Support to Study Procedure

The Support to Study Policy and Procedure is likely to be invoked when the following occurs:

• Student action(s) and/or behaviour(s) pose a risk (real or potential) to the health, safety, experience or wellbeing of that individual student and/or others (staff and students) AND;
• There are concerns that the reported action(s) and/or behaviour(s) may be linked to a student’s health and/or disability (diagnosed or undiagnosed) e.g. mental health difficulties, psychological or emotional distress, neurological conditions or physical conditions.

Any member of staff who has concerns for a student as described above is advised to review this Policy and Procedure. Staff can also contact Welfare@CampusLife for advice and guidance. Staff can access guidance, tools, and referral forms via the staff support to study advice page.

Please Note:

• This Policy and Procedure should not distract from acute situations where it is believed a student’s action(s) and/or behaviour(s) present an immediate risk to either themselves or other members of our University community. In such circumstances, please contact Emergency Services (via Security Services) immediately.
• This Policy and Procedure is not intended to give guidance on wider matters relating to students with a disability and/or mental health needs (e.g. reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances requests, assessment proformas etc.).
• This Policy and Procedure is separate from, and should not be confused with, academic discipline or other discipline. In the majority of cases, the appropriate policy and procedure should be followed in the first instance (with adjustments if requested/required) e.g. Disciplinary Procedures, the Dignity at Work and Study Policy, Academic Misconduct, etc.

i. Swansea University is committed to providing a positive and safe environment that is supportive of student’s and enables them to engage with their studies and achieve to the best of their ability.

ii. This Policy and Procedure relates to risk of harm (real or potential) to the health, safety, experience or wellbeing of that individual student and/or others (staff and students).

iii. In all instances this Policy and Procedure will refer to the below ‘Guiding Principles’ as a benchmark of actions and behaviours we expect from all Swansea University students.

iv. This Policy and Procedure is intended to inform and guide the University’s response to situations where there are concerns that a student’s continuation of studies may have a detrimental effect on the student and their health, or that a student’s actions and/or behaviour is compromising the ability of other people to study or is putting other people at risk of harm. Where the reported actions and/or behaviour may be linked to health issues, the University may decide that using other student procedures (such as the Disciplinary Procedures and Dignity at Work and Study) are not appropriate to the student’s circumstances or best interests. In these circumstances, the University may use this Policy and Procedure to help us work with the student to decide what to do.

v. This Policy and Procedure applies also to situations where a student is unaware that their actions/behaviour poses any risk of harm or that they have any health conditions.

vi. This Policy and Procedure is separate from, and should not be confused with, academic discipline (Academic Misconduct) or other discipline. In the majority of cases, the appropriate policy and procedure should be followed in the first instance (with adjustments if requested/required) e.g. Student Disciplinary Procedures, the Dignity at Work and Study Policy, Academic Misconduct Procedure, etc. However, in cases where the reported concerns relate to the student’s health issues, and all other usual support, referrals, reasonable adjustments, appropriate avenues and actions have been exhausted, Education Services and Student Services may decide that it is more appropriate to use the Support to Study Policy and Procedure in the first instance or in addition to the other procedure.

vii. This Policy and Procedure has two phases: ‘Informal Support Intervention’ and ‘Formal Support Intervention’, with guidance and procedures based on the degree of concern and/or the perceived seriousness of the situation.

viii. All Swansea University staff dealing with concerns in line with this Policy and Procedure can contact Welfare@CampusLife for guidance to consider the student’s immediate support needs and the appropriateness of referral to the Support to Study Policy and Procedure. Please see the staff support to study guidance page in the first instance and contact welfare.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk if further guidance is required. 

ix. The Support to Study Policy and Procedure should not distract from acute situations where it is believed a student’s actions and/or behaviours present an immediate risk to themselves or other members of our University community. In such circumstances, please contact Emergency Services (via Security Services) immediately.

x. Where it is determined by a Support to Study Panel (Formal Support Intervention) that a student presents a significant risk of harm to themselves and/or others (staff and students), the University may suspend a student from the University. If this happens the Procedure includes steps and conditions which provide the student with the opportunity to recover and continue with their studies through a supported return.

