Located within the main foyer in the Department of Chemistry, the Student Support Office provides administrative and pastoral support for chemistry students. The team consist of four staff members; Debbie Hitchell, Sam Hazzard, Sam Laughton and Rhianna Mottershaw who also operate as part of the wider Student Experience Team within the School of Physical Sciences. The office operates an open-door policy allowing students to easily call in with any issues, ask questions or just ‘pop in’ for a chat.
The office is heavily involved with several important processes in the department including attendance monitoring, student work hand-ins and collections, the SSLCs (Staff and Student Liaison Committees), student events and graduations.
The Chemistry Student Support Office operates as part of the wider Student Experience Team within the School of Physical Sciences and is one of three dedicated support offices across the school comprising of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
The Student Experience Team have several responsibilities including student facing support, curriculum development, examinations, student and teaching related committees, timetabling, local graduation events and attendance monitoring. The team work closely together, sharing good practices to allow them to give the highest level of support to all students across the school.
Academic Advisors
For students, time spent at university brings opportunity not only for disciplinary academic growth but also for effective and guided personal development. Academic Advisors aim to foster partnerships with students to promote their development as independent and scholarly learners. Academic Advisors are assigned to students during Welcome Week at the start of Year 1 and will provide support and advice over academic matters as you progress throughout the programme of study.
Senior Tutor
Dr Gemma Nixon is the departments Senior Tutor. The Senior Tutor overseas the Academic Advisor system and is someone for you to talk to if you encounter any personal problems, stress and anxiety and homesickness during your time at university. The Senior Tutor is also the point of contact for Extenuating circumstances that may affect your studies and/or exams.
Disability Support
Dr John Claridge, is the Department Disabilities Contact in the Department of Chemistry. The University Disability Advice and Guidance Team will work with students to generate an appropriate support plan. They identify and recommend support provisions for disabled students, as well as assisting those who think they may have a disability. Support plans are provided to the Department and John will make sure that suitable adjustments are in place and relevant module leaders and supervisors are noted.
The Senior Tutor and Department Disabilities Contact roles often overlap with them working together to ensure you’re fully supported during your studies.
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