College and Course problems If you find yourself in a position where you are really not happy with the course, or the college, don't get depressed and miserable, GET ADVICE. Every year, countless students discover the course they have enrolled on is not quite what they envisaged - after all it's difficult to get much more than a vague idea from a college prospectus and a rushed open day visit. If you have problems with your options, teaching methods, timetables etc. your first port of call should be your tutor, or head of course. Alternatively, each course / faculty will have a student rep' who can raise your queries or problems at a course board meeting. You may not be alone in your feelings, so ask other students if they have the same concerns. If your course is really not the one for you, you basically have four options: * Put up with it - hang on in there until it's all over in the hope that things will get better... and they often do! * Take a year out - chill-out for a spell, maybe work or travel... * Transfer to another course * Drop out! Depending on circumstances, you may jeopardise your chances of returning to education in the future if you simply drop-out, so it's vital that you discuss your options with your tutor / SU Welfare Officer. If you have failed your exams, you may have the right to re-sit them during the summer - although this is not always the case, it depends on your course - or you may be able to appeal. Your student Welfare Officer can give you advice on the various complaints procedures open to you, and possibly appoint a SU representative if an official hearing is called for. With the Internet and CD-Roms so prevalent, the temptation to 'borrow' sources for essays and projects is huge, but plagiarism is treated very seriously by all colleges - and they're getting smarter at spotting it. Copying other people's work, falsifying data and cheating could result in you being thrown off the course, so make sure all your research is documented and all sources acknowledged. If you are unfairly accused, you can appeal. See your SU for details. | 
