School of Humanities Updates

Hi Everyone,

It has been a busy few weeks and for many of you I say congratulations for completing your year of studies! However, for many of us we are still going, we still have deadlines and the stress just keeps on coming. But if we stay motivated and enthusiastic (easier said then done) we will finish very soon. For those on a Masters course I wish you luck with planning for your dissertations in semester 3. (I still have absolutely no idea what to do for mine……)

In my role as school rep, I have also been keeping busy. Since the school council I have been working through the action list from the meeting. If any of you are wondering what these actions where or what has been resolved, just ask me or your course reps as an update for the course reps can be seen on their Teams channel. I have also delivered the FABSs update at the FASEC meeting, which is a faculty meeting where the student reps have a chance to deliver an update on the student voice. I have also been part of the school rep drop ins. You can catch me this Thursday at the school rep drop in between 12 and 2pm if you have any questions or queries.

Anyway, as your school rep, I want you to know that I am still here taking in student feedback and will try to resolve any issues that come your way. Feel free to contact me at Emily.Banks@wlv.ac.uk

Thank you and stay safe.

Hi Everyone,

The Easter Break is now upon us. I am sure we all have lots of assignments to be working one but please make sure you all have a well deserved rest!!!!!

I have been busy over the last few weeks, attending course committee meetings and chairing the school council. Thank you to all the course reps that did attend these meetings, your feedback is incredibly valuable! 

I wanted to remind everyone of the Skills for Learning opportunities for students. This was something that was talked about across all school councils and I wanted to highlight how good this service is. Skills for learning can offer academic support with referencing and assignments. They run workshops and offer one to one support as well as offer help with digital skills and Canvas. They are available through the library website. The link is below: 

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills-for-learning/

I hope you all have a Happy Easter and eat lots of Easter Eggs!!!!

Hi Everyone,

So, we finally have news that we should be leaving lockdown, all be it very slowly, by June life should be back to normal. Some courses can even return to campus now. However, that still changes nothing for us in Humanities. We are still stuck behind out computer screens with no hope of a return to campus. I am concerned that everyone is feeling the effects of isolation and the impact that this has on mental health. I want to remind everyone of the health and wellbeing support that the university offers. A link to information can be found here:

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/student-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing-advice/

As school rep in the past few weeks:

I have been preparing my feedback for the Faculty Academic and Student Experience committee.

Attended a focus group to help with the strategic planning of the SU.

Represented the student voice in a partner review between the University of Wolverhampton and a partnering college.

Attended course committee meetings in the school of humanities.

Planning for another release of the personal tutor survey.

If anyone has any questions please don’t hesitate to email me at Emily.banks@wlv.ac.uk

Please stay safe and well.

Thank you.

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all staying safe and well. I have deicide that for this blog, I will talk about mental health. I believe things are improving in terms of Covid but we are still stuck in lockdown and things are difficult. Its hard to keep remaining positive and carry on as normal. It is hard to find motivation and enthusiasm. It is even hard to get up in the morning and actually be productive. But it is important to remember, that all these feelings are completely normal. It is okay to feel down, and like you don’t want to do anything. It fine, if you don’t feel any enthusiasm to actually do anything until it is too late.

What is important, is to remember to look after yourself. Take the time out for yourself and if that means getting up, having a bubble bath and treating yourself to a McDonalds, then that is fantastic because you have treated yourself and focused on you. When we take the time out to focus on just ourselves, when we come to work or attend a lecture, or write an essay, we can feel more focused. Just don’t feel guilty for having that time to yourself.

