| Services for Students |
 |
 |
 |
|
This section outlines those services which the University provides for all students. Careers Advisory ServiceThe Careers Advisory Service is committed to providing a professional, impartial and confidential advice and guidance service to graduates and students at every stage of their career planning The Careers Service is available to prospective, current and former students of Swansea Metropolitan University and graduates of any Higher Education Institution to help with their career planning. In some cases, it may be useful to discuss the career implications of taking certain elective modules or of embarking on some form of further training after getting an initial qualification. CounsellingStudents may experience problems of widely differing types, ranging from practical difficulties to those of a very personal nature. Being a student can bring the complexities of coping, perhaps for the first time, on a limited budget and in new surroundings, with possible difficulties of inter-personal relationships and pre-exam tension. A student coming straight from school may still be struggling with a confusing crisis of identity and direction. Here, our qualified and experienced Counsellors can offer support and space. In an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust, the Counsellors will listen to students who wish to discuss their problems, personal, financial or educational. Without seeking to impose values, they will try to help to achieve an all-round view of problems, enabling students to make informed decisions. Information sheets on such topics as study skills, financial help for students and coping strategies, are available. The Counsellors are based on the Mount Pleasant Campus on the 1st Floor, Thompson Building. Contact: 01792 481206 Mature StudentsMature students may have their own particular difficulties. These might include the problems associated with returning to study after a long absence, coping with family commitments and financial concerns. The Counsellors will help and support mature students during their period of studies. International StudentsIn addition to the problems common to most students, international students often have to cope with confusing legal complexities, immigration requirements, foreign exchange, cultural differences, homesickness and other problems. The Counsellors are able to help students deal with these issues and, if necessary, use their links with the Home Office, British Council and other organisations. A dedicated Counsellor deals with immigration advice and assists with applications for visa extensions. Advice is also available for those students who wish to find a job. International students wishing to meet British families in their homes can make arrangements through our links with HOST UK. English language classes, Study Skills Support and Computer Workshops are available for our international students. Useful web sites: http://www.ukcosa.org.uk DisabilitiesStudents with disabilities are important to us and they are encouraged to inform us of a disability or health problem before they arrive so that we can ensure that any needs for support and assistance are met. Student Services staff will help students with applications for the Disabled Student's Allowance and with organising support workers and providing technical equipment. They can also advise on suitable accommodation and on access issues. Special arrangements can be made for examinations and assessments if necessary. In past years a lively Disabled Students group has existed which has acted as a support group and provided useful feedback on developing facilities. Useful web sites: http://www.skill.org.uk or Contact: 01792 481206 D.I.A.L.Disability Information and Advice Line.This is an independent organisation. It provides a free legal and welfare rights service to all disabled people and their families in the Swansea area. D.I.A.L. can give advice on the following: benefits, grants, housing, equipment, mobility, respite care, self-help and access. This advice is confidential. The D.I.A.L. information line is 01792 588322 Monday to Thursday 10.00am - 3.30pm Dyslexia Support and Study SkillsStaff are available to help and give advice to those who feel they require specialist assistance. There are tutors who offer expert tuition for those who require the appropriate help to enable them to achieve their potential. This support is available at designated times during the week. For further details contact the Dyslexia Support Team. If you have a Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment, you must send this to the team as soon as possible. You should also use this to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) as this can be a lengthy process. Students normally resident in England should apply to Student Finance England (SFE) for Disabled Students' Allowance. You can download the Disabled Students' Allowance application form by typing DSA1 into the 'Search this Site' box at www.direct.gov.uk . Welsh students should apply for DSA through their Local Education Authority. DSA1 form can be downloaded by going to www.studentfinancewales.co.uk and clicking on 'Forms and Guidance'. If you do not have a Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment, this can be arranged once you enrol here at SMU. As long as you have taken up full entitlement of all loans/grants funding is usually available to meet the cost of this assessment. Please contact the Dyslexia Support Team for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Financial AdviceDealing with finances will be new to many and can cause an individual student problems. The University can offer advice and help to students should they encounter any financial hardship during their time at the University. Contact the Student Financial Adviser in the Finance Office or enquire at Student Services. InformationMore information is now being sent via the Internet. Student Services send a great deal of information electronically. You should use your University Membership Card, which has an account number, you will also receive a password from University Library staff. Then log on at any Open Access facility within the University. Support for students entering university from Local Authority care.The University is committed to providing support and guidance for students entering university from Local Authority care. If you are planning to apply to enter university we have the following support in place:
|