A big, warm welcome from Library and Learning Services to all of you starting your courses this autumn. We can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your exciting journey. We are the Student Engagement team (you might hear us being referred to as UniSkills) and we’re here to make your academic life a breeze.
We know that starting university can be a whirlwind of excitement and there’s lots to take in. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’ve carefully curated some essential information to help you navigate your first weeks with ease. In this handy blog, you’ll find all you need to know about your Learning and Support Services Induction, how to make the most of UniSkills support, and tips to locate your academic resources like a pro.
Learning and Support Services Induction
To get started, head over to the Learning and Support Services Induction page, where you’ll find an engaging interactive toolkit waiting for you. Feel free to explore it at your own pace or simply watch the handy video recording instead. This induction will introduce you to the three essential support Services in Catalyst: Library and Learning Services, Student Services, and Careers. Learn about how each Service can enrich your experience and discover how easy it is to access their invaluable support.
If you’re curious about Catalyst and want to find out more about the services and facilities we’ve got the perfect solution. Join us for a Student Led Catalyst Tour! Our friendly Student Advisors will be available to give you a guided tour of the building, showcase its resources, and familiarise you with the available support.
| Date | Time | Duration | Meeting Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 1 September 2023 | 10am-3pm (last tour 2:30pm) | Tours last roughly 20-30 minutes | Catalyst Foyer |
| Monday 25 September 2023 | 10am-3pm (last tour 2:30pm) | Tours last roughly 20-30 minutes | Catalyst Foyer |
| Tuesday 26 September 2023 | 10am-3pm (last tour 2:30pm) | Tours last roughly 20-30 minutes | Catalyst Foyer |
| Wednesday 27 September 2023 | 10am-3pm (last tour 2:30pm) | Tours last roughly 20-30 minutes | Catalyst Foyer |
| Thursday 28 September | 10am-3pm (last tour 2:30pm) | Tours last roughly 20-30 minutes | Catalyst Foyer |
| Friday 29 September | 10am-3pm (last tour 2:30pm) | Tours last roughly 20-30 minutes | Catalyst Foyer |
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. A great place to begin exploring the support on offer is the UniSkills web pages. On here you’ll discover handy guides, video tutorials and interactive online toolkits all available 24/7 around a wide variety of topics including:
- Getting Organised
- Finding Academic Information
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Exam Preparation
- Referencing and Academic Integrity
- Presentations
- Dissertations
- And lots more!
UniSkills Workshops and Webinars
UniSkills offer workshops and webinars tailored to enhance your academic journey. Delve deeper into essential skills that will bolster your learning experience throughout university. Our wide array of topics includes academic reading, writing, referencing, effective exam preparation, finding academic resources, conducting literature reviews, presentation skills, and more!
You won’t want to miss our popular UniSkills Workshops, available throughout the academic year. Each term, we unveil a fresh programme with exciting opportunities. Most of our workshops are delivered online* via Blackboard Collaborate (*except Returning to Learning) and you have the flexibility to book as many sessions as you like. Mark your calendars! The autumn/winter workshops will kick off during the week of 9 October. Be sure to keep an eye on the UniSkills webpages for the launch of our autumn/winter program, and don’t forget to secure your spot!
#FindYourFeet
If you’re keen to hit the ground running you can join your Student Advisors again, all week Monday 2 to Friday 6 October as they take you on a virtual 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 books and eBooks
- Overview of UniSkills academic skills support
- Jargon busting Q&A opportunity
Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on #FindYourFeet events!
One-to-One Appointments
As you embark on your university journey and begin tackling research and assignments, you might find the need for more in depth support. Fear not, our knowledgeable Academic Skills Advisors are here to guide you in developing your academic skills and strategies. Personalised one-to-one support is readily available, covering a diverse range of topics.
To benefit from this valuable support, you can book a one-to-one appointment with an Academic Skills Advisor through the student portal. The booking process allows you to select the most convenient date, time, and location, whether it’s an in-person meeting or an online session. Rest assured that the support you need is just a few clicks away!
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.
As an Edge Hill student have access to thousands of high quality academic eResources. These are particularly useful when you are working off campus as they can all be accessed online. Your Subject Resource pages contain relevant journals and databases for your programme of study as well as links to newspaper collections and useful websites. You can also check out your tutors essential and recommended resources on your Online Reading List.
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! You can also explore our UniSkills Focus On blog which tells you all you need to know about Reading Lists Online, Discover More and your subject resources.
Further Help and Support
Wow, that was a lot of information to to take in but you can always come back to this blog whenever you need a reminder.
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
That’s everything we have to share with you today – we wish you all the very best for this coming academic year and look forward to supporting you soon!