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Accommodation
By the time you receive this Handbook, we hope
you will have resolved any accommodation
difficulty you may have had, either independently or
with help from University Accommodation Services.
If you have made use of our facilities you will
already know where to find us, but just in case, we
have listed below the address, telephone & fax
number of each office by campus. More detailed
information about University Accommodation
Services is available on our web pages:
www.apu.ac.uk/housing
Where to find University Accommodation
Services:
CAMBRIDGE CAMPUS:
By Post:
University Accommodation Services, T6,
APU, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT
In Person:
University Accomodation Services, T6,
Cambridge Campus
Tel: 01223 363271
Ext. 2517/2273 or 2215
Answerphone/Fax:
01223 417706 – outside office hours.
Email: cambaccom@apu.ac.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 10.00am – 5.00 pm
CHELMSFORD CAMPUS:
By Post:
University Accommodation Services,
APU, Rivermead Campus, Chelmsford,
Essex CM1 1SQ
In Person:
University Accommodation Services, APU,
Ashby House, Rivermead Campus.
Tel: 01245 493131
Ext. 3110 (answerphone for out of office hours)
3181, 3182, 3183
Email: essexaccom@apu.ac.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Friday 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
University Accommodation Services' staff manage
all university student accommodation and are there
to ensure the safety, security and comfort of
students and to ensure compliance with current
legislation. We also have the role of enforcing the
student letting agreement.
Prior to your arrival in university managed
accommodation you should have received an
accommodation folder or booklet which can be
used as an information source throughout your
stay in residences. You should also have been
provided with any other important information upon
arrival. If you have any queries on this, please
come and talk to us.
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We also provide an accommodation service to
students whom we are unable to house directly,
or who choose to live independently in private
rented accommodation. Detailed information is
available upon request from your campus
accommodation staff.
Although our priority during the summer is to
assist all new first year full time students to find
somewhere suitable to live, you should
remember that we are here to try to assist all full
time students who have a housing need and/or
who have a housing related problem. This
support and assistance is available to you
throughout your time at the university.
Alumni Office
Keeping you in touch.
Graduation may seem a long way off, but at that
time you will become one of our APU Alumni –
past students of the university. The Alumni
Office exists to help facilitate this special
relationship and to help you get the most benefit
possible from your links with us and each other.
After graduation you will automatically be sent
free copies of Aspects, the alumni magazine,
twice a year. The Alumni Office can also help in
the tracing of student colleagues and the
organisation of reunions. There are currently
around 45,000 APU alumni still in contact with
the University so involvement after graduation
can be both socially and professionally beneficial.
The Alumni team are Sue Jacobs (Alumni
Officer), Sharon Wuyts and Will Guest (Alumni
Assistants). They are based in the Vice
Chancellor’s Office, Rivermead Campus,
Chelmsford.
How to contact us:
Telephone 01245 493131 Ext. 4224
Email: alumni@apu.ac.uk
Web: www.apu.ac.uk/alumni
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy exists to serve all students and
staff, irrespective of faith or commitment. It aims
to offer:
n
n
A place where personal or spiritual issues can
be discussed in confidence.
n
Services and fun events.
n
A friendly face and a listening ear.
n
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Opportunities for exploring issues of faith
whatever your starting point.
Information about worship and/or spiritual
support for anyone, Christian or of other faiths.
n
Prayer for the life of the University and
concerns of individuals.
Chaplaincy: Cambridge
The Chaplaincy in Cambridge is here to support
ALL students and staff, to provide a listening ear
and friendly face, to offer the insights of the
Christian faith where wanted and to provide links
with other faith groups where sought.
The Chaplaincy office is in the Ruskin lounge.
Please feel free to drop by or call the Chaplain on
ext. 2398. Appointments can be made to see the
Chaplain at the reception desk in Student
Services. The Chaplaincy Team includes
members from different Christian denominations
as well as representatives from other faith groups.
The aim of the team is to offer appropriate
support and help where needed or requested.
There are no Sunday services at APU. Those
seeking a Church are encouraged to join one
locally. A directory of the many churches in
Cambridge can be found on the web-site and the
Chaplain is happy to provide help on deciding
where to go. Information is also available on local
centres of worship for the different faith
communities, so if you have a query please call in.
Morning and Midday Prayers are said daily during
term time in the Chaplaincy Quiet Room. It is a
place for any who wish for space to think and
pray, or just be still. There is also a Muslim Prayer
Room, set aside as a place for Muslims to pray,
please contact the Chaplaincy team for more
information. For services to mark occasions such
as Graduation or Commemoration, Zion Baptist
Church, next door to APU, is used. The
Chaplaincy notice board outside the Chaplaincy
office is the place to find information on times of
services and other Chaplaincy events, such as
discussion groups and social events.
Contact:
You can the Cambridge Chaplaincy team on
Ext. 2398 or visit the Chaplaincy website on
www.apu.ac.uk/thechaplaincy/cambridge
Chaplaincy: Essex
The Chaplains’ office can be found in the
Chaplaincy centre in the student village on
Rivermead Campus. Rev’d Ivor Moody is the full
time Chaplain and can be contacted here.
Please leave a message if he is not in. Ivor is an
Anglican Priest and he shares the work of the
Chaplaincy with a team, mainly made up of
members of the University staff, from various
denominations. In the Centre there is a quiet
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room on the first floor of the centre which is
available for those who want a place to pray or
simply be still. Information can be found there
about churches in Chelmsford and about services
and events which will be happening on campus
and elsewhere. Please feel free to call in. There
is also a kitchen, with refreshments available, and
a lounge with a TV and Video.
Ivor and any of the team are happy to talk and
listen to people of all backgrounds, to discuss
issues of faith or personal matters in confidence.
They are also there simply to have a friendly chat
and a cup of coffee.
The Cambridge Nursery is open for 47 weeks
of the year from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to
Thursday and 8.30am – 5.00pm Friday, and
has 50 places for children from twelve weeks
to five years.
For more information please contact Nursery
Manager Clare Grave on 01223 363271 Ext. 2202
The Chelmsford Nursery is open from 8.00am
to 6.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am –
5.30pm Friday for 47 weeks of the year. It has
66 places for children from twelve weeks to
five years.
