Useful Information about Bath Campus

Academic and Administrative Procedures
This booklet is intended as an introductory document, providing basic practical information for staff beginning their careers at the University. By its nature, it cannot give detailed information on policies and procedures, detail about much of which is available on the University intranet.

Access to Buildings
Most buildings are normally accessible each weekday up to 11.00 pm and on Saturdays to 1.00 pm. At other times it is necessary to gain access via Security (the Security Office being on Level 2 of Wessex House) and to sign a register. You are generally advised to make sure that all offices, laboratories etc. are locked and windows secured when they are vacated, to minimise opportunities for theft.

Accommodation
The University has very limited accommodation available for staff use; the Accommodation Office in 8 West may be able to offer some assistance, particularly in vacations. The local evening paper, The Bath Chronicle, regularly advertises accommodation to rent.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse
The University has established policies that aim at supporting any employee who is able to acknowledge that they may be alcohol- or drug-dependent. Details are set out in the Personnel Policies and Practices Handbook.

Banks
Two banks – Barclays and the NatWest - have sub-branches on the Parade Level (2) of Wessex House, which are generally open from 10.30 - 2.30 on Mondays to Fridays in term-time and on a more restricted basis in vacations. All have cash card facilities; there is also a Halifax cash machine in the same area.

Bookshop
The University Bookshop (a branch of Waterstones) is based in Norwood House, and while its principal function is to cater for academic needs, it carries a wide range of general books.

Building Defects
Given the complexity of the University’s buildings and services, defects will inevitably occur from time to time. They should be reported to the Property Services Helpdesk, by ringing 3232.

Bus services First Somerset & Avon's 418 provides a link from Newton Park to the University via Sainsbury’s and service 18 from Bath Bus Station and the City Centre. Service 20A operates a circular route from the Bus Station and City Centre via Weston,Twerton, Southdown,Whiteway, Combe Down, University of Bath, Widcombe Hill and back to the bus station. Service 20C operates in the opposite direction. First can be contacted on 0845 6064446 9.00am - 5.30pm Mon-Saturday. For further information on bus services please see www.bath.ac.uk/getting-here/#bus

The Campus
The University campus extends over about 200 acres. Virtually all the features of the campus have been introduced over the last 30 years; there are a number of seating areas available. Many thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted over this time, a number in memory of former members and employees of the University. For further information, ring 5552. A major feature is the lake, which provides an emergency supply of water for fire fighting. The lake itself is hollowed out of fissured rock and is lined with polythene. Entering the water is prohibited, both to prevent damage to the liner and because the lake water drains from the pedestrian deck, roads and roofs, and therefore may be a danger to health.

Careers Service
The Service exists primarily to help students in their choice of career, and in implementing that choice on completion of a first or postgraduate degree, or on discontinuing their course. It can also help recent graduates and those seeking entry into higher education. The Service is located on Level 2 of Wessex House, at the south-west corner of the Parade.

Car Parking
Parking space is limited, and car-users wishing to bring their vehicles to the University are generally charged for the use of the University’s car-parks and are required to display an official permit in the vehicle. Applications for permits should be made to the Security Office, Wessex House 2.5. The car-parks are broadly zoned to encourage flexibility of use. Charges are made to repay the loans initially raised for providing the car-parks, and are reviewed annually. The University does not undertake to be able to provide a car-parking space for all potential users.

Catering
A good selection of facilities is available, subject to variation in vacations and at graduatio n etc. There are services in 3 West, 5 West and 4 East which provide hot drinks, soup and snacks in the mornings, at lunch and mid-afternoon. The Claverton Rooms in 2 West provide lunches, while waitress service lunches are available in the Wessex House Restaurant - but must be pre-booked : ring 5051.

The main student refectory Choices provides light meals in the early evening during term. There are a number of other facilities available. Tea and coffee are in the Senior Common Room Lounge at appropriate times throughout the day. The University of Bath Staff Association has a snack service available. The Students’ Union operates The Melting Pot on level 2 of Norwood House, offering a wide range of food and snacks, and the Pit Stop on level 3 of Norwood House, which is open during term-time, offering made-to-order rolls and sandwiches.

The Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy Centre is right in the middle of the campus, close to the Library and Bookshop. It is a resource for the whole University community, both as a meeting place for a wide variety of groups and as a place for quiet reflection and prayer. The Centre has a chapel area for worship, a meeting room with tea and coffee making facilities, and a library with books on Christian and other religious matters. It is open daily from 8.00am to 11.00pm. All the Chaplains work closely together as an ecumenical team, and can be contacted through the Centre (ring 6458).

