Digital Learning at UWS

Q: What platforms will UWS use to deliver hybrid learning and teaching? 

A: Most students will experience sector-leading, high-quality hybrid learning and teaching using UWS’s new social learning platform, Aula in the new term. However, some students (dependent on level and programme) will continue to experience their hybrid learning in the current year through our established Moodle platform.  

Your academics at UWS will use Aula to deliver an engaging, accessible and impactful hybrid learning experience. Aula will ensure that you have seamless communication, collaboration and support from your academics and peers and provide you with instant access to learning content. Aula is a highly intuitive, easy-to-use platform which will enable you to make the most of your experience at UWS.   

Q: How do I access my campus and study spaces safely?

A: Students are now able to access Study Spaces, which combines scheduled on-campus timetabled activity with the ability to locate and book available rooms and study areas (including the library) across our campuses, in line with national guidance at that time. Students on campus for booked and scheduled activity will also be able to use our social spaces, such as The Hub, The Atrium, The Street and the Neuk and Crannie, national guidance permitting.  

The safety and wellbeing of students and staff is our top priority at UWS. We have introduced a new free smartphone app that promotes staff and student safety across all of our campuses. SafeZone enables users to call for help and assistance when they need it most, giving you fast access to security whenever and wherever you are on campus, and allows the University to send notifications to users, e.g. in the event of severe weather or building closure. SafeZone also allows you to easily check in and share your location on campus – helping with any contact tracing efforts on campus. We would encourage all students to download this app from the App Store or Google Play. Read more about SafeZone here. 

For more information, click here.  

Q: How can I access books and articles from the library if I have to study online?

A: UWS Library has an extensive collection of online resources that support teaching, learning and research. For more information about our online resources, please visit our Finding Books, Articles & More page of the Library website. You can search our library collection 24/7 using One Search. If you require library support, including 1-to-1 online appointments with our Academic Librarians, you can access this online via email (library@uws.ac.uk) or via the Self Service Portal (hub.uws.ac.uk). We also offer a number of online guides, videos and FAQs which you can access at #uwslibTalks Padlet. Find out more about library resources here. 

Q: What student support services are available and how can I access them? 

A: We are aware of the uncertainty that many students are facing as a result of this unprecedented situation. A broad range of support continues to be available to students and you can find out more about these here. Online and phone appointments are also available, which can be made with the Counselling, Disability, International Advice, Academic Skills, Careers and Funding and Advice teams, by emailing hub@uws.ac.uk or calling 0141 848 3800. 

Q: When will I be able to access my timetable? 

A: Your timetable becomes visible automatically within your Outlook365 calendar 24 hours after you have enrolled. Provisional timetables are available to view before you enrol from: http://student-timetable.uws.ac.uk. However, enrolment assigns you to tutorial, seminar and lab groups and your personal timetable is not created until after enrolment. 

Q: I’m unsure if my timetable is correct?

A: In some cases, you may see your timetable continue to populate, and you will only see scheduled online or on-campus activities which are only part of your full timetable. Please keep an eye on your timetable as some changes are possible due to government guidance. Changes made throughout term to your timetable are automatically communicated to you via student email accounts. 

Q: Is there any financial support available to me?

A: The Funding and Advice team in Student Services provides advice on a range of financial support available for students. If you are funded by SAAS, funding to support your living costs and childcare may be available through the SAAS Discretionary Funds. Students must meet the criteria set by SAAS and details are outlined in the following link. Further information is available via the Funding Team website. 

Q: I have a disability – how can I arrange support for on campus and remote learning?

A: If you have a disability, please contact disabilityservice@uws.ac.uk. We will send you a support request form and once completed and returned, we will arrange for you to speak to an adviser to discuss your support requirements for both on campus and remote learning. We can also help you complete an application for Disabled Students Allowance.

Q: Can I get help to access technology needed for my studies?

A: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of access to technology and UWS has put several initiatives in place to ensure that you have the best possible opportunity to learn.

If you are concerned about your access to technology and feel you require support in this area to engage with your University experience please fill in the following form. 

We are committed to taking a blended approach to teaching and learning at least for the first term of Academic Year 2021/22. This means that there will be a mix face to face and online classes. For more information on our approach please check our website.  

If you have any questions please contact the UWS Student Success Team, studentsuccess@uws.ac.uk and we will be able to connect you with the wide range of support available through the University. 

Q: What happens to my laboratory-based teaching if I can’t be on campus and have to study online?

A: Don’t worry, even if you can’t be on campus to take part in laboratory-based teaching, you can still access activities and watch demonstrations of the practical elements online. This approach will apply to a range of disciplines such as conventional science, computational work and engineering activity. 

Q: I have placements as part of my course, will they still take place?

A: Where placement is part of the programme, we are working with partners to ensure that the high-quality placements we provide will be available for students as soon as is appropriate and meet any professional body requirements. Schools will be in contact with students directly regarding placements, in consultation with our partners.

Q: My course includes clinical skills-based teaching. Will I be able to access this on campus?

A: We will use a mix of online delivery for clinical skills learning, where appropriate, and also clinical skills teaching on campus where that is required in line with the requirements of national public health guidance. Your academic school will contact you directly with more details for specific courses and all decisions will be made in line with official guidance.