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Student Charter

UCC Student Charter

Version Number: 2.0

Revision date: 14 June 2024

Policy Owner:  UCC Students Union

Approval Body: Academic Council (14 June 2024)

Review: Monitored annually; periodic review 5 years.

Contentsu

  1. Purpose
  2. Scope
  3. Goals
  4. Our Comunity

            i    Teaching and Learning
            ii   Equality Diversity and Inclusion
            iii  Research
            iv  Student Life and Support Services

1. Purpose

Our Student Charter was jointly developed by University College Cork, Students’ Union (“UCCSU”) and University College Cork (“UCC”). Our Student Charter sets out a number of the roles and responsibilities of members from our university community, outlining what students, management and staff of UCC can expect from each other as partners in a learning community, and their respective goals.

2. Scope

This Student Charter outlines the nature of the environment in which the mutual goals of both the University and the Students are met. The Charter should be read in conjunction with the University’s policies, procedures and student rules. These are available here: Student Rules

  The Student Charter is a living document, and as such, it will change and evolve following reviews. This Student Charter is not intended to create legal rights that do not already exist and shall not give rise to any claims. The Student Charter does not constitute a Charter pursuant to section 31 of the Universities Act, 1997.

3. Goals

Goal 2 of UCC’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan identifies students as a key part of their own progression and success within the University through the below statement:

‘Provide a student-centred, inclusive and digitally enhanced learning environment, a Connected Curriculum and an outstanding student experience, to prepare UCC graduates to make a positive impact’.

UCCSU is committed to ensuring that each student feels safe, represented, respected, and valued throughout their University experience. UCCSU is the chief representative body for the students in University College Cork.

Within UCCSU’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan it is also stated that;      

‘To be able to study effectively and maximise their potential, students have the right to be healthy, safe, happy, and fulfilled. UCC SU will provide direct guidance and support to students in crisis and acute need, while also promoting the provision of excellent support and services to students by UCC.

Our goals can only be achieved if there is a collaborative effort between the University (specifically, its management and all staff) and its students.     

      

i Our Comunity

“Support student success, health and wellbeing, informed by the student voice”  UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028 

The Students can expect: -

  • An environment where students will be supported to maximise their potential and engage fully in university life
  • An environment where free speech, independent thought, academic freedom and academic integrity are fundamental principles.
  • To have access to information about the Statutes, Rules, Policies and Procedures of the University.
  • To have clear and concise administrative guidelines, policies and procedures (as they pertain to students)
  • Openness, integrity and fairness in all dealings with the University.
The University can expect students: -
  • To engage in all aspects of university life that offers students the chance to maximise their full potential, academically and personally.
  • To be aware of their responsibilities under the University’s Statute, Student Rules and
  • Student relevant Policies and Procedures.
  • To observe and uphold the Statutes, Student Rules, Policies and Procedures.
  • Get involved in university initiatives that help students develop as global citizens
  • To act respectfully and professionally in dealings with the University staff and fellow students. To respect all property of the University and that of its neighbours.
   ii. Teaching and Learning

‘Implement an academic plan to further embed the Connected Curriculum and lifelong learning, enabling educational and professional success for all students.’- UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028

Students can expect: -
  • A supportive, stimulating and challenging learning and research environmentdelivered through high quality teaching and supervision.
  • Courses to be regularly reviewed to ensure quality curriculum informed bycurrent and prospective, community, research, and industry needs.
  • Fair assessment and timely and useful feedback on their performance and progress.
  • Appropriate access to academic staff, general staff, and all student services including progressive digital education tools.
  • To be provided with clear and transparent guidelines on academic integrity, and clearly explained expectations for assessments.
The University can expect students: -
  • To work to the best of their abilities, and meaningfully engage with course content and adhere to the Attendance Policy.
  • To raise any question on their progress with the appropriate academic staff in a timely manner.
  • To provide constructive feedback on learning and teaching activities.
  • To maintain the highest standards of academic integrity, and adhering to the University’s Academic Integrity for Examinations and Assessments Policy and all university direction/guidance concerning and academic integrity. 