Contact:
You can contact Ivor for more information or if
you want some help via email:
i.r.moody@apu.ac.uk
Tel: 01245 493131 Ext. 7722
or you can visit the Chaplaincy website on
www.apu.ac.uk/thechaplaincy/chelmsford
Childcare
For more information please contact Nursery
Manager Lesley Green on 01245 493131
Ext. 4624
Fees are set to cover operating costs, but student
parents are able to apply for fee support based on
personal circumstances. Details of fees and help
available will be sent to you when you enquire
about a place. If you wish to reserve a place,
please contact the relevant Nursery Manager as
early as possible.
You will need to make any arrangements, whether
at the APU nurseries or locally where you live, well
in advance. Remember also to make
arrangements for after-school and half-term
childcare if necessary.
We have a strong commitment to assisting with the
childcare needs of our students, and we recognise
that confidence in your childcare arrangements is
vitally important if you are to study effectively.
Nurseries at Cambridge and Chelmsford cater for
children from 12 weeks to 5 years. Staff in Student
Support Services can advise you on the childcare
arrangements you may need to make and in some
circumstances financial support is available to help
with these costs. If you need financial help for
childcare please contact the Student Adviser at
Student Support Services on your campus.
If you wish use the University’s facilities it is vital
that you contact the local Nursery Manager as
early as possible as there is usually a waiting list
for places.
APU nurseries are run by highly experienced,
qualified staff and aim to give your child(ren) the
opportunity to grow and develop skills in a caring,
friendly environment, as well as to ease your study
arrangements. A wide variety of toys and
equipment are provided to give the children the
opportunity to enjoy many different activities during
the day. Much of the work is displayed and children
are encouraged to talk about what they have been
doing. Continuity of care is important and many of
our nursery staff have been with us for several
years.
After School Clubs
We are not able to provide after school hours care for
school age children but we recognise the needs of
student parents and work with local groups and major
employers to support locally based clubs. For further
information contact the local Nursery Manager.
There is a Holiday Playscheme in Cambridge
which operates during all school holidays except
Christmas and Bank Holidays. Open from 8.15am
– 5.45pm Mon – Fri. From ages 5-14 years old.
The Playscheme is available to students and staff
of Anglia Polytechnic University and Cambridge
University.
For more information please contact the Nursery
Manager or The Childcare Office (01223) 339905.
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Communications &
Information Technology
Services (C&ITS)
During your studies at APU it is almost certain
that you will want to use a computer. C&ITS
provide Open Access facilities on the University’s
main campuses.
All Open Access PCs have Internet & Email
access, Microsoft Office XP Pro, SPSS,
MindGenius and other supported software.
Students are provided with a small individual
filestore area on central servers which is also
accessible via a web browser when working off
campus. Floppy disks can be purchased from the
vending machines located near Help Desks.
Open access PCs have zip drives and/or CD ReWritables and USB pen drives can also be used;
you will need to provide your own media for
these. Authenticated wireless network access will
be provided to students who bring in their own
wireless enabled laptops. APU does not supply
or configure wireless cards.
If you use PCs outside of APU you will need to
make sure that the software is compatible with
Microsoft Office XP; ask at your local Helpdesk
for advice, always talk to them in good time, don’t
wait until it becomes an urgent matter.
While you are registered as an APU student, it
will not cost you anything to use the Open
Access facilities. However, when you need to print
assignments or CVs, for example, there is a cost
for laser and colour printing.
Open Access facilities are in addition to the
computing facilities provided by the teaching
schools, and you should check with the relevant
Department for information regarding software
which is specific to your course.
At each main campus there is a Help Desk,
which will be your first point of contact with
C&ITS. When you have registered as an APU
student please do come and see us! Your
username will be available shortly after your
registration and will be used to authenticate your
access to the PCs on the computer network,
provide you with your e-mail address, and also
identify any printed output that you request.
We will communicate with you via your APU
email address, which you can set to forward to
another address if you wish.
We keep long hours, including weekends! Please
note the opening hours for your nearest/preferred
Help Desk. We recommend that you check
notice-boards
www.apu.ac.uk/students/info_screens.shtml for
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information, or telephone the local Help Desk
before travelling long distances, particularly
outside of the semesters.
To be fair to all students (including you) we
recommend that you book a computer when you
need to use one; a web-based system is
currently under development. Check your local
Help Desk for availability.
Use of the network implies acceptance of the
Rules and Regulations of the University which
can be viewed at:
www.apu.ac.uk/cits/service/smallprint/rules
You MUST not share your username and
password with anyone else.
You should be aware that all user accounts and
Home Directories are deleted after your
Graduation – unless you are subsequently
registered on another APU award bearing course.
Students are responsible for ensuring that they
have their own backups of files and email on
leaving or graduating from the University.
CopyCentres
If you're looking for photocopying services (colour
or black and white), binding for dissertations or
presentations, OHP transparencies from printed
originals, or you need advice on any or all forms
of copying and binding, please call in at the
CopyCentres in Cambridge and Chelmsford at
these locations
Contact:
CAMBRIGE:
Under Coslett Building (by the main entrance
next to the Canteen)
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri 11.00am – 3.00pm
Tel: 01223 363271 ext. 2023
CHELMSFORD:
W13, West Block
Chelmsford Central
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri 8.45am – 4.00pm
Tel: 01245 493131 ext. 3286
Cycling
Cycling is a healthy and inexpensive way of
getting about which the university is keen to
encourage. Many students and staff already cycle
in, and we would like more to do so. We have
extensive cycle parking at both Cambridge and
Chelmsford (it isn’t just a Cambridge thing!) and
we hope to provide shower and changing facilities
to deal with the big problem associated with
cycling – arriving hot and sticky or alternatively wet
and bedraggled. But for the most part, cycling is
good fun and good for you.
We do, however, ask you to take care on campus.
Particularly at Cambridge where the campus is
very crowded, you must not cycle on pavements or
footpaths because to do so is to put others at risk.
Just as importantly, please do not lock your bike
up on any sort of narrow path; you could be
obstructing the route of someone with a disability.