I have been finding things very difficult lately, I have become overwhelmed and very stressed with essays and things have felt too much for me to handle. It does not matter how organised I think I am, how many to do lists I keep, how early I get up, when I am feeling anxious and down it is difficult to do work. I seem to worry about absolutely everything and that worry can take control of me. But things have slowly improved as we head towards the end of the week. I try and take control of the situation and think to myself, is it really worth worrying about. (Usually in my mind, everything is worth worrying about). However, just today, I attended a mindfulness session where I learnt a technique to help stop worrying called THINK. T- Is what I am worrying about the truth. Am I worrying about something that has not happened and is not actually real (yet). H- Is what I am worrying about helpful, does my worry have a purpose. I- is what I am worrying about Important. N- is it really necessary that I think about this. K- Is this thought kind. Is worrying about this, kind to me. Hopefully this strategy works, but I will no doubt find out in the following weeks.

But what is important, is that we keep talking about mental health and if we are struggling, it is important to know that you can get help and you are not alone. No matter how big or small you think your feelings are, help is at hand. Whether you keep a mindfulness app, talk to a doctor or friend, or use the university well being service. Find that help!

Remember to stay safe, stay well and stay positive.

Thank you

Hi Everyone,

So, we are in the middle of lockdown again, it’s the hight of the pandemic and we cannot see the end yet. We are all growing more and more frustrated at staying indoors, everything is closed, online learning is remaining with no chance of even stepping foot onto campus and we are all told to stay positive. (‘Staying positive….. what even does the word positive even mean???? I think I have forgotten.) Anyway, there is some hope with the recent breaking news of all adults in the UK receiving the first dose of the vaccine by September 2021. It could mean we are all back on campus by September and nearly back to normal.

So, what did I do in Semester 1:

Semester 1 went off to an interesting start with the beginnings of blended learning. Some of you loved it, some of you hated it. I discovered that online learning and technology do not always work smoothly. I have put all student concerns and worries to various meetings and staff members and action have been taken to improve this part of the student experience.

It has also been highlighted to me the mental health struggles of students. This has been something I have pushed out in meetings as this needs to be taken seriously. There are lots of things that the university offers to help students and the key thing is to have knowledge of what is available. I have and will continue to encourage the promotion of the services available, one in particular being Together all. This is an online mental health service that offers help from councillors 24/7. Or there are online courses that you can work through in your own time. For more information here is the link:  https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/student-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing-advice/self-help-resources/

You can even watch one of the school reps talk about what together all can do. The video is available through the school reps page on the SU website.

Timetabling was also an interesting addition to the feedback I received from students. But I am sure its fine now……………………………. (If anyone is still having problems please email me or you can email any course leaders or module leaders as they will know by now when the events for there modules are taking place)

Anyway, looking into the start of Semester 2 there is lots to look forward to. The university staff in the school of Humanities have been working very hard to deliver a high quality of teaching from home. Even though we cannot be on campus they aim to maintain support and deliver you the teaching you deserve. The Student Union will also be holding many events online for you to get involved in. Here is the link to check out the events: https://www.wolvesunion.org/ents/eventlist/

If you have any questions, or feedback then please get in touch. My email address is Emily.Banks@wlv.ac.uk. I will get back to you as quickly as I can.

Thank you, stay safe, take care and remember to try and stay positive!!! :) 

Hi Everyone,

As you know the world is changing. We are slowly coming out of lockdown and it looks like we will be able to actually enjoy the summer before we all return to university. But the university will not be as it once was. There are many changes happening to how university life is structured. You will experience a range of blended learning with both on and off campus learning. You will hopefully be hearing updates about this in the following weeks.

Here are some useful links from university news that you may find useful:

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/news/may-2020/student-update-next-academic-year-progression-modules-timetables--student-.php

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/news/may-2020/student-update-graduation-rescheduled-dates--.php

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/news/june-2020/students-to-return-to-campus-in-september.php

During this time, I have also been very busy. I have been involved in a work stream meeting on Teaching and Assessment so I have first-hand experience of seeing what the university’s plans are and how they are dealing with them. I have also been invited too discuss plans for fresher’s week. Freshers will be going virtual but that does not mean it will not be an enjoyable experience. All the school reps have also continued to participate in lunch time lives on Facebook. I went live last week to talk about stress and anxiety and this can still be viewed by going to the school reps Facebook page.

