6: Pastoral care and welfare

We are here to help you get the best support. If there is something troubling you, or hindering you from focusing on your studies, please get in touch with us.

We understand that during your studies, you may encounter personal challenges or mitigating circumstancesLink opens in a new window that affect your academic progress. This support is provided by our Senior Tutor and Student Support and Progression Officers, who are available to help with a range of issues including domestic, health, or personal matters.

Pastoral Support Drop-in Sessions

Regular drop-in sessions are held during term time, where you can speak directly with a member of the pastoral team. Whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or help navigating university processes, the team is here to support you.

The Postgraduate Pastoral Support Team will be running support drop-in sessions during term time.

If you are on campus and require out-of-hours emergency help, please contact:

Community SafetyLink opens in a new window on 024 7652 2222 or read the Emergency contact informationLink opens in a new window.

Senior Tutor

The Senior Tutor for postgraduate taught students is Han ZhangLink opens in a new window. If you have a problem or concern that is perhaps more serious, it is a good idea to see the Senior Tutor, who will be able to offer help and advice or point you in the direction of other people and services within the University.

We offer wellbeing drop-in sessions in the Department during term term. This is an opportunity for you to discuss any issues you may have in a private and safe space. You do not have to make an appointment to join the meeting. Once you join the meeting, wait in the virtual Lobby until you are admitted to the meeting. During the meeting, please do not use the typed Chat function as whatever you type will be visible to others.

Further Support

You can also contact:

Wellbeing Support Services

The self help resources cover a wide range of wellbeing issues.

• Wellbeing Masterclasses are online and accessible 24/7. Check the Feeling Good and Functioning Well Masterclass which will run live 4 times per week. If you are interested in embedding sound evidence-based wellbeing strategies to proactively manage their wellbeing whilst at Warwick, we encourage you to join these classes. It’s an informal and non-intrusive session, where students don’t need to contribute if they don’t want to.
• Brief Consultation sessions - are available online by Teams (and face to face where necessary) (Mon-Fri 10am – 3pm) to help you access same day support and work out the next step.
• Longer Wellbeing Appointment sessions (access via brief consultations) are available to give students practical strategies to help you manage any wellbeing issues pro-actively, as well as giving practical advice on a huge number of issues which can impact wellbeing, such as accommodation, personal family issues, health, crime, sexual violence etc.
• The Disability Team gives support with disabilities such as dyslexia, mental health and autism spectrum (including reasonable adjustments, specialist mentoring/ student skills, screening for Specific Learning Difficulties, and general advice and support on disability). You can contact the Disability Team via the Wellbeing portal
• The Counselling and Psychology Interventions Team(CAPIT) offers video, email and face to face therapy, as well as groups.
• Induction resources - short 10 minute induction videos are available with bespoke wellbeing advice for UG, PGT, and PGR).
• The Student Funding team supports students with information, advice and guidance on statutory UK government support, hardship funding, Warwick Bursary and budgeting advice
• Remember Togetherall offers 24/7 mental health support.

The wellbeing support services provide weekly activities and workshops to support students and there wellbeing. Updates would be posted on their Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window page on a weekly basis.

Departmental Support

If you are unsure about something it is always best to talk to someone about it. There are a host of different people available to have such a conversation with, depending on your situation and who you feel comfortable talking to.

Academic Personal Tutor system

You will be allocated an Academic Personal Tutor, who is a member of the academic staff to whom you can turn for confidential advice regarding academic matters. You can find out who has been assigned as your Academic Personal Tutor on Tabula.

If you need to speak to your tutor, you should use their Advice and Feedback hours which will be listed on their webpage. Please note that academic staff's availability may be less during vacation periods and office hours only apply in term time.

