First Weeks
Essential information
Settling in is easier if you understand the University’s Academic and General regulations.
Do I need to attend all my timetabled classes?
You can access your timetable by logging into the Student Portal, providing you have fully enrolled (and have set up your IT account as you will need your user name and password).
Our Student Attendance Guidance expects you to attend 100% of your timetabled activities, arriving on time for each one. If you cannot attend a session, you must inform your faculty registry team, so that we can support you as necessary.
To register your attendance, you should tap your ID card on a Touchpoint card reader, which can be found near to the entrance of all teaching rooms. Further details about the Touchpoint system can be found on our website.
We know that attendance is linked to achievement so our Student Engagement Centre team will analyse attendance to identify if you need additional support. We must also report attendance to organisations such as sponsors, the Student Loan Company and the Home Office.
Have you missed an assessment deadline or exam?
If you are ill or something happens which you didn’t expect or could not control, and this means that you can’t meet your deadline or take an exam, you can apply for a deferral or an extension. Make sure you read your Student Handbook carefully so you understand these regulations. You can also talk about what you can do with your Faculty Registry team.
What is good academic practice?
You will receive guidance on good academic practice throughout your studies and The Good Academic Practice Quiz on Moodle will help you better understand what we expect of you.
Academic misconduct is often referred to as ‘cheating’ and it is important that you familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations, via your Student Handbook or the Registry pages of the Student Portal.
If you need more support or guidance on good academic practice, you can get help from your Faculty as well as the Centre for Academic Writing (CAW).
We have also developed Coventry Student Essentials for you to work through some key skills in your own time and at your own pace.
Your Faculty's Student Handbook
Please download a copy of your handbook. Read it carefully, and for future reference, print a copy and keep it somewhere safe.
Lanchester library
A great place to study with friendly, helpful staff
The refurbished library is open 24/7 and there's a space for you whether you prefer quiet solitude or a lively study environment.
There are also group spaces, bookable meeting rooms and places to grab a drink or snack. Library staff are always happy to help and if you pop up to the top floor you might bump into your Academic Liaison Librarian who can help you research your assignments. We also have a roving support team in their purple ‘Ask Us’ shirts - they're here to help you.
To access books, databases, articles and more in your subject area search our library catalogue Locate. For help using the library have a look at our Library Essentials guide or our award-winning Pre-arrival library support (PALS) guide developed especially for international students or those curious about how UK university libraries work.
We are running a number of activities and events during the first few weeks of term to introduce you to the library. Pop in and see for yourself or like/follow us for details.
Like and follow us for details:
Like us on Facebook
/CovUniLibrary
Follow us on Twitter
@CoventryUniLibrary
Visit our induction website
Lanchester Library
Academic support
Will I have a personal tutor?
If you are a full-time undergraduate student you will have an Academic Personal Tutor (APT), an academic who can provide advice on academic and personal issues.
Every Faculty and Course also has Reps who can provide support. Reps are fellow students who represent the views of you and your coursemates to your department and ensure your voice is heard. Find out more about what Reps do on the Students' Union website.
Are you worried about academic writing?
The Centre for Academic Writing (CAW), based in the Annexe next to the Lanchester Library, offers a range of services including tutorials, workshops and academic writing resources, including Coventry Student Essentials which allows you to work through some key skills in your own time and at your own pace. Full time undergraduate students can also choose academic writing modules through the Add+vantage programme.
You are able to sign up for Academic Support once you are enrolled on your degree programme. Academic Support will be available from January 2020. Find out more here www.eventsforce.net/academicsupport.
Are you worried about your maths skills or need help with statistics?
Sigma offers an extensive free service in mathematics and statistics support to students from all subject areas and at all levels of study. Visit the drop-in centre on the ground floor of the Lanchester Library to find out more or check the opening times here.
Are you worried about academic research?
Our team of Academic Liaison Librarians offer one-to-one appointments to help with research and referencing. They also work with academic tutors to deliver information literacy skills into your course and offer Add+vantage modules which can support your academic writing. Based in the DMLL, on Floor 3 of the Library, you can ring, email, book an appointment online or ask for your Librarian at the Library Welcome Desk.
Your career
Career development starts long before graduation. We provide extensive support through our Talent Team, Faculty employability and placements teams, and a wide range of other initiatives. If you need advice, you can speak to the Talent Team in TheHub, 1stFloor (end of food court).
Email: careers.ss@coventry.ac.uk or call 024 7765 2011.
Are you thinking about your degree classification?
You will have the best chance of achieving your potential if you understand how the grades you receive during your studies contribute to an overall degree classification. Find out more via the Registry pages of the Student Portal.
Are you looking for part-time work?
You could become a Student Ambassador and work part-time with the University’s Faculties and Schools at events such as Open Days, getting paid on a project-by-project basis as well as gaining experience for your CV. Look out for Student Ambassador recruitment notices around campus, within your School or Faculty and on the Student Portal.
You can also visit thefutureworks, our recruitment and employment agency based in TheHub, which offers a variety of employment opportunities for current students and graduates, including flexible and part-time work.
Why not become a Course Rep?
The Students’ Union Reps department covers three areas: Course Reps, Service Reps and Halls Reps. Reps are the loudest voice on campus and exist to make sure you are heard at all levels of the University. Any student can be a rep, there are a mix of paid and unpaid roles, and it provides great experience and personal development. You can apply now to get involved.
Are you interested in international experience and opportunities?
The Centre for Global Engagement (CGE) is a service which can help you gain international experience and develop the global competencies required for national and international careers. Find out all about:
- The Global Leaders Programme open to all students.
- Linguae Mundi is Coventry University’s innovative foreign language programme, open to everybody.
- Study Abroad in a range of European countries through the Erasmus scheme or see how you could gain work experience through Go Abroad.
Need more help?
If you are not sure where to go for help, call the Student Engagement Team on +44 (0) 24 7765 6565, speak to a Customer Service Adviser at an Information Point or email infopoint.ss@coventry.ac.uk. You can also check Wayfinder to identify the support we can provide. Read more information on how to find Wayfinder.
If you have questions about your study programme, contact your Course Director. You can find their contact details on your Moodle CourseWeb.
Our International Student Support Team are here to help international and EU students and offer non-academic support on subjects such as pre-arrival, visa, immigration, housing and post-study advice. For questions, queries or concerns, contact the Student Support Team by email or telephone: +44 (0) 24 7765 2010.
Students’ Union Advice Centre (SUAC) is a free, independent and confidential service which gives advice, and provides representation, on a wide range of problems including housing, consumer law, cheating and plagiarism, internal disciplinary and complaints. You can call +44 (0)24 7765 5200 or visit them online.
The Medical Centre, on the second Floor of TheHub, holds surgeries from Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm during term-time. Find out more online or telephone +44 (0) 24 7655 1725. In an emergency please call +44 (0) 24 7659 2012.
For Health and Wellbeing services including counselling contact +44 (0) 24 7765 8029 or alternatively visit the Student Portal or download the CU Health and Wellbeing app from the Play/ App Store.
Faculty Registry
Your Faculty Registry can help you understand the University’s academic processes and regulations, answer queries relating to your course, modules and assessments, and authorise absences, deferrals, extensions and withdrawals.
You can visit the reception desks in Faculty buildings during the drop-in hours or make an appointment to see your Course Administrator by phone, email or via the Reception Desk.
In an emergency on campus or in Coventry University accommodation call the University’s Protection Service on +44 (0) 24 7765 5555. For off-campus emergencies or in private accommodation call the Police on 999. For non-emergency incidents (e.g. your car has been stolen or your property damaged) call the Police on 101.
