Student Reception
Q: So what is Student Reception?
A: Student Reception is the place dedicated to helping you
- the student at Winstanley College. The staff will aim to make your
time at college a little easier by helping you with any problems or
questions you may have.
Q: What kind of information can we help you with?
A: Student Reception can give you information and advice on almost any
topic that concerns your life as a student. We process course changes,
give out exam timetables, arrange work experience, take money for
trips, and, of course, organise the social event of your college life –
the annual Leavers' Ball!
Q: What services do we offer?
There
are 3 main departments based in Student Reception which form Student
Services at the college. These are Careers & Welfare, Attendance
& Finance and Student Reception. The main services these staff will deal with include:
- Payments for trips/books/exams etc
- Transport
- UCAS information
- Locker allocation
- First Aid Point
- Financial Aid
- Careers & Welfare, including Work Experience & Volunteering
Please see the separate website links for complete information on Finance and Careers areas
Q: ‘Financial Aid'? Every little helps!!
A: Winstanley College does not offer loans and grants like
universities, but we do have various funds and allowances which
students can apply for, eg. Learner Support Funds, EMA and the
Upholland Foundation Fund. You are usually entitled to financial aid
if you come from a low-income family, or you are supporting yourself
through college. If in doubt it is always worth asking for more
information, as extra money could make a big difference to your college
life.
Q: How do I find out if I'm entitled to any of these benefits?
A: You should come down to Student Reception and ask for an application
form and/or discuss it with Sue Woolley who oversees financial aid
applications and enquiries.
Q: Are there any other financial services which Student Reception can offer?
A: You can come down to Student Reception if you have forgotten your
lunch or bus money. You can borrow up to £3 from a fund specifically
designed for people who can be a bit forgetful! (it happens to us
all!). We do expect you to pay it back though, so that the next
forgetful student can also benefit from this service!!
We take the money [CHEQUE ONLY FOR ALL PAYMENTS OVER £10] for college trips, exam resits, subject revision guides, etc. If anything needs paying for, whether it's a replacement ID card at £3, a trip to Paris with the Art Department (a bit more than £3 but well worth it!), then Student Reception's the place to go.
Q: Where do I find out about transport; bus passes and car permits?
A: Once again, at Student Reception of course! You should get an annual
bus pass if you want to ensure cheaper travel. On your first induction
day you are given time to come down to Student Reception to organise
your bus pass application. If you qualify for a GMPTE bus pass simply
bring your completed application form, two passport photos and the £5
fee, and we'll make you a bus pass. Lancashire Warrington & St
Helens students will have to pay a higher cost as you are travelling in
from other local county council areas and unfortunately you will not
qualify for Greater Manchester concessionary permits
[you are advised to check out costs on the transport page on the
website or come to one of the Open Evenings and speak to staff, as
costs vary quite considerably depending upon where you travel from]
If you have other transport enquiries, eg which route goes where and when or what to do if you leave your bag on the bus, then we are the place to ask for help.
If you experience problems with a bus service simply fill out a bus incident form in the department. This will be logged and addressed by the Transport Co-ordinator.
Current timetable and route information is displayed on the Notice Board in the main foyer and also at Student Reception. Please also see the current information on the college website pages dedicated to transport information.
If you pass your driving test and want to bring your car into college, you'll need a car parking permit - it's just another form away and it's is currently free!! You don't want to be clamped do you!! All cars are parked at the owner’s risk.
Q: What is UCAS?
A: UCAS are a central body who handle applications for places on higher
education courses at universities and colleges. Students at Winstanley
apply to university using the on-line system called Apply.
Q: What if I don't understand something during the application process?
A: Your Personal Tutor will guide you through the process during your
tutorial sessions, but if you want any help just pop down to ……. guess
where? - Student Reception - where staff will be pleased to help.
Q: What happens if I have an accident and/or hurt myself at College?
A: We do have an emergency supply of plasters, bandages etc down at
Student Reception. But if you require a trained first aider, come down
and we’ll organise one immediately.
Q: What happens if I lose my coat, umbrella, file, phone …… the list is endless!
A: We advise you to keep you property with you at all times or in a
locker which you can rent for the 2 year period. Most items find their
way down to Lost Property in Student Reception but an awful lot remain
unclaimed. We are unable to store these items indefinitely so they are
held for a couple of months and then passed to one of our local charity
shops.
A big welcome to Student Reception from the whole team!