International Student Support

Student Support and Development Services

International Student Support (ISS)

International Student Support offer advice and guidance to all international and EU/EEA students.  They organise the Meet & Greet Airport Collection Service and the International Orientation Programme.

Appointments can be booked with the International Student Support Officers via the Student Support and Development Services Reception which can be found on the ground floor of the Walter Moberly Building.  The team can also be contacted by email at internationalsupport@keele.ac.uk or by telephone on +44 (0)1782 733801.

ISS organise trips and events throughout the academic year for international and EU/EEA students.  This programme of events is called 'Encounter'.  You can sign up to the Encounter mailing list by emailing internationalsupport@keele.ac.uk or register at the ISS Help Desk during International Orientation.  Collect your copy of the 2013/2014 events booklet during International Orientation to see the trips and events on offer.

Student Support and Development Services

The Student Support Centre has a range of services dedicated to helping you to make the most of student life.  Staff at the Student Support Centre are able to offer confidential advice and support when you need it.

You can find us in the Walter Moberly Building (Main Entrance).  You can book an appointment or come along to our daily drop in service.  We'll do what we can to answer your query straight away, or we'll work with you to resolve an issue over the longer term or we might refer you to an alternative but appropriate service such as Disability and Dyslexia Support, Careers and Employability or to our Counselling and Emotional Wellbeing Service.

Below are a range of the services that we are able to support you with:

• Student Support in University Accommodation
• Personal concerns, such as homesickness, bullying and/or harassment, worried about a friend
• Support for Student Groups, i.e. Mature, Local, Care Leavers
• Off-Campus issues
• Change of Circumstances such as Leave of Absence, Course Change, Withdrawal
• Choosing your Electives
• Keele Mentors
• Maths Open Learning Service
• Out-of-Hours Support & Advice
• Funding advice
• Bursaries and Scholarships
• Hardship Funds/Emergency Loans
• Advice on budgeting and money management
• Freephone to Student Loans Company

Come and talk to us:

Email us direct at: support.centre@keele.ac.uk

Visit our website at: http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentsupport

You can follow us on twitter @keelestudentsupport

Visit us at the Student Support Centre, Ground Floor, Walter Moberly Building - we are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

Telephone us on: 01782 734 481

We offer appointments which you can arrange by phone, email or by coming to the Centre.  We also operate a drop in service which runs Monday to Friday.

Student Support and Experience

Staff in the Student Support and Experience team can give you information and advice about different issues related to studying at Keele.  We offer a range of services which are available to all Keele students including, 'In Addition' our Maths Open Learning Service.  We also coordinate the Keele Mentors Scheme, which is open to all new undergraduate and postgraduate research students.  For more information about Keele Mentors and to sign up online, go to http://www.keele.ac.uk/keelementors/ 

Our team are also responsible for organising events for different student groups both during and after Welcome Week.  We look forward to meeting you then!

Find us in The Student Support Centre, on the ground floor of the Walter Moberly Building.

Telephone: +44 (0)1782 734481

Email: support.experience@keele.ac.uk

Website: http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentsupport

Residence Support

At the beginning of the year, the team will be visiting your block to give important welcome and safety messages - so look out for this and make sure that you attend to say hello and get to know the team.

There will be welcome events in each of the Halls on the first Sunday, starting with a free breakfast - and further events throughout Welcome Week.  Make sure that you look out for these, and on-going events throughout the year.

During out-of-hours periods there are a team of Residence Support Assistants (RSAs) who can be called on at any time if you need to talk to someone or discuss any issues or concerns.  This team is made up of student volunteers who live in the Halls that you reside in and have experience of living in University accommodation and are aware of the problems or concerns that you may face.  You will have regular contact with your Residence Support Assistants, who can be identified when on duty by their blue t-shirt/hoody.

Residence Support is one of two (together with the Campus Security) teams that operate 24/7 and throughout the year.  Familiarise yourself with the contact details for your specific Hall (contact details are in lots of literature and on your accommodation noticeboards) so that you can get in touch if you need to speak to someone.

The Residence Support team split their time during the day between the Student Support Centre in the Walter Moberly Building and being available in the halls of residence as follows:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday - Student Support Centre

Tuesday and Thursday - Halls of Residence

Should you need to contact a member of the Residence Support team at any time, please do so on the following numbers:

Barnes: 33782

Hawthorns: 33783

Lindsay: 33785

Holly Cross/Oaks: 33786

Email: support.residence@keele.ac.uk

Careers and Employability

Employability is important for all Keele students.  Employability means you have the skills, attitudes and experience that employers are looking for and that you can articulate this in the application and interview process.

