Student Services News

We wanted to provide you with an update on the Library redevelopment project. Work is due to commence from June 2016, and we are currently in the process of finalising the project contractor.

At this point, a contractor is due to be appointed late March/ early April– once this has been completed, we will be able to provide you all with more detailed information on upcoming works.

A presentation was delivered by staff from the Library to the University Leadership Group in early March, and this will be made available to you shortly.

Construction for the project will begin in mid July.  Between then and the start of the autumn term, several large-scale construction tasks are planned in the Library. These include:

• Enclosing the site and erecting large overhead protection platforms at either end over the access road and the front entrance area
• Installing large partitions inside the Library to segregate the planned working areas
• Demolition and removal of one of the staircases; punching holes in the ground floor
• Foundation works in the basement for new lifts
• Refurbishing ground floor offices
• Temporary modifications to the café.

At  times there will be noise, and access to some areas will be restricted. Specific details of what this is likely to entail will be provided as soon as possible.

Whilst the majority of undergraduate students will be away from Reading for the summer vacation, we are very aware of the possible impact of this on taught postgraduates completing dissertations, PhD and other researchers, and any undergraduates working on dissertations.

Be assured that the Library will maintain its usual summer vacation opening hours and all printed books on Floors 2-4 will remain accessible. Library staff will still be on hand to help, including your Liaison Librarian, as will the Study Advice and Maths Support teams.

The University and the Library will continue to provide as much information as possible on the proposed works and alternative arrangements during this time. We are currently exploring providing alternative study spaces, including some with PCs, and will update you as soon as any plan is complete.  In the meantime, a list of PC areas beyond the Library can be found here. Extra study space is also available at RUSU’s ‘The Study’, and unreserved teaching spaces can be booked via Room Bookings (rooms@reading.ac.uk). Take a look at our recent post on study space over the exams period, too. 

At any time during Library refurbishment 2016-19, you will find further information and day-to-day updates at www.reading.ac.uk/library/refurb.

If you have queries on any of the above please contact Julia H. Munro via email or call extension 8774

As many of you may know, the URS building is going to be redeveloped, to create a new space for the School of the Built Environment and School of Arts & Communication Design, which will be based there in the future.

Ground investigations for URS will commence on Monday 4^th April, 2016, immediately north of the building, in the quad.  See the plans by clicking on the image below.

These works will last for five days and will consist of boreholes, trial pits and hand dug inspection pits.  The work requires the use of a drilling rig, so there may be a bit of noise whilst work is underway.

Unfortunately, these works are unavoidable, so they have been planned to avoid term time activities and to minimise impact and disruption.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any queries, please contact Mrs Dorothy Hague d.m.hague@reading.ac.uk; tel 0118 378 6054.

Further to the open meeting in RUSU’s 3sixty on the 3rd March, our dedicated Essentials webpage has been developed, to keep you informed about all the latest developments. The page contains links to:

• The Support Centre presentation given by Andrea Cheshire (Director of Student and Applicant Services) and Professor Gavin Brooks (Pro-Vice-Chancellor,Teaching and Learning)
• The response to the paper from RUSU to the Student Experience Committee

A list is FAQs is also available on this page, and further information will become available in due course, so please keep an eye on the site for updates.

Visit the page here: student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/campus-life/support-centres

Thursday 17 March, 12.30pm – 2.00pm, Palmer Quad, Whiteknights campus

On 17 March we celebrate our 90^th Anniversary. To mark this occasion, we’re aiming to set a new world record, inspired by events from 90 years ago…

When the news was announced that Reading had received its Royal Charter, students were so overjoyed that they ‘chaired’ our first Vice-Chancellor, W.M. Childs, around the campus. We want to recreate this moment on an even bigger scale by attempting to set a world record of the most simultaneous human cradle lifts (the technical name of the lift!).

Get involved!

To take part in this exciting activity, all you need to do is complete the simple online form at www.reading.ac.uk/ninetieth and be free between 12.30pm and 2.00pm on the day.

Details of all those who take part will be recorded in the University archives and everyone will receive a memento to take away with them. Participants are invited to relax and celebrate with the University community after the world record attempt, and enjoy an anniversary cupcake and glass of sparkling elderflower.

Registration closes on 10 March. Find out more: www.reading.ac.uk/ninetieth or contact events@reading.ac.uk