General Programme Administration and Assistance

The Academic Director is in-charge of all the programmes validated by the University of Wales, UK. Students are requested to get in touch with the Academic Director for any academic issues that do not get addressed at the requisite level. All communication with the Academic Director should be in writing with copies marked to the respective staff contacted earlier.

Academic Advising and Registration

Programme managers and designated faculty serve as academic advisors to students. Each term, every student must make an appointment with an academic advisor to receive advising in order to register for classes. Any student who is unsure who his/her academic advisor is should consult the Academic Director.

TASMAC is committed to assisting students in achieving academic success. For students experiencing difficulties in any of their courses and who feel they could benefit from extra help, individual tutoring or special clinics (especially for written English) are available. Students should speak to their Academic Advisor to arrange extra support.

General Information

1. Late submission of assignments normally results in a mark of zero, which can mean that you fail the module, and that completing the Programme is delayed by one semester.
2. The library and the computer lab are teaching resources and you are encouraged to make the maximum use of them. The library and the computer lab staff are very helpful and are always willing to advise on all library and computer lab matters. There are, however, strict regulations concerning the procedure for borrowing books & other materials and also in the usage of the computer lab. Any failure to observe these regulations will attract disciplinary action, possibly leading to a recommendation that the offending student be withdrawn from the course, based on the seriousness of the offence.
3. Staff will endeavour to give you the support and advice you will need to complete your studies successfully. It is, however, important you realise that you are entering into a form of contract or agreement with those who are responsible for teaching and administration and that you, too, have certain responsibilities to discharge. In the period you are with us, you will have to make a number of decisions affecting your study and, by implication, your career and future life. Only you can make these decisions. In particular, you are expected to ensure that you:

• Are correctly registered, have provided the institute with all necessary information and have paid the requisite course fees
• Read the student handbook and are aware of all the rules and regulations that govern the programmes at TASMAC. Ignorance of a particular rule will not mean that the student will be excused.
• Complete all elements of assessment according to the instructions given to you.
• Take advantage, when necessary, of the advice, tutoring and counselling facilities available to you.
• Attend classes at all times and provide an appropriate explanation in advance when circumstances prevent you from doing so.
• Inform the Programme Director of any circumstances likely to affect your academic performance.
• Immediately inform the college administration of any change of address or significant absence from the College.
• Check the notice board daily.
• Respond without delay to the notices and notes placed on the Notice board by the Course Team.

Lectures

1. You are required to attend all the lectures, seminars, group discussions, book reviews, presentations etc. on your standard weekly timetable. Lectures may have various purposes. Some lecturers present a clear outline of the subject, others assume you can obtain this from the textbooks and deal mainly with matters of interest and/or particular difficulty. But whatever the purpose, the lecture will convey relevant information about a particular topic.
2. Lecturers have their own individual styles of teaching, and different subjects and topics require different approaches. There is no standard "best" way of teaching. A student's learning experience is enhanced by a variety of different approaches.

Notes taken at lectures should be revised the same day to make sure they really do make sense. Research shows that the best way to learn is to revise the same day, then on the next few days, then at weekly intervals for about four weeks, then at monthly intervals. Always remember to amend, alter or add to your notes as a result of seminar discussion and your own reading: the lectures are only one source of information, not the sole and sufficient source.

Student Conduct Code

Preamble

1. The Head of the School has full power and authority to prescribe rules and regulations that govern student life. The Head of the School also has responsibility for student conduct and discipline, which will be exercised through the establishment procedures stated below as prescribed or approved by the Head of the School.

2. The appropriate civil authorities may charge any student in violation of British law. The School reserves the right to notify government authorities of any suspected violation of British law.

3. A student convicted of any criminal offence, which interferes with the orderly operation of the School or endangers members of the School community (as determined by the Head of the School) will be subjected to disciplinary action. In the case of violation by a non-UK national, the student may be subject to additional sanctions deemed appropriate by the Home Office. (e.g., deportation)

4. TASMAC reserves the right to develop a policy or take any action(s) deemed appropriate to maintain the safety and well being of any or students.

Offences related to persons include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Unauthorised and unwelcome limitation or restriction of the freedom of a person to move about in a lawful manner.

2. The use of threat (by any means), intimidation, or physical force in a manner that endangers health or safety of another person or which reasonably causes another person to be fearful of physical or emotional harm.

3. Verbal harassment of another person through a pattern of derogatory remarks against a person’s race, nationality, physical appearance, intellectual ability, or other personal characteristics as determined by the Head of the School.

