FAQs
What happens?
Students engaged in the scheme are employed as partners not assistants. Students are empowered to be active members of project teams and each project team is responsible for negotiating the role played by the student and staff member. A number of the projects funded this year were initiated by students whilst other projects were generated by staff based on student feedback and consultation.
What kind of projects can be supported?
• Development or design of an assessment, learning object or tool
• The development of course materials such as a guide for students about a particular course or module
• Development and/or evaluation of an innovation or idea relating to learning and teaching
• Supporting new approaches to course or module student evaluation
• Conducting research into an aspect of learning and teaching (e.g. a survey, interviews, video polls)
• Supporting the capturing of the student voice in learning and teaching conversations
Who is funding the scheme?
The University’s Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) is focused on the creation of an academic learning community at Birmingham City University. A key part of this is the Student Academic Partners Scheme.
What are the benefits for staff?
This is an opportunity for you to access funding to employ a student to collaborate with you in the development of a specific aspect of learning and teaching practice. Partnerships between students and staff can lead to rich and valuable outcomes for students and staff alike. In this instance, this may result in new learning resources, developments in curriculum design or the evaluation of innovations and changes made. 125 hours is a significant amount of funded additional time to enable development and evaluation activity. It will also offer you direct access to a student perspective as it relates to your chosen focus of collaborative investigation.
Who can be a Student Academic Partner?
Both full and part time students are eligible. Before a student is accepted onto the scheme they should have fully considered whether this commitment is compatible with their studies and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Can Postgraduate students apply?
Absolutely! They must still have a staff partner but we would welcome applications from both Undergraduates and Postgraduates.
How long must the project last?
Projects can last up to nine months but funding must be used by July 31st 2012.
What will the funding pay for?
Up to £1000 is available over the period for projects running anytime between November 2011 and July 2012. CELT will fund up to 100 hours of student work at £10 per hour. Projects that will not require the full 100 hours of funding will be especially welcomed as this will release funding for additional projects. It is not anticipated that funding will be employed for the purchase of equipment. The supporting department/faculty will be required to ensure that the student has access to the facilities required to fulfil their role within the project.
How will the student be paid?
Payment will be arranged by CELT based on completed and authorised time sheets from the relevant department. This will be carried out on a weekly basis through the Students’ Union. The workload each week may vary and will be determined through negotiation between the student and the project lead in the department/Faculty.
How much National Insurance will I pay?
More information on National Insurance thresholds can be found here
What additional support will the student receive?
The CELT team will offer students and staff a series of opportunities to meet other academic partners and share experiences in an informal setting over the period of the scheme.
What other commitments are required?
By entering the Scheme the student and member of staff agree to share their findings with a wider university audience through a variety of dissemination routes. You will also be expected to attend an induction session and to work with CELT staff to evaluate the scheme.
I'm already registered on the University's payroll, do I need to register with the SU?
Sorry, but yes! The SU and University are seperate organisations with difference processes and procedures and so you will need to complete all the documents with the SU in ordee to get paid.
How do I get my payslips?
We produce payslips everytime you are paid but because of the volume of payments we save these up over a few weeks to reduce postage costs. However you can pick them up personally from the SU Finance Office (3rd Floor Union Building, City North).
If this is urgent you can ring 0121 331 6827 and we can arrange to send them out to ASAP. Please ensure we have the address you want them to be sent to on record.
How do I get my P45?
Yes, a P45 is sometimes welcomed! We normally wait until the Summer before producing P45s; that is removing people from our payroll and producing a P45 which they then provide to their new employer which details tax information so you dont pay too much tax in your new job.
If you leave the SAP scheme or your project finishes earlier and you want a P45 sent to you please contact Kelly Bartlett or Marie Evans in the SU Finance Office
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