Academic Citizenship

Your Academic Community

At the University of Sheffield, the academic community works to further knowledge and understanding through principles of integrity and trust. And in DLL, we're no different.

In order to fulfil this approach, we have some important guidelines it is important that all follow, from our top professors to new students. But don't worry, these are in place to make your experience the best it can possibly be, and we are here to help you along the way.

Ethical Research

Research ethics may sound daunting, but we are here to provide you with all the guidance you need. Your tutors will be able to help you with everything from research approval to how to correctly conduct an interview.

We also have useful information on our Ethical Research page.

Ground Rules

During week 1 you will work together as a student group to discuss and set your ‘ground rules’ for communication and interaction, in both face to face and online teaching settings.

This is an important part of the student experience and it is key that all students have a shared understanding of what is expected in a class. This will include suggestions on how discussion of sensitive issues will be managed. Freedom of expression, critical thinking, the scrutiny of evidence, and of underlying assumptions are all highly valued in the academic environment and we encourage calm and reasoned discussion.

Censorship is counterproductive - we should all be able to express our views without fear. However, it is also important that we express our views with respect and consideration for others, and that we are prepared for our views to be challenged - equally respectfully. These exchanges are at the heart of academic discourse. We do recognise, however, that there may be particularly sensitive issues that individual students may wish to avoid for personal reasons. If you have any concerns about module content or sensitive topics, please talk to a member of staff.

Online and Social Media Communication

Each year we set up a Facebook group for offer holders joining us in the coming September. This enables us to share important pre-entry information and for students to get to know each other prior to registration. These are the only ‘official’ Facebook groups for DLL – any others that you may join are not affiliated with the Department or the University and should not be considered a reliable source of information. We use this as a way to support programmes and students, but we would never use Facebook as a means of communicating essential information – it is not necessary to be a member of any Facebook groups. If you set up a Facebook, WhatsApp, or any other social media group for fellow students, please make it very clear that it is not an official University group.

Appropriate forms of communication

It is very important to show consideration to others when using any forms of communication. The University takes a serious view of the inappropriate use of any forms of communication; this includes (but is not limited to) content sent by post, telephone, email and social networking.

You need to be aware of the University’s regulations on communications, and conduct yourself online in an appropriate way at all times – see these links for more information:

University Communications: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/ourcommitment/rights

Online Harassment: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/harassment

Regulations as to the Discipline of Students: www.sheffield.ac.uk/calendar

Attendance

Attending classes regularly and punctually is not only important for your own success, it helps all students on your foundation year build a stronger, more supportive and more successful learning community. Not attending, or arriving late, disrupts the flow of individual classes and can have a significant negative impact on others' learning. Please take your studies and the needs of your fellow students seriously by attending all your taught sessions - whether in person or online - punctually, unless there is a good reason why this is not possible.

Please also be sensitive to the concerns and worries that others might have - even if you do not share them - around Covid-19.

Read about DLL's and the University's Attendance Policy here.

Expectations

The University expects that you will:

attend all your classes on time (unless for sickness or other authorised reasons)
check your University email and course Blackboard sites regularly (particularly before setting off for a class, to check for last-minute changes)
DLL suggest you check your University email account emails daily, and always use this account when communicating with us.
participate in class activities, respecting the opinions and viewpoints of other students
take responsibility for managing your time and your workload
make reasonable attempts to solve problems or find information for yourself, asking for help or advice from the appropriate member of staff when needed
treat University resources and facilities with consideration
observe the Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of the University www.shef.ac.uk/calendar
conduct yourself in a polite, professional and respectful manner in communications with both staff and fellow students. This includes using appropriate forms of address and signature in emails.
remember that content on public social media must not contravene the University regulations that you signed up to when you registered on the programme. Here is some guidance: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/ourcommitment/rights
approach your studies with an open and enquiring mind
keep in touch with your Personal Tutor, even (especially) when you are finding things difficult
look out for your fellow students, encourage and support each other and urge your friends to seek support if they are struggling
let someone at DLL know if one of your fellow students stops engaging or goes missing, so that we can check that they are ok

In return, you can expect that the University will:

support you in your studies, to the best of our abilities and resources

offer high-quality academic programmes, delivered by experienced and expert tutors
provide fair and rigorous assessment, along with supportive and constructive feedback
communicate fully and openly with you about all matters relating to your study
provide you with the opportunity to develop skills and resources that will prepare you for further University study
support you with taking appropriate next steps towards the end and upon completion of your programme of study with us

'Our Commitment'

Our Commitment

Our Commitment is a partnership document struck between teachers and students as members of the University. It sets out what we all commit to do to ensure the best learning experience. It has been written by staff and students and is collectively owned by the University and the Students’ Union.

Our commitment is best understood as a statement of collective ethos, setting out the qualities and responsibilities underpinning the education on University of Sheffield degree programmes. It has been endorsed by the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University and the President of the Students' Union, on behalf of all staff and students.

As a student, to have the best learning experience,

I will develop my knowledge by exploring my passion for my subject and sharing in this with other students and my tutors.

I will work hard and to the best of my abilities, on my own and with others, by participating actively in the range of activities set by my tutors.

I will be prepared for and not miss out on scheduled learning.

I will make the most of the feedback I receive on my work and seek out support to do this.

I will ask questions and talk to my tutors, including my personal and academic tutor, so that they can best support me.

I will seek out and take up the opportunities available alongside my studies that enrich my knowledge, skills and experience and allow me to contribute to the University and its community.

I will make good use of the range of services at the University that help me to progress on my course and prepare for my future.

I will acknowledge, appreciate and learn from the diversity of our population, and strive to be an active citizen.

I will take care of myself and my physical and mental health, drawing on support when I need it.

I will engage positively with my University and local community, treat others with respect, dignity and care, and speak up for what is right.

As staff, to enable the best learning experience for all,

We will provide inspirational, engaging and knowledgeable teaching that draws on our research interests.

We will take a professional approach to our teaching, being well prepared, reliable and using a variety of methods.

We will take a scholarly approach to learning, teaching and assessment, to inform what we do and help us develop.

We will provide clear assessment criteria and good feedback to enable effective learning.

We will be approachable, get to know students and use the available time to help them identify and develop their skills; we will also support them through any personal and academic challenges.

We will seek out, listen to and consider students’ views, acting on them when appropriate, and communicate our response.

We will work well across the range of University services to help students to progress on their course and prepare for the future.

We will provide accessible and inclusive learning and teaching that respects and benefits from our diversity.

We will prioritise good occupational health, drawing on support when it is needed.

We will foster an environment in which everyone engages positively with their University and local community, treats others with respect, dignity and care, and speaks up for what is right.