Offences related to property include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Unauthorised and unwelcome possession, removal, use, misappropriation, or sale of the property or services of another person or of the School.

2. Intentional or negligent damage of property owned or possessed by another person or the School.

3. Obtaining the property of another person or the School by misrepresentation or deceptive means.

4. Entering or using the facilities or property of another person or the School without consent or authorisation.

5. Committing a computer-related offence (e.g., unauthorised alteration of any programmes or computer operating systems).

Offences related to the operation of the School include, but are not limited to, the following;

1. Disruptive classroom behaviour

2. Use, possession, or manufacture of firearm, explosives, weapons, unregistered fireworks, or other dangerous articles or substances injurious to persons or property.

3. Falsely reporting a fire, activating emergency warning equipment, or communicating false information regarding the existence of explosives on School Property.

4. Abuse, removal, or damage of fire and safety equipment.

5. Failure to vacate a building when a fire alarm is activated.

6. Failure to leave a building, street, walk, driveway, or other facility or the School when directed to do so by an official of the School having just cause to so order.

Offences related to contraband include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Unauthorised consumption of any alcoholic beverage in any School facility or at any School function.

2. Exhibiting signs of intoxication at any School function, including but not limited to class meetings. Any student showing intoxication during class will be dismissed and counted as absent.

3. Use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs in any School facility or at any School function. TASMAC adheres to all UK laws regarding drug use and any offence in a School facility or function is strictly prohibited and is subjected to disciplinary action.

In an attempt to monitor these offences, the School reserves the right to randomly inspect facilities.

GENERAL PROCEDURES

	Name and Address Change

It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office immediately in the event of any name or address change.

Classroom Guidelines

TASMAC does not permit smoking in any part of the campus building.

Eating and drinking in any classroom is also prohibited.

Cellular or mobile phones and beepers must be turned off in the campus. There are no exceptions to this rule. A warning is recommended for the first failure to respect the rights of classmates. The penalty for not following the rule a second time is up to the discretion of instructor.

Projects

The School reserves the right to keep student’s project for one term in order to photograph and make copies for permanent record and publication. Students are asked to remove projects when notified or by the end of this term. Any property not removed by this specified time may become the property of the School for any purpose.

Student Mail/Post

All student mail/post is held at the main reception desk, where it is available for collection between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Students required a valid ID card to collect mail, and registered mail will require a signature.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

TASMAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or handicap of qualified persons in the recruitment and admission of students, the operation of any of its educational programmes and activities, and the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff.

UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT

TASMAC is committed to the policy that all members of the School’s community, including its faculty, students, and staff, have the right to be free from unlawful discrimination in the form of harassment by any other member of the School’s community. Should a student feel that he/she has been unlawfully harassed, the student should immediately inform the Head of School and/or the Academic Director. Unlawful harassment refers to behaviour that is not welcome, which is personally offensive, or which is undesirable to the recipient. All students and employees must be allowed to work and study in an environment free from harassment. Unlawful harassment undermines the employee/student/school relationship, and it will not be tolerated.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

TASMAC is committed to maintaining both a working environment and academic environment free of harassment. It is the policy of the School that no employee shall harass another employee or student and that no student shall harass another student or employee. All students and employees must be allowed to work and study in an environment free from unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures and advances. Employees or students who believe that they ate being harassed should follow the steps outlined earlier in this chapter.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

1. You are expected to attend ALL lectures, seminars and guest lectures. They are an essential part of the programme. Failure to attend classes is likely to delay successful completion of the Programme and could lead to suspension from the Programme.

2. The requirement to complete coursework on time is NOT a valid reason for failing to attend classes. You must learn to plan and schedule your work so that you can do what is required at the proper time. This is an essential business discipline.

3. A student is required to attend regularly and maintain a minimum attendance of 85%.

4. If a student has failed to attend regularly, the Academic Director shall notify to the student in writing that unless her/his attendance improves sufficiently within two weeks s/he will be liable to action under this regulation.

5. If the Academic Director concludes, that without due cause, and after the expiry of the period of notice referred to above, the student has not fulfilled the requirements, he may recommend to the Head of School that the student be suspended for the semester and reported to the Borders and Immigration Authority.

6. TASMAC believes that regular attendance is crucial to student’s success in undertaking a programme of study. It is for this reason that class attendance is recorded and reported on a daily basis.

7. Students are expected to be in class for all regular scheduled class periods and to report to class on time.
   Since many classes include class participation as part of the final grade, it is imperative that students attend each class session on time so that their final grade is not negatively impacted by poor class participation. The instructor’s policy regarding class participation will be denoted on the class syllabus.