Employment Bureau
The Employment Bureau is a specialist
Recruitment Agency situated on the
APU Campus at Cambridge and Chelmsford. Our
aim is to offer an employment
service which supports students during their
studies and beyond.
We offer three core services:
Temporary Work – If you're looking to supplement
your income, we can find temporary work for you or
point you in the direction of the many employers
who advertise through us. Recent assignments
include call centre work, catering, admin support
and research.
Work Experience – If you are an postgraduate
studying at APU we can help you to find work
experience applicable to your course of study.
Arranged through local employers, positions can
offer practical experience designed to develop your
skill set whilst offering you a chance to sample a
potential career area. Placements are arranged
during the Easter and Summer breaks.
Permanent Placement – Once you've completed
your degree, we can help you to find your ideal
permanent position. We have connections with
employers across East Anglia and an excellent
record of placements to date. Recent placements
include positions in IT, Marketing, Sales, Research
and Engineering.
Contact:
Cambridge
Room 296
Mellish Clark
Ext: 2766
Chelmsford
Room J124
Johnson Building
Ext: 3380
www.apu.ac.uk/eb
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Health
Cambridge
If you are a full time student, resident in the UK for
more than six months, during your first weeks you
will be given time to register with the University
doctors at the Medical Centre. It is important that
you register with them (or a local GP) as soon as
possible – don’t wait until you are ill!
The Medical Centre in the Ruskin building offers
a full branch surgery with the National Health
Service. The doctors are available by
appointment on weekday mornings and Monday
afternoons during semester time. A Nurse
Practitioner and/or Staff Nurse are also available
from 8.30am – 5.00pm Mondays – Thursdays,
until 4.00pm on Fridays. A comprehensive
confidential range of services is provided,
including:
Offer:
n
Nursing care and advice on all health issues
n
A quiet rest room
n
A weekly contraceptive clinic
n
Free condoms
n
Pregnancy tests
n
Emergency Contraception
We are:
n
Free
n
Confidential
n
Experienced in student and sexual health
n
Contraception / Emergency Contraception
n
Immunisations / Vaccinations
n
Travel Advice (including vaccinations)
n
The nurses are available 9:00am – 2:30pm
n
Blood tests
n
No appointment is needed
n
Cervical smear tests and other investigations
n
The rest room is available at any time
n
Pregnancy Testing
n
Condoms are available at any time
A wide variety of leaflets and information on all
aspects of health are available and the Medical
Centre staff can help you find dental and optical
treatment.
The Local Health Authority also provides Family
Planning Clinics in the area, details are also
available from the Medical Centre.
Being a student doesn’t automatically exempt you
from NHS Charges. You will have to pay dental,
optical and prescription charges (currently £6.20
per item) when you reach 19 years of age.
However, you may qualify for help with these, on
grounds of a low income. Complete the HC1
form – available from the Medical Centre, main
post offices and DoSS offices.
During weekends, evenings and vacations, 24
hour medical cover is provided by the main
surgery (The Red House Surgery, 96 Chesterton
Road, Cambridge, 01223 365555 (office hours)
and 01223 464242, Cambridge Doctors on Call
(for outside office hours), but only if you are in
need of urgent medical attention. In addition
NHS Direct – 0845 4647 is a 24 hour helpline for
advice
In an emergency, the nearest Casualty
Department is at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills
Road, Cambridge.
Contact:
Jan Farrar – Nurse Practitioner ext. 2251
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Chelmsford
Your Campus Nurses (Chelmsford
Campus)
Times and Places
The contraceptive session is on Mondays,
12.30pm – 2:00pm
All students (including International students
resident in the UK for longer than 6 months) are
STRONGLY advised to register with a local GP
(family doctor).
In an emergency the nearest Accident and
Emergency Department is at Broomfield Hospital,
Chelmsford.
All services are at the Student Centre,
East Building Ext. 3298
International Office:
International Students
If you are an International Student at APU you
will be part of a large group that represents 20%
of the full time student population. As an
International Student, the University recognises
that you make a very special contribution to life
on campus because you bring with you different
perspectives which you can share with UK
students. We also recognise that you have
specific requirements and we provide specialist
support to ensure that you achieve your full
potential during your time with us.
If you have a question relating to your studies at
APU your first point of contact will be your Field
Office or your personal tutor.
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If you have any questions about your immigration
status, work entitlements while studying or police
registration then you will need to make an
appointment with the International Student Adviser
located in the International Office on each
campus.
Extending your visa (non-EEA
nationals)
If you come from a country outside the European
Economic Area you will have been given
permission to enter the UK to allow you to study.
However, if you find that your student ‘visa’
expires before you have completed your studies
you must make an application to the Home Office
to extend your student ‘visa’. As this procedure
can be a little complicated the University would
recommend you read the following action points
carefully.
n
n
n
Check your passport to find the exact date your
student ‘visa’ finishes
Obtain specialist advice by making an
appointment with the International Student
Adviser located in the International Office at
least seven (7) weeks before your current visa
expires or
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE LOCATIONS:
Cambridge – Rm. GD, Eastings
Email: visa-advice@apu.ac.uk
Chelmsford – 2nd floor, North Building,
Central Campus E-mail: j.sutton@apu.ac.uk
International Student Adviser:
Cambridge and Essex
There is an International Student Adviser located
in the International Office on both the Cambridge
and the Chelmsford campuses. If you require
specialist advice on extending your visa, work
entitlements, police registration etc you will need
to make an appointment. Please contact the
following members of staff:
CAMBRIDGE CAMPUS:
Jean Yeadon
International Office,
Room GD, Eastings
CHELMSFORD CAMPUS:
Jan Sutton
International Office,
2nd Floor North Block, Central campus
Attend a 'How to extend your student visa'
workshop (dates and times will be advertised
on notice boards around the university).
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Library and Information
Sources
The University has two main campus libraries at
Cambridge and Chelmsford in addition to a
number of reciprocal access schemes to other
libraries in the region. The University Library
collections comprise 380,000 volumes of
bookstock, over 7,000 journal subscriptions and
some 9,000 multimedia items. A full range of
'electronic library' services are available with
access to over 150 databases, nearly 450
electronic journals and a wide range of specially
selected internet resources that deliver
information online to the computer desktop, to
help your studies.
