1. Introduction and College Charter

Welcome to Writtle College.  We are committed to providing students with the best possible experience in higher education during their time at the College.

This Handbook aims to provide you with clear and comprehensive information about higher education at Writtle, and is supplemented by the Course Scheme Handbook for your subject area, which sets out the specific details relating to your course.

The full text of the regulations and procedures summarised on the following pages, can be accessed electronically through the sections of this Handbook.

College Charter

Writtle College has set 6 main aims for its services, and has also identified 6 main responsibilities that students are expected to fulfil.  The College aims and student responsibilities are summarised in the following sections, but further details are given in the full Charter, copies of which are available from the College Secretary.  Students must also be aware of the Higher Education (HE) Academic Regulations and Procedures (see Section 3 of this Handbook for more details).

The main aim of all staff at Writtle College is to provide quality education and training geared to the needs of students.  The College aims for continuous improvement in everything it does, and endeavours to put its students' needs first.

 The College is therefore committed to:

• setting appropriate and attainable aims for its services
• informing students of these aims
• encouraging students to supply their views and suggestions
• taking prompt action to explain and remedy any deficiencies in College services.

The College Charter Summary has been primarily written for students and employers linked with the College and covers all services provided under the College's control.  Students studying jointly with another institution may at times be beyond the bounds of this Charter, where another applies.

The Charter is designed to make it clear what the College seeks to provide, and what can be expected in return, so that together we achieve our aim of providing quality courses and service.

College Aims

As part of the Writtle College Charter, we aim to:

1. facilitate access to our provision, and operate a fair and efficient admissions  procedure
2. publish clear information about our activities, procedures and regulations
3. provide a suitable learning environment
4. provide suitable student support services
5. involve students in our decision-making processes
6. operate an open, fair and efficient complaints procedure

Student Responsibilities

While committing ourselves to the College aims which serve the needs of students, we expect our students to respond by acting as responsible members of our community.

We therefore expect students to:

1. display responsible attitudes, treat other people with dignity and respect, and treat property with care and attention
2. comply with all of the College's regulations
3. study diligently, attend timetabled classes punctually as required, hand in work on time, and notify appropriate tutors of any difficulties as they may arise
4. respond to reasonable requests without undue delay
5. take advantage, where appropriate, of the extra-curricular opportunities and support services offered
6. contribute to the reputation and development of the College, by helping identify where improvements can be made, and by participating in the decision-making processes of the College.

Further details relating to student responsibilities under the College’s Academic Regulations and the Student Absence Reporting procedure are summarised in Sections 3.1 and 3.2 of this Handbook.  Please ensure that you are familiar with these procedures.

Access to Documentation

The full copy of the College Charter, including terms and conditions, are available from the College Secretary.  Other College policies, literature and publications are available on the College Student Intranet.

We are constantly seeking to improve this Handbook.  If you have any comments regarding its content, please pass them in writing to the CASTLe Office (L04).

Thank you for your help.