8. TASMAC recognises no difference between excused and unexcused absences; an absence is an absence. Instructors are under no obligation to give make-up quizzes or exams, to accept late assignments, or to give additional work. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss the course material that is missed with the instructor.

9. TASMAC is obliged to inform the British Border and Immigration Authority (BIA) of students who do not attend classes for 15 calendar days without making special arrangements with Student Affairs Students will be responsible for the consequences thereafter.

SESSION PLANS

The session plan for each module indicates exactly what the tutor intends to teach in a particular session, what he/she expects the student to do as the activity / reading for the week and the learning outcomes planned to be achieved per session.

CORE BOOKS / REFERENCE BOOKS

1. All the modules have prescribed core textbooks and suggested reference reading. It is essential that you make use of these sources and others in order to expand your lecture notes, understand the material and prepare for seminars. Do not read superficially, without understanding. A lack of understanding of the basic principles now will cause immense difficulty when revising.

2. Students are required to purchase the core books as mentioned in the Session Plans. Reference books are available in the library and students can borrow these books.

LIBRARY

1. The Library timings are displayed on the notice board. In addition to the library resources available at TASMAC, students are also provided with University of Wales online resources. Online resources such as EBSCO and Emerald are accessible to students and they provide a repertoire of world-class management journals and magazines.
2. Each student is entitled to a maximum of 4 Books at a time, which can be kept for a maximum period of 7 days.
3. Books will be issued for period of seven days (inclusive of holidays). Students can ask for re-issue of the library book if they wish to keep it longer than seven days. Each book can be re-issued only once.
4. Copies of books that are in high demand will be kept in restricted loan and will be available to use in the library only.
5. A fine of 50 pence per day will be charged for the books returned after the due date.
6. An application should be given to notify loss of identification card. Duplicate card will be issued against a payment for re-issuing a card.
7. For loss/spoilage of library book, the fine shall be the sum of
   - The cost of the latest edition
   - Late return fine, as point e mentioned above
   - An administrative charge as determined from time to time.
8. Materials in the local public library will be available for TASMAC students.
9. TASMAC can provide information on other libraries within easy travelling distance, so students may get information to supplement what is available in the School. Among the Libraries located within travelling distance are the City Business Library and the University of Westminster Library.
10. A security system is in operation in all libraries. Users should therefore check out books at the circulation desk before leaving the library. If the alarm goes off, users should return to the desk. The library reserves the right to inspect bags, books, and belongings of any patron leaving the library. In case of loss or damage to library equipment or resources, a replacement fee will be charged.
11. The library is meant be a quite place for study. Users are asked to keep conservations and noise down to an acceptable level. No eating, drinking, smoking, or using mobile phones is allowed in the library.
12. TASMAC asks that students take care of their belongings while in the library. The School cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property.

STUDENT GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WALES ONLINE LIBRARY

	Introduction

The University of Wales Online Library ( www.library.wales.ac.uk ) was launched in 2004 providing a dedicated virtual library service to students on University of Wales validated schemes. This service is available 24 hours a day and provides access regardless of where students are based. The Online Library is offered to you as an additional resource to the library services provided by your local validated institution.

	Content

The Library contains a wide range of high quality full-text peer-reviewed resources. Resources are arranged alphabetically by subjects:

• Art & Design
• Business & Management
• Communication Studies
• Computing & Information Technology
• Education
• Health Studies
• Law
• Music
• Theology & Religious Studies
• Tourism

Within each subject area you may find ebooks, online databases, ejournals, and links and gateways to other useful websites.

Some of the full text databases on offer include Business Source Premier, Computer Source, ACM Digital Library, ATLA Religion Database, Grove Art Online, Westlaw, and AltHealth Watch. Further details about their content are available on the web site. We have also taken out subscriptions to individual ejournals, for example, Information Systems, Frieze, The Art Book, Pain, The Lancet and Complementary Therapies in Medicine. To see our full collection of databases and ejournals please go to the web site and look under the subject of interest.

To help you find the ejournal that you are looking for we also have an A to Z list of all our ejournals which gives a searchable index of all the ejournals contained in all our databases, and it includes our individual ejournal subscriptions and some subject-specific ejournals that are freely available on the Internet.

We also provide a range of resources for study support, particularly ebooks, and there are guides available explaining how to use all the different electronic resources that we offer.

Some of the resources are subscription-based and you must be authenticated and authorised to use these. Once registered with the University you are able to set up a username and password to access these restricted resources.