Both main libraries offer a range of study
facilities, including group study rooms, audio and
video equipment and open-access computers.
Introductory and information skills training
programmes are available to ensure that you are
equipped to make the best use of the wide range
of information sources available.
The campus libraries offer extensive library
opening hours, including self-service hours.
For more details visit the Library Website at:
http://libweb.apu.ac.uk
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The Mumford Theatre
On the Cambridge campus the Mumford Theatre
is one of APU’s most valuable resources, and
exists primarily to provide the opportunity for any
student at APU to get involved in theatre.
There is a year-round programme of events at the
Mumford Theatre mainly comprising of:
n
n
n
performances by local amateur companies who
hire the theatre
visiting professional theatre companies
our own student productions, usually there are
three a year (a pantomime, a drama and a
musical)
Performing on stage is not for everyone and the
Mumford Theatre has plenty of opportunities in
other areas. You can get involved as part of the
backstage team (stage management, lighting,
design, sound, set construction, painting, props,
costume, stage crew) or as part of the front of
house team.
If you are interested in taking part contact the
Theatre Manager, Richard Purkiss
Email: mumford@apu.ac.uk
Tel: 01223 352932 or by going to the theatre’s
Box Office.
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National Postgraduate
Committee
What can the National Postgraduate
Committee do for you?
The National Postgraduate Committee is the
representative body for all postgraduates in the UK
which individual postgrads can join or to which
educational institutions can affiliate. The Students’
Union at APU is an affiliated member of the NPC
and is working hard to raise the profile and
awareness of postgrads, both taught and research,
within the university. Part of that remit is to alert
postgrads to organisations like the NPC which has
an important campaigning and representational
role both nationally and regionally. The NPC is led
by a General Secretary, Tim Brown at present, but
is mainly run by volunteers. It produces
publications such as guidelines for institutions on
postgraduate issues, a newsletter, a journal and
runs an annual conference (August 2004). NPC
officers give advice to affiliated members
especially about the issue of postgraduate
complaints systems which have been used to great
effect recently; there are experts in the NPC on
this topic. The NPC also canvasses and
represents postgraduate views on government
initiatives such as the Dearing report and QAA’s
postgraduate qualifications review.
References
The University will gladly supply you with a
reference in support of applications for
employment, financial support for further study etc.
The reference will normally be drafted by your
Personal Tutor and signed or authorised by a
senior member of staff on behalf of the University.
You are free to ask any member of staff to support
you with an additional reference. You should
always seek their permission to do so and you
must be clear that they are writing in a personal
capacity and that the University cannot be
responsible for the content of personal references.
In common with many Universities, APU retains a
permanent computer held record of your academic
achievements and award but we dispose of most
other personal records six years after graduation.
All our holdings of material about you are subject
to the Data Protection Act.
There are also two electronic mailing lists set up by
the NPC via Mailbase through which issues can be
discussed. The best way to find out more about the
NPC and contact them is via their website,
www.npc.org.uk. Being a postgraduate can often be
a lonely and isolating experience, organisations like
the NPC can reduce that and make you feel part of
the 400,000 strong UK postgraduate community. It’s
worth finding out more.
“
The Mumford Theatre on the Cambridge
Campus provides a year-round programme
of perfomances for both students and the
general public.
”
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Regional Transcription
Centre
APU is one of the few universities in the country
to offer a full transcription service producing
written materials in alternative formats to meet
the needs of blind and visually impaired staff and
students. The Regional Transcription Centre
(RTC) was established in 1998 and has since
achieved ISO 9001 and Investors in People (IiP)
recognition. It has expanded to include training
on disability awareness and the production of
tactile maps and diagrams.
Services offered include:
n
n
n
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Braille transcription, print covers and binding as
required.
Large print copies of documents to the
minimum print size recommended by the RNIB
and larger if required in A3, A4 and A5
according to your specifications.
Audio recording is produced in the Centre's
high specification recording studios. We use a
variety of fully trained readers, who are able to
transcribe all types of documents, from plain
text to timetables, pictures and diagrams onto
tape. From May 2001 a new broadcast-quality
recording studio providing digital recording is
available for hire and for the reproduction of
professional audio transcriptions. Within these
facilities we can offer a printing and labelling
service, including Braille labelling.
n
n
The adaptation of electronic copies for use
with adaptive computer technology, speech
synthesis equipment and/or screen
magnification software.
Tactile maps and diagrams which consist of
raised images are required to enable visually
impaired people to access graphs, tables and
other information that is too difficult to explain
by other transcription methods. The RTC has
the latest technology to enable the production
of tactile maps diagrams efficiently and
accurately.
Students who wish to arrange for the
transcription of other materials are advised to
contact the RTC direct, giving as much notice as
possible.
Contact:
Steve Carey
The Regional Transcription Centre
Rivermead Campus,
Tel: 01245 493131 Ext. 3174
Email: rtc@apu.ac.uk
Web: www.enterprise.apu.ac.uk
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Risk Management
Here at APU we have a strong commitment
towards safeguarding the health, safety and
welfare of our students, staff and visitors. The
Risk Management Department (RMD), which
evolved in 2001 from the Health and Safety Office,
plays both a reactive (e.g. responding to accidents)
and a proactive role in ensuring that APU is a safe
place to study, work and play.
As well as the information detailed here, in order to
further protect your health, safety and welfare,
please follow any local procedures that are in place
in the individual departments/Schools as you move
about APU.
The guidelines below aim to protect your health
and safety whilst carrying out two of the every day
tasks of students: using Display Screen Equipment
and Manual Handling.
n
Reading the Screen
n
n
n
n
n
Getting Comfortable
n
n
n
n
n
n
Where possible, adjust your chair and VDU to
find the most comfortable position for your work
Where possible, try different arrangements of
keyboard, screen, mouse and documents to find
the best arrangement for you
Make sure you have enough workspace to take
whatever documents or other equipment you
need
A document holder may help you to avoid
awkward neck and eye movements
n
n
n
Make sure there is space under your desk to
move your legs freely
Using the Keyboard
Make sure the screen surface is clean
Choose options giving text that is large enough
to read easily on your screen. Select colours
that are easy on the eye
Individual characters on the screen should be
sharply focused and should not flicker or move.
