Your Personal Academic Tutor
Your personal academic tutor is here to support and guide you in your academic, professional, and personal development during your time at University.
Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) is a member of staff who will:
- Help you in the transition as you settle into your studies and student life.
- Support your academic progress throughout your time here and provide you with advice about your studies.
- Act as a key contact for queries, or direct you to other support services if you need it.
Building a successful relationship with your PAT
The most successful relationship with a PAT will be a two-way one, in which you also have an active role. This will enable your PAT to get to know you and support you in a way that works best for you, your needs, and your academic journey.
Your PAT will write references to aid your job applications during your time at University and beyond. These will be based on how well they know you and your strengths.Ìý
We expect you to do your part in building an effective relationship with your Personal Academic Tutor by:
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Meetings with your PAT
Personal Academic Tutor meetings are a chance to:
- Reflect on your general progress
- Celebrate your successes
- Identify other opportunities
- Provide support and guidance on academic matters
Meeting your tutor regularly also helps to strengthen your relationship with them, which will help if you need support later in your studies or want to ask them for a reference after you graduate.
Conversations with your PAT
What you’ll talk about with your Personal Academic Tutor is likely to change as you move through your studies.Ìý
During your first year you may find it useful to talk about:
- Your transition to studying at the University
- How to prepare for your first assessments and feedback on your work
- Opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities
- Module choices for year 2
- Potential career goals, including reflections on starting your Successful Futures pathway
During your second year and beyond you may also find it useful to talk about:
- How your learning is progressing
- Any areas you feel you need additional support
- Any dissertations or projects that are required in your final year
- Your plans post-graduation, skills development progress and engagement in the Successful Futures pathway.
Your Senior Tutor
Your Senior Tutor is another experienced member of academic staff who offers an additional layer of support for you as a student. While your Personal Academic Tutor should always be your primary point of contact, you may also arrange to meet with your Senior Tutor to discuss any matter which may be affecting your academic progress. The Senior Tutor will be able to offer general advice and information about other sources of assistance that can support you during your student journey. Your Senior Tutor will also be able to support you if you have any challenges in the support provided from your Personal Academic Tutor.