Learning support

Key to symbols

• HB - handbook
• F2F - face-2-face
• web - -website
• PG - peer group meeting
• AA - Academic Adviser
• IC - in class
• BB - Blackboard
• TC - targeted communication
• CG - Crucial Guide

Blackboard (introduction to)

(Hb, Web, IC, BB)

Blackboard is a web-based system that complements and builds upon traditional learning methods used at The University of Manchester. Students should be informed about how: 

• to access Blackboard
• to get help with Blackboard
• the course unit will be supported by Blackboard

IT Services

(Hb, Web, BB)

The IT Services website has information on registration and IT accounts.

Language Centre

(Hb, F2F, Web, BB)

Consider providing a reminder to students about the Language Centre's assistance with study support / academic writing.

Peer Mentoring

(Hb, F2F, Web, BB, TC)

It is important for students new to university to quickly form friendships for both social interaction and academic support. Peer Mentors can support this and can be active before the new cohort of students arrives at Manchester by preparing ‘Alternative Academic and Social Survival Guides’ and preparing events for Welcome Week.

Peer Mentors can help settle students in by being able to relate back to their own experiences of the first weeks of University life and are a great resource to support the student transition into HE and help new students put things into perspective.

The activities in the Scheme should continue throughout the year and not just during Welcome Week.

It is good practice to:

• get Peer Mentors to develop alternative pre-arrival guides
• use peer mentors to help students’ through the transition to HE
• organise sessions for students to meet peer mentors during induction week

'Students as Partners' is a programme of work managed by the Teaching and Learning Support Office. 

Programme administration / roles and responsibilities / school contacts

(Hb, F2F, Web)

Students need to be aware of how and when they can contact both academic and administrative staff.

Students have stated that they would find it invaluable to have a list of who to go to for particular/specific help posted on School websites/intranets.

Work and attendance of students

(Hb, F2F, Web, AA, IC, BB)

As part of managing students’ expectations, it is imperative that they are made aware of the School’s work and attendance requirements.

Students should be made aware of the following:

• how attendance is monitored
• what they need to do if they are unable to attend
• the consequences of unsatisfactory work and attendance