Your Academic Personal Tutor is there to help you when things are not going as well as you would like and you have concerns about your academic work. You might like to arrange an appointment with your personal tutor to discuss some of the following:

• How your modules are progressing - which subjects you enjoy and which you find more challenging, and prioritising your workload
• Changing modules
• Gaining feedback on your academic progress and areas that can be improved
• Gaining feedback on your academic development, such as skills that you should develop
• Your non-academic achievements to help your tutor write your reference
• Concerns about application forms for internships/jobs
• Asking about references and how to request them
• Gaining advice on further study,

It is important that you know your Academic Personal Tutor and that they know you, as this will enable them to provide you with much more effective feedback on your academic development. By discussing your academic development, as well as your future career plans, your Academic Personal Tutor will be in a much better position to write you a reference and you will be in a stronger position having benefited from their expert feedback and advice. Your Academic Personal Tutor will respect any confidences (subject to University guidelines on confidentiality).

Please note that your Academic Personal Tutor is there to support you with academic concerns. If you need support with personal circumstances, our Pastoral Team economics.pastoral@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window or your Senior Tutor, Han Zhang, han.zhang.5@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window are there to support you.

Postgraduate Senior Tutor

If you have a concern or problem that is perhaps more serious, it is a good idea to go straight to the Postgraduate Senior Tutor for MSc Students.

They will be able to offer help and advice or point you in the direction of other people and services within the University. They will respect any confidences (subject to University guidelines on confidentiality). Things you may need to discuss include:

• Illness that is affecting or might affect your coursework, tests or exams

• Family or personal circumstances that are affecting or might affect your coursework, tests or exams

• Problems with managing your workload, which is starting to cause you anxiety.

Details of the Postgraduate Senior Tutor's wellbeing drop-in sessions in can be found hereLink opens in a new window.

Director of Graduate Studies (Taught Degrees)

Dr Alex Karalis Isaac has Advice and Feedback hours throughout the term and can help with academic concerns relating to your course.

Postgraduate Office

The Postgraduate Office is a key resource within the Department and if you have questions about your timetable, assessment, exams, or queries about Departmental procedures, you should contact our team at economics.pgoffice@warwick.ac.uk in the first instance.

Student Support and Progression Officer

Your wellbeing is important to us and we are always here to help you. If there is something troubling you, or hindering you from focusing on your studies please do make contact with our Student Support and Progression Officer. They will be able to discuss your concerns and signpost you to the appropriate person or service when needed. It is important to understand what the mitigating circumstances process is and make the department aware of any extenuating circumstances that could be affecting your degree course.

Our Student Support and Progression Officer is here to offer pastoral support to students. They are available to discuss concerns about your ability to engage efficiently with your degree course and they will provide you advice on how to apply for mitigating circumstances or extensions. If you need to speak to them, you can email them at economics.pastoral@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowto arrange a meeting.

The University has a very detailed webpage describing how Warwick operates its welfare system. It is important to make yourself familiar with all the services available to you: Wellbeing Support Services

University Support

There is a comprehensive network of support and welfare services available to you to support you in times of difficulty. There is often more than one service which may be able to help, and services work together to ensure that any problems are dealt with swiftly and effectively.

Wellbeing Support

The Wellbeing Support Team offer advice and support on a wide range of issues and work with students to develop the personal resources and skills needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of student life.

Wellbeing Support Services offer brief consultations daily from 10am to 3pm Monday - Friday.

Wellbeing Support ServicesLink opens in a new window is located on the ground floor of Senate House. To access services, submit an enquiry through the Wellbeing Portal.

Counselling and Psychology Interventions Team

The Counselling and Psychology InterventionsLink opens in a new window Team makes up part of the network of support for all students at any level of study. The team offers students opportunities to access professional support to help them better develop and fulfil their personal, academic and professional potential. There are a wide variety of services, including individual counselling, group sessions, workshops and email counselling.

The Counselling and Psychology Interventions Team is located on the ground floor in Senate House. To access these services, submit an enquiry through the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window.

Disability Services

The University offers a wide range of support services to students with disabilities and encourages a positive climate of disclosure. Students with disabilities can seek advice and support through the Disability ServicesLink opens in a new window team in Wellbeing Support Services.

