Good and meaningful pastoral and academic support is frequently pivotal to students wellbeing and success. There is an extensive support structure at Warwick for all students.

What is my tutor for?

The university expectations of Personal Tutors and clinical personal tutors are that they should “know whether each student is adjusting him/herself to university life, and whether any personal problems, or any difficulties or misapprehensions are preventing her/him from obtaining full benefit from the university”.

The Personal Tutor system at Warwick Medical School is a vital and central part of campus life. Tutors, working in conjunction with the wide range of services available to students, are expected to provide such support, advice and guidance to students as may be necessary or appropriate to enable them to gain the most from their studies at the University.

What is the difference between my personal tutor and my clinical personal tutor?

Personal tutors come from a diverse background and are generally based around WMS as that is where you will spend most of your time in year one. Clinical Personal Tutors are all NHS clinicians allocated to address the different needs which students have in the clinical environment, and will assume the support role as students enter Phase 2.

How often should we meet?

This is a professional supportive relationship within which both the student and the tutor are expected to establish and maintain regular contact discussing any issues which are important and anything that is impacting the student and/or their learning. This means making contact and preferably meeting together a minimum of three times across each academic year.

How should I contact my tutor?

This should be agreed between you and your tutor in your early meetings. Email is frequently used and using Warwick emails at all time is advised. Some tutors and groups are also happy to use mobile phones and Whatsapp groups are frequently used too. The important thing is that you both agree on the method of contact and the parameters. For instance tutors are expected to inform students if they expect to be away for any period of time and students are expected to pursue contact or seek help if attempts they make fail.

What if I have problems contacting my tutor?

At any time either the student or the tutor can contact the deputy senior tutor (DST) for the year should there be difficulties making contact or if advice is required. Details of the senior tutor team can be found here 

What are our meetings for?

Meetings are to help you both keep track of your progress and wellbeing. They should be holistic, unrushed and supportive. Location is far less important than content however a confidential and quiet space is often best. If you want to discuss something confidential please alert your tutor in advance as they can then ensure that they select, with you, the right environment. It may help you to see the guidance given to tutors as to the possible content of these meetings. Please see here: https://moodle.warwick.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/2228071/mod_book/chapter/181312/CPT%20meetings%20guidance.docx

What if I have mitigation?

If anything is impacting your learning across the year you should speak with your PT/CPT as soon as possible so that they can give prompt support and advice. They can also then help you with considering whether submitting mitigation for any summative exam is appropriate. Your PT/CPT will need to fill in a Supporting StatementLink opens in a new window. You will need to upload this with your mitigating circumstances submission to Tabula. See Submitting MitigationLink opens in a new window.

What if I don't get on with my tutor?

As a professional relationship we expect that both parties make substantial efforts to find a positive and effective way of working together. If however there are issues then advice should always be sought from the appropriate Deputy Senior Tutor (see this link).

Can I give feedback on my PT/CPT?

As part of your formative assessment you have frequent opportunity to provide feedback on your tutor to the senior tutor team. However please don't just wait until this opportunity if there is a problem but follow the advice above.