If they do, the VDU may need servicing or
adjustment
Don’t sit in the same position for long periods.
Make sure you change your posture as often as
practicable. Some movement is desirable, but
avoid repeated stretching to reach things you
need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your
workstation)
Take frequent breaks from the DSE. Frequent
short breaks are better than fewer long ones, for
example 10 minutes in every hour.
Laptops
Where possible, arrange your desk and VDU to
avoid glare or bright reflections on the screen
Avoid excess pressure from the edge of your
seat on the backs of your legs and knees
Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on
the screen to suit the lighting conditions in the
room
Posture and Breaks
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
n
Rest your fingers lightly on the buttons and do
not press them too hard
It is best to avoid using a portable for long
periods when full-sized equipment is available
In order to minimise risks ensure that:
l
you are sitting comfortably
l
the screen is angled so it can be clearly seen
with minimal reflections
l
you take frequent breaks
l
the laptop is placed on firm surface and at
right height for keying
Note: Whatever type of DSE equipment you are using
ensure that it is positioned to avoid limbs getting caught in
cables and that cables do not cross pedestrian routes.
n
Support your forearms on the desk
Source: HSE INDG36 (rev1) 7/01
n
Try to keep your wrists straight when typing
Manual Handling – stop and think
n
Keep a soft touch on the keyboard
n
Don’t overstretch your fingers
Using a Mouse
n
n
n
n
Position the mouse within easy reach, so that it
can be used with the wrist straight
n
Support your forearm on the desk, try to avoid
stretching your arm and don’t grip the mouse too
tightly
Plan the lift:
l
Where is the load to be placed?
l
Do you need help with the load?
Remove obstructions such as discarded
wrapping materials
For a long lift, such as floor to shoulder height,
consider resting the load mid-way, e.g. on a
table, to change grip
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Postgraduate Student Handbook 2004/2005 www.apu.ac.uk
SUPPORT
Position Your Feet
n
n
Feet apart giving a balanced and stable base
for lifting
Place leading leg as far forward as is
comfortable and, if possible, pointing in the
direction you intend to go
Adopt a Good Posture
n
n
n
n
When lifting from a low level, bend the knees.
Do not kneel or overflex the knees
Keep the back straight, maintaining its natural
curve (tucking the chin in helps)
Lean forward a little over the load if necessary
to get a good grip
Keep the shoulders level and facing in the
same direction as the hips
Get a Firm Grip
n
n
Try to keep the arms within the boundary
formed by the legs
The best position and type of grip depends
upon the circumstances and individual
preferences. However:
l
the grip must be secure
l
a hook grip is less tiring than keeping the
fingers straight
l
if you need to vary the grip as the lift
proceeds, do it as smoothly as possible
Keep Close to the Load
n
n
n
Keep the load close to the trunk of your body
for as long as possible
Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the
trunk
If a close approach to the load is not possible,
slide it towards you before trying to lift it
During the Lift
n
n
n
Lift smoothly, raising the chin as the lift begins,
keeping control of the load
Accident Reporting
System
When an accident occurs it is important to
determine the cause(s) in order to prevent a
reoccurrence. It is also important to ensure that
appropriate medical attention is obtained.
For these reasons all accidents and near misses,
whether they cause injury or not, must be
reported to a member of staff within your School.
This person may be a tutor, technician or a
member of the administrative staff. They will then
pass the information on to the RMD. If the
incident occurs in your hall of residence
(including accommodation rented from APU)
please inform a member of University
Accommodation Services staff.
There is a legal requirement for the University to
record all accidents and some categories will
need to be reported to the Health and Safety
Executive under the terms of the Reporting of
Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences
Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR).
Further information, including a link to the
Accident Reporting Form, is available at:
http://rmd.apu.ac.uk/document.asp?id=106&sectio
nid=17
Finally, if you see something that is potentially
dangerous or someone acting in a dangerous
manner then please report it – it could be you
that ends up injured.
Fire Emergency
Procedures
As you move around the campuses please take
notice of the fire regulations (fire exit, assembly
point etc) posted in the different rooms.
In the event of a fire:
When the Fire Alarm sounds continuously
anywhere in the University you must:
n
Move the feet – do not twist the trunk when
turning to the side
n
If precise position of the load is necessary, put
it down first and then slide into the desired
position
n
Ensure everyone evacuates the building
n
Do not stop to collect belongings
n
Go to the assembly area (confirm where this is)
Source: HSE INDG143 (rev1) 1/01
n
n
Page 42
Stop what you are doing immediately
Leave the building without delay using the
nearest available Fire Exit
Do not re-enter the building unless
authorised by the Fire Brigade
Remain in the assembly area until instructed
by an authorised person
Postgraduate Student Handbook 2004/2005 www.apu.ac.uk
SUPPORT
If you discover a fire you must:
n
n
n
n
n
Operate the nearest alarm
Telephone the Fire Brigade (9-999) giving the
fire's exact location
Switch off equipment if safe to do so
If trained and competent attack the fire with the
appropriate extinguisher
Do not take any risks
Children and Young
Persons on the Premises
It is the policy of APU to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, the safety of all children
and young persons on its property. To this end, we
have developed and implemented the Children and
Young Persons on the Premises Policy (Child
Protection Policy and Guidelines). If for any
reason you require to bring your child(ren) on to
APU owned or managed property, please ensure
than you comply with the Policy, which is available
at:
http://rmd.apu.ac.uk/document.asp?id=105&section
id=17
Children should only be brought to APU by
students in an emergency situation or when making
extremely quick visits (e.g. to the library for book
returning). An emergency situation would
constitute child-care arrangements breaking down,
leaving you with no option but to bring your child
with you if your lecture is very important. It is
imperative that your child stays with you and in
your sight at all times whilst on the premises. To
this end, it is equally important that you gain
correct permission to do this from your lecturer and
Dean of School. It may not, however, be
appropriate for you to take your child into the
lecture, especially if it a high risk area (science
laboratories or field work etc.) or even if the
lecturer feels it generally inappropriate for
educational reasons. Irrespective of this, a form
(RMD-05, available from your Dean or by following
the link from:
http://rmd.apu.ac.uk/contents.asp?sectionid=19)
must be completed by the parent or guardian and
also the Dean or lecturer in charge. Please refer to
the policy, or ring the Risk Management
Department for more details.
this process explain in full to the accompanying
adult that they are ultimately responsible for the
child, but also aids the staff in fire evacuation.