Disability Services can help make reasonable adjustments to facilitate study, provide advice and specialist services to students. If you experience any access issues in the department due to a disability, please contact the Postgraduate Office in the first instance (Room S1.132 or economics.pgoffice@warwic.ac.ukLink opens in a new window).

University Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office plays an important role in the student learning experience at Warwick comprising of academic and professional services staff and students working in close partnership, with strategic leadership of academic support, through the personal tutoring system and the University’s Inclusive Education approach.

The Dean of Students' OfficeLink opens in a new window website explains in more detail when it would be appropriate to contact the office.

The Students Union and Advice Centre

Warwick Students’ UnionLink opens in a new window (SU) is a democratically run, student-led charity and a separate organisation from the University of Warwick. Upon enrolling at Warwick, every student automatically becomes a member of the SU and has access to the range of services they provide, including democracy, academic representation, student activities, welfare and entertainment. There are many different ways for students to get involved at the SU, which can support and enhance their experience whilst at Warwick.

The Students’ Union Advice CentreLink opens in a new window (WSUAC) provides free, independent, non-judgmental, impartial and confidential advice to Warwick students. The team of experienced advisors will provide friendly, professional and practical advice and support or/and signposting on a range of enquiries which include:

• Academic advice: Appeals, complaints, change of course and problems, temporary or permanent withdrawal, any University Committee proceedings continuation of registration, misconduct or plagiarism, fitness to practice.
• Housing advice: Campus accommodation, university and private housing, landlord and tenant disputes, tenants’ rights, repairs and deposits.
• Disciplinary advice: If you are involved in any incident that is investigated under the Disciplinary Regulations, WSUAC can support you through the process and accompany you at meetings and hearings.
• Money advice: Fees, debt advice, budgeting SFE problems, hardship, money owed to the university.

This is not an exhaustive list of what WSUAC does, so if you are unsure where to get help or advice then please contact themLink opens in a new window and they will help you or signpost you to someone who can help.

The Residential Community Team

All students who have accommodation on campus have access to the Residential Community Team support network. The Residential Community Team works and lives alongside students within the Halls of Residence.

Resident Tutors are there to help with a wide range of matters including personal or family problems, feeling lonely or homesick, problems with accommodation, and when students are not sure where to get help or who to talk to. Resident Tutors in students’ accommodation are their primary point of contact. If unavailable, students are advised to contact the Residential Community TeamLink opens in a new window.

Living Off-Campus

Student Information Centre

The Student Information CentreLink opens in a new window is the one-stop hub for a range of administrative and support services and is open 7 days a week to help students access whatever they might need, day or night. If students are unsure who they can talk to, they can always contact Student Information Centre for initial information.

The Health Centre

Students resident on campus and in some local areas should register with the University Health CentreLink opens in a new window. You must be registered in order to use the Health Centre, although the Centre may be able to assist non-registered people in emergencies.

The Health Centre provides primary health-care GP services to registered patients; two medical practices with both male and female doctors; nurse practitioners and Practice Nurses; sexual health clinics; travel clinics and immunisation facilities; and physiotherapy sessions. You should visit the Health Centre if you require a consultation with a doctor or nurse, an emergency appointment, emergency contraception, vaccinations or advice on vaccinations, and sickness certification.

If you are living off-campus and are not able to register with the health centre, you can locate your nearest GP by visiting: www.nhs.ukLink opens in a new window.

The University Health Centre is located on Health Centre Road and can be contacted by telephone on 0247 526 3418.

The Chaplaincy

The Chaplains and Faith Advisors delight in the diversity and vibrancy of relationships between people with differing worldviews. The Chaplaincy would love you to be part of the community here and to feel at home.

If you need space to reflect in the midst of a busy academic life, you can find it at the Chaplaincy. It's a place of safety, care and encounter. The Chaplaincy is there for absolutely anyone who would appreciate a quieter space and the support of the Chaplains.

You're welcome to drop in and make yourself a hot drink; take a seat in the lounge or study spaces; take a moment by yourself or with friends. Life can be challenging, so if an ear to listen would be helpful, the Chaplains are there for you, whatever your own beliefs and faith.

