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Advice & Guidance
advice centre The Advice Centre is a one-stop advice and information base for both applicants and enrolled students. During term time, we are open 08.45 - 16.30 Monday & Friday and 08.45 - 18.30 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Out of term time, the Advice Centre is open 08.45 - 16.30. Detailed information on the accessibility of the College Campus is available.  Please follow the link.  icon Campus Access In the Advice Centre, students can access information and guidance on the following topics.  If we are unable to assist, we will refer you to another agency who can assist you.

Course Information & Advice

The Admissions Team will be happy to deal with enquiries regarding college courses, applications, pre-entry interviews and course offer letters and to give general information on funding. Information on credit transfer and accreditation of prior learning is available in the Advice Centre and an interview with a member of Faculty staff can be arranged so that you can discuss your specific experience / qualifications and goals. back to top

Feedback

We welcome feedback from service users.  Feedback forms are available in reception and in the "Its all about You" leaflet which is part of the Personal Learning Plan folder.  Completed forms should be returned to the Head of Student Services.

Student Funding Information

If you require general advice on the funding available to help you while you study, please contact Admissions or Student Services.  If you require information on a completed Bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) application, please contact Bursaries.  If you wish to submit a Bursary/EMA Appeal, you should contact Student Services to request an Appeals form. Depending on your course of study, different funds may be available to assist with the cost of registered childcare or to assist with accommodation / living costs whilst you are studying.  Application forms are available from the College office. back to top

Guidance & Personal Welfare

Before you make your final choice of study programme, you will have received pre-entry guidance from Admissions, Student Services and/or Faculty staff. During the year you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of ongoing guidance activities, including progress review interviews based on your Personal Learning Plan.If you require help, you will be able to access support for learning, guidance and personal welfare services and advice and assistance to apply for the additional discretionary support funds which are managed by the College. guidanceDuring the session, you will have a timetabled guidance slot and will have at least three progress review meetings with your Course Tutor. This is an opportunity to check that you are on track to complete your course successfully or to negotiate a more achievable programme of study. You may be asked to attend additional meetings to discuss progress, attendance or conduct if these are giving your Class or Course Tutors any concerns. You may also request a guidance meeting with your Course Tutor if you have any issues regarding your course or your personal circumstances that you wish to discuss. back to top

Welfare

All students are entitled to guidance and support during their studies. If you require assistance, please speak to your Group Tutor or to a member of Student Services. If we are unable to assist you to resolve your problem, we will try to refer you to another service which may be able to help you. If you are moving to the area to study, we can assist you to find accommodation. In addition to the guidance support from your Course Tutor, if you may ask for support from Student Services. Just go to the Advice Centre and ask to speak to June MacDonald or Liz Sharp and an appointment will be arranged for you. In many cases, this can be arranged immediately but sometimes you may have to wait until later the same day or the next day. At different times, organisations with special expertise are asked into College to give support with, for example,
  • budgeting and money management
  • volunteering
  • health issues
  • discounts and special offers for students
  • progression and careers
If you are struggling with IT or core skills, your Course Tutor can arrange for additional resources to be made available for you through the Learning Centre or through Support for Learning.
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Induction

In the first week of your course you will get to know your Course Tutor and the other students in your class group. You will be given a Personal Learning Plan folder containing

  • your PLP
  • the Student Code of Conduct
  • a leaflet "It's all about You"
  • a travel information leaflet
  • information on the Student Association elections
  • a campus floorplan so you can find your way around the building
Your Course Tutor will show you the Induction DVD which tells you about the support that is available to you from Student Services. You will also be given a copy of the Student Handbook with information on:
  • two females in corridor Who's who in College
  • College Policies and Procedures
  • Student Services
  • Money Matters
  • Employability
  • Citizenship
  • The Student Association
  • Class Representatives
  • Learner Support Services
  • College Facilities
  • Useful contacts
Various organisations will have stands in the Atrium with information on their services including the NUS who will provide information on their services and how to get involved as an elected member of the College Student Association Executive Committee. Your College handbook is an excellent reference source for information on College policies and procedures, College contacts, and general information.  If you lose your copy, please ask Student Services for a replacement. back to top

Personal Learning Plan

During your time at College, you will be encouraged to develop not only your academic qualifications but also the skills, attitudes and personal qualities that employers and admissions tutors are looking for.  Your PLP is an excellent resource for planning your future, so do keep it up to date and use it to prepare for your progress review / guidance interviews.  If you lose your copy, ask in the Advice Centre for another copy. back to top

Careers, Enterprise, Jobsearch, Voluntary Work

During the session, various activities are organised to assist you make choices for the next stage of your studies or career and there is a careers and university prospectus section in the College Library.  Job vacancies notice boards display both full-time and part-time job advertisements.  Employment vacancy and recruitment websites can be accessed though the PCs in the Learning Centre or Library.  Employment websites are listed in the contacts and links section. In May, a Jobs Fair is organised and a range of employers visit the College to give information and advice on recruitment and vacancies. 
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Progression

The College prospectus gives information on general progression routes for most College courses and the Careers and Progression section also has more detailed information. In November, the College Careers Advisor runs workshops on how to complete your UCAS application.  In November and May, representatives from local universities visit the College to give information and advice on progression to second / third year of degree level courses.  Look out for the posters giving dates and times. back to top

Citizenship

two males chatting Students are encouraged to become active citizens through Student Association activities; by becoming a Class Representative; through the curriculum; through environmental awareness; and through voluntary and charity activities. Citizenship skills are valued by employers, university admissions tutors and the wider community, so our students are encouraged to participate fully in College life, each making their own unique contribution to the rewarding experience of studying at South Lanarkshire College. back to top

Child Protection

The College operates a child protection policy in order to safeguard the welfare of the children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend the College. Members of staff have a duty of care to prevent physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and to report any suspicions of abuse.  The Head of Student Services is the Child Protection Co-ordinator for the College. back to top

Graduation & Awards Ceremonies

GraduationEach year, Student Services organises the College Graduation Ceremony at the end of October / beginning of November and the Construction Awards Ceremony in mid November. Details of the graduands and prizewinners are published in the press and on the website shortly after the ceremony. The College does not charge for graduation services; however, graduands will require to pay for the hire of robes from Ede & Ravenscroft and for any photography.  Please consult the Guidelines for Graduands through the link at the top of this page. back to top

Academic Matters and Student Discipline

This section provides links to information on how to appeal the outcome of an assessment and on the procedures and stages followed if a student does not follow the College rules and regulations on conduct.  Please see the sections on Health & Safety  and the Student Code of Conduct.  Students are given a copy of the Code in the PLP folder which is issued at the start of the session.  If you did not receive your copy, please ask your Course Tutor or Student Services. If you require advice on how to appeal a decision or if you need assistance to make an appeal, just ask. back to top

Student Association

SA-logoStudent Services organise the annual elections in September for the Student President and Student Association Executive Committee.  The Student President and the Head of Student Services meet regularly and there are three formal meetings a year with the Executive Committee.
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