Student support is a key feature of studying at Newman, it can help all students to reach their full potential.
Academic Support
The extensive support offered contributes to the exceptionally low drop out rate of students at Newman. Students following teacher education courses are assigned an Academic Professional Tutor, whilst students following Combined Honours, Single Honours or Foundation degree programmes have access to Senior Academic Support Tutors on a daily basis. Regular review and guidance meetings are held, giving you the opportunity to discuss progress. You will be given continuous feedback on your academic progress and, in the event of difficulties, advised on solutions.
Careers Service
The Careers Service aims to help you with career planning throughout your degree. Many students at Newman receive job offers before completion of their studies. It is strongly recommended that you visit the careers service in your first year to aid your career development. The Careers Hub contains extensive resources including information about employers, study and volunteering opportunities, booklets and leaflets. Students can attend workshops and use computer guidance programmes in consultation with the careers adviser. For more information visit careers services.
Students with Disabilities
Newman seeks to be an inclusive community, valuing diversity and respecting the dignity of all students and staff. Enquiries and applications are welcome from students with any form of disability, health concern or additional need which may impact on study. Applicants with additional needs are selected using the same academic and non-academic criteria as other applicants.
It is our aim to ensure all students have the opportunity to benefit from their time at Newman and support is available for students with disabilities. Early planning is helpful; students are encouraged to discuss their individual needs with the Disability Officer as soon as possible, and before accepting an offer of a place. Some small areas of the campus may remain inaccessible to students with mobility limitations and where this occurs, adjustments will be made through timetabling and room allocations. To ensure fully informed decision making, a site visit and individual planning meeting can be arranged on request and is advised. Parents, partners, carers, teachers or any other individuals involved in your support are welcome to accompany you on this visit.
Programmes of study leading to a professional qualification may have additional non-academic criteria, so prior discussion regarding your individual situation is especially advisable. For information on Fitness to Teach
please see the Applying to Newman section of the website. For further information, contact the inclusion officer Heather Griffiths on 0121 476 1181 ext 2421.
"There are good arrangements to ensure that applicants with disabilities or special educational needs are not disadvantaged at interview, and that their particular needs will be met on entry to the course". OFSTED
Library Resources
The library at Newman is located in the Library and Student Support Centre (LASSC) situated right at the heart of the campus. The library houses over 100,000 books and subscribes to over 300 journals. In addition we provide access to a wide range of electronic resources including databases and electronic journals. Our highly skilled staff of information specialists can give you advice and assistance in locating information in printed, electronic and audio-visual formats.
The library is a pleasant environment in which to work and has a variety of study areas including group study rooms and individual study areas.
To help you get the most out of the resources on offer we run a series of information skills courses, many of which are included as part of your modules. By attending these modules you will develop skills that will assist
you throughout your time at Newman and beyond. For students who are training to be teachers we have an extensive school experience collection of books, posters, kits, videos, CDs and DVDs which will be very useful as teaching aids when you undertake your teaching practice. Within the library we also have three special collections comprising: the Newman Collection, a series of works by or about John Henry Newman, a local history collection covering the West Midlands and a recently established children’s literature collection.
Health
We recommend that students residing in Halls of Residence register with the local area medical practice. A confidential counselling service is available to help students experiencing emotional difficulties.
Religion at Newman
As a Catholic University College populated by staff and students of numerous religious and spiritual beliefs the Chaplaincy exists to enable all interested students to explore and experience 'life to the full' (John 10:10). Staff and students are welcome to join in the activities of the Chaplaincy – including retreats, discussions, social activities and liturgies. Newman lay chaplain, Sr. Margaret Holland is available to provide support and encouragement during the course of your studies. The Chaplaincy is open and welcoming to all faiths and is committed to ensuring all are free to worship. Newman has a Chapel and multi-faith prayer room, as well as quiet spaces for reflection.
