Support Services available to Students Guide for Staff

Help! It can be difficult when students present with issues of both an academic or personal nature. It often happens when you are running out of the door or have another million and one things to do! This short guide provides staff with a run down of support services and contact details for referrals...

Students’ Union The Students’ Union can offer students support to ensure they get the most out of their time at University. The Union have full and part time Sabbatical Officers who can be a point of contact for students and are happy to help! The Union can also be a great place for students to get involved in clubs and societies to help them to make friends. To contact the Students’ Union students can visit the reception in Student Central (Level 0.1 – the Union Level), call (01274) , or You can also visit the website:

The Students’ Union Advice Centre The Student s’ Union Advice Centre has advisors who offer an independent and confidential service to students who are experiencing problems which may affect their time at university Appointments can be made at the Students’ Union Reception, by phoning (01274) , by ing or by contacting the individual advisors. However an appointment in not always necessary as every effort will be made to see students in distress

Advice Centre Manager David Smith is the Students’ Union Advice Centre Manager. David provides line managerial support for the specialist advisors and is also available to see students with academic, welfare and immigration issues to supplement the service provision. David can be contacted on (01274) or via Welfare Advisor – Becci Barker – Becci can provide help for students experiencing issues relating to accommodation, finances, employment, personal problems, consumer issues etc. Becci can be contacted on (01274) or via

... Academic Advisor – Barbara Ratcliffe – Barbara can advise students on issues relating to their academic work such as appeals, mitigating circumstances, breach of assessments and complaints. Barbara can be contacted on (01274) or via Immigration Advisor – Naheeda Kauser – Naheeda can help students with issues relating to visas, work issues, changes in study status, inviting family members to the UK, Entry Clearance Correction Scheme and Transfer of Conditions. Naheeda can be contacted on (01274) or via

The Hub Not sure where to direct students or who to ask ? In order to make life easier for our students the University has brought together a number of its support departments in an area known as The Hub. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium. This Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can receive information and guidance.

Who is located in The Hub? Course Enquiries Admissions Office Bursaries and Financial Support Education Liaison Finance and Credit Control Group Front of House International Office Payzone Student Administration and Support Unipol

Services in the Hub Council tax exemption certificates and letters Student Confirmation/Registration Letters e.g. Bank letters, Visa letters Enquiries regarding change of records e.g. change of address Assistance from the International Student Advisor (it may be necessary to book an appointment) Course details Enrolment information Award ceremony information Copy and/or replacement certificate and transcript requests Financial transactions e.g. Paying tuition fees at the Payzone Access to Learning Fund/Short term loan/Financial relief - initial enquiries and receipt of applications Advice on finance and funding support Bursaries and scholarships Tuition fee queries Other general enquiries and signposting to other departments

Key services in the Hub that you may need when supporting students could include: International Office – in particular the International Student Welfare Adviser – Sue Baker. Sue offers help and advice to international students experiencing difficulties. Sue is a good first point of contact as she can often act to signpost international students to relevant internal and external services if she cannot help herself. Sue can be contacted on (01274) or via

Money Matters The Money Doctors are here to help students with: Budgeting Benefits Money advice The Money Doctors can also help student’s access additional financial support through The Access to Learning Fund The Financial Relief Fund The Elizabeth Howard Fund The University of Bradford Staff Hardship Support Fund The Braduate Hardship Donation Grant Francis Raymond Hudson Travel Scholarship Elijah Hepworth Travel Scholarship John Robertshaw Travel Scholarship Fred Ellison Travel Scholarship Ede and Ravenscroft Travel Scholarship We also are the point of contact for queries on bursaries and scholarships. Please contact the Money Doctors on

If a student is having Difficulty Paying Tuition Fees... It is really important that students inform Moira Jackson as soon as possible if they are experiencing difficulty in meeting the arrangements to pay their tuition fees or believe that a payment they have made recently is likely to fail. Moira can be contacted on (01274) or via

