Student Advisors

Student Advisors (formerly known as Personal Tutors) work with the department to provide the advisees with essential information and support. All Student Advisors are supported by a departmental Senior Student Advisor who can be contacted for further advice, information and training.

Responsibilities of the role

• All Student Advisors meet with their advisees at the start of their course and arrange regular meetings each term.  These can be arranged individually or in small groups.  There should be a minimum of three meetings per year. Students may request additional meetings at any time during the year.
• Student Advisor meetings can take place face to face or remotely. Student Advisors are encouraged to explore the following Moodle resource for further guidance on how to facilitate Student Advisors sessions remotely.
• Student Advisors are a first point of contact for their advisees and provide general support.  This does not replace individual support from specialist support services and Student Advisors will always signpost to these services as needed.
• Student Advisors should know how and when to refer students to appropriate specialist University services. This includes recognising potential indicators of safeguarding concerns or vulnerability to radicalisation, and understanding the appropriate referral routes within the University, in line with Safeguarding and Prevent Duty protocols.
• Student Advisors shall have access to the Learner Engagement Activity Portal (LEAP) and use this to help inform discussions with their advisees. They explore any issues affecting progression and engagement (e.g. academic, personal, financial, accommodation or similar issues).  The meetings can also be used to discuss the transition between years and into ‘graduate life’.
• If a Student Advisor has any concerns about their advisee’s wellbeing, they refer them to the relevant specialist University support service in accordance with the University's Study and Wellbeing Intervention Policy & Procedure.  If they are unsure of the exact support the student may need, they discuss their concerns with the Senior Student Advisor.
• A record of all meetings is included on the LEAP system.  This includes details of any referrals. Content of the meetings is not necessarily included and not without student permission.
• Student Advisors complete any essential training requirements for the role as well as familiarise themselves and keep up to date with the University support services available to students in order to facilitate signposting and referrals.
• Student Advisors are expected to be familiar with the University's Access and Participation Plan priorities and to take timely, supportive action when students show signs of disengagement, academic underperformance, or other difficulties.