What’s new for 2024

And below are just some of the new and improved things at CCCU that you have to look forward to for the year ahead based on your feedback.

An even better on-campus experience

Enhanced study spaces in Augustine House

We know how important the Library is to you and your studies. We've upgraded the environment in Augustine House with new furniture, including 40 operational mesh chairs, 5 sofas, and several height-adjustable desks. We've also simplified the study zones, reducing them from three to two areas – from September we will now have a silent and collaborative zone

State-of-the-art gym refurbishment

We are excited to announce the refurbishment of our campus gym. This transformation brings state-of-the-art equipment and a brand-new look and feel to the University's fitness facilities, ensuring students have access to top-tier health and wellness facilities.

The refurbishment, undertaken by Pulse Fitness, a leader in innovative fitness solutions, marks a significant upgrade in both the functionality and feel of the gym. Key features of the refurbishment Include advanced equipment, ultra-modern design and a huge enhancement to our user experience. With cutting-edge technology and a modern design, the revamped gym is set to elevate the fitness experience at CCCU.

New sensory quiet space

The Student Wellbeing and Library Teams are creating a new sensory room in Augustine House. This space will help students relax, focus, and explore their senses in a safe environment, aiming to reduce stress and promote wellbeing. More details to come!

Plus check out the new small Wellbeing Rest Room in MDg06 for those who want to take some time out. 

Creating an inclusive campus

All students are expected to complete our Journey to Success at CCCU - the Expect Respect Module

This new module will help you develop as a leader of change, an ally, and an active member of our supportive community. The module starts with a voluntary 10-minute reflection toolkit where you'll receive instant personalised tips on how to boost your success and wellbeing. Plus you'll have the chance to win amazing prizes to boost your belonging, like vouchers, hoodies, gym or SU society memberships, coffees, and more. If you also complete the follow-up check-in in November, you'll be entered into our grand prize draw for a chance to win £250!

Supporting you in placements

We understand how crucial placement experiences are for many of our students on professional courses. That’s why CCCU is excited to introduce InPlace—a new placements system designed to enhance the way we manage student placements, strengthen our relationships with placement providers, and improve our reporting tools for PSRB regulations.

InPlace will launch this September for Teacher Education Students in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Education and will be rolled out across the University over the next 24 months. Students will use InPlace to receive placement allocations, complete placement timesheets, and more. Further information from your Course Teams will follow, including support guides and drop-in support sessions across September and October.

Supporting your future

The online Careers Hub will be getting an exciting refresh in Janaury 2025 enabling you to personalise your experience and build a valuable network based on your skills and interests. The platform will allow you to access more opportunities, events and resources with the CCCU Careers Team than ever before. Plus you will be able to link to top employers from a range of industries across the UK and access jobs and internships relevant to you.

Updates to policies and procedures

The University has a range of policies and procedures in place to help ensure all students are treated fairly and you are clear about what is expected of you. Check out the 2024 University Handbook for an overview.

Changes to Exceptional Circumstances

We encourage you to complete your assessments on time to stay on track and succeed in your studies. However, we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise and the exceptional circumstances process allows you to request a short extension or postponement of an assessment.

For 2024/25 the Self-Certification requests has been streamlined to better support you. You can still request up to two 7-day extensions per year without needing evidence, but you will only be able to put one assessment on each request and will no longer be able to use Self Certifications for exams. If you need more extensions or to postpone an exam, we're here to help through the Evidence-Based request process.

Please note, group assessments with a single submission can’t now use the exceptional circumstances process, but individual extensions within group work may still be requested. Check with your tutor for advice and support. 

Keep a look out for updates also to the Temporary Learning Agreement and Deferal Regulations.

What’s in a name

Below is a guide of some names that have been changed so there are clearer and more inclusive:

• Freshers’ Fayre to Welcome Fair
• Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers to Student Leaders
• Students' Union Hub – Mary Secole Building
• Smartcard to Student ID Card