Support for students
Support for Students at Queen’s
The School works closely with both the Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union to provide a full set of support services during your time at Queen’s.
The University takes the view that all aspects of student life offer opportunities for learning and development. This is reflected in the range of services to both support you and help you develop your skills as you study.
Student Support in the School of Pharmacy
Those students entering first year of the BSc programme will find that moving to higher education is an exciting time and a new phase in your life. Whilst you may have been looking forward to it for some time, don’t be surprised if you find it overwhelming
at times – it’s normal to feel this way. For those of you who have recently left compulsory education,
studying for a degree is very different. You have much more freedom to decide what you want to learn, and you will be asked to consider and debate about the content of your course. You will be expected to be more self-directed in how you approach your studies. Unlike school, your lecturers and tutors will guide you but will not direct you as much as your teachers may have done in the past.
This will be quite a change for you, which is why we offer you the services of academic advisers and personal tutors, so you can discuss this transition
and receive guidance on how best to approach any difficulties you may be having.
The support mechanisms in the School are organised into a tiered structure. The Personal Tutor is the first layer within this structure and is generally regarded as the initial point of contact. Each student will have a tutor assigned to them upon enrolment at Level 1 and they will maintain this relationship throughout their three years of study on the BSc pathway. The Adviser of Studies’ role, although sharing many similarities, is seen more as the next level of support and is usually required when the characteristics of the problem are more serious. Each student has an assigned Adviser that again remains with them throughout the duration of their studies. The final layers of support are more formalised structures and are invoked upon certain circumstances. Students will be briefed fully by their Advisers when circumstances dictate the need for such interventions.
Information about making a successful transition to higher education can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/welcome
The Personal Tutor
When students are enrolled on the BSc pathway at Level 1, they will have a tutor assigned to them. For many students, an informal discussion with their tutor is sufficient to address the majority of problems.
The role of the personal tutor is to provide general academic and personal support, encouragement and limited advice on pastoral issues. Personal tutors are full-time members of staff within the School and are the initial point of contact on any matters of concern.
Arrangements will be made for all Level 1 students to meet their tutors during Welcome week, where possible. All students are expected to maintain regular contact with their tutors throughout all three years of the BSc programme and students should meet with their tutors at least once each semester. Tutors will use these meetings as a means to monitor the academic progress of their tutees. You should appreciate that tutors will be proactive if it comes
to their attention that one of their tutees is having problems.
Students are, of course, under no obligation to attend these meetings, but you are strongly advised to build up some form of rapport with your tutor. Even if you are having no discernible problems, you should still speak to your tutor on a regular basis.
If you are unsure who your Tutor is, then speak to staff in the School Office and they will advise you accordingly. You can also find this information on your QSIS account.
Advisor of Studies
The Adviser of Studies is generally the next point of contact when problems of a more serious nature
arise. These problems are usually ones that cannot be managed at the tutor level in a satisfactory way. The nature of these may be varied and wide-ranging, but may include ones associated with serious personal, academic or health related problems. Advisers are fully aware of when problems are beyond their remit and will make arrangements for students to consult with external bodies who have specialised training and facilities.
It is very important that you let your advisor know if you are experiencing any difficulties (illness, absence for other reason, personal problems, etc.) that might affect your performance and hence your marks in any compulsory component of the course (e.g. practical classes, workshops, tutorials) or written examination.
The Adviser of Studies for the BSc programmes is:
Professor Karl Malcolm k.malcolm@qub.ac.uk
In addition to being responsible for student enrolment, Advisers are also there to provide guidance and more general advice, including:
Advisers of Studies will also write to students in difficulty after examinations and invite them to arrange a meeting to discuss problems.
University SupportThe University takes the view that all aspects of student life offer opportunities for learning and development. This is reflected in the range of services we offer to both support you and to help you develop your skills as you study.
Specialist support services are offered both through the University’s Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union. The Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union work closely together to provide comprehensive services. The Students’ Union is located on University Road, opposite the Lanyon Building. The Student Guidance Centre is also on University Road, above the Ulster Bank, Post Office and the University Bookshop.