Accommodation Accommodation – Students can get advice on available accommodation and help if they are having any issues with their current accommodation. The Accommodation Team are based in the Orchard building situated in the Green (Student Accommodation). Students can call in to the reception to speak to someone or make an appointment. Alternatively the Accommodation Office can be contacted on (01274) Additional information can be found on the website:

Faith Advisors It may be appropriate to direct students to a Faith Advisor for support. The Faith Advisors can offer support and also direct students to local groups and faiths including worship facilities. A representative team of chaplains and advisers is in place within the university. They can advise about worship and spiritual matters on and off campus. Whether a student has a faith or not these are people they can approach to discuss difficulties and share success and joy with. They are skilled in listening and offering advice, both practical and spiritual. Contact the individual faith advisors by accessing the web site: visiting the Hub or SU Reception

Learner Development Unit The LDU can support students with: Academic Skills. Maths Skills. Interpersonal Skills Students can access 1:1 support, resources and attend workshops and clinics. To book an appointment or find out more information students can: Visit the LDU Reception, Room B0.23, Chesham Building between 10-4pm Monday to Thursday and 10:00-2pm on Fridays Call (01274) Or

Careers Development Service This service provides high quality, careers-related information, primarily to University of Bradford students, graduates and recruiters, but also to others who will find the information useful. Students can access one-to-one appointments with an advisor, receive feedback on their CV and get tips on interviews. advice can also be given by ing: or students can call (01274) The service also provides support for students who would like to find part-time or vacation work by advertising work both on and off campus and providing help with applications and interviews. The service also maintains a Jobs Online database which is updated daily with a wide range of jobs for graduates, placements, work experience opportunities and part time work. You can also receive alerts of suitable jobs. The Career Development Service is based in the Learning Mall, Student Central - Level 0.

The Disability Service The Disability Service offers support to students who perceive themselves to be disabled by an impairment, including students with specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia), mental health issues and long-term illnesses. Advisors can help students assess their needs and work with the School to ensure reasonable adjustments can be made. Students can register with the Disability Service by calling into the reception - Level 0, Learning Mall, Student Central (same place as Careers). For further information the Disability Service can be contacted on (01274) or via

Counselling Service The Counselling Service exists for all enrolled students and staff of the University of Bradford and Bradford College, and provides an opportunity to talk confidentially and in private about any matter which may be causing concern. Students may want to access counselling to discuss relationships, family problems, stress management, bereavement and loss and many more. Appointments can be made through the on-line booking service (accessible through the website: ) or by contacting the service by phone: (01274) , , by Drop-In sessions are also available during term-time. Drop-In allows students to be seen by a Counsellor for up to 30 minutes without having to make an appointment. The Drop-In at the University takes place Mon-Friday 13:00-14:00, Level 0.1, Union Mall, Student Central. The website also has lots of information and Self-Help material.

Dedicated Police Officer PC Sue Whitmore is our Campus Engagement Officer – Students and staff can approach Sue about any issue to do with safety, security or crime. Sue can be contacted on or via Sue also is available on campus for drop-in sessions every Wednesday, 1-3pm at Student Central. Sue is happy to arrange appointments at other times to suit the student.

In an emergency... In an emergency Security should be called – they can offer assistance and liaise with the emergency services if necessary. Security are also a good source of support out of hours when other services may not be available. Security can be contacted on (01274) or Ext: 6999 and in an emergency, on (01274) or Ext: 8888.

Drop In sessions Many of the support services such as, Counselling, the Student Union Advice Centre, services in the Hub etc run drop in sessions for students to attend without an appointment. The best way to find out about these is to contact the services directly.

If in doubt... If you are unsure who to refer your student to or where to direct them then please feel free to contact me – that’s what I’m here for! My contact details are: Sara Blagbrough Student Safety & Welfare Co-ordinator Based in the Learner Development Unit, Chesham Building Tel: (01274) Ext: