Specialist one to one study skills support

If you have been recommended a study skills tutor, this page sets out what you can expect from your specialist one-to-one support sessions and what their expectations are of you. 

What study skills tutors do

Study skills tutors can support a student in developing independent learning, including helping with understanding assignment briefs, developing effective research techniques, structuring academic writing, and preparing for exams. They can help students with:

• Spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Developing academic writing.
• Structuring and presenting ideas.
• Research strategies.
• Organisation, motivation and time management.
• Revision tips and memory skills.
• Identifying appropriate assistive technologies.

A study skills tutor cannot offer subject-specific tuition, assign additional work or proofread work and can only support a student during agreed sessions. 

If you experience any issues with your study skills support, you should initially contact the provider of your support (listed on your DSA2 funding confirmation letter from Student Finance). If they do not resolve your issue, you should then contact your local student finance body e.g. Student Finance England. 

 

The information below is applicable to students who are currently receiving one-to-one study skills support supplied by the University of Worcester.

What you can expect from us

• Our specialist academic support tutors are fully qualified and experienced in supporting students to develop strategies necessary for successful university study.
• You will be supported in a confidential environment.
• You can have rest breaks at any time during the session.
• During your first session, your tutor will explain their role and share details about what to expect from support sessions.
• Your tutor will create a work plan in collaboration with you highlighting areas of focus. This will be regularly reviewed. 

What do we expect from you?

• Actively engage with your support professional.
• Complete work/ activities before each session where appropriate.
• Treat staff with respect and avoid swearing or verbal abuse.
• Avoid using your mobile phone during the session unless asked to do so.

Attendance & cancellation procedure

• You can book and manage your study skills appointments using our booking system, contact disability@worc.ac.uk for access. If you require any support making a booking, contact our office team at disability@worc.ac.uk or 01905 855531 and they will be happy to help you.
• Appointments can be booked up to 12 weeks in advance so you can plan your support.
• You can choose to have your support session in person in your tutor’s room on St John’s campus or remotely using Microsoft Teams.
• You are expected to attend all scheduled sessions at the times agreed.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, you are expected to do this using our booking system with as much notice as possible. If you are unable to do this, please contact disability@worc.ac.uk or call 01905 855531 and they will advise your tutor that you cannot attend on your behalf.

Please note that if you are cancelling with less than 24 hours notice, you will need to contact your specialist academic support tutor directly. 

If you are unable to provide at least 24 hours’ notice you will be required to confirm the missed session details on a timesheet.

What happens if I miss sessions?

If you miss more than two sessions during a semester, funding will not be available for any further absences in that semester. Should you miss another session, your support may be suspended.

Your support sessions will be monitored, and support may be withdrawn if you do not adhere to the terms of the student support agreement.

How do I confirm that sessions have taken place?

Your support sessions will be recorded on a timesheet which you will be asked to approve via email by your specialist academic support tutor.

You are expected to respond within 3 working days wherever possible. Your support may be withdrawn if you repeatedly fail to confirm support sessions.

What is my circumstances change?

If your circumstances change and this affects your eligibility for support e.g., if you temporarily withdraw from study or move to part time you are required to inform your support professional and discuss your change in circumstances with your funding body e.g., Student Finance England.

How many sessions should I book?

Initially, we recommend you book your first session, which is when your tutor will discuss how they can help and what you are hoping to achieve, followed by no more than 2 study skills session per week. When you have experienced your first two sessions, and had the opportunity to discuss your ongoing support needs, your tutor may recommend the number of sessions per week that they think will work best for you. 

What do I do if I am unhappy about my support sessions or want to provide feedback?

In the first instance we suggest you discuss this with your study skills tutor, alternatively, please contact disability@worc.ac.uk . You can find more information about the university’s complaints procedure at https://www2.worc.ac.uk/firstpoint/complaints