Student Charter

2023/24

A statement of partnership between the University, our students and our Students’ Union.

Our Vision is to be a leading university of science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.

Our core purpose is to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.

Values

  • Ambition: our ambition drives us to advance and accomplish our goals, strive for excellence and impact, and create value for our beneficiaries and communities.
     
  • Collaboration: we believe in the value of working together for a shared purpose, by engaging and collaborating across our teams and disciplines, as well as with our beneficiaries.
     
  • Inclusion: we provide an inclusive, caring and empowering environment for all and respect and support the values that diversity and inclusion bring to our whole community.
     
  • Innovation: we nurture an innovative environment that values new ideas, seeks diverse perspectives and pursue game-changing innovations that make a positive impact.
     
  • Integrity: by valuing honesty, trust, fairness and ethical behaviour we always act with integrity and hold ourselves and others accountable.

Partnership

This Student Charter, developed by the University and the Students’ Union, outlines our commitment to our Aston 2030 Strategy. By being a student here at Aston you are part of ‘Aston for Life’, a thriving community that offers a unique portfolio of personal, professional development and networking opportunities.

The University and the Students’ Union are committed to working in partnership with you so that you can benefit from the highest quality educational and student experience. We are committed to preparing our students for work and life through contemporary learning experiences enriched with professional practice across all disciplines and courses.

We are looking forward to working with you towards a successful and rewarding time at Aston.

Signed:
Professor Aleks Subic                                    Atul Rana
Vice Chancellor, Aston University                     President, Aston Students' Union

Principle One - Students will have a high quality learning experience and develop a high level of skill and competence in their discipline

The University’s commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Draw on Aston’s cutting-edge research and our professional expertise to deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences, both in person and online.
     
  2. Ensure your programme of study is well organised and managed in a way that puts students first, with open and transparent communication. This includes details of teaching and assessment, learning hours, exam arrangements, research supervision, signposting to recommended reading, professional requirements, and access to personal tutors and academic guidance and support.
     
  3. Provide students with the resources and information required to succeed in their academic endeavours, both in person and online, including; MyEngagement Learning Platform: access to a wide range of learning materials, including lecture recordings in line with University policy where appropriate to complement the learning experience; Library resources; IT facilities; and timely and relevant feedback on assessments and exams.

Your commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Engage proactively and ethically in all aspects of the learning process, including contact time in classes, group and laboratory work, sufficient time in private study, and engagement with in person and on campus learning.
     
  2. Take the initiative to keep in contact with the University. This includes regular meetings with your personal tutor and a commitment to stay informed via Aston email and MAP portal.
     
  3. Give constructive feedback on your experience when requested, in the spirit of partnership, including completing national and University surveys and questionnaires.

Aston Students’ Union’s commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Provide you and your Student Reps with the knowledge and opportunities to contribute to the development of your curriculum and provide effective feedback.
     
  2. Support your academic-based societies to hold events and other activities relevant to your discipline.
     
  3. Represent the student voice, both individually and collectively, to ensure you have the tools to succeed in your chosen disciplines.
Principle Two - Students will be supported to have high rates of graduate employability and they will be 'Ready for Work and Life'

The University’s commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Support your search for employment or further study/development of your research with advice and information on careers, qualifications, courses, enterprise, and entrepreneurship.
     
  2. Enable undergraduates to take a placement year as part of their course and/or provide opportunities for integrated workplace learning or development of employability skills within a professional degree programme. Provide guidance on intellectual property and ethical issue
     
  3. Foster and encourage entrepreneurship, social responsibility and intercultural awareness.

Your commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Engage proactively with Aston’s Careers and Placements team and participate in employability activities relevant to your programme and/or related to your career aspirations and interests including those embedded in your programme.
     
  2. Utilise opportunities available from relevant organisations (such as professional bodies) and extracurricular activities to broaden your skills and experience.
     
  3. Engage with relevant student peer and professional mentoring opportunities (including the Aston Alumni Network) to promote your employability and global outlook.

Aston Students’ Union’s commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Provide you with opportunities for personal development outside the curriculum. This can be through involvement with your student-led clubs and societies, student representation, various employment opportunities and other voluntary roles.
     
  2. Work in partnership with the University to host and support events that help you create networks and contacts with future employers or placement opportunities.
     
  3. Ensure you are recognised for your extra-curricular activities through your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR).
Principle Three - Students will have a fulfilling University experience, be well supported with regard to their mental health and wellbeing and be well equipped to succeed in life

The University’s commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Create an environment which encourages personal development, free speech, mutual understanding, inclusivity, and personal and academic freedom.
     
  2. Provide an extensive range of student support services, ensuring access to professional information, advice and guidance. This includes, but is not limited to, the Learning Development Centre, Careers and Placements, Student Welfare and Counselling and Mental Health, Student and Academic Services, Student Finance, Sport Aston, and Mentoring.
     
  3. Play an active civic role in the city and wider West Midlands region to promote and increase the amazing contribution the University, its students and staff make.

Your commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Make the most of your time at Aston and every available opportunity. Your time at university is a unique experience that can change your life for the better.
     
  2. Work hard, play hard and treat others as friends and with respect.
     
  3. Create and utilise opportunities to work with, and learn from, people from different cultures and backgrounds.
     
  4. Make use of University services that will support your health and wellbeing when you need to.

Aston Students’ Union’s commitment to this principle is to:

  1. Support you to develop and lead your student community via student clubs & societies, student representatives, elected student officers and its democratic structures.
     
  2. Engage actively with you, its members, to represent effectively your academic interests on an individual, departmental, institutional and national level and provide independent advice and guidance on relevant issues.
     
  3. Celebrate our diverse student community through inspirational student-led events, activities, campaigns, and by helping to enhance your voice and improve your experience whilst promoting the values of sustainability, social responsibility and global citizenship.

NOTES:

Aston University Student Charter

The Student Charter is a summary of the aspirations and expectations of the University, its Students’ Union and its students. It is not intended to be a legally binding document and it does not set out to define or limit the legal obligations and/or rights of the University, its Students’ Union or its students.

Full details of the legal obligations and/or rights are set out in other documents including all regulations, policies, programme regulations, codes of practice, student handbooks and procedures issued by the University, as well as the University’s Royal Charter and Statutes. Rights and obligations regarding the Students’ Union are set out in the Bye-Laws of Aston Students’ Union.

The University has an agreed Code of Practice with Aston Students’ Union, in the context of the Education Act 1994, to ensure that Aston Students’ Union is meeting its legislative obligations which include governance, financial affairs and electoral practices. This Code of Conduct is published on the Aston University and Aston Students’ Union websites.

For more information about any aspect of your student experience see ‘Supporting you’ and ‘Quick Links’ at www.aston.ac.uk/current-students/ contact The Hub or the Students’ Union.

Annual Review

The Student Charter is reviewed annually for the forthcoming academic year. Last reviewed in June 2023.