Many schools and departments are thinking of
taking this scheme on in the near future and we
would be grateful if you would uphold the scheme
as much as possible by signing your children in.
If you should become pregnant whilst studying at
APU, please take time to read our New and
Expectants Mothers Policy, available at:
http://rmd.apu.ac.uk/document.asp?id=100&section
id=17
Further Information
For further information of health and safety
policies, procedures and guidelines please visit our
Intranet site: http://rmd.apu.ac.uk/
If you wish to obtain further information on any
Risk Management issues please contact either
Paul Varley or one of the Risk Management
Officers.
Departmental contact details
are as follows:
Paul Varley, Head of RMD
Ext. 2666 Email: p.varley@apu.ac.uk
Antonina Bickerton, RMO – Essex
Ext. 4228 Email: a.k.bickerton@apu.ac.uk
Trudy Parker
RMO – Cambridge
Ext. 2772 Email: k.t.parker@apu.ac.uk
Roger Thorne
RMO – Fire Safety
Ext. 4230 Email: r.s.thorne@apu.ac.uk
Bernard Beesley
Business Continuity Manager
and Security Advisor
Ext. 3717 Email: b.o.beesley@apu.ac.uk
The University Library has adopted a scheme
whereby children and young persons who visit with
their guardians have to be signed in and given a
badge or sticker to wear so that staff know they are
accompanied. We don’t expect simple visits like
dropping off books to be included, but longer
research periods would be counted. Not only does
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Postgraduate Student Handbook 2004/2005 www.apu.ac.uk
SUPPORT
Scholarships
Anglia Trust Foundation Scholarships
Each year the University's charitable trust, the
Anglia Trust, awards up to twelve Foundation
Scholarships to help individual students 'embark
on some form of enterprise outside their previous
experience'.
The Trustees want to leave it to students to
suggest what might qualify for such an award.
The activity you propose might be directly related
to your programme of study, but it doesn't have to
be – the important thing is that there is a genuine
opportunity for learning to take place.
You will be able to get further information in
due course by e-mailing Natalie Swann
(PA to the Secretary and Clerk)
n.swann@apu.ac.uk.
Information is also available on the Secretary and
Clerk’s Office website: www.apu.ac.uk/sec-clerk
Many of the opportunities supported by the
scheme will have an international dimension, but
again they don't have to - the experience of
working in an inner-city community could provide
a very interesting challenge for someone from a
rural background, for example.
APU Sports Scholarships
And what might be seen as 'ordinary' for one
student might be seen as a major challenge for
another. Take ‘Rafting down the Amazon' for
example. It wouldn't suit some people, but others
would jump at the chance (- perhaps you've done
it already?!).
APU offers selective sports scholarships and
bursaries to students of high potential enrolling on
our academic programmes. Awards are available
in the core sports of cricket, rowing, athletics and
swimming (other sports are considered on a case
by case basis), and can be accessed via any of
the degrees offered at APU.
University arranged activities are sometimes
supported under the scheme, but usually only
where you can show clear evidence of need, or
where you've established a clear cross-curricular
opportunity. Activities arranged by University staff
which involve a group of APU students working or
travelling together fall outside the basic ethos of
the scheme and will not normally be supported.
Previous projects have tended to have an
International focus but the main aim of the Anglia
Trust Foundation Scholarships is to support
activities which are beyond an individual student’s
previous experiences.
Projects supported previously have included:
n
n
So start planning your project now!
Awards are made each year, subject to the
availability of funding. Applicants must be
registered for an award at APU.
For an information pack about scholarships
and bursaries please contact the Office of the
Dean of Students on 01223 363271 ext. 2114
If you wish to discuss the Sports Scholarship
Scheme on an informal basis, please contact
either:
Don Keiller (Cambridge campus)
d.r.keiller@apu.ac.uk
Steve Dupree (Chelmsford campus)
s.p.dupree@apu.ac.uk
Experiencing nursing in a different culture
(Australia).
Taking part in a Study Abroad Programme in
the USA.
Sports
n
Studying art in Rome, Venice and Florence.
Cambridge
n
A marine conservation project in Tanzania.
APU Students’ Union manages sport on the
Cambridge Campus. There are currently over 30
sports teams as well as many other individual
and recreational activities available (including
anything from football to skydiving). APU enters
sports teams and individuals at various
competitive levels as well as organising events
just for fun. If you have an interest in playing
sport, coaching a team or taking part in a
recreational or fitness activity, or any other
aspect of sport, clubs and societies, call in to the
n
n
n
A work experience placement in Paris with
Vivienne Westwood.
Investigating the distribution of bio-diversity in
Madagascar.
Researching a specific author's work in Sri
Lanka.
The awards made are usually between £250 and
£750, and represent a contribution to the overall
costs.
Page 44
Applications are considered by a panel of
members from the Student Development Forum, a
University-wide group (including representatives
from the Students' Union) which helps co-ordinate
student development activities. The application
procedure and criteria for selection are currently
being revised, and details are not yet available for
the 2004-2005 awards. They will be publicised in
the Autumn.
Postgraduate Student Handbook 2004/2005 www.apu.ac.uk
SUPPORT
Sports office and speak to Ciaran Pietzka or
Martyn Blackford. You can also join the recently
re-equipped gym in Room 320 (Bryant Building).
Sports coaching sessions are available to all and
currently include: Football (Men and Women),
Netball, Rugby, Badminton, Volleyball, Tennis and
Table Tennis.
Facilities
n
n
n
n
The Students’ Union operates a multi gym,
changing and shower rooms from Room 320,
Bryant Building.