xi. Where it is determined by a Support to Study Panel (Formal Support Intervention) that all support options have been exhausted or are unlikely to safeguard against harm to the student or others or to satisfactorily reduce the risk of harm, the Support to Study Panel may exceptionally recommend to the Chair of the Student Cases Board (or their nominee) that the student is permanently withdrawn from the University.

i. Swansea University has a Duty of Care to respond appropriately where a student’s action(s) or behaviour(s) pose a risk (real or potential) to the health, safety, experience or wellbeing of that individual student and the impact that this may have upon the individual and/or others (staff and students). In these instances, the University has a duty both to the student and other members of the University community to respond.

ii. This Policy and Procedure is designed to encourage early intervention and active collaboration between staff and students in implementing reasonable adjustments and managing situations where there are concerns regarding a student’s action(s) and/or behaviour(s), which may be linked to a student’s health and/or disability (diagnosed or undiagnosed), posing a risk (real or potential) to the health, safety, experience or wellbeing of that individual student and/or others (staff and students).

i. The Support to Study Policy and Procedure will apply to every student of Swansea University, from the date they accept an offer for admission to one of the University’s programmes until their graduation/withdrawal from the University. This includes students studying on joint degree programmes who are currently studying at Swansea University, students on placements and those who have suspended studies

ii. These Procedures apply to students when they are at the University and, equally, when they are away from the University and its environments, including any settings into which students are placed as part of their training and during any periods of suspension.

iii. Students exempted from this Policy and Procedure are students studying on a programme of study leading to a professional qualification which is registered with a statutory regulatory body. These students will be subject to a separate Fitness to Practise Policy and Procedure.

iv. Concerns that fall out of the scope/thresholds of this Policy and Procedure will be referred to the appropriate policy and/or a tailormade intervention will be advised (in some cases actioned) by the relevant area of Student Services.

i. All students at Swansea University are required to act in a way that respects other students and staff who work and live here, visitors, and the wider community. Student’s actions or behaviours should not put either themselves or others at risk of harm.

ii. In line with our Student Charter the below Student Expectation requirements represent a benchmark of behaviours and attitudes we expect from all students in relation to their studies and engaging in University life. These are the standards we expect from our whole student community to help everyone get the most out of their time at Swansea University.

iii. All students at Swansea University are expected to meet all below Student Expectation requirements:

• An appropriate awareness of their own health and safety and that of others;
• An appropriate awareness of the risk of physical danger to themselves and others;
• Behave in such a way that does not disrupt a student’s own study and/or experience;
• Behave in such a way that does not disrupt the study and/or experience of other students;
• The ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, staff and other professionals (this would include alternative methods of communication, such as BSL or computer aided speech);
• The ability to undertake periods of study independently (using reasonable/appropriate support mechanisms if applied for and applicable);
• The ability to attend and engage effectively in lectures, tutorials and other learning activities, with reasonable/appropriate adjustments if applied for and applicable;
• The ability to submit coursework within required academic timescales with reasonable/appropriate adjustments if applied for and applicable;
• The ability to undertake exams/assessments and engage effectively with the assessment process, with reasonable/appropriate adjustments if applied for and applicable;
• The ability to self-refer to recommended support services and engage effectively with any support arrangements put in place;
• The ability to live independently (with reasonable/appropriate support from internal and/or external agencies if applied for and applicable).

iv. Decisions taken under this Policy and Procedure will be made based on the best information available at the relevant time. Decisions will be made in a fair and transparent way, considering the risks and probability of the impact on the student’s health and wellbeing and/or that of other people. Each case will assess the risk to the student themselves and/or others: have the student’s actions/behaviour adversely impacted on, or are they likely to impact on:

• the student’s own safety, health or wellbeing; or
• the safety, health or wellbeing of others; or
• the learning and/or living environment at the University.

v. In assessing risks and the probability of the impact on the student’s health and wellbeing or that of other people consideration may be given to whether the student meets the Student Expectation requirements listed at 5 (iii) above.

vi. Consideration will also be given to measures which can be implemented to sufficiently manage and/or reduce the risk(s) identified.

i. Staff wishing to refer a case to this Policy and Procedure will need to:

