Michaelmas term is now underway and it has been a busy start for us at the Student Advice Service.
Michaelmas term is now underway and it has been a busy start for us at the Student Advice Service. Alongside getting our virtual stall ready for the Freshers Fair, we have been visiting (virtually) some of the other student service providers within the University such as the Disability Resource Centre (DRC), University Counselling Service (UCS) and University Careers Service. We do this every year to touch base with them and find out what might be new or changed within the services they offer for the new academic year and vice versa. These meetings have been particularly important this year given the COVID19 pandemic and finding out how they are able to continue supporting students remotely. Likewise, we will meet with the various Academic Offices and Committees from Student Registry – OSCCA (Office of Student Complaints, Conduct and Appeals), EAMC (Exam Access and Mitigating Committee), Fees and Funding and the Postgraduate Committee to find out what might be new or changed in relation to student procedures. It also gives us an opportunity to discuss and raise with them any issues or concerns we see with the procedures which may come to light whilst supporting students who are using the procedures.
We have also continued to support students with a wide range of issues. Since the 1st September we have offered advice and support to 50 students in addition to those we were already working with. The majority of the advice was given via email or video call appointments and just over half required academic support. During Michaelmas term the Advice Service Team will also be working on project work which will include revising our Feedback and Impact Surveys, launching the Student Grievance Survey, analysing the Student Advice Service data and writing the Annual Report for the Academic year 2019-20, and Welfare Training.
As the term progresses if you find yourself struggling to settle in, have any issues with your course or getting to grips with online learning or have any other worries relating to COVID19 you can contact our service on 01223 746999, advice@cambridgesu.co.uk, or fill in our contact forms available on the Cambridge SU website.