Student Support

Personal Tutoring and Student Support

Personal Tutoring The University of Warwick is committed to providing a supportive and positive environment for all members of its community and a high-quality student experience.

We recognise that there will be times in everybody's university life when things do not go as well as you would wish. In times like these, it's important to know that there is a comprehensive support and welfare structure available to help with all kinds of different problems.

The information accessible on and from this website outlines the Support Services available to Warwick students. There may be more than one option available, so please use the information on this website as well as the individual service websites to help you decide the best place for you to go.

Support within your department - Personal Tutors

An academic member of staff, assigned to each student on arrival at Warwick, who will act as the initial point of contact for discussion of academic and pastoral matters throughout a student's undergraduate and postgraduate career.

The Personal Tutor system at the University of Warwick is a vital and central part of campus life. Personal tutors and research supervisors, working in conjunction with the wide range of services available to students, are expected to provide such support, advice and guidance to students as may be necessary or appropriate to enable them to gain the most from their studies at the University.

Details on how the personal tutor system at Warwick should operate are outlined in the Personal Tutor Guidelines.

We recommend that you consult these guidelines, as they represent the university's official policy on personal tutoring. The following extract summarises the roles of the key figures in the university's personal tutoring system:

The role of the Personal Tutor, who will be a member of academic staff, is:

To assist students with the process of induction and orientation into University life and to retain an interest in their personal and academic development throughout their academic careers;
To provide academic advice to personal tutees on their progress and development;
To respond as promptly as possible to requests for help and advice about pastoral/non-academic matters insofar as s/he is competent to do so;
To signpost and refer students on to professional University support services for further assistance if necessary;
To signpost students to relevant careers/skills provision;
To act as the student's advocate when advocacy is needed.
To act as a possible referee
To keep a record of discussions and any agreed follow-up actions

The role of the Personal Tutee is:

To be responsible for their own academic development and achievement by contributing positively to a productive working relationship with the personal tutor;
To attend all arranged meetings and respond promptly to communications from their department;
To inform their personal tutor promptly of any factors that might be impacting significantly on their ability to meet the requirements of their course, it being understood that personal tutors cannot advise and support students if they are unaware of such factors and that personal tutors are required to treat all information disclosed confidentially and to disclose to a third party only by agreement with the student;
To be an active engaged member of their departmental academic community.

Who is my personal tutor/supervisor?

Departments are required to post lists of personal tutors on noticeboards and online. If you have a query about who your personal tutor is, you should contact the departmental secretary/administrator/undergraduate office for further information.

When should I see my personal tutor/supervisor?

If you want feedback on your general academic progress.
If you have enquiries about course regulations, e.g. choice of module options, understanding degree classification conventions
If you are concerned about any issues you feel may be impacting on your ability to do your academic work effectively
If you want advice on how to access specialist support e.g. on mental health, disability support, financial matters, study skills, career planning

What is the role of the Department Senior Tutor?

The role of the Department Senior Tutor, who will be an experienced member of academic staff, is:

To be responsible for the effective operation of the personal tutor system in their department, including making sure that students know who their personal tutor is;
To post personal tutor lists on the department's website;
To provide support and guidance to students if the personal tutor is unavailable;
To facilitate a change of personal tutor if requested by a personal tutee
To provide support and guidance to members of academic staff who are personal tutors;
To consult with the University Senior Tutor about possible changes to the operation of personal tutoring in their department.

Other University Support

As well as the Personal Tutor system, the University provides a comprehensive support network of specialised services. Each of the below services can be accessed via the Student Support website.

	Director of Student Support/ Student Support Office - if you're unsure of where to go for help, contact Student Support for advice. Email: studentsupport@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7657 5570
Ground floor - University House

	University Senior Tutor – Mr Steve Lamb, promoting the academic welfare of students. Email: seniortutor@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7657 5570
Ground floor - University House

	The Residential Life Team work and live alongside students in halls of residence. Contact your resident tutor in hall, or the Student Support office (as above).


	The Counselling Service offers all students at any level, the opportunity to access professional therapeutic counselling. Email: counselling@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7652 3761
Westwood House – Westwood campus

	Advising students with disabilities and facilitating study to assist all students in achieving their academic potential. Email: disability@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7615 0641
Ground floor - University House

	Mental Health Co-ordinators ensure that students with mental health difficulties receive advice & support to facilitate academic work & participation in University life. Email: mentalhealth@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7615 0226
Ground floor - University House

	An NHS doctors' surgery on the University campus. Tel: 024 7652 4548
Health Centre Road – main campus

	The Chaplaincy provides pastoral and spiritual care to all members of the University community, of all faiths and none. Email: chaplaincy@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7652 3519
Main campus

	An independent, free and confidential service for all Warwick students, offering information, advice and representation. Email: advice@warwicksu.com Tel: 024 7657 2824
Main campus – SUHQ

	The Student Funding team offers advice and guidance on all aspects of financial support. Email: studentfunding@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7615 0096
Ground floor - University House

	Working to provide a safe, secure and friendly environment for students, staff and visitors to the campus. Email: security@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7652 2083
University Gatehouse – staffed 24/7

	The International Office supports international students both before and during their stay at Warwick. Email: int.office@warwick.ac.uk Tel: 024 7652 3706
International Office

	You might also find it helpful to access support from external agencies. If you can't find the information you need, contact studentsupport@warwick.ac.uk or tel: 024 7657 5570
External Services