• Assess the suitability for a referral based on level of risk (real or potential) AND
• Provide details and evidence of the students action(s) and/or behaviour(s) that they consider pose a risk (real or potential) to the health, safety, experience or wellbeing of that individual student and/or others (staff and students) AND
• Explain why they have concerns that the students action(s) and/or behaviour(s) may be linked to a student’s health and/or disability (diagnosed or undiagnosed) e.g. mental health difficulties, psychological or emotional distress, neurological conditions or physical conditions.
• Staff can find guidance on, and tools related to, the referral procedure on the staff support to study guidance page. 

ii. There are two phases to this Policy and Procedure that are designed to support students and provide every appropriate opportunity for engagement with support services (internal and external) to address the concerns in order to progress. These phases range from initial supportive contact with a student presenting concern, to a formal panel that will make a decision on whether or not a student may continue to study at the University. At each phase students will be encouraged to participate fully, and all interactions will be taken seriously and appropriately recorded e.g. meeting notes, staff and student communications etc.

iii. Relevant staff from the University will be involved in each of the phases of this Policy and Procedure as decided by Student Services. Support will be tailored to the needs of each student and the University may take action to ensure safety in line with any of the two phases of this Policy and Procedure.

iv. For specific details on the Support to Study Procedure please refer to the information below.

i. Under Phase 2 of the Support to Study Policy and Procedure, students will be provided the opportunity to request that the Support to Study Panel re-examines their decision (in cases where the panel has decided a Suspension of Studies or Withdraw of Studies) by making written representations to the Support to Study Panel Chair, within 14 working days of the date of the letter/email notifying them of the Panel’s decision. Cases will only be re-examined on the basis of:

• New evidence that could not reasonably have been provided by the student at an earlier date or;
• Evidence that Swansea University have not followed the Support to Study Policy and Procedure.

ii. Students who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the Support to Study Panel’s final decision (after the Support to Study Panel has been asked to re-examine the decision) may request a Final Review of the decision, within 14 working days of the date of the letter/email confirming the Support to Study Panel’s final decision following its re-examination, in accordance with the University’s Final Review Procedure.

i. All information provided under this Policy and Procedure will remain confidential and is subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Only staff directly involved in or impacted by the process will be given access to confidential information.

ii. In cases where the Policy and Procedure has been invoked, consideration will be given by Student Services to which members of staff within the University need to be aware of the decisions reached at Phase 1 and/or Phase 2, and the student will be informed who will be told. Where appropriate, Student Services will make a decision about whether the student’s next of kin should be informed and discuss with the student whether any statutory services should be contacted.

iii. Swansea University acknowledges that as a result of implementing this policy it will receive ‘Special Category Data’ pertaining to a student and other third parties, and shall ensure that all such data is handled, processed and stored according to Swansea University’s Data Protection Policy. There are a number of lawful reasons for disclosing data in order to protect harm to self or others.

i. In line with Swansea University’s commitment to supporting students, a range of advice and support services are offered to all students. Further details on support for students, and on acting in emergency situations, are provided in the appendices.

ii. Due to the nature of this Policy and Procedure, there is the potential for causing distress to what may be an already vulnerable student. All cases will be managed with sensitivity and compassion throughout.

iii. During Phase 2, students and their supporters may not attend Support to Study Panel Meetings.
iv. Students can refer themselves to the Student’s Union Advice Centre for free and confidential advice regarding the Support to Study process: advice@swansea-union.co.uk. 

i. The Support to Study Policy and Procedure and all associated appendices will be the subject of annual review, undertaken by Student Services.

2.1

Staff wishing to refer to this Policy and Procedures should complete the ‘Preliminary Support to Study Referral Assessment Tool’ and complete an ‘Initial Concern Referral Form’ (these can be found on the staff support to study advice pages). These should be submitted to Welfare@CampusLife via email. Staff may seek guidance from Welfare@CampusLife prior to invoking this action.

2.2

On receipt of the submitted information, Welfare@CampusLife will review the information, conduct a comprehensive Risk Assessment and decide the most appropriate response:

• Refer back to the initial referral point with further advice and guidance and/or a tailormade response (e.g. ‘Informal’ intervention – see below);
• Refer the case to Phase 2 of the Support to Study Policy and Procedure.

