Student Welfare
Student welfare – who’s responsible?
The responsibility for student welfare is shared between the colleges and departments. Whilst this means there are multiple people seeing students, it is relatively easy for small issues to fall between gaps until the issues become significantly larger.
While student issues may arise at any stage of their degree, we see a lot more of our Part II and III students as they specialise in Biochemistry. We must all be vigilant about student welfare so problems can be flagged up as early as possible.
is there a problem?
As a department, students have regular contact with various people, including course organisers, practical organisers, project supervisors etc., which means that a number of people have responsibility for student welfare. To ensure that any issues pertaining to individual students are flagged up as early as possible, we need to make sure that any concerns are raised centrally. It is often the case that individual concerns about a student, even if they seem to be minor, are part of a much bigger picture that suggest there are more significant problems that need addressing.
What should you do?
To ensure that we have as complete a picture about our students as possible, it is essential that the Director of Teaching /Assistant Director of Teaching are made aware of all issues regarding student welfare. If you are unsure as to whether information or observations need to be escalated in this way, it is best to pass on the information so it can be noted centrally. This approach will ensure that all relevant information about individual students is pieced together so appropriate actions can be taken where necessary. This will also allow a consistent and coordinated response to colleges etc. when required.
Red Flags
Examples
Unexplained absences from peer group meetings
Not engaging with the peer group meeting
Having unexplained absences from the lab
Not completing assignments
Struggling with aspects of peer group meetings
Consistently not responding to emails
Not engaging with project supervisor
Changes in mood or engagement
Any issues or concerns?
Please do let us know as soon as possible so the concern can be noted and the student supported appropriately. If you’re not sure whether to get in touch to raise an issue, always err on the side of caution when considering student welfare.