Your qualifications are a great starting point for your career path but employers are also seeking evidence of skills and career insights gained through work experience, part-time jobs, voluntary work and being involved in University activities such as sport or student societies, so look at what's available to you at Keele. 

Employers have key skills and qualities they seek and they like you to have developed these skills in academic and non-academic settings.  Top skills popular with employers include:

• Written communication skills (in different formats)
• Verbal communication skills (presentations, negotiating, listening)
• Team work skills
• Time management/organisational skills

You need to make sure that you make the most of your time at Keele and not only embrace your academic study but also the opportunity to develop into a well-rounded graduate and be prepared for the future.  We can help you do this.

The Careers and Employability Team will support you in making the right decisions for your future career path and support you as you implement your decisions.  You will find information on graduate occupations and what other Keele students have done with their degrees in the Careers and Employability Resource Room.  Our careers advisors can help you to explore all the options available and work out what you might be suited to and how to shape your profile.  Advisors also provide support with applications, interviews and preparing for assessment centres.  It is never too early to contact us and we would encourage you to access the service from your first year onwards.

For access to our career wikis, our careers events, work experience opportunities and seeing an advisor, visit the website or call into the Careers and Employability Centre on the ground floor of Walter Moberly Building.

Email: careers@keele.ac.uk

Website: www.keele.ac.uk/careers

Twitter: @KeeleCareers

Counselling and Emotional Wellbeing

The Counselling and Emotional Wellbeing Service is a multi-disciplinary team; we have counsellors, a mental health adviser and specialist practitioners who come onto campus.  We can provide one to one counselling, advice on emotional health or facilitate assessments and referrals into local NHS services.

We can also offer a series of sessions throughout the year aimed at helping you develop personal skills and get the best of your time here at Keele.  You can find out more about these from our webpages or via regular emails to all students.  We are based at 41 and 42 The Covert, a house near the road to the Sports Centre.

To make an appointment you need to register via our webpages and fill out our online form.

Website: www.keele.ac.uk/studentcounselling

Disability and Dyslexia Support

Disability and Dyslexia Support (DDS) is here to support and advise you from application and pre-arrival throughout your time at Keele.  Although sometimes dependent on funding and level of need, we can support students with:

• Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Physical and Mobility Difficulties
• Medical conditions
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Issues (including anxiety and depression)
• Asperger's Syndrome/Autistic Spectrum Disorder
• Sensory disabilities/blind and partially sighted deaf/hard of hearing
• Other disabilities which have impacted on your daily living for a year or more

Staff in DDS can advise you on the type of support you may require, enabling you to achieve your potential and enjoy an inclusive student experience whilst you are at Keele.  We are able to provide support with personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs), exam arrangements, accommodation needs, and other forms of assistance.

You can access a range of specialist assessments with us.  The service also operates a loan system for some specialist equipment and technology and provides Deaf Alerters and pagers for use on campus.

We also provide Connect@Keele which is a specialist social support service for students on the autistic spectrum.

Contact us on the ground floor of Walter Moberly Building or by:

Telephone: +44 (0)1782 734105

Email: dds@keele.ac.uk

Website: www.keele.ac.uk/dds

Critical Indicent Support

From time to time things don't always go to plan.  In such cases we have a Critical Incident Support Team who are available and on-hand to provide support to our students when they need it most.  The team are available to respond and provide support for things such as:

• Mental Health related crises
• Non-elective hospitalisation
• Death or bereavement affecting students
• Bullying/Harassment
• National/International Disasters/Emergencies
• Student Disappearance
• Struggling to cope with challenging aspects of university life
• Students who are victims of crime or have been accused of crime

Contacting the Team

Telephone: 01782 733 335 or ext 33335

Email: support@keele.ac.uk

Visit us: Student Support Reception, Walter Moberly Building

Opening Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday

If outside of Office Hours you can email us or leave a voicemail.  Messages will be responded to the following working day.