3.1

The Phase 1 Informal Support Intervention meeting is intended to be supportive not punitive. It is also intended to be open, transparent, consistent and implemented sensitively.

3.2

Most day-to-day concerns (that do not meet the threshold for Support to Study) relating to student welfare/wellbeing can comfortably be dealt with informally between staff and students. The Support to Study Policy and Procedure can only be initiated when the case meets the required thresholds (see Point 3 above).

3.3

A Phase 1 Informal Support Intervention would normally involve an appropriate member of staff (e.g. someone with Welfare/Student Support in their remit) approaching the student and explaining to them in a supportive and understanding manner that concerns about them have emerged.

3.4

The precise nature of the actions and/or behaviour that has caused concern should be raised, including, if appropriate, reference to perceived risk. The student should be given the opportunity to explain their own views on the matter and demonstrate their understanding of the concerns presented to them. The member of staff will attempt to resolve the matter through discussion with the student.

3.5

Where appropriate, the student should be encouraged to engage with support services offered by the University or available outside the University, and assisted with referral if they wish to make use of one or more of these services.

3.6

The informal discussions, advice and any undertakings made by or on behalf of the University and/or the student should be documented.

3.7

If a student is unable to cooperate with the above advice and guidance or modify their actions and/or behaviour and present more concern/risk, the member of staff dealing directly with the student should consult Welfare @CampusLife about progression of the case to Phase 2. The student should be informed that a more formal intervention under the second phase of this policy may be considered appropriate.

4.1

On receipt and review of the required information (see Point 3 above), if it is decided by Welfare@CampusLife that the case meets the threshold for a Phase 2 Formal Support Intervention, Welfare@CampusLife will act as co-ordinator.

4.2

Attention will be made by Welfare@CampusLife in requesting/collating concerns from all areas (e.g. Residential Services, Student Services, Faculty, third party concerns etc.), collating all communications/actions of informal interventions, conducting an up-to-date risk assessment and drafting a completed Support to Study Incident Log (see Appendices). These will be submitted to the relevant Chair for review.

4.3

On review of the relevant documentation submitted by Welfare@CampusLife, the Chair will call a Support to Study Panel meeting to discuss the nature of the concerns with relevant areas (to be decided by the Chair) and consider possible actions/outcomes.

4.4

The student’s wellbeing will always be considered when communicating a referral to a Phase 2 Formal Support Intervention of this Policy and Procedure. It will be decided by the Chair if communication with the student on a referral to a Phase 2 Formal Intervention is appropriate.

4.5

The particular procedure to be followed in dealing with a matter under a Phase 2 Formal Support Intervention is at the discretion of the relevant Chair and depends upon the circumstances of the matter (e.g. the seriousness of the concern, the risk posed, and whether the student is able to engage with the process).

4.6

Students and their supporters may not attend Phase 2 Support to Study Panel Meetings but will be notified of the Panel’s decision in writing, with reasons underlying the decision.

4.7

The Support to Study Panel will make an assessment of risk, assess a student’s capability to study at that time, and discuss any supportive actions that need to be taken. Such actions may include (but are not limited to) one or more of the following outcomes:

• Determine that no further action is required;
• Arrange a further Support to Study Panel meeting to review the case on a later date;
• Recommend that the student attend an appointment at Wellbeing Services and/or the University's Disability Office to discuss their support needs;
• Require the student to contact (either directly or with the assistance of Wellbeing Services or the Disability Service as appropriate), within a prescribed period of time, a suitable qualified practitioner (to be specified by the Support to Study Panel) to arrange an appointment for assessment and to attend such appointment;
• Require the student to provide to the Support to Study Panel, by a specified date, a letter/report from a suitably qualified practitioner with whom the student has been required to attend an appointment for assessment. The Support to Study Panel will specify the information which such letter/report will need to contain;
• Require the student to suspend their studies where the Support to Study Panel considers that the risks to the student themselves or to others, as a consequence of the student’s actions and/or behaviour, are too high to allow a continuation of studies. In such circumstances, the Support to Study Panel will determine the conditions which have to be met for the student to be permitted to resume their studies, such as (but not limited to) the Fitness to Study Panel’s receipt of written confirmation from a suitably qualified practitioner as specified by the Fitness to Study Panel that the student is fit to resume their studies and/or a satisfactory outcome of a risk assessment;
• Recommend to the Chair of the Student Cases Board (or their nominee) the student be withdrawn from the University, where the Fitness to Study Panel considers that:

a) The student's return to study in the foreseeable future is likely to have a detrimental effect on the student's health or pose an unacceptable risk of harm to the student or others; and
b) Either all support options have been exhausted or appropriate support options are unlikely to sufficiently reduce the level of risk presented.