If you would like to see new resources added to the Online Library then you may submit your recommendation to the librarian by completing our Suggest A New Resource form that is available under Contact Us.

Obtaining Username and Password

As a new student you will receive a ‘Welcome Letter’ from the University of Wales which will contain your unique University Student Number. This number allows you to set up your username and password, and the steps involved are given below.

Please note that if you receive a ‘Matriculation Letter’ containing your University Student Number you will need to wait until you receive your ‘Welcome Letter’ before you can set up your username and password.

Questions and Answers

You may find answers to your questions in the Help section of the Online Library where there are FAQs and technical help. Otherwise, you may contact the librarian with your questions, preferably by email or completing an online enquiry form. All these details are in the Contact Us section of the web site.

Instructions for Obtaining a Username and Password

a. Go to the Online Library website at: www.library.wales.ac.uk
b. Click on a subject of interest.
c. Select a resource that requires a username and password.
d. Click on "I don't have a password yet ....".
e. Enter your University Student Number (this is the 13 digit number on your Welcome Letter) and your email address.
f. Click on ‘Send Request’.
g. A temporary password is emailed to you.
h. Your email address or University Student Number may be entered as your username.
i. The first time you use this temporary password you will be required to change it to something that you can remember.
j. The new password can be any combination of numbers and letters, and is case-sensitive.
k. For security reasons, when your password is entered it will appear as a series of ***** and you will be required to change your password at certain intervals.
l. Your registration will last for one year and if applicable will be renewed every year by your validated institution.
m. In compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998, your email address will only be used for authentication for the Online Library and to provide support on the use of the Library. The University will not use the address for any other purpose or disclose it to anyone else without your permission.
n. Your username and password must not be shared with any other students or members of staff.
o. You may change your password or email address at any time after you have logged in by going to MyAccount on the toolbar at the top of the page.

COMPUTER  LAB

TASMAC Computer Laboratories are networked and offer the full range of Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Power Point and Access. A high-speed laser printer is networked into the system and a computer laboratory in-charge is available to ensure efficient running of the systems.

Students are provided with free Internet and on-line access.

Since the computer labs are generally busy, preference will be given to students who have booked time in advance with the computer lab in-charge. At a given time, the student can book a maximum of a 2-hour slot.

The computers are formatted at the end of each semester so students need to take a back up of all their important files. A notice would be put up on the notice board in advance.

Users of the IT systems and facilities must do so in a way which does not interfere either with other users or with the operation of the systems.

Users must not, without the appropriate authorisation in writing, attempt to access resources, remove resources from their designated place, or modify the configuration of hardware or software.

Movement of any IT facility without permission from the Head of IT Services is forbidden.

Connection of unauthorized hardware to any of the colleges networks without permission from the Head of IT Services is forbidden.

Connection of any modem or other external link, enabling remote access to any College system without permission from the Head of IT Services is forbidden.

No user shall install or run unauthorised software on any of the college’s computing resources without specific permission or direction. Software, which must be licensed, must be authorised by the Head of IT Services.

No user shall store on any college system, download from the Internet or transmit using electronic mail any material or message which may generally be considered to be offensive or obscene (other than for properly supervised and lawful research purposes). In this context, the interpretation of ‘offensive or obscene’ will normally be the responsibility of the Head of IT Services.

Where storage quotas are specified for networked file server or mail systems, users must ensure that they manage their files and mail boxes to keep within these quotas.

No user shall copy from the college’s IT systems, onto a removable medium, by whatever means, any program files, data files or documentation which are protected by any form of copyright without the express permission in writing of the Head of IT Services other than where the user is the owner of the copyright of the said program, data or documentation.

No user shall transmit any information acquired by the use of the system to any person who is not a member of staff or a currently enrolled student, without the permission of the information owner.

Personal data (as defined by the Data Protection Act 1984 and 1998) may only be held or processed on the college’s IT systems in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Any person wishing to use the IT systems for any such purpose is required to comply with any restrictions which he/she may impose concerning the manner in which the data is held, disclosed or processed.

Users are responsible for the security of their own personal data. Where a password has been issued to an individual to allow access to the system, the individual concerned is forbidden to reveal that password to any other person.

No user shall make use of IT access accounts allocated to another individual for financial gain.

No user shall use any IT facility to transmit abusive, offensive, intimidating, distressing or nuisance communications to any other recipient whether a member of Tasmac London or not.

No user shall use any college or conferencing facility, other than those which are specifically approved for this purpose , to sell or buy goods or services, or to advertise or promote activities other than those directly related to official college business.

