Who is my Personal Tutor?

Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor at Warwick. Usually, this is a member of the academic staff in your department. Details of your Personal Tutor will appear on TabulaLink opens in a new window at the beginning of the academic year.

Occasionally a student is reassigned an alternative member of staff as their Personal Tutor. This may be due to staff illness, Study Leave, or job changes. In such circumstances you will receive an e-mail confirming that your Personal Tutor has changed.

You can ask to change your Personal Tutor, but this is an exceptional rather than routine occurrence. If you wish to discuss any difficulties you are having with your Personal Tutor, you should contact the Senior Tutor in the first instance.

What is their role?

Your Personal Tutor is the first point of contact to talk through matters when they arise - whether they are positive or more challenging; pastoral or academic.

You can draw on their experience and expertise as and when you need – Personal Tutors are designed to be an accessible and approachable departmental point of contact. They provide individualised academic and pastoral support to facilitate your learning development and university experience.

Personal Tutors can discuss a variety of things such as:

• general academic performance;
• feedback you have received;
• wellbeing concerns & where to go to receive the support you need;
• ideas you might have about study and/or employability skills you need to develop;
• questions you have about the rules and regulations of the department and university;
• queries about other sources of development and support across the University.

They are also the most obvious person to provide a reference for you for any future internships, graduate programmes, or job applications, so it is worthwhile investing time into developing a strong working relationship with your Personal Tutor.

It is important to remember that your Personal Tutor is not an expert in health and wellbeing issues - which are best discussed with your GP/healthcare provider. The University Support ServicesLink opens in a new window(Disability Services, Mental Health, Counselling and Wellbeing) are available on campus, if you need professional support with any issues. Your Personal Tutor’s role here is to signpost you to specialist services and to discuss with you how to manage the impact these issues may be having on your academic studies, including any adjustments that might be recommended. Once you have met with the specialist services, it is a good idea for you to update your Personal Tutor, so they are aware of the support you are receiving.

What is a Senior Tutor?

Senior Tutors are experienced Personal Tutors within each department, so any problems you might have with personal tutoring - or any more complex issues you may encounter - can be raised with them.

They are usually involved with the management of mitigating circumstances and reasonable adjustments. Along with the DSEPs, they are also involved in absence monitoring, as poor attendance is often an early indication of difficulties.

Who is my Senior Tutor?

What is a Faculty Senior Tutor?

Senior Tutors are also supported by Faculty Senior Tutors who work within the Dean of Students Office, who have overall responsibility for overseeing Personal Tutoring processes at Warwick. Further details of Warwick Student Support and Development Opportunities can also be found on MyWarwick.