The Chair of the Student Cases Board (or their nominee) will determine whether the student is withdrawn from the University. The student will be informed in writing of the Chair's (or nominee's) decision:

• Determine, at the Support to Study Panel’s discretion, any alternative outcome(s) which it considers to be appropriate in the circumstances of the case;
• Determine that the outcome of the Support to Study Panel meeting, any document considered by or relating to the Support to Study Panel and/or details of any specific concerns be disclosed to specific person(s) as the Support to Study Panel deem to be appropriate;
• Determine any combination of the above outcomes.

4.8

Where the student is required to suspend or withdraw a letter shall be sent to the student informing them of the suspension/withdrawal and the reasons underlying this decision. It will be made clear to the student that this procedure is separate from the University's Disciplinary Procedures. Students will be given an opportunity to request the Support to Study Panel to re-examine this decision by making written representations to the Chair within 14 working days of the date the letter/email notifying them of the Support to Study Panel’s decision.

4.9

In all cases the most appropriate and supportive manner for the outcome to be communicated to the student is considered by the Support to Study Panel in advance of notification to the student. Wherever possible and as agreed by the Chair, the written notification detailing the decision is given to the student in person, by the Chair, who will explain its contents. The letter is also sent to the student by email and/or post.

4.10

Where the student is required to suspend or withdraw, Education Services will notify the Executive Dean of the student’s Faculty, and others as necessary (e.g. Student Records). The University will also notify external organisations of the outcome where it has an obligation to do so, such as Student Finance Wales/England, UKVI etc.

5.1

If the formal outcome of the Support to Study Panel under Phase 2 is a suspension of studies with imposed conditions of a return, students will be notified of this in writing, with clear deadline dates for requested medical and/or other evidence to be submitted to the Chair for review.

5.2

Students will only be permitted to return to study after receiving clearance from the Support to Study Panel, with suitable medical and/or other evidence showing that the student no longer poses a risk to the health, safety, experience or wellbeing of that individual student and/or others (staff and students).

5.3

On submission of the required medical and/or other evidence requested by the Support to Study Panel, the Chair will reconvene the Support to Study Panel to review the submitted medical and/or other evidence. The Support to Study Panel will determine whether to permit the student to return to study and if so, when a potential return to study would be permissible, taking into account our University’s rules, regulations and procedures and the need to ensure that the student’s reintegration into study harmonises with the need of the academic timetable.

5.4

In reaching their decision, the Support to Study Panel may consult with relevant University staff and/or external professionals. The Support to Study Panel may also consider any support and/or reasonable adjustments which could be put in place for the student in connection with their request to return to study and will be responsible for ensuring that any support and reasonable adjustments identified are provided/made (in the case where a student is permitted to return to study).

5.5

In cases where the Support to Study Panel is not satisfied that the medical and/or other evidence submitted is showing that the student no longer poses a risk to the health, safety, experience or wellbeing of that individual student and/or others (staff and students), the Chair of the Support to Study Panel will write to the student to inform them that they will not be permitted to return to study at this stage, and the reasons underlying this decision.

5.6

In cases where the Support to Study Panel is satisfied that the medical and/or other evidence submitted is showing that the student no longer poses a risk to the health, safety, experience or wellbeing of that individual student and/or others (staff and students), a return to study plan will need to be agreed by the Support to Study Panel. The plan could include any relevant support, including, for example, specific study support, Student Services support and any other support deemed necessary for the student’s successful return to study. The student will be required to comply with all agreed actions in order to remain at the University.

