Personal Tutor System
For more information about the personal tutor system see the University's Guidance for Personal Tutors and their Tutees.
Frequently-asked Questions
I can't remember the name of my personal tutor: where can I find out?
Tamsin Hart/NickyMcClure in the Information Office (1C5) will be able to tell you. Their e-mail addresses are below.
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I have not been assigned to a personal tutor: what should I do?
Contact Tamsin Hart/NickyMcClure in the Information Office (1C5).
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Q. How can I contact my personal tutor?
You can find room numbers, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for all academic staff on the
School's website. You can also get the information from Tamsin Hart/NickyMcClure in the Information Office (1C5). All members of staff should have Office Hours clearly shown on their doors. If they do not then contact either Tamsin Hart/NickyMcClure or Dr. Nigel W. Duck (Room 3B13) who oversees the personal tutor system (email address below).
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My personal tutor is not in her/his office during her/his Office Hour. What should I do?
It is part of the personal tutor's job to be available in her/his Office Hour. Occasionally circumstances can prevent it but this should not happen at all often. If it does then you should contact either Tamsin Hart/NickyMcClure at the Information Office in IC5 or Dr. Nigel W. Duck (Room 3B13). Mary or Nicky will help you arrange an appointment, or you could e-mail your personal tutor to arrange one yourself.
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Can I go and see my personal tutor without an appointment?
Certainly; if he or she is busy then you can arrange an appointment.
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How many times a year should I meet my personal tutor?
You should meet them at least at the beginning of each term but more often if necessary.
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My personal tutor hasn't asked me to go and see him/her – should I go anyway?
Yes. The onus is on you to initiate contact.
What kinds of problems should I consult my personal tutor about?
Any problems, big or small, which affect your ability to study. If your personal tutor cannot help you, he or she should be able to direct you to someone who can.
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I haven't got any problems – do I really need to see my personal tutor?
Yes. Students need to keep in contact with their personal tutors so that the tutors know they are alright and are kept sufficiently informed to write job/graduate references for their tutees.
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I have some medical evidence that I want the Exam Board to be aware of – should I give it to my personal tutor?
Yes, or you could give it to Tamsin Hart/NickyMcClure at the Information Office.
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I am not happy with my personal tutor. Can I change?
Yes, contact either Tamsin Hart/NickyMcClure at the Information Office in IC5 or Dr. Nigel W. Duck (Room 3B13).
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Can I seek advice from the people who teach me rather than my personal tutor?
Yes. On academic matters it may make more sense to talk to the tutor or lecturer in the particular unit that you need advice on. On more general matters there is no reason why shouldn’t talk to someone else who you get on with. But remember that your personal tutor is the person who will be expected to write references for you.
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Will my personal tutor be able to advise me on my choice of units?
Your personal tutor should be able to do that but some tutors are relatively new to the department and may have to refer you to another member of staff. Tamsin Hart/NickyMcClure at the Information Office in IC5 or Dr. Nigel W. Duck (Room 3B13) are experienced members of staff who may be able to give additional advice.
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Will my personal tutor teach me at all?
We try to allocate personal tutors so that they will at some stage teach their personal tutees but this is not always possible. That is why it is important that you contact your personal tutor regularly.
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I need a reference for a job/tenancy agreement – who should I ask to write this?
Your personal tutor. It is part of the personal tutor’s job to do this sort of thing. Another member of staff may be willing to do it but they are not obliged to and would expect you to ask your personal tutor first of all.
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Key Email Addresses