Alternatively and particularly if you have an immediate concern about an individual or situation, you should call the University's Security Team on 01782 733 004 (ext 33004)

Electives

Keele has always been committed to giving students the opportunity to gain a broad-based education which prepares them for the challenges of life after University.  Electives are the part of the Keele degree which YOU design to fit with your own ambitions, interests and intellectual curiosity.  The Electives Office can give you all the guidance you need to select your elective modules and can help with any questions you have subsequently.

Email: electives@keele.ac.uk

Website: www.keele.ac.uk/electives

Student Financial Support

Staff in the Student Financial Support team can advise on a number of sources of student funding.

• We can advise on budgeting
• We manage a number of hardship funds (loans and grants)
• Visit us in the Student Support Centre in the Walter Moberly Building or contact us at studentmoney@keele.ac.uk
• If you are applying for Direct Loans from the US Government or loans and grants from the Canadian Government, you must contact the Student Financial Support Office in order to progress your application
• We run money management sessions - look out for our adverts during the year

Website: www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding

Email: studentmoney@keele.ac.uk

 

The English Language Unit (ELU)

The English Language Unit (ELU) provides English language classes and assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate international students at Keele to help them succeed with their studies.  During the academic year, the ELU offers credit-bearing modules (classes) in all areas of English for academic study, and also provides individualised and free services and facilities to help you improve your English, either on your own or one-to-one with an English language tutor.  We have online materials and resources that are free for all international students to make use of. 

Visit our website at www.keele.ac.uk/llu/englishlanguage/, email us at eluadmin@keele.ac.uk, or stop by our office in Chancellor's Building B, CBB0.039.

IT Services

At Keele, we are committed to ensuring that our IT services assist students in having the best possible student experience.  Our professional IT staff are available to help, whether you have questions relating to email, WiFi, printing or unsure what device to purchase, then we are the people to speak to.

Below are the Top 10 things you need to know about IT @ Keele

• Internet - First thing that you will want to do when you arrive is connect to the internet.  Connect via our wireless network or visit the IT suite in the Library where there are a number of PCs available to use.
• Wireless - The wireless network is available across campus from teaching rooms to study bedrooms, in fact everywhere except the woods!  Just look for 'eduroam' to connect to the internet or visitor network just to get access to Keele web pages. 
• Eduroam - Connect your phone, tablet or laptop to eduroam, login in using your Keele email address and password. For more information about eduroam see www.keele.ac.uk/wireless
• IT Suite - Based in the Library Building on the main campus.  There are a number of PCs for you to use, no need to book, just find an available one and log in using your username and password.
• IT Account - Your username and password (which you should have received by email) is your key to using all IT Services - don't worry if you have lost your details or cannot remember them, contact the IT Service Desk and they will either email them to your personal email account or print them out for you at the Service Desk.
• KLE - Link to all of our student online services at http://students.keele.ac.uk - one login takes you to Keele Learning Environment (KLE), e:Vision, your timetable, mail and apps including your cloud storage, Keele card topup and staff directory.
• Printing - High-speed, low-cost colour printing is available in the IT Suite.  You can pay via your Keele Card using the print release stations in the IT Suite.  Don't think that you have to be on a Keele PC to print, you can connect to the printers in the IT Suite from your own laptop when connected to eduroam.
• Laptop Loan - Short and long term laptop loans are available from the IT Service Desk.  Short term laptops are available during office hours only and are free to borrow.  For the time when you need one longer we offer long term laptops available for 2 week hires at a small fee of £20.
• Repair Service - Don't worry if you have a problem with a laptop, whether you need a new hard disk drive or a virus removing, the IT Service Desk will be able to book your laptop or desktop into our repair service for a technician to take a look.
• Service Desk - Is located in the IT Suite of the Library.  The IT Advisors are there to help and advise you regarding IT issues such as getting connected to the wireless network, getting your timetable on your smart phone, helping you submit an online essay and any other IT related issues.  The desk is open 7 days a week Monday - Thursday 8:45 to 18:15, Friday 8:45 to 17:00 and Saturday/Sunday 13:00 to 16:30.  And for when we are not there our self-service desk is a web based service which enables you to log IT problems, access the IT knowledge base and track your enquiries 24/7.  Available at http://itservice.keele.ac.uk.

Follow us on Twitter @KeeleUni_IT

Find us on Facebook, Keele University I.T.

www.keele.ac.uk/it

Visit the IT Service Desk in the Library Building.

Contact: it.service@keele.ac.uk or call 01782 733636 or 33636 from your phone in your room.