The Student Guidance Centre (SGC)
The SGC brings together a number of support services that help guide and assist you throughout your time at Queen’s. From managing your student record, developing your academic and employability skills and offering advice and assistance for times when you may feel under pressure, all services work together to ensure you have an enjoyable student experience.
The Student Guidance Centre is located on University Road above the Ulster Bank and Post Office:
The Student Guidance Centre University Terrace
Tel: 028 9097 2727
Email: sgc@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/
Services located in the SGC include:
The Centre holds information and resources for a range of services both on- and off-campus.
Not sure who to ask? Information Assistants on the first floor will help you with all your queries about the University, from getting a new student card, to where to submit a form, or taking advantage of specialist advice from one of the services. The Centre also offers a comfy seating area, internet access, coffee, newspapers to read and laptops that you can borrow for use within the Centre.
Students’ Union Advice Centre
University life can throw up all sorts of interesting situations and challenges. Sometimes you may not know exactly what to do about one of these
challenging situations and may want some advice. That’s what the Students’ Union Advice Centre is there for. The Students’ Union Advice Centre currently employs Advisers dedicated to providing all students with free, confidential, independent and accurate advice.
If you call without an appointment and the Advisor you need to see is free then you will be seen immediately. However, students who have made an appointment will take priority so you may need to wait a while.
Connie Craig – Advice Centre Manager and Financial Adviser
Connie advises on grants, loans, fees, Support/ Hardship Funds, the financial aspects of repeating years and course changes, Social Security Benefits and other general financial issues. connie.craig@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9097 1049
Agnes Crawford – Education and Welfare Adviser
Agnes advises on academic related issues and interpretation of QUB regulations. This includes advice and/or representation on exceptional circumstances, academic appeals, academic offences, disciplinary advice, fitness to practice, hearings, complaints, supervision concerns and bullying & harassment, including social media concerns.
agnes.crawford@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 029 9097 1135
Debbie Forsey – Money Management Adviser
Debbie advises on debt, this includes overdrafts, credit cards, loan agreements, arrears of payments, negotiating with creditors and any other debt issues. Guidance on budgeting andmoney management is available and students do not need to be in a ‘crisis situation’ in order to seek advice.
d.forsey@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9097 1166
The School works closely with both the Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union to provide a full set of support services during your time at Queen’s.
The University takes the view that all aspects of student life offer opportunities for learning and development. This is reflected in the range of services to both support you and help you develop your skills as you study.
Student Support in the School of Pharmacy
Those students entering first year of the BSc programme will find that moving to higher education is an exciting time and a new phase in your life. Whilst you may have been looking forward to it for some time, don’t be surprised if you find it overwhelming
at times – it’s normal to feel this way. For those of you who have recently left compulsory education,
studying for a degree is very different. You have much more freedom to decide what you want to learn, and you will be asked to consider and debate about the content of your course. You will be expected to be more self-directed in how you approach your studies. Unlike school, your lecturers and tutors will guide you but will not direct you as much as your teachers may have done in the past.
This will be quite a change for you, which is why we offer you the services of academic advisers and personal tutors, so you can discuss this transition
and receive guidance on how best to approach any difficulties you may be having.
The support mechanisms in the School are organised into a tiered structure. The Personal Tutor is the first layer within this structure and is generally regarded as the initial point of contact. Each student will have a tutor assigned to them upon enrolment at Level 1 and they will maintain this relationship throughout their three years of study on the BSc pathway. The Adviser of Studies’ role, although sharing many similarities, is seen more as the next level of support and is usually required when the characteristics of the problem are more serious. Each student has an assigned Adviser that again remains with them throughout the duration of their studies. The final layers of support are more formalised structures and are invoked upon certain circumstances. Students will be briefed fully by their Advisers when circumstances dictate the need for such interventions.
Information about making a successful transition to higher education can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/welcome
The Personal Tutor
When students are enrolled on the BSc pathway at Level 1, they will have a tutor assigned to them. For many students, an informal discussion with their tutor is sufficient to address the majority of problems.