5.7

Following a return to study, review meetings could be recommended by the Support to Study Panel, which will be delivered by the Faculty Student Experience and Information Team. These meetings will further enable the University to aid a smooth transition back into study. It is intended that the need for review meetings cease after the second meeting but, if appropriate, these meetings may continue for a duration to be decided by the relevant Faculty Student Experience and Information Team.

5.8

In cases where a student has self-suspended their studies for health or other reasons in advance of the Support to Study Policy and Procedure being initiated or prior to it being completed they may be required to follow the Return to Study process before they can return to their studies. This will be decided by the relevant Chair.

6.1

If the formal outcome of the Support to Study Panel under Phase 2 is a period of suspension, the student will be provided contact details for the relevant Chair who will act as a single point of contact and communication.

A situation is urgent if you believe the student may be at immediate risk of harming themselves or others.

In all situations of medical emergency where there is an immediate risk to the student’s life and/or the lives of others contact Security Services on 333 for immediate assistance and referral to emergency services. You can also activate Safe Zone.’

For further information on how staff are expected to manage acute and emergency situations please see the Support to Study staff advice page.

Student Support Offering

Inclusive Student Support Services

We offer specialist advice, guidance, adjustments and support options for students. Our services are for students experiencing emotional and personal difficulties as well as more complex long-term conditions to ensure that all Swansea University students have access to equal learning opportunities.

Mental Health & Counselling

The Wellbeing team offers support for students to manage difficulties they may be experiencing with their psychological or emotional health. Specialist staff assess the needs of each student and can provide guided self-help, online support, mental health support sessions or counselling. This support is not limited to those with a disability or medical evidence and can be accessed by all students. Students with a diagnosed mental health condition may also be eligible for academic adjustments.

Disability

The Disability team supports students with adjustments they may require because of a disability; this includes long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties, mobility issues or students who have hearing or sight loss. They consider needs on an individual basis to ensure students have access to specialist support, equipment and technology and accessible spaces and teaching, learning and assessment methods.

Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)

The ASC team provides specialist support for students who have, or are exploring, an Autistic Spectrum Condition. They offer transition and orientation events, support sessions, a facilitated social group and liaise with departments to arrange academic adjustments.

DSA Assessment Centre

Students with a disability or long-term condition are eligible to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). DSA is a fund to cover the cost of additional support which disabled students may require to engage in their studies. Students must attend a DSA Assessment Centre to assess how their disability impacts their studies and what support DSA should fund. Examples of DSA-funded support includes, Specialist Mentoring, Specialist Study Skills, Notetakers and Specialist Equipment. There is a DSA Assessment Centre located at Swansea University (Singleton Campus) although students can attend any assessment centre in the UK.

Specialist Mentoring

Specialist Mentoring provides highly specialist, specifically tailored, one-to-one support which helps students address the barriers to learning created by a particular condition. This support is primarily provided for students with mental-health conditions or autism spectrum conditions. The support is provided after a needs assessment and funded by the Disability Student Allowance (DSA).

Specialist Study Skills

Specialist Study Skills works with students using various strategies or assistive technology, to enable them to study more effectively and meet their potential. A Specialist Study Skills Tutor will work with the student on a one-to-one basis on their academic development, addressing the impact of their disability on their education, and setting and achieving personal goals. The support is provided after a needs assessment and funded by the Disability Student Allowance (DSA).

CampusLife

Welfare@Campuslife works closely with staff in Faculties, other university support services, and external partners such as the Police, Public Health Wales, Safeguarding Organisations, etc. to provide a collaborative, holistic approach to ensure that students receive the best support possible when experiencing welfare/pastoral issues that are negatively impacting on their student experience. The team can provide support and signposting for all manner of issues ranging from loneliness/homesickness, victims, witnesses and perpetrators of crime, domestic violence, sexual misconduct/violence, addiction, communicable diseases, e.g. meningitis, pregnancy related matters; this list is not exhaustive. For further information visit the Welfare Website.

Faith@CampusLife offers a safe space for all students, staff and community members, irrespective of faith, culture, gender or sexual orientation. You will find us in The Haven (Bay Campus), The Lighthouse (Singleton Campus) and The Mosque (Singleton Campus). We encourage exploration of faith in an open and inclusive environment; foster co-operation and collaboration between faiths and offer confidential and non-judgmental support, advice and guidance via the Listening Service and Bereavement Support. We also offer small social events, particularly aimed at students who favour quieter activities.