And the things you may not want to know about but are important whilst at Keele

• Remember your Keele IT Account Username and Password is for your use only - don't be tempted to share it with a friend or event a trusted family member.
• When you start using your Keele IT Account you are bound by our Conditions of Use, just take a few minutes to read them.  The link can be found on www.keele.ac.uk/it

And if you are living in Halls of Residence

IT Services also look after the telephone service in your bedroom.  You can make calls anywhere in the University and you can receive calls free of charge.  Your telephone number is on a label in your room or just call the IT Service Desk from the phone and they will be able to tell you your number.

For more information about the telephone service, including how to make external calls or access your voice mail, follow the link on www.keele.ac.uk/it/students

 

 

 

Library Services

Specially trained Student Ambassadors will be ready to help you from Wednesday 25 September at the Keele Campus Library: current students will be available to show you around the building, answer your questions and help you find your way to other University services.  We'll also have a temporary information point where you can pick up leaflets about other University services.

The campus library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the semester from Monday 30 September 2013.

You can use either the Keele Campus Library (located near the Students' Union Building) or the Health Library (Clinical Education Centre at the Hospital Campus).  Please visit the Health Library website for more information: www.keele.ac.uk/healthlibrary/

A 'Getting started' eTutorial is available at: www.keele.ac.uk/healthlibrary/training/gettingstarted/

You'll have the chance to meet the Liaison Librarian or Training Librarian for your subject at the induction sessions arranged by your School.  There you'll receive a 'Library Essentials' wallet containing important information to make the most out of the library - and your Keele Card, which is also your Library Card, fits into it perfectly.

You can view our Library video  and online tutorials as many times as you like - it's available via our website: www.keele.ac.uk/library/

Remember - the Campus Library is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week from Monday 30 September 2013.

Contact Keele Campus Library

'Info Point' Enquiries Service: +44 (0)1782 733535

General Loan Enquiries: +44 (0)1782 734159

Website: www.keele.ac.uk/library

Contact Health Library

Enquiries Line: +44 (0)1782 679500

Website: www.keele.ac.uk/healthlibrary

Sport at Keele

The Sports Centre and Athletic Union offer a wide range of sporting opportunities to all students regardless of age or ability.  For most students, taking part in sport improves their general health, wellbeing, and increases stamina and concentration levels.  Sport also provides many social opportunities whether you are just meeting other students informally in the gym or playing as part of a team.

Our goal is to encourage everyone to try something, and so we offer a large range of sports with the emphasis on having fun as well as competition.  We have several successful recreational clubs, so no matter what you do, we have something for you.

Never tried that sport before?

The Athletic Union Fair (part of Freshers' Fair) during Welcome Week provides you with the opportunity to come along, meet other students and try out a number of different sports free of charge to find out what you do like.

More experienced in sport?

The majority of our sporting clubs enter the league within the British Universities and Colleges Sports Association (BUCS), which caters for all universities in the United Kingdom, so there is great scope to play at your level or above.  In the past, some Keele University students have been invited to Regional and National trials in their respective sport.  The Athletic Union currently has club membership to 35 different sports and each year we expand to meet student needs and expectations. 

Web: www.keele.ac.uk/studyatkeele/sportscentre 

Telephone: +44 (0)1782 733368

Web: www.keelesu.com/au

Telephone: +44 (0)1782 733638

Office located in the Sports Centre

The Vice-President AU & Sport is located on the top floor of the Students' Union Building with the rest of the Elected Officer team.

Learning Language

Languages are increasingly seen as a 'must-have' skill in a graduate.  The Language Learning Unit (LLU) offers Keele students the opportunity to learn a language, gain a Keele Certificate in Language Competence and take part in summer study visits to Spain, Japan, Russia, France, China or Germany.

You could also train to teach English as a second language alongside your principal subjects.  

Visit our website or see us at the Electives and Languages Fair on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 October.

Email: languages@keele.ac.uk

Website: www.keele.ac.uk/llu

Nightline

Nightline is a confidential student-led information and listening service which is available from 9pm until 3am every night during term time.  You can call Nightline about anything, no issue is too big or too small.  You can call us on 01782 733999 (or 33999 from an on campus halls phone) or visit our website at www.keelenighline.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more about Keele Nightline, please get in touch with our External Coordinator at su.nightline@keele.ac.uk

Nightline: We'll listen, not lecture.