In the meantime, everyone please continue to stay safe and enjoy this hot weather before it turns to rain.

Thank you,

Emily Banks

School Rep for Humanities.

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone is well and is enjoying a break from their studies. Most of you will have finished and will be looking forward to the start of the next academic year! It also looks like the world is returning to a some what normal state which means we are no longer stuck in doors. Also, McDonalds has reopened and the drive through que is finally no longer ridiculously long. Now is the time to enjoy one ??

While you are all now enjoying free time, I would like to remind everyone that the Student Union is still very busy. Please check out the school reps Facebook page. You will find that the school reps go live every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for half an hour at 12:30. This is a chance for you to ask your school reps anything as well as get to know them. I will be going live on the 1^st July.

I would also like to remind everyone that things maybe getting back to normal but the university will not be returning to a state of normal. The university has a plan in place to ensure that we still receive quality teaching but most of this teaching will still remain online. Time on campus will be shortened significantly and social distancing remains a key aspect of life. It is unknown how long these changes will last but rest assured that the university is working very hard to ensure a smooth start back to university in September.

If you have any questions, worries or concerns then please do not hesitate to ask. I cannot guarantee I will know the answer but I will do my best to put your mind at ease.

Thank you,

Emily, your School Rep in Humanities

Emily.banks@wlv.ac.uk

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful sunshine. For many of you, you have finished your year at the university and its now time to relax. Congratulations to all the third year’s who have finished their degrees. But can I remind everyone, that while your relaxing the university is working harder than ever. During the coming weeks they are planning on how the next academic year will take place, which is no easy task.

The school reps are also very busy. We have launched our School Reps Facebook page where you can enjoy lunch time lives. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, one school rep will be talking to all of you for half an hour at lunch time to distract you from daily life.  You can watch every week by going to the School Reps Facebook page.

I am also still attending many meetings and giving feedback to the university. Most recently I hosted a humanities student forum. Unfortunately, not many turned up but those that did gave some very valuable feedback. I want to remind everyone that we are all still here and if you have any feedback whether positive or negative, now is the time to say it!

Thank you,

Emily, your School Rep for Humanities.

Hi Everyone 

I hope you are all keeping well and safe and had an enjoyable bank holiday weekend.

The university is continuing to work very hard and offer the support that all its students need. There are plans for the university to POTENTIALLY re open. Nothing is certain as of yet but the university would like to hear your views on how best to re-open. If you have not done so already then please fill out the survey. It takes less than 2 minutes to fill out and will help the university in doing what’s best for you. Here is the link:

https://uow-survey.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/library-survey-potential-re-opening-copy

The good news for the week is that the lockdown is being eased. We can now meet people in public spaces such as parks, more shops are beginning to open. We can even exercise as much as we like outside. (Although after an hour of exercise I have no desire to do anymore) But it seems things are becoming easier. You can find the latest news from the university regarding the Coronavirus at

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/

If anyone has anything to say please remember that the School Reps are still working hard and don’t hesitate to contact me on Emily.banks@wlv.ac.uk.

Thank you,

Emily

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe. We appear to still be in lockdown which is becoming very frustrating. However, through staying at home we are saving lives and as rumours go, we do not have long left in lockdown. We are past the peak of the virus and things are beginning to improve. Even McDonalds will be opening :D  

For many of us we are coming to the end of studying for the academic year with the final push on assignments. The University continues to be a network of support to which I advise all students to check their emails everyday as we are updated. If you are struggling do not be afraid to reach out. The university is still present. Lectures are prioritising student emails, mental health and well being is still going, our faculty student services still respond quickly to our emails and your school reps are still working very hard.

I also advice all students to take a break. We are heading into a bank holiday weekend and this is a perfect excuse to take at least one day off from studying. I know we cannot go out to enjoy ourselves and home life is becoming boring but there are many things you can still do to enjoy your bank holiday. Read a book, take a walk, online shop or whatever helps you relax. Just take a break.