Money@CampusLife provide information, advice and guidance on student money related issues to our student population, as well as to prospective students. The team offers advice on student funding, financial hardship, budgeting and can also provide targeted financial assistance to students who have additional considerations, such as being a care leaver or a carer, or being estranged from their family.

Participation@CampusLife provide tailored advice, opportunities and information to eligible Care Leavers and students estranged from their parents. The service aims to facilitate access to information and guidance on a variety of issues including accommodation, academic support, and finances, allowing students to make positive and informed decisions about their study and university experience.

International@CampusLife supports students, and their families, with all sorts of non-academic or non-finance related problems. These would be issues which are specific to international students and which are not covered by any other service or dept. The bulk of ICL’s work is centred around immigration support and advice (for both staff/students and covering pre- and post-study, as well as in course) and the team contains several fully trained and regulated immigration specialists. The team also run international welcome events, as well as year round social activities under their GO! Programme. This programme includes regular trips, film nights, a Supper Club and a wide range of other social opportunities – which are open to all Swansea University students. They also arrange regular child friendly activities for students and their families. Comprehensive information about all aspects of ICL work can be found via their website: International@CampusLife homepage.

Community@CampusLife is focussed on students who live off campus. The team offer advice and guidance to students living in the community. Issues involve counteracting anti-social behaviour by supporting students to be good neighbours. The team works closely with local partners such as South Wales Police, Swansea Council and University of Wales Trinity St. David (Swansea campus). They provide meditation between students who live in the same space and work proactively in the community to foster community cohesion between local residents and student residents. They also offer support to students living in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSAs) across the city.

Equalities@CampusLife serves students and their support networks (staff, family & friends) by offering advice and guidance on matters of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity via our Student Support Officer and website; offering an opportunity to participate in regular social and educational events including a calendar of talks and discussion groups to explore the EDI issues we are facing as a university and society. The service also shares up-to-date contact information about local resources and support services and is actively involved in issues of equality and social justice whilst challenging intolerance, prejudice and exclusivity. The team does not deal with individual cases of discrimination or harassment but will signpost to the appropriate agency.

Student Safeguarding & Out of Hours Provision

Our Safeguarding Team aims to lead and co-ordinate all of the University Safeguarding and Prevent arrangements including but not limited to:

• Maintaining an up-to-date Safeguarding Policy and procedural infrastructure in line with legal duties, statutory and regulatory guidance.
• Work closely with Faculties and Professional Services to maintain an overview of University activities involving children (i.e., under 18s) and adults at risk and to ensure relevant safeguarding controls are in place to manage these activities.
• Provide and co-ordinate advice and guidance on Safeguarding and Prevent, including comprehensive training.
• Lead the University’s network of Designated Safeguarding Officers to ensure that Safeguarding concerns/allegations and Prevent referrals are promptly acted upon and, where appropriate, referred externally to safeguarding authorities.
• Maintain an overview of the effectiveness of University systems and procedures that support safeguarding activities, including those managed by Professional Services (e.g., Safe Recruitment procedures).

Our Incident Management Team comprises senior, experienced managers who are able to respond to incidents and support students, staff and families of students who might be experiencing crisis or serious incidents. The Out of Hours Service works in a similar way but covers 5pm to 9am weekdays and 24hrs on weekends to support students outside normal University working hours. To refer cases to the Out of Hours Team please contact Security in the first instance on 01792 604271 (24/7).

Faculty Student Experience and Information Team

The Student Experience and Information Team is a point of contact within a student’s Faculty for any questions or issues. If the Student Experience and Information Team (Faculty) are not able to help directly, they will point you in the right direction for the support that is available.

Swansea University Student’s Union Advice and Support Centre

The Swansea University Student’s Union Advice and Support Centre on campus has a team of trained Advisors who can provide students with free, impartial and confidential advice and representation, independent of the University.

They can support students through a number of legal issues and personal matters, across money, welfare, academic, housing, harassment and sexual violence.

Email: advice@swansea-union.co.uk 

Phone: 01792 295 821