 

Keele Students' Union (KeeleSU)

Keele Students' Union is here to support, represent, entertain, develop and inspire Keele students - we're here for you! We're not only the main social venue on campus, we also nurture over 90 societies and more than 35 sports clubs, plan trips to local attractions, provide free and impartial advice, provide loads of volunteering opportunities, boast a well-stocked food court and sociable coffee shop as well as supporting a dedicated team of Elected Officers who are here to represent and campaign for you.

We're proud to offer a light and airy modern social space on the ground floor of the Students' Union.  Recently redeveloped, this central hubis a fantastic space to enjoy with friends; it's an alcohol free social area with contemporary facilities including extensive WiFi access, data connections and those all-important comfy sofas.  The building is fully accessible to all, offering a lift to all floors, washroom facilities for those with disabilities and baby-changing provisions.

For more information, read on, visit our website www.keelesu.com or give our Reception a call on: +44 (0)1782 733700.  We'll be happy to answer any of your questions!

Advice and Support at Keele (ASK)

Ground Floor - KeeleSU Building

ASK provides free, impartial, non-judgemental advice, information and representation.  Welfare and Education Advisors are able to advise on a wide range of topics including:

• Academic advice 
• Welfare benefits
• Consumer issues
• Employment
• Debt
• Fees/finance
• Immigration/visas
• Local information
• Grants
• Housing (checking housing contracts, negotiating with landlords)
• Loans
• Personal matters
• and more!

ASK delivers independent advice on academic matters, University Regulations and processes.  Advisors are able to represent students at University hearings.  We subscribe to an electronic information system provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau.  The Advice Team also work closely with the Vice-Presidents for Education and Welfare.

ASK is a member of the following organisations:

• Advice UK
• UKCISA, the Council for International Student Affairs
• National Student Money Advisors

We work to a Code of Practice and details of all policies are available on request.  ASK holds the Advice Quality Standard from the Advice Services Alliance.

ASK is open throughout the year and can be contacted:

• By email: su.ask@keele.ac.uk 
• By telephone: +44 (0)1782 734800
• Through our website or Live Chat www.keelesu.com/ask
• In person: we are situated on the ground floor of the KeeleSU building

Elected Officers

Answerable to the student body, the elected student officers are here to represent students and provide for their wellbeing.  They offer a collective voice with which to speak to the University and campaign on issues affecting Keele students.  Your Officers are here to help and offer an open door policy - just pop into their office on the top floor of the Students' Union where you can be assured of a warm welcome.  Alternatively, take a look at who they are and what they do online at www.keelesu.com/elected-officers.

Activities, Societies and Sport

The Students' Union offers a wide range of activities that you can tailor to make your student experience the best it can be.  Keele has over 90 societies, offering something for all tastes and interests.  Get involved, try something new, broaden your horizons, acquire new skills and have a laugh doing it!  Head over to the Society Sign Up Fair on Monday 30 September and Tuesday 1 October in KeeleSU where you'll be spoilt for choice: we've got everything from radio to Quidditch! 

If sport is your thing, Team:Keele is for you.  Keele has a massive range of sports that you can play competitively or just for fun.  Find out more at the Sports Fair on Sunday 29 and Monday 30 September at the Sports Centre. 

KeeleSU also runs a programme of activities providing opportunities to try something different, learn new skills and meet people.  Our activities programme in 2013/2014 is going to be huge and involvement can be recognised and recorded, meaning your time spent enjoying University can also be beneficial to life after Keele.  Check out the Give it a Go calendar at www.keelesu.comgiago and see how you can become a volunteer and participate in the KeeleSU Awards and record all your achievements in your personal Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). 

Find out more: www.keelesu.com/activities or email su.activities@keele.ac.uk

Jobshop

There are part-time work opportunities both on campus and locally.  The Students' Union Jobshop is based in Advice and Support at Keele (ASK) on the ground floor of the KeeleSU Building.

It advertises on and off campus vacancies and you can apply for vacancies within the Students' Union through the Jobshop.  The Jobshop also provides advice on employment rights, employment law and working in the UK and can help with information about tax and National Insurance.

You can find vacancies on a display board within the Jobshop or from the website: www.keelesu.com/jobshop.

