Student charter

Foreword

"The Accommodation Charter aims to set out, in general terms, the standard of accommodation and associated services provided by Residential Services. The Charter also defines your responsibilities and obligations both to Residential Services and equally importantly your fellow residents and neighbours.

In managing and supporting the accommodation, Residential Services is always keen to listen to your views and experiences and there are various mechanisms and structures in place to enable you to pass this information on and raise any queries or concerns your may have with the relevant members of staff. The Charter should be seen as a positive and realistic document, which can only succeed if everyone involved supports its principles and meets its requirements.

The Charter gives all students and staff involved in accommodation an opportunity to play a responsible part in the provision and support of an appropriate environment in which to develop and enhance the many opportunities that life at the University of Glasgow can bring."

NEIL D I CAMPBELL
Director of Campus services

"On behalf of the Students' Representative Council, welcome to the University of Glasgow and to University accommodation. Staying in University accommodation, whether in a catered or self-catering hall of residence or a University flat, should be a great experience. If you are new to the wonderful city of Glasgow, living in halls will give you ample opportunity to meet and socialise with other students, particularly those outwith your own course. Wherever you stay, your accommodation should be somewhere that you can both study and relax, a base and a retreat.

This Student Accommodation Charter has been produced to tell you about your rights and responsibilities during your stay. As your landlord, the University has a responsibility to provide you with a good quality of accommodation. In return you are expected to show respect for this accommodation and for the other students and local residents living around you. If, for whatever reason, you feel that the service you are receiving does not meet the standard you would expect and is set out in this charter, you should not hesitate to speak to the SRC who can help you out. The SRCs Advice Centre can give you professional advice on all issues relating to accommodation. You can contact our Advisers at advice@src.gla.ac.uk , or drop into the centre on the ground floor of the John McIntyre Building, beside the Main Gate (Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm, Friday 10-3pm). We also run a confidential listening and information service, Nightline (0141 353 1050) that you can call if you need a friendly ear. This is open 7pm-7am during term-time.

We hope you have a really great time at Glasgow Uni and in University accommodation"

The SRC Executive

Before arrival, you can expect from the University:

" Acknowledgement of application for a residence place and guidance on the likely outcome with an indication of a possible timescale within 20 days.
" Prompt issue of the offer of a place once criteria are met.
" Accurate information about your accommodation prior to arriving at University.

After taking up residence, you can expect from the University:

" Access at all time during the period of your contract to clean, secure and safe living accommodation, which meets the current legislation.
" Due consideration from fellow students and staff and an environment conducive to study, free from unreasonable noise and any intimidation, harassment and discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
" Direct access to qualified staff managerial and wardening or similar staff who will provide confidential assistance, guidance and support wherever possible including information on how and where to obtain access to 24 hours first aid and medical care. All personal records will remain confidential.
" Communal laundry facilities.
" Food in the catering hall to be prepared and served to a high standard with a balanced and healthy menu.
" An environment with regularly inspected equipment that meets current legislation.
" All repairs/problems with accommodation will be dealt with swiftly and professionally.
" Well-defined and accessible complaints procedure.
" Access to a clear statement of the University Health, Safety & Wellbeing Policy: http://www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_151632_en.pdf

After arrival, you will be expected to:

" Adhere to rules and regulations as detailed in the Acceptance Form and Conditions of Residence recognising that these are in the general interests of the community of residents and observe the Code of Behaviour. http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/accommodation/general/code_of_behaviour.htm
" Observe and comply with all regulations relating to fire safety, in particular, respect for fire safety equipment. (See Conditions of Residence, Code of Behaviour).
" When asked, provide certification from a qualified electrician guaranteeing that personal electrical equipment for use in the University accommodation meets current legislation.
" Exercise care in the safekeeping of room keys at all times, keeping them separate from items, which may confirm their identity. Any loss of keys must be reported immediately to a member of staff and any replacement costs borne.
" Respect the rights and health and safety of other residents and staff.
" Maintain a reasonable level of hygiene in shared kitchens with regard to the storage, cooking and disposal of food items and associated waste.
" Inform the Catering/Hall Manager in the event of suspected food poisoning.
" Co-operate with the staff of the Hall in identifying persons whose behaviour may be endangering the safety of others, particularly, but not exclusively, in questions of fire safety and security.
" Ensure guests comply with rules and regulations in the Hall as detailed in the Hall Information booklet, and do not break the law while on Hall premises or neighbouring areas.
" Ensure prompt payment of all fees due.
" Behave in a responsible manner towards the local community's property and privacy.
" Conserve energy and respect the environment. http://www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_142659_en.pdf
" Ensure the safekeeping and disposal of personal medication.
" Inform the Catering/Hall Manager if concerned about any allergic reactions, which they know or think they might suffer from or if they have a medical condition that requires them to monitor the content of the food they eat.

You can expect:

" Enforcement of accommodation/residence regulations, as set out in the Code of Behaviour, of a defined grievance and disciplinary and review procedure and of equitable treatment (including defined appeals and review procedure) when behaviour is in question.
" The opportunity to participate in Hall Associations and related committees where applicable.
" To receive visitors in accordance with established residence policy.
" To have non-emergency, urgent repairs attended to where practicable, within seven working days.

The Accommodation Charter has been produced by the University of Glasgow Residential Accommodation Service in conjunction with Glasgow University Students' Representative Council.

Footnote

The information stated in the Charter is correct at the time of going to press (Spring 2007). Any changes in the document would be as a result of annual consultations with the relevant student bodies.

Further information and leaflets on any of the above can be obtained, in the first instance, from the Manager/Warden of individual residences.

If you feel that the service you are receiving does not meet the standard that you would expect and is set out in this charter, you should feel able to take this up with your Hall's Manager or the Accommodation Office where the complaints procedure will be followed.