One of the first things you'll discover is that college is very different to secondary school. You are totally in control of your education in college – you choose whether to turn up to lectures, take notes or even work at all. Nobody is going to be on your back, so it's important to keep focused, but you'll be getting a well rounded education that doesn't comprise of rote learning information.
My job as Education Officer is to help you with anything related to the academic side of life – work hard, play hard and enjoy college, but remember the degree that you have to get at the end of it all! I can advice you on anything from study skills to protocol for appeals if you fail exams, and everything in between. No problem is too big or too small, so please do drop in or give me a shout on the contact details below.
Remember also that education is about more than exam results. You will leave college better rounded individuals, ready to face the world having acquired skills that will come as much from the sports field or the society work you do as the lecture theatres. Whatever you do, make sure you get involved! A great way of doing this is to run for Class Rep. You'll find information on how to do this and the benefits it bring here, but if you have any questions, fire away!
Finally, I sit on lots of committees that make decisions on your college life, from Christmas exams to quality control. I firmly believe that every student has the right to have an input into these decisions, and this year it is easier to do so than ever before. I'll be blogging the big issues that are coming up every fortnight so that you can see what's going on and even directly comment on what you think college should do. To see what's happening, just take a look around this site where you'll also find study tips, grinds information and much more!
Enjoy the year, make loads of friends, have the best times of your life and if you get stuck, remember that we're always here to help you through.
My Office
You can come see me in my office if you've had any problems spring up in your academic life or if you have any questions about your education. My door's always open!
My office is in House 6 at the front of campus – it's marked on the map to the right. When you come in the door of the building go straight up the stairs to the first floor. Take a left there and go around the corridor. My office is the last door on the right – you'll see my name on the door!
If I'm not in you can call me on 085 772 36 76. You can also talk to Louisa, your welfare officer, whose office is right across the hall from mine. The Students' Union front office is downstairs on the ground floor too if you have any questions.