The University of Sheffield
Student Services Information Desk (SSiD)

International Students - Code of Good Practice

INTRODUCTION

This document represents a review and update of the University of Sheffield´s 1991 "International Students: Developing a Framework for Good Practice". It has been developed by International Student Services in consultation with colleagues from a range of University and Union of Students services in response to the British Council's 1995 "Code of Practice for Educational Institutions and Overseas Students", among other documents.

In order for this code to be implemented, the following are required:

A. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

  1. The University of Sheffield (the University) and its Union of Students (the Union) are committed to caring for and about international students from pre-application to the alumni stage. They endeavour to provide the best possible services with an awareness of and sensitivity to a range of experiences and expectations particularly those of women, dependants, disabled students and those from isolated/unstable regions.
  2. There is a commitment to appropriate, effective and co-operative communication between staff, departments and services affected by the recruitment of international students.
  3. The University offers training and staff development for all staff involved in any way with international students and managers/heads of department should encourage participation by their staff.
  4. The University of Sheffield will continue and develop appropriate links with relevant external organisations.
  5. The University and its Unions' policies and constitution are non-discriminatory and do not allow oppression or any form of discrimination within the University community.
  6. International Student Services in co-operation with other departments, services and the Union will be responsible for the co-ordination, implementation and monitoring of this Code of Good Practice and for appropriate consultation at all levels on its development and implementation.

B. ACADEMIC ISSUES

  1. Academic departments are strongly encouraged to provide and introduction and orientation to the department to include preferred procedures and protocols, study skills and use of facilities/resources.
  2. The University of Sheffield will offer in-sessional language support and subject-specific study skills to which departments are encouraged to refer students as appropriate. ELT provision will be integrated within course structure wherever possible.
  3. The University recognises the importance of advising students of their progress, orally and in writing, as early and unambiguously as possible and will encourage departments to do this.
  4. Course requirements and staff expectations will be published in an accessible form by departments.
  5. Assessment procedures will be reviewed annually with the aim of identifying how/where international students need preparation.
  6. Reports on academic progress will be provided to and as required by authorised sponsors
  7. Course content and design should be reviewed regularly to ensure its relevance and flexibility to international (as well as home) students' varying requirements/qualifications without compromising academic standards.
  8. Entry levels, failure, withdrawal and examination results should be monitored and evaluated regularly.
  9. All staff are expected to recognise that international students may need more time with regard to explaining procedures, becoming familiar with new techniques, etc.
  10. Departments are expected to consult international students annually about their views of their courses and departments.
  11. The University of Sheffield considers that it is important to practice sensitivity to and consideration of the relationship between international students and their tutor/supervisor. Tutors/supervisors and general information should explain what students may expect of relationship.
  12. Incoming graduate students will be invited to take part in the USEPT (University of Sheffield English Proficiency Test) from September 1996 as a means of diagnosing what, if any, language support they are likely to need.
  13. Graduate research students are required to participate in research training methods
  14. The University’s policy on supervisory practices will be made available to all research students.
  15. Every department is required to appoint and support an international student tutor. The International Student Tutors should have and/or endeavour to develop expertise, skills and experience in working with international students in a pastoral role.