The Jobshop is open throughout the year and can be contacted:

• By email: su.jobshop@keele.ac.uk
• By telephone: +44 (0)1782 734800
• By fax: +44 (0)1782 734814

Further information can be found at www.keelesu.com/jobshop

There will also be a Jobs & Volunteering Fair in the Students' Union Ballroom on 9 October from 11am - 3pm.  This is an opportunity for you to speak to employers directly, apply for jobs and find out about positions in and around the local area.

Opportunities also exist within the catering outlets and campus bars and further information can be obtained by contacting the unit managers at each of the outlets.

Volunteering

Volunteering is hugely rewarding and it's really easy to get involved with.  Work towards volunteering awards that are HEAR recordable and choose from hundreds of opportunities that are either long term, short term or one off days.  There are also campus projects to get involved with.

The Volunteer Project is open all year round.  Contact us:

Email: su.volunteering@keele.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)1782 733626

Website: www.keelesu.com/volunteering  

Come along to the Jobs and Volunteering Fair will be on Wednesday 9 October from 11am-3pm in the Students' Union Ballroom and meet lots of charities who need student volunteers to help their organisation with all sorts of roles available.

Volunteering can help you to develop new skills, meet new people and make a difference!

Reception

Your central information point on campus!  Here to help, our friendly staff will do their best to provide answers to all your questions.  It also houses the Box Office where you can buy tickets for Union events and a range of external services including bus tickets and discounted local theatre and Alton Towers tickets.  Plus, don't forget about your NUS Extra Card - available to buy and collect right here.

Bars & Entertainment

The Students' Union offers a huge range of events throughout the year, running regular club nights and working with societies to put on nights such as film screenings and genre-specific events (including rock appreciation, Bhangra and much more).  There is always something going on - whether it's an open mic night, pub quiz, pool competition or karaoke evening.  We are also committed to bringing the biggest artists, acts and DJs to our venue and we've recently played host to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Example, Labrinth, Gabrielle Aplin and Ella Eyre to name but a few.  We encourage student involvement and have plenty of volunteering opportunities, alongside employing students as tech crew, photographers and hospitality staff.  We believe that we offer something for everyone and are one of the most diverse and thriving Students' Union entertainment venues in the country, recently voted fourth best in the country for nightlife by Which? Magazine!  Find out what's coming up: www.keelesu.com/ents.

Print & Copy Shop

This welcoming and convenient facility offers you a whole host of fab printing services at really affordable prices.  Located on the top floor of the Students' Union, the Print & Copy Shop gets your photocopying, printing, finishing and design work done nice and quickly and to a high standard.  It's the place to go to when you need your dissertation binding!  Find out more: www.keelesu.com/printandcopyshop. 

See the section on food and shopping for information about the Union Shop and food outlets.

Post Office

Located within the Union Shop on the ground floor of KeeleSU, the Post Office is the home of international phone cards, the place to send your packages and parcels, tax your car and much more.  It contains a Bureau de Change and also offers some free banking facilities.  Friendly and helpful staff provide an excellent service that's often an essential link home.

Market Traders

The Students' Union enjoys a wide variety of local market traders who regularly visit to sell their wares and are always up for a good chat.  We have our very own Farmers' Market, taking place outside the Students' Union every Tuesday during term time.  Offering fresh, local produce you'll be spoilt for choice with healthy and delicious fruit and vegetables, homemade artisan bread and the campus-renowned 'Staffordshire Savoury Eggs' to name just a few!

 

Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA)

Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA) exists "for the promotion of the general interests of postgraduate students and to afford a recognised channel of communication between postgraduate students and the University authorities" and as such we sit on a host of senior University committees including the Council, Senate and Court.

The KPA serves as the focal point for the social life and welfare needs of postgraduate students during their time at Keele.  Our hugely popular KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) offers a wide variety of drinks, reasonably priced food and social facilities.  There will be an array of varied events organised throughout the year so keep checking your email inbox for our latest social calendar.

In addition to the social events, the KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences and other academic and career sessions.  This gives postgraduates the opportunity to come together to discuss their research and develop skills as well as networking with others.

Keele is pretty special because our postgraduates are automatically a member of two unions (both KeeleSU and the KPA) and are represented by a full time, dedicated postgraduate President, based within KeeleSU.

Overall, the KPA provides support for a range of issues across the entire spectrum of postgraduate studies at Keele.  As a postgraduate, you have a highly specialised Elected Officer, the KPA President, who is able to advise and represent you at all levels of University proceedings, for both welfare and educational issues.