Please remember your School Reps are still here and don’t hesitate to contact me on Emily.Banks@wlv.ac.uk. I check my emails everyday so you are sure to get a quick response.

Thank you,

Emily 

Hi everyone,

I hope you have all had a peaceful Easter and an enthusiastic start back to virtual university.

Unfortunately, we are still in lockdown with no clear answer of when we will be out. There is no clear answer of whether life will ever get back to normal. Will university even start back as normal face to face learning in September. If we think too hard on these questions we will begin to panic!

We must remember to take each day as it comes and appreciate the positives of the day: We have extra time to focus on getting the best possible grade in all our assignments, lectures continue to be there for a support and the school reps are still present for all students.

However, as well as studying very hard it is also important to take a break. Enjoy that 1 hour of exercise that we are aloud to do outside! Actually, being able to just go for a walk can change your attitude to the day and make you feel refreshed. As long as you remember to stay safe and stay 2 metres apart from anyone.

These are difficult times, but they will begin to improve.

Stay safe,

Emily

Hi everyone,

Well Done, your surviving!

However, lock down is still upon us and it seems life is getting harder. The shopping ques, cancelled get togethers, social distancing, no pubs and worst of all, no McDonalds ?  Who would have thought just staying indoors would be so difficult. It feels like we are all trapped in our own homes and all freedom is lost.

But I want to remind everyone that its not so bad. Take your daily dose of exercise in the outside world and enjoy the spring coming through and remember, this will not last for ever. We have to stay strong and keep carrying on, but most importantly, staying safe.

Many of you will hopefully have had updates about the university regarding how exams and assignments will go ahead and how the library is doing everything they can to supply students with online resources. The changes are not to everyone’s taste but the university is doing what they can. The Student Union is also working very hard behind the scenes to stay connected with students. So please don’t forget to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to find out what they are doing and how you can get involved.

Also, please remember that the school reps are still here for everyone. What ever the query or problem. Do not hesitate to contact me on Emily.Banks@wlv.ac.uk and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. You are not alone.

Thank you, please stay safe and stay at home,

Emily ??  

Hi Everyone, 

As you already know the university has closed its doors and even the library is shut! However, I hope everyone is managing to follow the government instructions and is staying at home. The main thing is to stay positive and think of all the time you can now spend at home working on your assighnments ;)

However I understand it is not as easy as that. The important things to do is to keep checking emails and the university webiste with updates. The university staff are working as hard as they can to ensure that students can continue with their studies as smoothly as possible. But, if anyone is struggling with the situation, is having difficulty with learning online or has feedback about how the university is managing the situation, then please do not hesitate to contact me on Emily.Banks@wlv.ac.uk.

Also the SU elections are open. Can everyone please take a moment to make their vote and have their say on who you want in your Student Union. 

Thank you and stay safe,

Emily 

Hi everyone,

Never fear as the school reps are still here.

As everyone now knows the university has stopped face to face teaching which is a huge inconvinience. But Lecturers will hopefully have contacted students regarding alternative ways to lecture. The university would also find it a great help if students could feedback on how the university is dealing with the situation. If anyone has anything to say please contact me. I have already been in contact with my Course reps and many have already responded. This is a great help to the university.

Thank you and keep emailing me please :)

Hi Everyone, 

As many of you may already know, I am your School Rep for Humanities. Hopefully you will have seen my posters around the university (I Know, I look amazing in that picture).

I would like to let you all know that I have been very busy in my first few weeks as school rep. I have been around the university meeting students and gathering all your feedback and attending many meetings to vioce all your concerns. (So many meetings!) However, your feedback is incredibly useful to the university and without it, change cannot happen. If there is anything that you are unsatisfied with regarding your course or the Campus experience then please share this with me and I will work to make your student experience better. 

It is also fantastic to get postive feedback. The university does like to know what there doing right as well as wrong.

I look forward to meeting many more of you in the following weeks and if you keep checking my blog, I will let you know where I am and what I am doing at your university. 

Thank you,

Emily :)