STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

Course-specific Matters

In the case of academic concerns that are related to a specific course, you should first attempt to gain help through the individual lecturer responsible for providing teaching on that course, or the course co-ordinator who has overall responsibility for that course.

E-mail is normally the most convenient and preferred way to contact staff, but staff may also be contacted by phone or by person in their offices. Staff may be able to help you by replying to your e-mail, but they may also arrange tutorial meetings with students to discuss course issues at times convenient to both parties.

Academic guidance and student support

The Department operates a Personal Adviser System.  Each undergraduate student is allocated to a Personal Adviser, who is a member of the academic staff responsible for providing individual academic and pastoral support. The Personal Adviser acts in a manner similar to an “Academic GP”: they are a named person to whom the student knows that they can turn when they have a query regarding academic progression or when they feel the need to discuss other academic or personal problems in confidence that are affecting their studies.  We will require first-year students to meet with their Personal Advisers, at least once in their autumn term.  However, like the patient-GP relationship, there is no obligation for the student to make regular use of the Personal Adviser service, if they do not so wish, such as if they are feeling confident that they are “academically well”.

Serious Academic and Pastoral Matters

Serious academic and pastoral concerns may also be raised or forwarded on to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr Deborah Fantini and the Student Support Co-ordinator, Dr. Helen Standage. The Student Support Co-ordinator liaises with expert student support services provided by the University in the Student Support Office, The service is confidential and will not pass on your details unless given permission to do so.   

Students with disabilities

Students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties or mental health problems who need advice and support, including individual examination arrangements, should contact the Disability team at the Student Support Office. Dr Helen Standage is also the Departmental Disability Liaison Officer for the Psychology Department who works closely with the Disability team. The service is also confidential and staff will not pass on your details unless given permission to do so.