The sports pitches for football and rugby are
located two miles north of the APU Campus
opposite the Travellers Rest Inn, close to the
Felix Hotel on White House Lane, Huntingdon
Road. The telephone number at the Pavilion is
01223 276814.
APU uses facilities at Kelsey Kerridge Sports
Hall as well as Parkside Swimming Pool,
Gonville Place (over looking Parker’s Piece).
These two facilities are 500 metres west of
APU. There are many activities each week in
the Kelsey Kerridge Sports Hall, including
badminton, squash and aerobics to name a few
(some of which are at discounted rates for APU
students). For further details, contact the
Students’ Union or Kelsey Kerridge on 01223
462226.
APU also use the Abbey Swimming Pool which
is two miles east off Newmarket Road.
Our internal leagues include: 3 on 3 basketball, 4
a-side indoor football and 6 a-side cricket.
Our activity classes range form Yoga, Pilates and
Tai Chi to Aerobics, Cardio Kick and Circuit Training
currently based in our Sawyers Gym facility.
A new sports facility is currently being built - the
Rivermead Leisure Centre is due to open in
January 2005.
We aim to cater for all your sporting needs and we
pride ourselves in encouraging more people to be
move active, more of the time!
Please make sure that you pick up a copy of our
Recreation handbook when you arrive as this will
outline the activities and events on offer for
2004/2005.
Contact:
Steve Dupree or Claire Markwell
Sports Hall, Chelmsford, Central Campus
Tel: 01245 493131 ext. 3280
www.apu.ac.uk/sport
To find out more:
1. Attend the Students’ Union Freshers Fayre
during the first two weeks of Semester One.
This is a great opportunity to join sports clubs
and societies, as well as finding about life in
Cambridge.
2. Read notices displayed on the boards outside
Room 603 and the Sports Office.
3. Visit the Students’ Union offices above the
Mumford Theatre.
4. Discuss new projects with the Students’ Union
Student Activities Officer, Ciaran Pietzka, and/or
Martyn Blackford.
Contact:
Ciaran Pietzka or Martyn Blackford,
Gym, Room 32, Bryant Building
Tel: 01223 363271 Ext. 2199
Email: c.pietzke@apusu.com,
m.blackford@apusu.com
Essex
The University Sports department runs a
comprehensive range of activity classes, internal
fun sporting competitions and leagues, and also
lays on a wide ranging program of coaching
aimed at improving the skills of all who wish to
take advantage.
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Postgraduate Student Handbook 2004/2005 www.apu.ac.uk
SUPPORT
Student Advisers
APU is currently running a Student Adviser pilot
scheme working mainly with the Ashcroft
International Business School. The pilot started
in February 2004. It will run over a period of
three semesters.
The purpose of the Student Adviser initiative is to
provide designated professionals who can give
advice in a wide range of areas (Rules and
Regulations, Module Choice, Mitigation etc) to
both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students.
The student advisers in Cambridge and
Chelmsford offer extensive office hours for your
convenience.
Careers
Students can use the Careers Service at any time
during their course and after graduation. In fact,
we encourage you to start making career
preparations early, as the graduate job market is
highly competitive and employers are looking for
graduates with a range of skills, including
information technology, problem-solving, good
communication and team-working, as well as
work experience. Taking time to research career
options is particularly important if you have no
idea what interests you. Careers staff can advise
you on how to make choices from the wide range
of opportunities available, on how to build on your
skills and experience, if you are a mature student,
and on how to maximise your potential for
employability.
Where to find the Student Advisers:
What we offer:
CAMBRIDGE:
Steve McDonald
Room 445, Coslett
01223 363271 Ext. 2742
Email: steve.mcdonald@apu.ac.uk
Careers library – free literature – individual
interview
CHELMSFORD:
Lorna Durey
Room 316, Ashcroft Bldg
01245 493131 Ext. 6887
Email: l.r.durey@apu.ac.uk
Help is at hand with:
n
n
changing or leaving your course
n
CV & job application preparation
n
n
Student Support Services
in Cambridge and Essex
As part of the Office of the Dean of Students,
Student Support Services aims to promote your
general well being by assisting you in fulfilling
your academic goals and potential and by
supporting academic staff in their work with you.
Details of individual services are given in this
handbook under the following headings:
n
Careers Service (including educational
guidance and advice for mature students)
n
Counselling
n
Financial Aid and Advice
n
Learning Support (including disability and
learning difficulties)
Contact:
CAMBRIDGE (01223) 363271 Ext. 2298
or visit us in the Ruskin Lounge
CHELMSFORD (01245) 493131 Ext. 3298,
Minicom (01245) 259152 or visit the Student
Centre, East Building, Central Campus.
Page 46
career choice & planning – computer
assessment available
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
educational guidance – module choice and
career goals
employer & job profiles – open access careers
information
funding and sponsorship for further study
further study – higher degree & professional
qualifications
interview practice – mock interviews for jobs &
courses
job vacancies – local, national & international
vacancy lists
psychometric tests – practice sessions &
feedback
self presentation skills
time out – opportunities for a year-off after
graduation
work experience – vacation & voluntary work
opportunities
A fortnightly careers newsletter is printed in
hardcopy and on our website:
www.apu.ac.uk/stu_services, you can join our
email list to receive up-to the minute information
and vacancies. It is never too early to start
planning your career so we recommend you
investigate the facilities as early as possible, you
will be welcome whenever you visit us.
Postgraduate Student Handbook 2004/2005 www.apu.ac.uk
INTRODUCTION
When:
CAMBRIDGE:
Monday – Thursday 9.30am – 5.00pm; Friday
9.30am – 4.30pm;
Tuesday late opening until 7.30pm during
semester.
CHELMSFORD:
Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Friday 8.30am – 4.00pm
Who we are:
CAMBRIDGE:
Head of Service: Jean Lambert
Information staff: Hilary Atkinson, Angela Eyre,
Tracey Stolen, Eleanor Cochran
Advisers: Gill Betmead, Alfred Hatley, Angela
Eyre. Administrator: Alison Wilson
Counselling
Sometimes you may find yourself faced with
personal, emotional or study-related problems
during your time at University. If so, you may find it
helpful to talk to a Counsellor. A Counsellor will
help you talk about your feelings, explore options
and come to your own decisions. They will not
judge you, tell you what to do or provide instant
solutions to problems. However, although there
may not be immediate or practical solutions to your
difficulties, talking them through can often clarify
your thoughts and feelings, or take you some way
towards a solution. The Counsellors are trained,
experienced and nationally accredited, and the
service is confidential. An appointment to see a
Counsellor can be made at Student Support
Services.
