Welfare & support
There are a number of services available to provide support, advice and help during your time at Oxford should you require it.
College/PPH Support
If you have academic or personal issues that you would like to discuss, the first point of contact is your Tutor(s) or your College Adviser. The Senior Tutor and/or Tutor for Graduates has general responsibility for the academic administration of the College, including students’ academic progress. The Head of House is also available to see students on any matter. The Chaplain is available to talk to all students whatever their religious affiliation and help is also available from the Deans, the College Nurse and the College Doctors. Full details of these people will be provided when you first arrive at your College/PPH.
If you have been
diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia or other
SpLDS, then let your College
Tutor and Senior Tutor know. Your Senior
Tutor will arrange for alternative provision for
University examinations, College Collections, and
any study
support you may require. If you have not been
diagnosed but think you might have a SpLDS, your
Senior Tutor can arrange for you to be assessed.
If you need any special provision the College has to
arrange this in good time with the University so do
not delay taking the action described above. The
Disability Advisory Service work through a network
of College
Disability Contacts (staff who have a special
remit for disability as part of their college
role). If you wish to talk to a fellow student the
Junior and Middle/Graduate Common Rooms (JCRs
and MCRs)
have dedicated Welfare Officers who can offer
help. Your College may also run a ‘Peer Support’ programme
where you can talk to other students in confidence
about your difficulties.
Faculty or Departmental Support
You may wish to discuss academic or personal issues with your department Supervisor. The University is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable disabled students to participate fully in student life. The Disability Advisory Service work through a network of Department Disability Contacts (staff who have a special remit for disability as part of their department role). Your department may also run a ‘Peer Support’ programme where you can talk to other students in confidence about your difficulties.
Disability Advisory Service
The Disability Advisory Service offers advice and guidance on disability related study support for students with diagnosed medical, physical or learning disabilities. The service can also help with applying for Disabled Students' Allowance and assistance with dyslexia, dyspraxia and SpLDS diagnosis, and arranging study needs assessment. DAS staff will liaise with your college and department to organise your support needs in all areas of University life, including lectures, tutorials, examinations and college accommodation.
Health
The Health section of this website provides a comprehensive a-z guide on health issues including information on relationships, family problems, spiritual beliefs, financial needs, sexuality, eating problems, alcohol, stress, anxiety and depression. There are arrangements for members of each college to be registered under the National Health Service with the college doctor and, for minor cases of sickness, you are able to consult and obtain treatment from the college nurse.
The University Occupational Health Service deals with the prevention of work-related ill-health. Some projects, particularly in science or medicine, may require work-related health surveillance. Your Supervisor or Departmental Administrator will arrange for any necessary enrolment. The service also provides travel advice to students travelling as part of their work.
University Counselling Service
The University has a professionally staffed confidential Student Counselling Service for assistance with personal, emotional, social and academic problems. The Service is available free to all matriculated undergraduate and graduate members of the University.
Support for student parents
The University and the Colleges can help students with childcare needs through a comprehensive range of childcare services to include nurseries, playschemes and help with the cost of childcare. The Childcare Service website provides information to students about all aspects of childcare to enable parents to make informed decisions that best suits their needs. The Oxford University Student Union Student Parent Guide offers comprehensive information about childcare, accommodation, funding for student parents and their Tea & Toys fornighly social meeting for all student parents and their children. The Children's Information Service provides free information for parents on childcare provision in Oxford including private nurseries, childminders, or schools and after-school childcare provision. The service can be contacted by email: enquiries@oxoncis.org.uk or telephone: 08452 262636.
Equality and Diversity Unit
The Equality and
Diversity Unit promotes equality, values and
diversity and aims to maintain a working, learning
and social environment in which all students are
respected. It also ensures that no student will be
treated less favourably on the grounds of religion,
belief, age, race, gender and sexual orientation. The
University has a Harassment Advisory Network. The
names of confidential advisers are displayed on
departmental and college noticeboards
with detailed advice, contact numbers and FAQs
available from the Harrassment
section of the Equality and Diversity website.
Student-run services
The Oxford University Student Union Student Advice Service (SAS) provides confidential, free and impartial listening, advice, and information and is available to all students. The members of the SAS are also able to represent students in various circumstances, such as at college and University disciplinary hearings.
Nightline is a
support and information service run for and by
students and aims to provide every student in Oxford
with the opportunity to talk to someone in
confidence. The service is available 8pm-8am between
0th week and 9th week on (01865) 270270 (just dial
70270 from any University telephone).
The Safety Bus scheme provides a safe means of transport late at night. To use the service call 0771 4 445050 between 9pm - 3am Monday to Saturdays and 9pm - 1am on Sundays. The bus will pick you up and deliver you to any destination within the ring-road for £1 donation per trip.
