as examinations, or essential assignment work may have been planned.

Please note: for EMA purposes, holidays will be considered as unauthorised absences and payments will not be made for any weeks which show that you were absent for a holiday, even if this is for as little as half a day.

ID Badges

You will be required to purchase a college ID card at enrolment or at the beginning of the term. It is expected that all students carry and display their ID card while on college premises. This assists with security on site contributing to a safe campus and learning environment.

Information Advice and Guidance (IAG)

Student Services provides a MATRIX-accredited service for Information Advice and Guidance. All students have access to Student Services either via the offices at the Aireville Campus and the High Street, through the Student Services Worker at the Aviation Academy or via the college’s VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). During Induction week all full time students are invited to attend the Student Services Road Show where all members of the team will be available to answer queries regarding finance, travel, course choice or anything relating to college life.

In addition, Student Services have very good links with local organisations who work with young people e.g. Connexions, YMCA, Foundation Housing, Health Services and Higher Education Providers. Guest speakers from these and other organisations also contribute to the college’s tutorial programme.

Careers advice is also a major part of each course and takes place in various formats, e.g. industrial and educational visits, assignment work, talks and discussions in class, and through course tutors, the Student Services Manager and the Central Admissions Team. The Learning Resource Centres also have a well-stocked careers section.

Learner Contract

It is important that Craven College continues to be a high quality, safe environment to ensure you can learn effectively and achieve your full learning potential. As such, all new students will be informed of the College values and ethos at Induction and will be expected to sign their agreement to adhere to a Learner Contract. The College’s Disciplinary procedure is detailed in full in the Student Handbook on the College’s VLE. Hard copies can be obtained on request to Student Services.

Learner Support

We have put various strategies in place to identify students who may require support whilst at college. Support is available for all students who require help, be it for assistance with writing assignments, numeracy, dyslexia or a medical or physical disability. It will help your son/daughter if we know of any issues before you start college in September as we can ensure support is in place that maximises learning potential.

Any information provided will be treated with the strictest of confidence and only relevant members of staff will be informed.

Learning Resource Centres

Over 17,000 books and 80 journals and magazines available to students. Both main campuses of the college have a Learning Resource Centre offering support to all students. Subject specific resources are also available at the Aviation Academy, the Auction Mart & Centre for Construction & Heritage Skills. There is a wide range of books, journals and magazines, DVDs and careers information to supplement student’s own core texts. Students can access electronic database and information sources, including the internet and the College Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for research purposes. Facilities also include catalogue searching, photocopying and printing. Opening times are:

Aireville Campus

High Street

Closed for lunch Monday 12.00pm until 1.00pm, Friday 1.00pm until 2.00 pm

Auction Mart

Closed for lunch every day 12.30pm until 1.00pm

Aviation Academy

Opening hours are displayed on the door. Opening hours are all under review.

Mentoring

The college mentors work with tutors and students to help remove barriers to learning, by building up students’ self esteem or self confidence and encouraging potential. In addition student mentors have also been trained to offer support to new students at college during the Autumn term. If you feel you would benefit from mentoring or you would simply like more information, please contact Becci Widdup on 07921 372 807 or through Student Services.

Nursery

The College Nursery is based at The Lodge, Gargrave Road, Skipton (at the entrance to the Aireville Campus). Judged to be a "highly effective setting" for 2 years running by North Yorkshire Early Years Partnership, it has 24 places available to children aged 2–5 years. Open school term times, daily 8 am–5.30 pm, the Nursery provides a safe stimulating environment with experienced staff.

Places can be booked by the general public as well as college staff and students. However, all places must be booked in advance with application forms available either at the Nursery or High Street Reception. Fees are £30 per day including a hot meal at lunchtime and a morning and afternoon snack. College students are eligible for support with the cost from the college’s Student Support Funds. All other parents may be eligible for help via Tax Credits or childcare vouchers via their employer.

On-Course Support

You will be allocated a personal tutor and your timetable will include a set time for one-to-one tutorials. This is an ideal opportunity for both course tutors and students to monitor academic achievement, attendance and motivation.

Part-Time Work

Many students have to work part-time to supplement their studies and whereas this will help you develop a sense of independence, time management skills and good communication skills, experience has shown that taking on too much employment will affect your college work and ultimately may show in final grading. Therefore the College feels that approximately 10–15 hours employment per week is adequate.

Personal Advisors

Our Personal Advisors work across all College campuses and are available within the Division to inform and advise you on any issues which may be having an impact on your ability to come into College. The Personal Advisors will also take calls on the Attendance line 01756 693874. If you don’t attend your classes they will contact you to discuss if you have any issues affecting your attendance. If there are problems they will then work you, along with Student Services staff and the Divisions to help to sort them out.

Refectories

There is a refectory at both the High Street and Aireville Campuses and a Café Bar at the Aireville Campus. All of these facilities provide good quality, healthy food at reasonable prices. Fresh sandwiches made by our catering service and fruit are always on the menu as well as hot cooked meals. You can expect to be able to purchase a main meal for £2.95. Limited catering services are also available at the Auction Mart and Construction sites.

Spare Time & Free Periods

You may find that you have gaps between lessons on your timetable. While we would encourage you to use these free periods to do assignment work and research, we do provide facilities for you to relax between lessons.

The Café Bar located at the Aireville campus has been extended and refurbished and now provides a modern comfortable environment in which to socialise and relax. Sandwiches, pizza, and other snacks as well as coffee and cold drinks are all served. 3 pool tables and a table football machine are provided and there is also a comfortable seating area.

Student Support Fund

If you are suffering financial hardship you can make an appointment to see the Student Services Manager as support may be available from the College’s Student Support Fund. This fund is usually used to help students purchase equipment, books, pay for trips that are an essential part of the course, exam fees etc.

Student Union Cards

Craven College is affiliated to the NUS (National Union of Students); this means that all full and part- time students are entitled to become card holding members. The ‘Extra’ card is £10 and enables you to take advantage of discounts from various local and national outlets; more details are available on the website www.nusonline.co.uk.

Further information can be obtained from the Student Liaison Officer, Student Services, in the Café Bar at Aireville Campus or Student Services at the High Street.

Timetables

Timetables will be given out during Induction week (the first week of term). If free periods are indicated on the timetable then we recommend that you make full use of the learning resource centres and research materials to keep on track with their assignments.

Some changes to timetables may occur during the course of the year to take into consideration work placement, room changes, subject change etc.

You will be given as much notice as possible of any changes. Please note: if you receive EMA payments, you must give a copy of your timetable to the EMA Coordinator.

Transport

Each year the College offers support to help students get to College. We have negotiated with train and bus companies to provide reduced fares for our students. Travel grants will be available to students, subject to need, who have to travel a distance to College. In order to claim you should:

  1. Keep your bus/train tickets each day/week. At the end of each term collect a claim form from Student Services
  2. Complete the form indicating which days you have attended college
  3. Ask your course tutor to sign it
  4. Hand the form to Student Services or Reception before the closing date (indicated on the form) together with your tickets
  5. You will be reimbursed by cheque during the following term.

In addition the following discounts are available to Craven College students:

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Craven College
High Street
Skipton
North Yorkshire BD23 1JY
01756 791411

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Craven College is based in Skipton and within easy reach of Keighley, Shipley, Ilkley, Harrogate, Leeds, Bradford, Clitheroe, Colne, Nelson and Burnley.