Childcare
A number of places are available in the Westwood Nursery for children aged between 6 months and school age. There are two sessions daily, and lunch is available. Contact the nursery on 6518 for further details. At half terms, the Students’ Union aims to operate a play scheme for primary school age children - further details are available from the Union office. It is a University ruling that children of any age shall not be admitted to areas of the University where academic activities are taking place, or be allowed in any way to interfere with academic interests. In addition, children may be excluded from other areas on safety grounds.

Computing Services
The University of Bath Computing Service (BUCS/MIS) exists to help students and staff make effective use of computing for study and work, and includes administrative computing which provides a full range of management information services. The computing environment has fully-integrated facilities which include: over 400 public-access PCs in the Learning Centre and teaching laboratories; central provision of industry-standard and specialist software applications; a highspeed switched network extending to all buildings allowing full access to SuperJANET and the Internet; comprehensive email and central filestore;information services including web development; support and advice for UNIX and PC platforms; a computer shop selling hardware and software; a dedicated training suite working in concert with the Staff Development Programme; and a centrally-located HelpDesk (3535). For more general enquiries, ring 6257. A code of practice in the use of computers and e-mail is available.

Counselling and Welfare
The (Student) Counselling Service is based in rooms 1E 3.7 and 1E 3.8. This is a confidential service and appointments can be booked by ringing 5461. The University also has an arrangement with the Bath branch of Relate by which staff may obtain advice free of charge, and in strict confidence. For details of this service please contact the Personnel Department.

Dentist
The University dentist is based in the Medical Centre in Quarry House on North Road. For further information, ring 6065.

Disability
The University is committed to making the campus and its facilities accessible to staff and students with disabilities, and an Advisory committee is in place to monitor this and other disability-related matters. Staff with disabilities who want to explore the possibility of obtaining support or equipment to enable them to carry out their duties more effectively, or who have any other concerns related to their employment, should contact the Personnel Department (ring 383098 or 383568).

Doctors
The University Medical Centre is at Quarry House, near to the Quarry Road entrance to the University on North Road. It is an NHS practice offering the usual family doctor services, primarily to students, but also to staff who live within a reasonable distance of the surgery. The Centre also looks after the special needs of the University Community. It has a Sick Bay, available in term. For further information ring 6655.

Drinking at Work
Consumption of alcohol at the place of work during working hours is only permitted in licensed areas, or on special occasions, such as reception of visitors, presentations, or seasonal gatherings, and with the prior permission of the Head of School or Department. Being drunk at work will be treated as gross misconduct.

Environmental Management
The University is constantly seeking to make improvements in the way that it operates, in order to preserve or improve the environment. Further advice on energy management, recycling, waste minimisation and emissions can be obtained from the Safety, Health and Environmental Management Unit in WH 3.13, phone 6834.

Equalities and Diversity
The University is committed to equalities and diversity for all its staff, students and visitors. Its Equal Opportunities policies and procedures provide information on how it will show commitment to these principles. There are guidelines on nondiscriminatory language and a network of anti-harassment advisers in support of the University’s harassment policy. The Equalities and Diversity Unit in the Personnel Department work with colleagues on diversity in employment issues across the University of Bath. The team is working on a variety of activities to promote equalities and diversity within the workplace. For further information or advice on policies or diversity in employment matters please contact the Unit on 383098 or 383568.

Finding Your Way Round
All the central campus buildings are numbered and lettered - eg 1W, 4E - depending on whether or not they are West or East of the Library. Odd-numbered buildings are on the north side of the Parade, even-numbered on the south. Within each building, rooms are numbered firstly by reference to their level - and as the University is built in a series of terraces across a gently sloping site, the ‘level’ of the ‘ground floor’ can vary from building to building. Most importantly, the Parade is on level 2 and each level is individually colour coded - yellow for level 2, red for level 3 and so on. So, to find room 5W-3.6 for example, you would need to 20 locate building 5W, then the third level, and finally room 6 on that level. Each room has its identification number on the door. It is possible to move between the principal campus buildings internally at level 3. Signs indicate when you are passing from one building to another.