Your KPA Committee (2013/14)

Your KPA President for this academic year is Lisa Ironside who can be found in the Elected Officers office on the top floor of the Students' Union Building.  If you have any issues or concerns that you would like to raise, please call in to the office or send an email to kpa.chair@keele.ac.uk.  The committee also consists of Ian Mahoney, Association Secretary, and Adam Duell, Finance Secretary.

KPA President, Lisa Ironside (kpa.chair@keele.ac.uk)

KPA Secretary, Ian Mahoney (kpa.secretary@keele.ac.uk)

KPA Treasurer, Adam Duell (kpa.treasurer@keele.ac.uk)

Faith at Keele

Keele is a harmonious, multi-cultural and multi-faith community, with a clear understanding that faith and spirituality (or freedom to reject them) is not a barrier to your participation in our community, but rather an enrichment of its diversity.  You can be assured that we will do all we can to make sure you will be safe and welcome here, because we have clear policies on Equality and Diversity, and also Dignity and Respect, currently worked out in the work of many committees and groups; not least the MultiFaith Forum.

See www.keele.ac.uk/faith for more information on this and to get contact details for the various faiths.

The Chapel

In the middle of campus is the Chapel Building, you can't miss it!  The Chaplains and Chaplaincy community serve to support people of ALL faiths, AND NONE.  So yes, that includes YOU!  And you'll be made very welcome, no matter how you define yourself.  The full-time Chaplaincy team are available to support you pastorally, spiritually and emotionally.  To make sure you get the best support possible, we work closely with Student Support, Halls of Residence Officers, Counselling & Emotional Wellbeing and International Student Support departments.  There's regular worship in the Chapel, both throughout the week and (usually) 4 services on a Sunday, providing a variety of styles: lively, modern, contemplative or traditional - take your pick!  There's a thriving, inclusive Chaplaincy community (supplemented by diverse Christian groups who use the building) which is growing, with a busy programme of weekly, termly and annual events, meaning you will find plenty to entertain you, to get involved with, and feed your soul.

The Chapel is OPEN TO ALL EVERY DAY in term time offering free tea and coffee, a place to meet friends, space for personal prayer and quiet reflection, and individual support and advice if required.

As well as worship and the meetings of various Christian and multi faith groups, the Chapel is used by the University for events such as concerts and graduations.

For more information check out our website: www.keelechapel.org or find us on Facebook and get in touch.

Islamic Centre

There is located in Barnes Hall of Residence and can be used for worship, reflection and time out by students and staff.  For information about access to the Centre, go to www.keele.ac.uk/studyatkeele/accommodation/postgrads/islamiccentreaccess/

We also have a Management Committee you are welcome to apply to be part of, whether you are in one of the student societies or not.

Other Faiths

There are Hindu groups and the possibility for you to start Buddhist ones!  The Chaplains are able to give advice on places and communities of worship for people of different religions, spiritualities and faith traditions.  The Chapel also includes The Space, a quiet/prayer room located in one of the "turrets", available for individuals of any faith or none.  If you are unsure how to find it, just look for maps in the building or ask a friendly face!

LGBT

Keele LGBT.  Or, more technically Keele LGBTTQIUACQUPO...(Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, twin-spirited, queer, intersex, unlabeled, asexual, curious, questioning, unsure, pansexual, omnisexual...) which is rather more of a mouthful, really.  Keele LGBT are here to give a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on and a friendly, secure atmosphere to meet up and chat about anything imaginable.  Just pop down to our weekly socials, or drop us a line anytime to find out more.  However you define yourself, Keele LGBT is here to provide a supportive, helpful environment and to make sure you have a fabulous time.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/keelelgbtofficial?ref=ts&fref=ts

Email: info@keelelgbt.co.uk

 

Eating and Shopping

At Keele, you will always be able to eat well.  It's one of the great things about a campus University; everything is on site and just a short walk away.  The following shops, cafes and restaurants can be found across Campus and in the Students' Union.

The University catering service, TASTE:KEELE, has a wide variety of catering outlets to suit every taste and price range.  These popular venues can be found at:

Comus

Situated in the heart of the Campus, this stylish refectory offers a wide range of dishes from around the world as well as lighter meals and snacks.  A variety of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal dishes are available and other diets can be catered for.  You can relax with friends and enjoy a variety of offers in this informal environment.