If you have a particular faith or religion, the Chaplaincy are able to help you meet with people who share your beliefs and can help make University a time of growth for you.

For the latest details and to contact a Chaplain, please refer to the website.

Student Experience

Student ExperienceLink opens in a new window focuses on students' wider experience of the University, beyond their teaching and learning.

The Student Community Experience Team curates the year-round Warwick PresentsLink opens in a new window programme of vibrant, visible, campus-based events and activities, including Welcome WeekLink opens in a new window and the Global Connections CommunityLink opens in a new window.

The Student Visa Advice ServiceLink opens in a new window provide international students with vital visa advice and support, and ensure Warwick is compliant with UK immigration rules and sponsor duties. The team supports all EU and international students during their studies at Warwick and assists with immigration advice and practical support. Advice on immigration should only be obtained via appropriately qualified staff from the team, or the Students’ Union Advice CentreLink opens in a new window. It is important to note that changes to a student’s enrolment status, for instance, temporary withdrawal, can have implications for their ability to hold a visa to remain in the UK and students will wish to seek advice accordingly.

The International Student SupportLink opens in a new window team have compiled a wide-ranging guide, including tips and resources to introduce you to living in the UK, help you prepare for your studies, and offer ongoing support during your entire time at Warwick.

Community Safety

The Community SafetyLink opens in a new window team works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to support the University community by ensuring there is a safe, secure and friendly environment for students, staff and visitors.

You can phone the Community Safety team on 024 765 22083. In an emergency on campus, phone 024 765 22222 and in an emergency off-campus phone 999, which will take you through to external emergency services.

Students should always call Community Safety for emergency response requirements, i.e. first aid/ambulance/fire, safety and security issues on and off campus, mental health aid, pastoral care, facility support, outdoor event applications and entertainment support including external speaker events. The Community Safety contact phone numbers can be found on the back of student and staff ID cards.

You are strongly advised to download the new 'SafeZoneLink opens in a new window' App to your phone which connects you directly to campus safety and support teams in real time if needed while on campus.

Student Funding Support

The Student Funding SupportLink opens in a new window team offers information, advice and guidance on all aspects of financial support. This includes government grants and loans, and undergraduate scholarships and bursaries provided directly by the University to students. The team administers University hardship funds to students and can provide budgeting advice.

Students should contact Student Funding Support if they want further information about what financial support they may be entitled to, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries, or are having difficulty meeting essential course-related or living expenses.

The Student Funding Support team is located on the ground floor of Senate House (open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4pm) and can be contacted by telephone on 024 761 50096 or email: studentfunding@warwick.ac.uk. Drop-in sessions are also available Mon-Fri 10.00am- 3pm.

University Children’s Services

Children of Warwick staff and students are eligible to attend the University NurseryLink opens in a new window. Parents interested in placing their child in the nursery should contact the nursery with regards to availability and complete an application formLink opens in a new window as early as possible.

The University also provides a Nursing Room facility to mothers returning from maternity leave, who may wish to express milk or breastfeed privately. This facility is open to staff, students and visitors to the University and is located in room S1.49, Faculty Hub, first floor, Social Sciences Building.

In recent years, a Holiday CampLink opens in a new window has also been available to primary school age children. Booking opens approximately 6 weeks before the beginning of the individual schemes.

Together at Warwick

Together at Warwick is the banner for student-facing activity that celebrates culture, creativity, and connection.

Together at Warwick brings students together to celebrate culture, creativity, and community. It’s your space to connect, create, and be part of something bigger. Your one stop shop for events, activities and community on campus.

Find out more at Together at WarwickLink opens in a new window.

Student Visa and Advice Centre

The Student Visa Advice ServiceLink opens in a new window provide international students with vital visa advice and support, and ensure Warwick is compliant with UK immigration rules and sponsor duties. The team supports all EU and international students during their studies at Warwick and assists with immigration advice and practical support.