Student's Page

SLAS is an independent service and a safe haven where issues and concerns can be shared and discussed in an atmosphere of openness, understanding, cooperation and total confidentiality.

The relationships between the learning advisor and the student are based on trust, respect and honesty and each student's growth and potential is cared and catered for. We aim to help you take the initiative, find solutions, and develop life-long and independent learning skills in an impartial and neutral environment.

We are here to assist you in understanding your role and responsibility as part of an academic community, and to develop and improve your learning skills.

Individual academic advice and guidance appointments:

We will ... We hope you will ...
  • We will be punctual
  • Please be punctual
  • Nearly every appointment takes place as planned, but occasionally unavoidable reasons for changing appointments arise-
  • If the advisor you are due to see is unable to see you we'll try and find another advisor
  • If we have to cancel an appointment we'll let you know as soon as possible
  • If you do need to cancel an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible!
  • We'll maintain confidentiality according to our confidentiality statement
  • Where appropriate, e.g. if any aspect of your appointment involves the experiences of other students, we expect you to maintain confidentiality
  • Where we have your agreement, we'll refer you to other people, services and sources of guidance within the University (e.g. the DDSS; Faculty Offices)
  • Where we can help, we'll advise you about University rules and procedures
  • Understand that though we can advise you about University rules and procedures we do not devise these ourselves, and are not responsible for them
  • You should be willing to follow up our initial advice and guidance about University rules and procedures by consulting with relevant University services and officers
  • We'll give you the opportunity to discuss your study issues, voice your anxieties and state how you would like us to help you
  • There is no 'fixed' agenda for any appointment; rather, it should be shaped by your needs
  • We'll try and give you tips and techniques that will help you in the short term
  • Importantly, we'll use our experience and knowledge to give you advice and guidance that will help you develop your learning over time
  • Think in advance about the issues you would like us to clarify
  • Where appropriate, bring in feedback on academic work for us to discuss
  • Be willing to engage with the appointment process, raising questions and discussing your learning development
  • Be prepared to take forward, and monitor, action to develop your learning following your appointment
  • Be prepared to work on our advice and guidance over time to develop your learning