At lunch times, additional dishes are available outside of Comus in the Atrium.  This provides an additional hot take-away option.

Le Cafe

Located in the Chancellor's Building and the Medical School, these coffee shops offer cakes, sandwiches and refreshments that will leave you revitalised and ready for the day ahead.  Pick up a loyalty card and look out for the special offers throughout the year.

ST5

On the concourse opposite the Library, this takeaway is ideal for those on the move!  Choose from a wide range of subs, pastas, curries and chicken dishes.

Lindsay's

In Lindsay Hall of Residence.  This popular bar combines socialising with casual dining.  You can enjoy daily specials such as chilli or lasagne with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink.  This bar has a relaxed atmosphere with weekly organised events that will keep you coming back for more.

Vite & Eat

Situated in the Chancellor's Building, this is ideal for those with a limited amount of time between lectures.  This one-stop-shop offers a range of tasty sandwiches, confectionary and drinks.

Hawthorns Restaurant

Located next to Templar Bar at Hawthorns, this restaurant provides a homely atmosphere for those on a catered halls package and for those living at Hawthorns who do not want to cook every day.  Cash sales are available for breakfast, lunch and evening meals from Monday to Friday and for breakfast and evening meals at weekends.

Campus Bars

The University also provides 3 campus bars across the campus, as a different alternative to the Students' Union.  These bars are located near to the halls of residence and are smaller in nature.  They host events throughout the year and are great venues for making friends.

Templar Bar

Located in Hawthorns general block opposite the restaurant and shop, Templar Bar offers a relaxed environment for residents to catch up with friends or take time out from their studies.  If offers a wide choice of drinks, pool tables as well as regular events and promotions to get involved in.  Look us up on Facebook.

The Pig and Rat

This is your local bar at Barnes Hall, next door to The Sty common room.  The Pig and Rat is the go to space for the best in music led nights out, often working with several different Societies catering to a wide range of music tastes with different events every week.  It's also a great place to meet for Socials with our regular offers.

Horwood Bar

Nestled on the edge of Horwood near the Laundrette is Horwood Bar.  It's small but perfectly formed place to catch up over some of our speciality house cocktails, or to have a few games of pool with friends.  Every Tuesday we host a very busy night with KRAP (Keele Rock Appreciation Posse) alongside other weekly events and activities.  We're looking forward to seeing you all on moving in day!

The KPA Clubhouse

Located on the edge of Horwood Hall, the Clubhouse offers postgraduates and those over 21 the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of campus.  With regular quiz nights and a range of special events, this traditional bar acts as a hub for the postgraduate community.  It is open every day of the week throughout the year with a wide selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks available.  Lunch and dinner are also served Monday to Friday offering a range of food from the daily special to the famous KPA Doorstep Sandwich.

Shops

The University provides convenience stores on campus and these are located in Union Square, near to Santander Bank; in the general block at Hawthorns and in Lindsay Cafe Bar.  Currently these are supplied by Select & Save, but are operated by the University.

If you need any items to cook for yourself or friends then you will find a wide selection of grocery items, soft drinks, wines and spirits, chilled and frozen goods.  Always check out the offers before going off campus to shop as you will be pleasantly surprised at the prices on popular items.

For even more choice, why not try the catering outlets at the Students' Union?  Here a variety of hot and cold food is served up in a relaxed atmosphere.

Situated within the newly developed ground floor of the Students' Union, we invite you to relax with a fresh coffee or delicious meal in our new social seating area or in our landscaped outdoor living space 'Outback'.  Our coffee bar, Blend, offers a selection of high-quality hot and cold beverages, and a range of both sweet and savoury refreshments, whilst Munch offers an extensive menu, ranging from that all-important kick-start breakfast through to late-night snacks.  And don't worry if you're in a bit of a rush... you can always opt to take-out our tasty treats.  We do our best to offer as broad a menu range as possible, including both vegetarian and vegan options.  We also source organic, Fairtrade and local produce where possible, providing you with quality food at affordable prices.

Students' Union Shop

Get all your essentials from our handy student one-stop shop.  We've got a little bit of everything ranging from stationery, the Keele Hoodie, toiletries, cards, sandwiches, snacks, oriental foods and not forgetting that bag of pick 'n' mix... You'll find the shop on the ground floor of the Students' Union, so pop in and take a look around!