   iii. Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Students can expect: -
  • Equal representation, as well as solidarity from the University regardless of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; gender; socio-economic or other status; provided that the rights of other students are not infringed.
  • A safe campus environment, with special regard to the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
  • Utilisation of Universal Design for Learning guidelines, reasonable Accommodations, as well as other tools to ensure an accessible learning experience.
  • To be provided with sanctuary; a sustainable culture of welcome for asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants and share good practice with other institutions through UCC’s University of Sanctuary.
  • The promotion of practices and use of space and technology to meet climate action goals.
  • To be provided with clear and transparent information on required learning outcomes, guidelines on academic integrity and expectations for assessments.
The University can expect students to: -
  • To treat all staff and fellow students with courtesy and respect without regard to age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; gender, socio-economic or other status. With special regard to the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
  • Engage with and be aware of the accessible tools and services provided by the University.
  • To learn about what it means to seek sanctuary; develop a sustainable culture of welcome for asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants and share good practice with other institutions through UCC’s University of Sanctuary.
  • Aid and support in the promotion of practices and use of space and technology to achieve the Universities ambitious sustainability and climate action goals.

   iv. Research

‘Deliver impactful research and innovation that addresses global grand challenges in signature areas of excellence through the UCC Futures framework, resulting in a distinctive research reputation’- UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028 

Students can expect: -
  • To engage in research activities and projects, to be offered safe access to laboratories, equipment, and resources, allowing postgraduate research students to contribute to research in their field.
  • To anticipate working closely with experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.
  • Collaboration with peers, both within their department and across disciplines, leading to interdisciplinary research opportunities and the exchange of ideas, fostering a rich academic experience. 
The University can expect students to: -
  • Demonstrate a commitment to research by conducting high-quality research that contributes to the field, publishing in reputable journals.
  • Actively engage in the academic community through participating in departmental seminars, conferences, and collaborative research projects.
  • To be offered hourly paid teaching and mentorship activities (e.g. tutoring, demonstrating roles), where appropriate.

v. Student Life and Support Services

‘We believe that to be able to study effectively and maximise their potential, students have the right to be healthy, safe, happy, and fulfilled.’- UCCSU Strategic Plan 2023-2027

Students can expect: -
  • To be stimulated and engaged by the provision of a wide variety of Clubs and Societies.
  • To be supported in their wellbeing by available resources from University departments as well as the Students’ Union. Including but not limited to, available resources from Student Health, Student Counselling, the Accommodation and Community Life Office, Chaplaincy, Access (Disability Support; Mature Student Office; PLUS programme), ACE, Careers services, International Office, Peer Support, Niteline, the Student Budgetary Advisor and the Mardyke Arena and the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Unit. 
  • Streamlined reporting procedures to ensure a comfortable and safe campus environment.
The University can expect students to: -
  • Contribute to and get involved with Clubs and Societies when willing to do so and/or possible to do so.
  • Avail of and be aware of, all student supports made available by University departments and the Students’ Union. Including but not limited to Student Health, Student Counselling, the Accommodation and Community Life Office, Chaplaincy, Access (Disability Support; Mature Student Office; PLUS programme), ACE, Careers services, International Office, Peer Support, Niteline, the Student Budgetary Advisor and the Mardyke Arena and the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Unit. 
  • Familiarise themselves with the university’s resolution mechanisms, and reporting procedures and to use them in the first instance, and where necessary.

The Student Charter is subject to approval by the Student Council, Academic Board, Academic Council, and review by the Office of Corporate and Legal Affairs (OCLA).

 

Related document and links

 

Approval/versions

Committee Date Version
  February 2009 v 1.0
Academic Council  14 June 2024 v 2.0

 

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Academic Affairs and Governance

Gnothaí Acadúla agus Rialú

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