Health and Safety
All members and employees of the University have an individual duty, under Health and Safety legislation, to behave in a manner which will not endanger either themselves or anybody else: this means that there is a duty not to fail to take actions which result in safe working practices, as well as a duty to act responsibly. Staff and students must also pay due regard to any Health and Safety instructions and guidance issued by the University. Crucially, any member of the University responsible for staff or equipment must ensure that an assessment of the risks has been undertaken, and that the control measures are enforced. Further advice is available from the Safety Officer on 6834.

The Holburne Museum
The University is associated with Museum which is in Great Pulteney Street, Bath, and staff and students have free admission on the production of appropriate identification. There is a fine collection of decorative and fine art made by Sir Thomas William Holburne (1793-1874), including superb English and continental silver and porcelain, Italian majolica and bronzes, together with glass, furniture, miniatures and old master paintings. A lively programme of events is maintained throughout the year, including numerous temporary exhibitions on a wide range of themes. Enquiries to 01225-466669.

Insurance
The University is insured against a number of risks, but if you are contemplating any unusual activity on the University’s behalf you should check with the Bursar’s Office as to what cover is available, by ringing 6378. In particular, if you are using your own car on University business, you should make sure that your own insurance cover is adequate.

ICIA - Institute of Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts
The Arts thrive as extra-curricular activities, and many members of the University become involved in the programme of events organised by ICIA using professional co-ordinators - Drama and Dance (6206), Visual Arts (6420), Music Tuition (3808) and Music Development (3240). Creative Arts provide rehearsal, studio and performance space, arts studios and the Threshold Gallery for exhibitions. The Arts Theatre and the University Hall are used for concerts and dance and drama productions. For more information call 6845.

Learning and Teaching Support Services
Overhead Projectors, found in lecture theatres and seminar rooms, computer projectors, slide projectors, portable computers and other audio or visual aids are managed by the Teaching Support Services Group, which is part of BUCS/MIS. Included in this grouping are TV, audio and video services, and VideoConferencing services. Details of the range of facilities may be found on the intranet. For AV Bookings ring 4846, TV Facilities 6308 and Video Conferencing enquiries 6257.

The Library
The Library is located in the centre of the campus and is available to all staff. It contains over 300,000 monographs and 100,000 journal volumes, and subscribes to about 2,000 current journals. A Library card is required for borrowing purposes; you should apply at the Issue Desk on Level 2 where printed details of the Library’s various facilities are also available. For detailed advice and assistance you should contact the Enquiry Desk or if appropriate the member of the senior Library staff who is designated to look after the information needs of your particular Department - the ‘Departmental Librarian’. In addition to an infrastructure of subject materials and assistance, there is also a general reference collection and service on Level 2, and a certain amount of material for the general reader in art, literature, and music.

Lost Property
Any enquiries concerning lost property should be made in the first instance to the Security Office (Wessex House 2.5, ring 5349). Anyone finding property should hand it in there.

Postal and Related Services
The University Post Room is located in Wessex House-2.26, and from here the distribution and collection of internal and external mail is organised. Advice on the optimum means of sending mail is available - ring 5748 for further information. The University internal system is not to be used for private correspondence; Royal Mail postboxes are situated near the South Building, by building 3 East, and on the Parade by Wessex House.

Research
Academic research is crucial to the University’s livelihood. The Grants and Contracts Support Unit negotiates and seeks funding which may result in external contracts; it has extensive records of sources of sponsorship. It provides support for all the University’s research grants and contracts, and authorises and processes all applications for them. Enquiries to 4326.

Reprographics
Departments generally have facilities for short-run photocopying. The Printing Unit in 8 West level 1 (enquiries to 5475), provides a complete printing service to the University. The Unit can handle the majority of the University’s printing requirements internally. All orders for printing should be sent to the Printing Manager, who can advise on preparation, layout, paper etc. The Unit has a shredder for the disposal of confidential waste.

Resident Tutors
Resident tutors have responsibility for the safety and welfare of students in University residences. Full-time staff and full-time postgraduate students are eligible for such appointments, which are fully residential, and normally for periods of three years. Enquiries to 6094.

Room Bookings
The room booking service is run by the Registrar’s Office and includes central timetabling of lecture rooms; casual bookings for meetings; bookings for committee rooms (but not Departmental committee rooms or the Council Chamber, which comes under the control of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office; the University Hall; student bookings for parties and dances; and non-residential courses and (non-catered) conferences). Information concerning facilities and charges is available from room WH-3.35 (5524). Residential conferences are handled through the Conference Office, ring 6510.

