What can I do if i think I am being bullied?

The College will not tolerate harassment or bullying in any form and has a Dignity at Study Policy to help combat this. Also read the Bullying and Harassment section in the Student Support part of the Student Handbook. If you feel that you have been bullied or harassed or subject to any form of sexual harassment it is crucial that you report it so action may be taken. Support is available from the Students’ Union, lecturers, tutors, College managers or a member of the Student Hub, where you can report any concerns.

Can I make a complaint?

Yes of course you can and the College actually learns and improves through constructive dialogue. It is always best to try and resolve any dissatisfaction at an early stage and ideally informally at the lowest level possible - this usually works and the Student Union are on hand to be able to advise and help.

However, if this cannot be resolved there is a Complaints and Appeals page in the Student Handbook to guide you and link you to the Complaints Procedure for Students. If you do have a complaint it is important that you act on it and talk to programme reps, tutors and lecturers - and if it cannot be resolved you can inform the Head of Compliance & Quality Systems (jwright@pca.ac.uk) who manages complaint and who will take the complaint forward, investigating as appropriate.

Will I receive Specific Programme details?

Yes, as you join Plymouth College of Art you will receive an induction to the College and to your programme. At your induction you will be provided with access to your Programme Handbook which gives the specifications and details about your programme, and how your progress will be supported.

Where is the best place to get general information?

The Information Point or 'front of house' desk brings together all the reception and administrative support provided to students, staff and visitors to the College and is accessed via the College’s main entrance. The team are on-hand to provide information and to signpost you to where to go if you require any assistance - and of course there is this handbook - please tell everyone about it!

If you are working online / at home then there is the option to use email or access the wealth of information now available on our website or student portal.

Where can I buy food and drink on campus?

The Refectory area on the ground floor of Tavistock Place was redesigned and refurbished during the summer of 2018. Opening times are 08:30 -16:00 or as advertised with late opening on Tuesdays.

Vending machines are normally in service all day by the Charles Church lift area and in the Refectory, however, access to them may be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Within a short walk of the main campus on Ebrington Street, Regent Street and on North Hill there are high street supermarkets, independent coffee shops/cafes, food outlets and bars. The main city centre with well known high street stores and food outlets is across the road from the main campus both in and beyond Drake Circus shopping mall.

Can I Park on campus?

There is no parking for cars in the College grounds either for staff or students. We annually review the accessibility to our public areas, offices, studios and workshops to ensure that we anticipate the needs of all potential students and visitors. There is limited parking for disabled students and both motorcycles and bicycles may be brought into the campus with facilities provided.

Can I have access to a Locker?

Lockers are limited in number and are located around the College. If you returned your locker request form over the summer please make sure you check the locker list, which will be displayed on the notice board by The Refectory, during your enrolment and induction period. If you have been allocated a locker please collect your key from the Information Point Reception (you will need to pay a deposit).

Is there somewhere I can go to pray or take a breather?

On the ground floor of Tavistock Place, by the entrance to the Refectory, there is a Quiet Contemplation Room which can be used for prayer and other faith activities as well as to take a break. This space is about to be renovated by your Students' Union Team, as part of your HE Wellbeing Representative's (Aaron Lovelock) manifesto to improve these spaces within the college. There is another quiet space located within the Library.

Is there anywhere I can smoke?

In accordance with UK law there is no smoking or vaping allowed in College premises, including the area immediately outside the main entrance. If you wish to smoke (or vape) you must do so away from the public entrance.

How can I help the college to be environmentally sustainable?

We are committed to reducing our energy consumption and carbon footprint - to achieve a 34% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020. We have made great strides in the last few years in reducing our emissions and ask that you help us with this goal. Over the past year, the College’s display energy certificate has been upgraded by one rating. This indicates that the buildings have significantly reduced their impact on the environment, subsequently lowering fuel bills, which allows for savings across the college to be invested into further sustainability measures.

We ask that you (and all staff) help us by doing the following:

• • Use all available recycling facilities across campus

  • Use own cup/mug in the Refectory when buying hot drinks (with a discount applied)

  • Save energy and water by turning off all lights and appliances when not in use and reporting faulty equipment and dripping taps to the front desk

  • Shut down computers after using them and turn lights off when leaving a room - unless people are still working!

  • Place litter in one of the litter bins around the campus - there are also designated bins for cigarette stubs so please help us keep the campus area clean and tidy - and also be aware that there are ‘litter wardens’ in the City Centre who can impose fines of up to £150 for littering!

  • There is a Sustainability Representative for both FE and HE as part of your Student Union Executive Committee. You are welcome to speak to them about any further ideas you have to keep the college as sustainable as possible.

  • 2. In 2019, Harriet Moore introduced a Bra Bank to the Students' Union, where you can donate your old bras to be recycled as part of a scheme by the charity Against Breast Cancer.