The role of the personal tutor is to provide general academic and personal support, encouragement and limited advice on pastoral issues. Personal tutors are full-time members of staff within the School and are the initial point of contact on any matters of concern.
Arrangements will be made for all Level 1 students to meet their tutors during Welcome week, where possible. All students are expected to maintain regular contact with their tutors throughout all three years of the BSc programme and students should meet with their tutors at least once each semester. Tutors will use these meetings as a means to monitor the academic progress of their tutees. You should appreciate that tutors will be proactive if it comes
to their attention that one of their tutees is having problems.
Students are, of course, under no obligation to attend these meetings, but you are strongly advised to build up some form of rapport with your tutor. Even if you are having no discernible problems, you should still speak to your tutor on a regular basis.
If you are unsure who your Tutor is, then speak to staff in the School Office and they will advise you accordingly. You can also find this information on your QSIS account.
Advisor of Studies
The Adviser of Studies is generally the next point of contact when problems of a more serious nature
arise. These problems are usually ones that cannot be managed at the tutor level in a satisfactory way. The nature of these may be varied and wide-ranging, but may include ones associated with serious personal, academic or health related problems. Advisers are fully aware of when problems are beyond their remit and will make arrangements for students to consult with external bodies who have specialised training and facilities.
It is very important that you let your advisor know if you are experiencing any difficulties (illness, absence for other reason, personal problems, etc.) that might affect your performance and hence your marks in any compulsory component of the course (e.g. practical classes, workshops, tutorials) or written examination.
The Adviser of Studies for the BSc programmes is:
Professor Karl Malcolm k.malcolm@qub.ac.uk
In addition to being responsible for student enrolment, Advisers are also there to provide guidance and more general advice, including:
- aims of the course
- structure of degree pathway
- progression standards necessary
Advisers of Studies will also write to students in difficulty after examinations and invite them to arrange a meeting to discuss problems.
University SupportThe University takes the view that all aspects of student life offer opportunities for learning and development. This is reflected in the range of services we offer to both support you and to help you develop your skills as you study.
Specialist support services are offered both through the University’s Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union. The Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union work closely together to provide comprehensive services. The Students’ Union is located on University Road, opposite the Lanyon Building. The Student Guidance Centre is also on University Road, above the Ulster Bank, Post Office and the University Bookshop.
The Student Guidance Centre (SGC)
The SGC brings together a number of support services that help guide and assist you throughout your time at Queen’s. From managing your student record, developing your academic and employability skills and offering advice and assistance for times when you may feel under pressure, all services work together to ensure you have an enjoyable student experience.
The Student Guidance Centre is located on University Road above the Ulster Bank and Post Office:
The Student Guidance Centre University Terrace
Tel: 028 9097 2727
Email: sgc@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/
Services located in the SGC include:
- Careers, Employability and Skills
- Centre for Educational Development
- Counselling Service (in partnership with Carecall Wellbeing, at 84 University Street)
- Disability Services
- Income and Student Finance
- Learning Development Service
- Science Shop
- Student Services and Systems (Student Records and Examinations, Qsis)
The Centre holds information and resources for a range of services both on- and off-campus.
Not sure who to ask? Information Assistants on the first floor will help you with all your queries about the University, from getting a new student card, to where to submit a form, or taking advantage of specialist advice from one of the services. The Centre also offers a comfy seating area, internet access, coffee, newspapers to read and laptops that you can borrow for use within the Centre.
Students’ Union Advice Centre
University life can throw up all sorts of interesting situations and challenges. Sometimes you may not know exactly what to do about one of these
challenging situations and may want some advice. That’s what the Students’ Union Advice Centre is there for. The Students’ Union Advice Centre currently employs Advisers dedicated to providing all students with free, confidential, independent and accurate advice.
If you call without an appointment and the Advisor you need to see is free then you will be seen immediately. However, students who have made an appointment will take priority so you may need to wait a while.