Where college e-mail or conferencing facilities are provided for non work related use, no use shall be made of these facilities for selling goods or services not personally connected to the user, or goods which do not comply with HM Customs and Excise regulations. No user shall advertise or promote service providers or organisations other than charitable institutions.

No user shall masquerade as another. Login names and passwords, which are designated for individual use, must not be shared under any circumstances.

Users must adhere to the terms and conditions of all license agreements relating to computer facilities they use. It is the users’ responsibility to make themselves aware of all such terms and conditions.

Whilst using IT facilities, users must not engage in any action, likely to bring the college into disrepute, including illegal and criminal behaviour.

Users of the University’s IT facilities must ensure that they cause no disturbance to others.

TASMAC is continuing to expand its resources in information technology to support its academic programmes and student needs.  

QUALITY ASSURANCE

1. The University of Wales demands excellence by focusing on quality assurance and appraisal mechanisms alongside regard for appropriate programme content. All programmes have to go through a rigorous approval and a validation process involving the University of Wales’ Validation Board and external experts. In addition to this, we have a variety of internal control mechanisms designed to achieve our aims and our commitment to the pursuit of excellence and quality. Everyone at TASMAC shares this responsibility.
2. TASMAC has the following organisational arrangements in place for assurance and enhancement of the quality and standards of provision:
   · Board of Studies with representation from the University of Wales to review the programmes of study;
   · Programme Committees with Student Representatives;
   · Annual Programme Review;
   · Monitoring of Student Satisfaction;
   · Student-Staff Committee with Staff Representatives.
    
3. The University would be invited to monitor TASMAC provisions as follows:
   · Attendance at the TASMAC Board of Studies;
   · Attendance at Programme Committees;
   · Receipt of the External Examiners’ reports;
   · Receipt of the Annual Programme Review reports;
   · Receipt of results of student satisfaction surveys.
    
4. These comprehensive arrangements provide TASMAC and the University with an effective means of monitoring and evaluating the standards and quality of provision. Quality enhancement as an outcome of the above processes will be evidenced through developments in the curriculum, staff development activities to support teaching and learning, improvements in facilities and actions as a consequence of feedback from students.

STUDENT FEEDBACK

1. Students have access to the Programme co-ordinator, the Programme Directors and the Director of Academic Studies via a formal appointment system via the reception, regarding specific and general academic matters.
   In addition, students are also expected to complete questionnaires during the mid and/or the end of each semester assessing the modules studied, tutors, facilities and related topics. Analysis of the results of these questionnaires will identify problems with any aspect of the operation of the programmes, and will allow swift remedial action to be taken.
2. There is a monthly Student-Staff committee which will be accountable to the Programme Committee. This will be run by the student body. Minutes and decisions taken will be displayed on the notice boards.
3. The overall review of student feedback from whichever source will form part of the contents of the Annual Programme Report, which is submitted for consideration to the TASMAC Board of Studies.

USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Our aim is to facilitate your ability to make links between the subjects you are studying and show how they relate to the business world. You can succeed in the programme by being well prepared. Make a study plan so that you spread your time appropriately between the subjects you are doing. Keep files for each subject. Read ahead; classes are more meaningful when you have an overview of the topic to be discussed. 
2. It is essential that you plan your time carefully, particularly in relation to coursework. As this is a full time course you should spend at least 40 hours per week studying.
3. Successful business people manage their time effectively to achieve what is required in the time available. During your course of study you must learn to do this. Coursework MUST be handed in on time – your efforts will be penalised if it is not. If you were in business your customers would not be interested in your excuses for late delivery (we’ve heard them all: printer broke down; disk was lost; you lost your cat; you had a cold or an upset stomach). You should plan to complete your work ONE WEEK before the deadline. You will then have time to polish it and improve it and score a better mark.  You will also be sure that you will not be penalised because something goes wrong at the last minute – as it so often does!
4.  The programmes are very intensive and require a full time commitment and sustained hard work. There is a great deal to do. The total weekly time that you should allocate to your studies is at least 40 – 50 hours a week. You may find that at certain times of the year this increases. You are taking a wide-ranging management programme and you should take every opportunity to read not only the core material but also related literature found in libraries and on the Internet. Reading the ‘Financial Times’ every day provides an excellent source of up-to-date quality information.

CAR PARKING

There is a car park below TASMAC house where 20 places are reserved for student parking. A key fob for access to the car park is available from Student Services for a £20 returnable deposit. Off street parking is very limited in the local vicinity. Students are strongly recommended to use public transport.