Hello and a warm welcome to all the new students starting courses this January. We look forward to meeting you and getting to know you all! We are the Student Engagement Team (you might also hear us called the UniSkills Team) and we are here to support you on your academic journey. Here, we share everything you need to know to get off to a successful start with your studies, from induction information and academic writing support, to how to find the resources you need for your assignments.
There’s lots to take in during your first weeks so we’ve pulled together some key information about your Learning and Support Services Induction, UniSkills support and how to find your academic resources in one handy blog.
Learning and Support Services Induction
Catalyst is home to Library and Learning Services, Student Services and Careers and we are here to support you with many aspects of your student life. Head over to the Learning and Support Services Induction page to explore your interactive induction toolkit (or watch the video recording) at your own pace. You will discover all about each of the three services, how they can support you and how you can access their support!
If you’ve yet to explore Catalyst and its many facilities, you can also join us for a Student Led Catalyst Tour. Tours run on a drop in basis from the ground floor foyer between 12pm-2pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday 11th January
- Friday 13th January
- Wednesday 25th January
- Friday 27th January
If you can’t wait to visit Catalyst you can take a Student Led Virtual Catalyst Tour or explore our interactive 360 Catalyst Tour over on the Learning and Support Services Induction page.
Academic Skills Support – UniSkills
UniSkills provide a wide range of face-to-face and virtual support designed to help you develop your academic skills and confidence at University and beyond.
UniSkills Online
A great place to begin exploring UniSkills support is the UniSkills web pages. On here you’ll discover handy guides, video tutorials and interactive online toolkits all available 24/7! There is also lots of information and guidance on a range of academic skills topics such as:
- Getting Organised
- Finding Academic Information
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Exam Preparation
- Dissertations
- Referencing and Academic Integrity
- Presentations
- And lots more!
UniSkills Workshops and Webinars
UniSkills workshops and webinars are an opportunity for a deeper dive into a specific skill that will support you on your academic journey. They cover a wide range of topics including academic reading, writing and referencing, effective exam preparation, finding academic resources, conducting a literature review, presentation skills and much more!
Our popular Uniskills Workshops run throughout the academic year, with a new programme announced each term. Workshops (on campus) and webinars (online) are self-bookable via the student portal and you can attend as many as you like. The Spring workshops programme will launch w/c 23rd January and you can start booking your place right away!
Find Your Feet
If you’re keen to hit the ground running you can join your Student Advisors all week Monday 30th January to Friday 3rd February as they take you on a guided tour of:
- Your Student Homepage
- Finding and logging into your virtual learning environment (VLE)
- Exploring the Institution Homepage and tips for navigating Blackboard
- Where to find your library resources, including:how to find and loan physical books
- how to find and access eBooks
- Overview of UniSkills academic skills support
- Jargon busting Q&A opportunity
You can come and chat to your Student Advisors every day on Catalyst ground floor 12pm-2pm or online 3pm-4pm. Book your place today!
UniSkills Appointments
Once you’re settled in and starting to work on your research and assignments you may require more specific support. Our experienced Academic Skills Advisors can help you develop your academic skills and strategies and 1-2-1 support is available on a wide range of topics.
You can book a 1-2-1 appointment with an Academic Skills Advisor via the student portal. You can choose the best date, time and location (in person or online) to suit your availability!
Finding Your Resources
Before you begin writing your assignment you will need to think about your research, reading and resources. You can explore your print and electronic resources through the University Library search tool: Discover More. Discover More enables you to locate physical books, eBooks and electronic journals in one handy place. You can also check out your tutors essential and recommended resources on your Online Reading List.
As an Edge Hill student you have access to thousands of high quality academic eResources. Your Subject Resource pages contain relevant journals and databases for your programme of study as well as links to newspaper collections and useful websites,
If you need any help finding your academic information or navigating your online resources don’t forget we have lots of handy UniSkills toolkits, videos and guides on the Finding Academic Information web page – all available 24/7!
Read more about getting the most out of your Digital Library on our Learning and Support Services Induction page.
Online Learning
Although you’ll be on campus engaging in lots of in-person teaching and learning you will still be accessing lots of online platforms and tools along the way. Check out the Online Learning pages for lots of support and advice about:
- Edge Hill’s online learning platform (Learning Edge)
- online assessments and submission tools
- troubleshooting tips for accessing webinars, online tutorials and virtual meetings
- useful platforms and tools such as MS Teams and Office365
Further Help and Support
Phew! We know that’s a lot of information to take in but don’t worry as this blog won’t be going anywhere and you can revisit as and when you need.
If you have any questions or need any further support you can contact the Catalyst Helpdesk via Ask Us and in person:
- Monday to Friday | 8am and 8pm
- Saturday and Sunday | 10am and 6pm
You can also keep up to date with alll the latest Library and Learning Services news and updates by following us on our socials:
- Twitter @EHULearnService
- Instagram @EHULibrary
That’s everything we have to share with you today – we wish you all the very best for your coming academic year and look forward to supporting you soon!