Connie Craig – Advice Centre Manager and Financial Adviser
Connie advises on grants, loans, fees, Support/ Hardship Funds, the financial aspects of repeating years and course changes, Social Security Benefits and other general financial issues. connie.craig@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9097 1049
Agnes Crawford – Education and Welfare Adviser
Agnes advises on academic related issues and interpretation of QUB regulations. This includes advice and/or representation on exceptional circumstances, academic appeals, academic offences, disciplinary advice, fitness to practice, hearings, complaints, supervision concerns and bullying & harassment, including social media concerns.
agnes.crawford@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 029 9097 1135
Debbie Forsey – Money Management Adviser
Debbie advises on debt, this includes overdrafts, credit cards, loan agreements, arrears of payments, negotiating with creditors and any other debt issues. Guidance on budgeting andmoney management is available and students do not need to be in a ‘crisis situation’ in order to seek advice.
d.forsey@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9097 1166
international students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)
The International Student Support Office
All the services listed in this guide are equally available to international students and staff are happy to support you during your time at Queen’s. In addition, the International Student Support Office (ISSO) has staff specifically trained to provide advice, support and guidance for international students.
The staff in this office are the only staff in the University who are permitted to provide advice or guidance on immigration/visa matters. We offer a wide range of services including confidential advice on immigration, problems affecting your studies or personal concerns. We provide information on matters relating to arriving in the UK, opening a bank account, police registration, healthcare and doctors, safety and security, working in the UK, driving in the UK, activities in the University, local activities and events, travel, British culture, local shops and services, facilities for families. More general support is provided to help with settling in the UK, life in Belfast, academic life and study methods, home sickness and culture shock and schools and childcare.
It is very important that International students meet the conditions of their visa while they live in the UK. This means that if you have a job you must not work more hours than you are permitted. If you want to work (paid or unpaid) you should make an appointment with the ISSO to discuss what you are allowed to do in the UK.
The UK has introduced new immigration rules called the Points Based System. This affects both you and the University. The University has a number of obligations to meet for UK Visas and Immigration which includes (but is not restricted to) keeping copies of your immigration documents, monitoring your arrival/ enrolment and your attendance. The International Student Handbook contains a list of the recording and reporting obligations which must be carried out by the University. If you have any questions about these, please contact the ISSO.
You can contact the ISSO at iss@qub.ac.uk
with any questions, enquiries or to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can drop in and we will be delighted to meet and help you.
When you attend an appointment at the ISSO you should always bring your passport with you.
International Student Support Office
International Student Support Team
Student Guidance Centre
Queen's University
University Road
Belfast
BT7 1NN
Email us at:iss@qub.ac.uk
Call us on: 028 9097 3820
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iss/
All the services listed in this guide are equally available to international students and staff are happy to support you during your time at Queen’s. In addition, the International Student Support Office (ISSO) has staff specifically trained to provide advice, support and guidance for international students.
The staff in this office are the only staff in the University who are permitted to provide advice or guidance on immigration/visa matters. We offer a wide range of services including confidential advice on immigration, problems affecting your studies or personal concerns. We provide information on matters relating to arriving in the UK, opening a bank account, police registration, healthcare and doctors, safety and security, working in the UK, driving in the UK, activities in the University, local activities and events, travel, British culture, local shops and services, facilities for families. More general support is provided to help with settling in the UK, life in Belfast, academic life and study methods, home sickness and culture shock and schools and childcare.
It is very important that International students meet the conditions of their visa while they live in the UK. This means that if you have a job you must not work more hours than you are permitted. If you want to work (paid or unpaid) you should make an appointment with the ISSO to discuss what you are allowed to do in the UK.
The UK has introduced new immigration rules called the Points Based System. This affects both you and the University. The University has a number of obligations to meet for UK Visas and Immigration which includes (but is not restricted to) keeping copies of your immigration documents, monitoring your arrival/ enrolment and your attendance. The International Student Handbook contains a list of the recording and reporting obligations which must be carried out by the University. If you have any questions about these, please contact the ISSO.
You can contact the ISSO at iss@qub.ac.uk
with any questions, enquiries or to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can drop in and we will be delighted to meet and help you.
