Student Update: Skills for learning, Wolves Wellbeing Day and Vision 2030

Please be aware that this information was shared with students by email and correct at the time of sending. For the latest Covid-19 guidance, please visit our coronavirus webpages: www.wlv.ac.uk/coronavirus. If you are a student who has a query or needs support, please log a helpcall with ASK@WLV in e:Vision (www.wlv.ac.uk/evision).

I hope you are well. Whilst many of us are benefitting from the phased relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in England, the situation in other parts of the world is still incredibly difficult.

I know that many students will have family and friends in India and will be very anxious about them. If you are affected and it would help to speak to someone, your Faculty Student Services should be the first point of call to access support and advice, and the easiest way to contact them is by the e:Vision Helpdesk.   

This update includes information covering: 

• Vision 2030 and how you can help shape the future of the University 
• Wolves Wellbeing Day on Thursday, 4 May 2021 
• Skills for learning support 
• Covid-19 safety and reporting procedures 
• Voting in UK Local Elections 

To effectively prepare for more activities to return to campus, we are asking students to complete a short survey about Covid-19 testing. The survey should be completed by all students living in England, including those studying online and those accessing teaching on campus. It will take you no longer than two minutes to complete, and there is the chance to win one of 15 £10 Amazon vouchers provided by the City of Wolverhampton Council. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, 7 May 2021. 

Complete the survey

Vision 2030: We need you to help shape the future of our University 

How would you shape your University? Have your say on the University's new strategy. 

Earlier this month, we launched Vision 2030, the University's new strategic plan for the next ten years. With the two key themes of inclusive student success and place at its core, our focus going forward is to ensure greater inclusivity and equity of outcome for all who study with us. 

One of the central themes of our strategy is partnership working with students and so I am really keen to have your feedback on the development of our sub-strategy for students and education. This way you will influence the experience of all University of Wolverhampton students for years to come. 

How to get involved: 

Join the Vision 2030 Student Q&A session with myself and Tobi Falana, your Vice-President Academic in the Students' Union.  

• Date: Tuesday, 11 May 2021 
• Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm 

This event will be hosted on Zoom, and you have the opportunity to submit questions beforehand and throughout the session using the Q&A function. Two BSL interpreters will also be present throughout the session. 

You can also submit feedback and comments by email: strategy2030@wlv.ac.uk 

Book your place and submit a question

Wolves Wellbeing Day on Thursday, 4 May 2021  

Ahead of the assessment period, Wolves Wellbeing Day is a day full of virtual activities to help you check in with your wellbeing, take a breather and have some fun too. 

The day will begin at 9 am with breakfast and chat, followed by activities such as mindful moments, poetry, gardening, drawing, lunch with the Coaches' Kitchen, and ending with the SU quiz at 10 pm. 

Join for one event, dip in and out, or stay with the Wellbeing team the entire day - it's up to you. 

This is the first event in a series of Wolves Wellbeing Days, and we'll share more information about future activities soon. 

Find out more about the student support services available to you here: wlv.ac.uk/support.

View the full programme and book a session

Skills for Learning  

Our Skills for Learning team can help you to develop more effective approaches to your studies and assessments. You can access a range of online skills resources, academic skills workshops and book appointments for one-to-one support.    

In response to Covid-19, the Skills for Learning team now offers support with developing your digital skills for studying, for example, using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Canvas.    

Students can join weekly workshops and drop-in sessions that cover studying online.  

Upcoming sessions  

• Tuesday, 4 May, 9:30 am - 11 am: Introduction to academic writing 
• Tuesday, 4 May, 1 pm – 2:30 pm: Starting your literature review 
• Wednesday, 5 May, 9:30 am – 11 am: Finding academic information 
• Wednesday, 5 May, 1:30 pm – 3 pm: Harvard Referencing 
• Thursday, 6 May, 10:30 am – 12 midday: Introduction to reflective writing 
• Friday, 7 May, 9:30 am – 11 am: Basic writing skills 
• Saturday, 8 May, 10:30 am – 12 midday: Introduction to critical thinking 

Find out more and book your place

Covid-19 safety and reporting procedures  

Everyone must continue to play their part in keeping our University community safe; this means following Government guidance and social distancing when required. Please follow these simple steps to create a safe environment for everyone:   

• Follow the Government's national guidance on what you can and cannot do, including socialising outdoors and hands, face, space, fresh air.   
• Adhere to the Rule of 6 or two households and maintain social distancing when meeting with people outside your household.   
• Wear a face covering (unless you are exempt) wherever required.   
• Take part in regular testing and self-isolate if you test positive or have symptoms of Covid-19.   
• Download and use the NHS Test and Trace app to check in at venues using the QR codes displayed.   
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds and use hand sanitiser where it is available.  

If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a more familiar future.  

If you develop coronavirus symptoms, you should self-isolate and book a Covid-19 test.  

You should not come onto campus if you experience Coronavirus symptoms. If you are on campus when your symptoms start, you must leave campus immediately, avoid touching anything and return to your home or residence.   

You should follow our Covid-19 Reporting Procedures and email: Covid-19help@wlv.ac.uk providing your full name, student number and a contact telephone number. Students should also contact their personal tutor to inform them that they are self-isolating.  

UK Local Elections – Use your voice 

The UK Local Elections will take place on Thursday, 6 May 2021. This is your opportunity to have your say on the issues that are important to you in the local area. 

Voting in a local election will provide you with the chance to put in place Local Councillors, directly elected Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners. You will have an impact on many of the services you see and use every day. 

Local Councillors and Mayors have control over housing, highways, transport, services, healthcare, education and much more. Police and Crime Commissioners will be responsible for setting budgets, creating plans to manage crime and providing general oversight of your local police force. 

It’s always a good idea to research the candidates for your area to ensure you know who will best represent you and the key issues you’re passionate about. It’s so important to use your voice and have your say, as this will influence decision-making on policing and local legislation. 

The Guild of Students has more information on their website. 

Stay up to date with the latest information    

Please keep checking your University WLV emails and reading these updates. We are committed to keeping students up to date. We do this by email, on our social media channels (Instagram,  Twitter and Facebook) and the University student news webpage.    

Our latest update for international students includes information for students in the UK and those studying from their home.  

Visit our dedicated Covid-19 webpages for information on how you can stay safe and help protect our University community during the pandemic.    

Thank you, and stay safe.   

Professor Julia Clarke  

Deputy Vice-Chancellor