Student Support

John Kirby

Graduate School

Faculty of Medical Sciences

Common problems

• None at all– Most common of all!

Common problems

• Being a human being– A roof over your head

• Accommodation office, colleagues etc

– Safety, security and food• If you are new to Newcastle ask for advice

from people who have been here a while– Despite appearance we were all new once!

Common problems

• Being a human being– Heath issues

Common problems

• Being a human being– Money worries

• For advice on grants, fees, council tax etc. first ask in the Graduate School office

Common problems

• Being a human being– Money worries

• For advice on grants, fees, council tax etc. first ask in the Graduate School office

• Student welfare service– Access to learning fund, loans etc

Common problems

• Being a human being– Money worries

• For advice on grants, fees, council tax etc. first ask in the Graduate School office

• Student welfare service– Loans, hardship funds etc

• Student advice service– Within the Union building

Common problems• Being a human being

– Medical worries• If you need to take time off tell the Graduate

School – we can ‘stop the clock’

– Disability issues• Comprehensive support provided through the

student welfare service

– Personal worries• Student’s counselling service

Common problems• Being a Research Student

– Your supervisor and/or project• Don’t suffer in silence

– Who can I talk to?• Your supervisor(s)• Your mentor or School postgraduate tutor• Your assessment team • Me or Barbara in the Graduate School• The Dean, Barry Hirst

– In whatever order you choose

Common problems

• What shall I do with my life?– During your course, you will be

introduced to a number of career options

– The careers service is excellent and can provide a one-to-one service• Graduate School contact is Rachael

Roberts

The bottom line

• Don’t keep a problem to yourself!– The University has dealt with thousands of

students – it is unlikely your problem is unique

– Don’t be afraid to talk to someone• You can talk to male and/or female staff• We can and do respect confidentiality

– If the Graduate School can’t help you directly, it will almost certainly be able to direct you to someone who can