We have kept the CoLab site as simple to use as possible, allowing you to quickly post projects and contact project leads for getting involved in student-led opportunities.
What information should I include on my profile?
To start posting projects we recommend that you set up your personal profile first. Upload an image and write a short bio about yourself relating to the types of projects you’d like to be involved in. Add your current course of study and list relevant skills and experience.
Once you start posting projects, you’ll be able to see these appear under your list of skills and experience.
I can't see any project posts - what do I do?
In order to view projects and post your own, you'll need to make sure that you're logged into the website and that you have 'purchased' a free CoLab membership. Once you're logged in (the button in the top right!) check the page again - if you still can't see any projects, it means you haven't got a CoLab membership. Head over to the membership page to get yours.
If you're logged in and you have a membership but you're still having problems, drop us an email at info@thesu.org.uk using the email subject ‘CoLab’ and we'll get you sorted as soon as we can.
How do I become a member?
CoLab is an exclusive site for University of Exeter Cornwall and Falmouth University students. To use CoLab, you will first need to get your free membership from the membership page. Head on over and add the membership to your basket - once you proceed to checkout, you'll be taken back to the main Students' Union website to finish your purchase. When you're done, come back to the CoLab site and you're good to go!
Who is behind the CoLab site?
The CoLab site is monitored and run by Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union.
I found a bug / something is going wrong!
If you notice any issues with the CoLab site, please get in contact with the Students Union. You can drop an email to info@thesu.org.uk using the email subject ‘CoLab’ and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
I have feedback on how to improve the site
If you’d like to give feedback on the CoLab site, please get in contact with the Students Union. You can drop an email to info@thesu.org.uk using the email subject ‘CoLab’ and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
How do I post a project?
Click on the 'Submit a new project' button from the project board, which will take you to the project submission page. Here you'll be asked to provide the following:
- Project title
- Project description
- Skills/experience required
- Project start and end dates
Once you submit your project, and it has been approved by the site admin, it will appear on the project board.
Can I upload images to my project post?
No, you will only be able to upload an image for your personal profile. Any images needed to help explain your project or detail information from a portfolio is something to consider away from the CoLab site. More information on your proposed project should be included in any subsequent contact between you and students responding to your project post.
Can I attach a file to my project post?
You can't attach a file to your project. However, you can add hyperlinks to text when you submit your new project. Any further information about your project should be included in any subsequent contact between you and students responding to your project post.
Can I write my post and save it for later?
Unfortunately not - you can't save a draft of your project, so if you're not quite finished writing everything then you'll want to save the information in a separate document so you can post it later.
How do I edit my project post?
Once you've posted a project, you'll be able to edit it using the little pencil icon in the bottom left of the project. If you can't see the pencil, make sure that you are...
- Definitely looking at your own project - you can't edit someone else's!
- Logged into the site - if you're not logged in, you won't be able to edit your current projects or post new ones
To quickly access the projects you've submitted, visit your profile - at the bottom of your page it will list all of the projects you've posted.
What restrictions do you have on project postings?
There is a word limit of 500 on all project posts as well as a no tolerance policy on the use of offensive language - see the CoLab Code of Conduct.
How long will my post remain on the project board for?
Your post will automatically expire after 21 days.
How do I contact the project lead?
CoLab has been designed to act as a springboard for students to collaborate across courses, year groups and universities. Once you have found a project you’d like to work on and initiated contact with the project lead, it’s up to both/all parties to decide how they’d like to move forward. This will involve using your own organisational tools and methods for collaborating away from the CoLab site in a way that best suits you and the project at hand.
Is there a maximum number of projects I can respond to?
No, you can get involved with as many projects as you'd like. Don't overstretch yourself though, and only get in touch with someone if you're genuinely interested in the project!
Where are my saved projects?
To view the projects you've saved, you can click through to your saved projects with the heart icon, or you can go to My Profile and then Saved Projects.
What’s the maximum number of projects I can save?
There isn’t one. You can saved as many projects as you like.
Can I share a posted project elsewhere or suggest a project to a fellow student?
Of course - you can copy the URL for a project from the URL bar at the top, or you can use the 'copy' icon on the project.
I noticed an issue with a project post
If you notice any issues with a project post, please get in contact with the Students' Union. You can drop an email to info@thesu.org.uk using the email subject ‘CoLab’ and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
I’m concerned about another CoLab member’s conduct
CoLab members are required to comply with the CoLab Code of Conduct. If you’re concerned that another CoLab member has breached the Code’s terms, report it to the Students’ Union. Drop an email to info@thesu.org.uk using the email subject ‘CoLab’ and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
What intellectual property rights might be relevant to a CoLab project?
Anyone using CoLab should be mindful of any intellectual property they and their collaborators might own through the work they contribute to a project. More information is available in our intellectual property PDF.
Intellectual Property PDF