Student support and experience
We’re rolling out ambitious, University-wide improvements in how we support our students.
Our new model is being rolled out in two phases by local college teams, with a first tranche of students experiencing the new model in 2022/23 and the remainder in 2023/24.
The University Executive approved delivery of the model in October 2021, after a delay caused by the pandemic.
What this means for you depends on your role and what part of the University you work in.
Why are we making these changes?
Feedback from staff, students and external evaluators told us that while our current model is effective in some areas, the way we currently provide student support doesn’t consistently meet students’ needs and isn’t sustainable for many colleagues. In particular, staff told us about the pressure they faced due to increases in student numbers and the complexity of the challenges students can face.
This new model aims to enhance our support for students and relieve pressure on staff, with dedicated support for everyone who chooses to study with us and interdisciplinary teams working together to meet their needs.
How will we support students under our new model?
Across the University, joined-up teams of academics, professional services staff and fellow students will work together to give students guidance and advice with practical matters, their wellbeing and their studies.
Expanded teams of trained professional advisers in each school/deanery will support students day to day. Each student will have a dedicated Student Adviser they can turn to for help when they need it. Wellbeing Advisers will work alongside existing services such as counselling to help students with more complex issues with their health, wellbeing, studies or personal life.
Academic staff and teaching teams will continue to play an active role in students’ induction, studies and academic progress. New senior academic roles called Cohort Leads will lead on helping students get the most out of their study. Alongside this, we’re bolstering peer support networks.
What does this mean for my work?
If you’re an academic in one of the areas implementing this change in 2022/23, your personal tutoring workload may change as more students move over to being supported by the new model. The scale of this change depends on how personal tutoring is organised in your area. Your school or deanery management team may also ask you to become a Cohort Lead. We’ll support people taking on these new roles through peer support, sharing good practice and training where required.
If you work in a professional services student support role, we’ll provide training and development to help you transition to the new model and build your knowledge and skills. New colleagues may be recruited to your teams to increase the amount of dedicated support for students.
Where can I find out more?
There is information for all staff on the project’s SharePoint site at: