Expectations - University and you
We want you to have an enjoyable and productive experience at Teesside University. To get the most out of your time here, our Student Charter sets out what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. Working in partnership helps us deliver an excellent student and learning experience.
The charter highlights the professional standards that we, as a university, must meet and also how you, the student, should take responsibility for your own learning.
Successful studies
Check out these tips to help you engage with your studies and make the most of your learning:
Pre-course reading
Get a head start and develop your knowledge before you arrive. It might make that small difference for your first lecture. Your module tutors provide recommended reading lists for you. You can access them on the module sites in Blackboard, your virtual learning platform.
Build your academic skills
You can start to develop your skills before you arrive. The Learning Hub provides resources and support to develop your independent study skills and grow your confidence. It can help you with understanding and acting on assignment feedback, academic writing, critical thinking, developing your proof-reading skills, referencing and more.
Induction and welcome weeks
Whether it's your first day of university or you are continuing to higher level university studies, it's vital to attend welcome events and course inductions. They provide a platform for your ongoing success. You can meet your tutors, understand the expectations, speak to other students, make friends, gain an understanding of who to speak to and where to go for support. You will feel better prepared as you connect with the campus and surroundings, giving you the best start to university life. Once you have completed online enrolment, find out about induction weeks in your Information Hub.
Attendance
We know that life is busy - study, work, personal commitments and time for relaxation and self-care are difficult things to balance. Attending lessons helps you learn about your subject in-depth and provides the best chance of succeeding in your studies. You'll benefit from the wealth of knowledge provided from your tutors and share ideas and discuss themes with your peers. Talking to your lecturers and course mates is invaluable in developing your understanding, skills and knowledge. Learn more about recording your attendance in the MyTU app.
Studying
The amount of time you spend studying depends on your course. Your course leader can guide you and manage expectations of what is required. Be proactive and find out more from your academic team during induction. If your course has a significant amount of independent study, for every hour of timetabled class study, consider spending two hours on independent study. Identify what works best for you and adjust accordingly as you progress. The more you put into it, the more you get out.
Lectures
It's important to attend lectures, this is where you gain an understanding of the topic aligned to your modules. Make notes to cement your understanding and ignite your interest in areas to explore. You can then research further and explore themes to develop ideas for the following seminars, lab work or assignments. Find out more about lectures and getting the most from your lectures.
Seminars
Find your voice and share ideas with your fellow students. You can also ask questions and gain direction from your module tutor. When you first start university, speaking in class and voicing your opinion can seem daunting, but others will be feeling nervous too. Get involved - shared knowledge builds stronger connections.
Ask questions
Your lecturers are here to help. Ask questions and if you're unsure or don't understand something, speak to them at the end of the lesson or arrange a one-to-one with them. Ask your fellow students about setting up a study group where you can meet to discuss topics and share ideas.
Preparing for taught sessions
Check Blackboard for your lecture and seminar topics and any pre-reading or work to complete before your lesson. Find out when and where your lectures are. Check your timetable and campus map on MyTU and try to arrive 5-10 minutes before the start time.
Practical
Enhance your practical skills and knowledge on your modules by making use of the facilities. Get the required access, experiment and learn from mistakes and successes. Ask questions and keep an open mind on feedback.
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