C. MARKETING, RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS

  1. Recruiters and admissions tutors/selectors should be briefed in this Code of Good Practice.
  2. The University should evaluate its existing ability to meet prospective students’ needs with regard to location, quantity and quality of provision (places, beds, availability of advising services, etc.) and ensure that recruitment and admissions procedures take this into account.
  3. Strategies aimed at increased recruitment programme(s) should include and consider in advance increased demands on staff time, resource and funding commitments.
  4. Admissions tutors/selectors and procedures should be the same for international and other students. Admission offices should, however, co-ordinate/monitor international student admissions issues.
  5. University and departmental guidelines regarding entry requirements for specific departments and courses will be followed.
  6. Regularly updated information for admissions staff will be made available to facilitate evaluation of qualifications.
  7. Recruiters and selectors aim to admit only those applicants who are judged able to undertake and benefit from the programme of study. and who they are confident will be able to succeed.
  8. Recruiters and selectors will be made aware that offers must be made only by those with authority, through the Admissions Offices.
  9. Recruiters will be clearly briefed on all costs, support services and institutional facilities, following consultation with support services.
  10. Marketing and recruitment staff are expected to be sensitive to prospective students’ expectations and conventions and training/briefing will be made available wherever possible.
  11. The graduate offer letter should include duration and all conditions of course and of offer, including pre-sessional and writing-up time, tuition and maintenance costs, bench fees, information about , facilities, supervision arrangements and intellectual property rights.
  12. The University of Sheffield is committed to swift responses to enquiries and acknowledgement of applications (within the limits of clearing house procedures). Applicants/prospective students have the right to expect correspondence at appropriate intervals and a personal, named contact who has access to their application details. Any unavoidable delay in responding to applications or answering queries should be explained promptly to applicants/prospective students.

D. INFORMATION

1. The University will make available to all international student pre-acceptance clear and accurate information including

2. Regulations and procedures, including those relating to complaints, appeals, queries etc. should be made available to students before or upon registration. Students will be informed of changes to regulations and procedures. Other sources of information and guidance should be referred to in sources of information.

3. The University and Union are committed to making information available in a variety of forms, including those suitable for students with special needs.

4. Information and timetable of its availability will be evaluated and reviewed annually and international students consulted in this process.

5. The University should consider using current students and alumni as sources of information for prospective students wherever possible.

E. SUPPORT SERVICES

  1. International student matters will be co-ordinated by a member of staff of a senior grade, with a detailed, regularly updated job description, reporting to Student Affairs Committee.
  2. The University should consider allocating a proportion of international student fee income to enhance and develop appropriate support services centrally and within departments.
  3. The ability of departments and central services to respond to increased numbers of international students will be taken into account.
  4. Support service staff will be offered and strongly encouraged to utilise training and development in the area of working with international students. They will also be consulted with regard to the suitability of provision and information.
  5. The University and its Union will provide and promote orientation and induction programmes immediately prior to the beginning of each semester. Existing students will be involved to facilitate integration and to provide cultural expertise. More ongoing orientation is recognised as desirable.
  6. The University and Union aim to facilitate contact with compatriots, home students, national/regional/religious groups and societies both on- and off-campus.
  7. International students will be offered basic training and/or information on equipment, machinery and facilities (academic and other) which they will be expected or required to use.
  8. The University and Union aim to develop awareness and review the needs of different cultures, including students' religious, cultural and dietary needs. Appropriate provision and response made wherever possible, while recognising the importance of avoiding stereotypes or of requiring or expecting all international students to conform to the home country's codes of practice.
  9. Local hospitality programmes and community links are viewed as an important component of the international student experience and will be encouraged by the University of Sheffield.
  10. The University of Sheffield is committed to maintaining provision for National Health medical care on campus.
  11. Support services for international students will be provided throughout the year. 24 hour emergency numbers are published.
  12. The University of Sheffield will offer support as appropriate at times of international crisis.
  13. Careers guidance and information, support and guidance (within practice of clearing houses) on moving to a new institution are available to every student.
  14. A reorientation programme will be offered each year to leaving students.
  15. Every qualifying student will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony and reception.
  16. The importance of the Alumni Office in maintaining and developing international links is recognised.
  17. Monitoring, feed-back and evaluation of support services by international students is considered to be vital in the development of such services.

F. ACCOMMODATION

  1. Clear and accurate information about accommodation will be provided, as will contractual agreements.
  2. The University will continue to endeavour in its efforts to improve accommodation provision for and take into account the needs of international students, particularly short-term students and those on 12 month programmes.
  3. Students will be informed about appropriate private-sector accommodation and offered advice on renting in the private sector.
  4. The University of Sheffield aims to provide facilities conducive to academic and social welfare.
  5. The University of Sheffield recognises that family accommodation is important and aims to continue to improve resources