Academic Advisors
Every student in the School is assigned an Academic Advisor. Your Academic Advisor (normally the same person throughout your course) offers you advice on academic matters, personal problems (if needed), and is your main link to the School and the University.
The University’s aim is that by engaging with their Academic Advisor, students will:
- know that their advisor cares about their progression, academic success and future plans
- feel that they belong and are valued regardless of their background, personal strengths and weaknesses
- know who to contact if they experience difficulties either personally or academically
- work to enhance their academic and personal self-efficacy as a result of setting and reviewing goals and reflecting on their experiences
- gain and grow in confidence and skills in developing professional relationships
You must meet your Academic Advisor at regular intervals (at least twice per semester where at least one meeting is face-to-face) during your degree and should prepare for each meeting by starting to fill in the appropriate meeting form on “My intranet”. Students are expected to attend and prepare for all arranged meetings with their Advisor and respond promptly to any communication from their Advisor. During these meetings, you may agree a series of actions with your Advisor and it is a good idea to keep a record of these actions.
You should speak to your Academic Advisor about any problems that you are having that are affecting your work (see also Section Work and Attendance Regulations (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) and (Section Guidelines on Ill Health). We encourage students to take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties (academic or personal) at the earliest possible opportunity so that staff can provide appropriate guidance and support. The expectation is that students will then make appropriate use of all the support and guidance offered at the University.
When you are making applications for summer work, placements, jobs, or further degrees, your Academic Advisor should know you well enough to write an informed reference. There is a mechanism within the intranet meeting forms for you to provide your Academic Advisor with a CV, which you should update regularly, especially towards the end of your Degree Programme. Please see Section Employability skills.