When you attend an appointment at the ISSO you should always bring your passport with you.
International Student Support Office
International Student Support Team
Student Guidance Centre
Queen's University
University Road
Belfast
BT7 1NN
Email us at:iss@qub.ac.uk
Call us on: 028 9097 3820
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iss/
Don't drop out - drop in
We want you to do well during your time at Queen’s and all these services are here to help you. Staff and Sabbatical Officers have a long and successful history of supporting students in a range of situations, so do not hesitate to ask for help. You certainly will not be the first!
Every year we come across students who wish they had asked for help sooner - so take their advice and come and speak to one of the support services listed here. And if you are not sure which one to talk to come to the Student Guidance Centre and speak to one of our friendly Information Assistants who will be able to point you in the right direction.
Every year we come across students who wish they had asked for help sooner - so take their advice and come and speak to one of the support services listed here. And if you are not sure which one to talk to come to the Student Guidance Centre and speak to one of our friendly Information Assistants who will be able to point you in the right direction.
Harassment Advisory Service
Harassment is any behaviour on the part of an individual which may give offence, humiliate, threaten, intimidate or cause apprehension to another individual because of their sex, gender, religious belief, disability, political opinion, race, ethnic origin etc and which creates an intimidatory, hostile or offensive studying environment.
The University is committed to maintaining and developing a learning environment which encourages all students to contribute fully and on an equal basis to the life of the University. The studying environment should be supportive of the dignity and self esteem of individuals and free from harassment.
If you believe you are being harassed and want to talk to someone in confidence, please contact a member of the Student Welfare team: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wellbeing/KeyContacts/
The University is committed to maintaining and developing a learning environment which encourages all students to contribute fully and on an equal basis to the life of the University. The studying environment should be supportive of the dignity and self esteem of individuals and free from harassment.
If you believe you are being harassed and want to talk to someone in confidence, please contact a member of the Student Welfare team: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wellbeing/KeyContacts/
Students’ Union (SU)
Queen’s Students’ Union is here to provide support whether it’s academic, financial or welfare related. We are also here to make student life better by representing your views and advocating your interests to the University and to external bodies.
We provide opportunities to make new friends, to become involved in over 170 Clubs and Societies, to showcase your talents through various campus- wide competitions and to get involved in lots
of volunteering activities giving you endless opportunities to develop new skills and enjoy your time at Queen’s.
The Union also provides a cool space and a variety of services to help you relax away from your studies - a shop for every day essentials, stationary and special treats; a bank; a book shop; a letting agent; numerous food and coffee venues and a top-class venue for live sport and gigs. Comedy nights, discos, quizzes, you name it, there’s something for everyone - and ALL the profits are reinvested into your Union.
Queen’s Students’ Union
University Road
Belfast, BT7 1NF
Tel: 028 9097 3106
Email: studentsunion@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qubsu.org/
If you do have financial pressures that mean you have to work more hours than is advisable, please come and talk to us. Both the Student Income and Finance Department in the Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union can give you advice on funds that are available to help students in your position. The Learning Support Service can also offer advice on time management.
We provide opportunities to make new friends, to become involved in over 170 Clubs and Societies, to showcase your talents through various campus- wide competitions and to get involved in lots
of volunteering activities giving you endless opportunities to develop new skills and enjoy your time at Queen’s.
The Union also provides a cool space and a variety of services to help you relax away from your studies - a shop for every day essentials, stationary and special treats; a bank; a book shop; a letting agent; numerous food and coffee venues and a top-class venue for live sport and gigs. Comedy nights, discos, quizzes, you name it, there’s something for everyone - and ALL the profits are reinvested into your Union.
Queen’s Students’ Union
University Road
Belfast, BT7 1NF
Tel: 028 9097 3106
Email: studentsunion@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qubsu.org/
If you do have financial pressures that mean you have to work more hours than is advisable, please come and talk to us. Both the Student Income and Finance Department in the Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union can give you advice on funds that are available to help students in your position. The Learning Support Service can also offer advice on time management.
