PIP: Personal information portal

01865 484770

su.advice@brookes.ac.uk

Making your pip perfect and other essential stuffWhat is a PIP?

It stands for Personal Information Portal. It is there so you know exactly what modules you are registered for, and if you are taking the right modules to complete your degree.

Does it have any other purpose?

Yes! You PIP also has your personal information on it, you MUST keep this up to date so the University always knows how to get hold of you if there is a problem with your course etc. Make sure you update your addresses and phone numbers when they change.

My PIP says I have errors, but someone told me to ignore them -

NEVER ignore errors on your PIP. If you have an error message read it and make sure you know WHY the error is showing. If you understand your error and know if will be corrected once you have taken certain action (e.g. add your dissertation module or passed the re-sit you have), THEN you can ignore it. Basically, Your PIP is LAW! If it isn’t on there then it doesn’t exist! You must ensure that the information about your modules is correct, personal details need to be kept up to date.

At the top of your PIP, you will find a link that explains all the possible error messages you can have- read it!

Adding and deleting modules: there are deadlines when you have to do this by, and how you do it. Follow the link over the page to the Academic Management Office (AMO) for a very useful table that explains it all.

Brookes email: You have a great email address from Brookes, this is how the Students’ Union and the University will contact you. Make sure you check it at least once a week, preferably use it alot! You can even have an email alias using your Brookes account- see the link on the back page.

university Regulations... don’t fall asleep these are very important. You can read the whole regulations on the Brookes website. Some of the most important regulations are here;

In a nutshell (and there are always some exceptions to the basic rule), undergraduates who started on or after September 2011, will need to complete the following to obtain an Honours Degree:

(Those who started before September 2011 only have to have 4 Honours Components)

Your modules will probably include some that are compulsory to your course and others that are prerequisites for future modules. You need to discuss your programme with your Academic Adviser to make sure you have all correct modules in place.

If you add modules and are then left with ERRORS, make sure you UNDERSTAND YOUR ERRORS! And then correct them, never ever leave an error, always aim for that perfect PIP.

Stage One - normally the first year 8 basic modules. (Level 4)Stage Two - 2nd year 8 acceptable advanced modules. (level 5)Stage Two - 3rd year 8 acceptable advanced modules, including 6

honours components. (level 6)

Remember, you are responsible for managing your programme within the University Regulations. To do this, you must use your PIP page. You are also responsible for making sure you answer emails or letters from the University. You need to make sure that your address on PIP is correct so letters get sent to the right address, and never ignore any correspondence from Brookes or errors on your PIP

WHAT IS THE GPA?From September 2013, the University is introducing a new Grade Point Average system which means that when you graduate you will have not only have your classification marks (3rd, 2:2, 2:1, 1st) but you will also have a GPA.

For more information, please visit the Brookes website:

www.brookes.ac.uk/student/services/handbook/essential-procedures/gpa-honours.html

Adding and Deleting modules

From September 2013/14 there will be new regulations about when you must add and delete modules by.

If you are a continuing student this will now be the Friday of week 7 of the semester BEFORE the module starts.

If you are a new student or returning from approved temporary withdrawal, the deadline will continue to be Friday of week 0 of the semester the module starts in.

For more information contact the Academic Management Office, your Academic Adviser or Student Support Co-ordinator.

In summary:

Don’t ignore PIP errors. Keep your personal details up to date. If you fail any modules seek advice at once. There are exceptions to every rule; check

what your situation is, don’t rely on what you have heard.

Useful links:

University regulations: http://bit.ly/wOULK1

Academic Management office: http://bit.ly/Ay0kMb(For information about adding and deleting modules etc.)

Students Union Advice Centre:http://on.fb.me/tOH2th

Student Finance England: http://bit.ly/v4euRS

Student Support Coordinators: http://bit.ly/yvHV3F

Brookes email aliases: http://bit.ly/zoHror

NB During the 2013/14 academic year, the Academic Management Office, the International Student Advisory Service, the Financial Aid Office, the Graduate Office and the Appeals Complaints & Conduct Office will become part of Student Central which will be based in the John Henry Brookes Building. Information about this will be circulated nearer the time of the move, along with new contact details where appropriate

The 22 rule - this is nothing like the offside rule, but can be as tricky to understand. It and comes into play if a student studies beyond the normal period allowed for the course (which is 6 semesters for most full-time courses). If you take more than 22 advanced modules in your stage two, then you will lose your honours degree and be automatically awarded an ordinary degree instead.

Another tricky little regulation is one about passing modules! You have to pass a minimum of THREE modules over TWO semesters; if you don’t you will have failed your course and will be excluded from the University.

Part time students come under the same regulations; they just have longer to finish the course.Failing modules can have a major impact on your course and maybe on your finances (especially if you have a student loan). Don’t wait; contact the Students’ Union Advice Centre for help.

Brookes Union Advice 01865 484770 su.advice@brookes.ac.uk