Salaries and Wages
Most staff are paid monthly; payment is made on the 25th. The payment day is brought forward when the 25th of the month falls on a Saturday or Sunday, and also at Christmas. For those staff paid weekly, payment is made on the Thursday following the week worked. Staff with queries about their salary or wages payment, should enquire at the Salaries and Wages Office, Wessex House Level 4, extension 5039 (5715 for weekly paid staff).

Security
The University’s Head of Security is responsible for the security of all the University’s sites. The service is based in level 2 of Wessex House, and its officers provide a valuable information service. The telephone extension of the Security Office is 5349; all calls made to the University are routed to Security after the switchboard has closed at the end of normal business and at weekends. In an emergency, dial 666 (internal) for Security or 999 (from any public call box) for direct public emergency services.

Senior Common Room
The Senior Common Room in building 2 West is available for use by all staff on payment of a subscription. A variety of facilities is available to members. A number of clubs exists including Bridge and Table Tennis. A large selection of newspapers and periodicals is kept, and social functions such as Dinners, Dances and Wine Tasting Evenings are arranged from time to time throughout the year. For further information contact the SCR Office in 2W-2.2, on 6892.

Shops
There are a number of shops around the campus. The grocery shop supplies an extensive range of day-to-day needs and also includes a sub-post office, there is also a hairdressing salon and an insurance agency, these are all based on Level two of Wessex House. The Student Union shop provides a wide range of competitively priced goods including greetings cards, stationery, newspapers and University leisurewear and memorabilia, it is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm every day and is based on the ground level of Norwood House. Launderettes can be found on the ground level in Eastwood House and Norwood House and by the Residential Services Centre.

Smoking
In general, smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, on health and safety grounds.

Sport and Physical Recreation
The University has first class sport and recreational facilities and these are available at different times to all staff. The Sports Village, which is now a centre of regional and national importance, comprises a 50-metre swimming pool and a large indoor tennis school. The Sports Hall, situated at the eastern end of the campus, has a multipurpose floor, squash courts, a weight training and conditioning room, physical education library, viewing balconies and a climbing wall. The 25 metre Swimming Pool is nearby. Extensive improvements to the playing fields have recently been made. Various sports courses are available each term. For further information contact the Department on 6417.

Staff Appraisal
Formal staff appraisal schemes are in place for academic, academic-related, clerical and technical staff. They are administered by the Personnel Department.

Staff Association (UBSA)
The University of Bath Staff Association provides facilities for the recreation and entertainment of the University’s employees, and its activities are based in the UBSA Building, located to the south of building 6-West. Facilities include a fully licensed bar, a lounge area with dance floor, a skittle alley, and a television lounge and games area. Membership is subject to an annual fee; joining forms are available in the building’s foyer. The building may be hired for private parties and functions.

Staff Development
The University is active in supporting the development of all its staff to become more effective in their work, and in doing so helping the University fulfil its mission. The Staff Development Unit based in the Personnel Department publishes a newsletter Horizons which sets out training opportunities. For further information, ring 6369.

Students Union
The Union, primarily based in Norwood House, promotes students’ welfare and social interests, and campaigns on their behalf; it also acts as a trading and service organisation. It acts as an umbrella organisation to a vast number of clubs and societies, many of which welcome staff participation.

Telephones
The telephone system provides a comprehensive network for internal and external calls. External access varies according to the needs of the user. Many extensions have a ‘direct dialling’ facility. All telephone traffic and costs are monitored by computerised call logging equipment; private calls should be paid for by the user. Full instructions in the use of telephones are given in a User Guide provided at each extension point. Requests for alterations and additions should be made to the Telecomms Assistant in the Estates Department on 6899. There is a number of Public Call Boxes on the campus, taking both phone cards and cash.

Topics
Topics is the University newspaper, published monthly during term-time, which is available free from a number of distribution points around the campus. Topics is edited and designed by the Public Relations Office, and printed by the University Printing Unit. Contributions, ideas and letters are welcomed by the Editor in the Public Relations Office, WH Level 6, extension 6821.

Trade Unions
The University recognises a number of trades unions for negotiating purposes - the AUT for academic and academic-related staff; the AEEU for electricians; AMICUS MSF (fomerly MSF) for technical staff; and UNISON for clerical, manual and ancillary staff.

Travel Shop
The STA travel shop in Wessex House Level 2 offers the same range of facilities as does a High Street travel agent, and coach, rail and air travel to destinations all over the world can be booked. Most travel cards are also available. For further information ring 6149.