Where we are:
CHELMSFORD:
Head of Service: Joan Newton
Student Advisers: Jo Boyton, Irene Samson,
Sue Post, Joy de Bono
CAMBRIDGE:
Room 96/97, Off the Ruskin Lounge
Contact: (01223) 363271 Ext. 2298
Where we are:
CHELMSFORD:
Student Centre, East Building, Central Campus
Contact: (01245) 493131 Ext. 3298
CAMBRIDGE:
Ruskin Lounge
Contact: (01223) 363271 Ext: 2298; E-mail:
a.s.wilson@apu.ac.uk, www.apu.ac.uk/careers
CHELMSFORD:
Student Centre, East Building, Central Campus
Contact: (01245) 493131 Ext. 3298
www.apu.ac.uk/studentservices
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SUPPORT
Educational Guidance
Learning Support
Life long learning is a key feature of today’s world
and we can help you at many stages of your
career from pre-entry to post-graduation and on
to retraining and updating your professional skills.
We can help you make educational decisions at
any stage of your career by talking through
programme or individual module choices and their
implications. Problems can often be resolved
relatively easily when you know who to approach
or what to ask for. Educational decisions are often
influenced by a variety of academic, personal and
financial factors and the integrated structure of
Student Services allows you to address each of
these with experts so that you can make the best
choice for your needs.
A need for support with learning may arise from a
physical disability, sensory impairment, learning
difficulty (usually dyslexia) or some other cause.
If you require support or special facilities, you
should come to Student Support Services for a
discussion with a Student Adviser. At such a
meeting the following may be explored:
Financial Aid and Advice
If you think any of these apply to you, please
contact a Learning Support Student Adviser to
discuss your needs.
The Student Advisers (Financial Aid) in Student
Support Services provide advice about a wide
range of student-related matters including:n
n
n
Student loans, tuition fees and supplementary
grants
Access to Learning Fund
Funding for part-time and postgraduate
courses
n
Study requirements,
n
Mobility and access to buildings,
n
Examination arrangements,
n
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA),
n
In certain circumstances we may charge for
diagnostic assessment of dyslexia, though the
University usually seeks to avoid this.
Study Skills
Help with study skills can be provided by the
Learning Support Centre. There you will find the
following facilities and resources:
n
Reduced nursery fees
n
Money management
n
Dealing with banks
Cambridge
n
Welfare benefits
n
One-to-one support for learning strategies,
Income and council tax
n
Study guide books and information sheets,
n
Computers with learning support packages,
n
n
CAMBRIDGE:
If you need advice or if you are experiencing
financial difficulty, come along to Student
Support Services and ask to see Julia Manley
or Rodney Blair. They run daily drop-in
sessions between 10.00am and 2.00pm or
appointments can be arranged at other times.
They can be found in room 98 off the Ruskin
Lounge or contacted on ext. 2288 (Julia
Manley), email j.l.manley@apu.ac.uk or ext.
2600 (Rodney Blair), email r.blair@apu.ac.uk.
CHELMSFORD:
If you need advice or you are experiencing
financial difficulty the Student Money
Advisers; Bridget Searle and Barbara Perriam
can be contacted in the following ways:
n
n
n
Page 48
Personal support or medical care, safety, or IT
requirements.
Come along to Student Services, Student
Centre, East Building, Central Campus and
ask to make an appointment with one of
the Student Money Advisers
Contact us by telephone: 01245 493131
Ext. 3298
Contact us by email:
moneyadvisers@apu.ac.uk
n
Specialist materials and support designed to
address the needs of students with dyslexia,
Targeted workshops can be arranged.
Chelmsford
n
n
n
n
n
n
Programme of workshops – targeted
workshops can be arranged
One-to-One support for Learning Strategies
Study guide books, information sheets, videos
and audio tapes
Computers with learning support packages
Specialist materials and support designed to
address the needs of students with dyslexia
One-to-one support for dyslexic students
Other Learning Support Services
The Student Support Scheme provides note
takers and other human support in lectures,
seminars and when using the library. Such
support is available to students with an assessed
need.
These needs can be assessed at East Anglia
Regional ACCESS Centre and recommendations
for equipment and other support made.
Postgraduate Student Handbook 2004/2005 www.apu.ac.uk
SUPPORT
Assessment and Examination
Health
Individual Examination and Assessment
Arrangements
For First Aid Support please contact Reception
and ask them to contact your nearest First Aider.
For further information please refer to the Medical
Centre entry.
If you require individual examination arrangements
because of a disability, medical condition or
learning difficulty, you must register this request in
person with the Learning Support Team no later
than 10 weeks prior to the date of the first
examination. Any request must be accompanied
by appropriate medical evidence or an Educational
Psychologist's report. Contact the Learning
Support Team for an appointment with an adviser.
Requests after this deadline cannot be guaranteed
and students may apply for Mitigating
Circumstances. Contact the Learning Support
Team for further advice.
Mitigation and Disability
Students cannot enter a plea for mitigating
circumstances in examinations solely on the
grounds of having a disability or learning difficulty.
An injury or the worsening of an existing condition
immediately prior to examinations should be
discussed with a Student Adviser prior to the
examinations being taken so that specific
arrangements can be made.
The Student Advisers for Learning Support
in Cambridge are:
Jane Bousfield Ext 2434
Joyce McCulloch Ext 2814
Email: j.e.mcculloch@apu.ac.uk
East Anglia Regional Access Centre contact:
Jenny O’Brien Ext 2378
Email: j.a.o’brien@apu.ac.uk
The Student Advisers for Learning Support
in Chelmsford are:
Sue Butler Ext 3298
Email: learningsupport@apu.ac.uk
Rosemary Chaplin (Dyslexia) Ext 3298
Email: learningsupport@apu.ac.uk
Page 49