Click on the different tabs below to expand more information.

Contact Us

If you would like to book an appointment with a member of the Student Wellbeing and Support team:

Call: 01752 636891 (leaving your name, student number and a contact number if you reach voicemail.)

Academic Advice

Here you will find some keys links to important information that will help you related to our service and the support we provide.

What we do:

Our service is totally confidential and enables you to discuss issues including:

Extenuating Circumstances
Self-certify in the case of illness
Appeals against Plymouth Marjon University’s decisions relating to your academic progress
Complaining if you feel the Plymouth Marjon University has failed in its procedures

We provide advice and guidance with any problems you may encounter through your academic programme such as:

Long term illness.
Interruption, re-start or transferring
Module and programme changes
Mode of study from part-time to full-time or vice versa

For initial enquiries and information, please contact Student Wellbeing and Support

Via telephone: 01752 636891
Via email: studentsupport@marjon.ac.uk

Q. How do I…

Apply for Extenuating Circumstances?

The Extenuating Circumstances procedure allows students who are unable to attend an examination or to submit coursework on time due to exceptional reasons either: to submit coursework up to 14 calendar days late without a penalty; or to defer until a new assessment is set for the re-sit period.

Applying for Extenuating Circumstances:

Either download an Extenuating Circumstance Form from Canvas or collect one from the Student Wellbeing and Support reception.

Log on and follow this link to download the form: Extenuating Circumstances Forms

Read Section 4 of Student Regulations Framework on Extenuating Circumstances to decide what category your circumstance falls under and what evidence you then need to support it.
Follow this link: Student Regulations Framework

Make sure you know your module number/s of the work you want to apply for extenuating circumstances for and the assessment/exam date.

Collect evidence to support your claim, as explained in Section 4.5 of the Student Regulations Framework.

Submit both the form and your evidence to: extenuatingcircumstances@marjon.ac.uk.

Students who have questions around their EC claim can either attend an Academic Advice drop-in (for a quick query) or request an appointment* with Academic Advice if more complex.

Transfer Courses?

Download/print a “Programme Transfer Request Form” from Canvas. Log on and follow this link: Transfer Request Form

Contact the Programme Leader of the course you want to be transferred onto.

Once they have approved your transfer and signed your form request, attend a Student Funding Advice drop-in* or request an appointment* for their approval also.

Once the form is fully signed, scan your signed formed and email it to studentrecords@marjon.ac.uk.

Withdraw?

If you are unsure about whether you want to withdraw, please arrange an appointment with your Personal Development Tutor (FKA your Academic Adviser) to discuss your concerns with them. If they feel it is appropriate they may then refer you onto Student Support.

If you are certain about withdrawing: Download/print a “Withdrawal Form” from Canvas/Study and Learn/Registry Documents/Student Forms: link to withdrawal form

Arrange to meet with your Personal Development Tutor to speak with them about why you wish to withdraw.

Once your PDT or Programme Lead have approved your withdrawal and signed your form, attend either a Student Funding Advice drop-in* or request an appointment* for their approval and guidance on what to do about stopping your Student Finance.

Once the form is fully signed, scan your signed formed and email it to studentrecords@marjon.ac.uk.

Interrupt my Studies?

Download/print an “Interruption Form” from Canvas. Log on and follow the links: Canvas/Study and Learn/Registry Documents: link to Interruption Form

Arrange to meet with your Programme Leader to speak with them about your intentions to interrupt your studies.

Once they have approved your interruption and signed your form request an appointment with the Academic Advice Coordinator and the Student Funding Advisor.

Once the form is fully signed, scan your signed formed and email it to studentrecords@marjon.ac.uk.

Re-take the Year?

Students will find out once results are officially published if they are eligible to re-take their year.

For initial guidance about whether you may be able to re-take your year please arrange an appointment with the Academic Advice Coordinator and Student Funding Adviser.

Make an Appeal?

Firstly read Section 16 of the Student Regulations Framework on the Academic Appeals Procedure to decide if your circumstance gives you the grounds to appeal.

If you wish to talk this through with someone you can speak with your Student Union or request an appointment with the Academic Advice Coordinator.

If you do not wish to speak with someone, or you are content you have the grounds to appeal, you should email the Academic Standards Officer, Norman Jope (njope@marjon.ac.uk) to request the official paperwork.

Complete the paperwork that is sent to you and return it to him.

N.B. That any student who wishes to make an appeal can not do so until the Boards have sat and marks officially released. Until this time you should just gather your evidence for your appeal until it is needed.

Make a Complaint?

Firstly read Section 17 of the Student Regulations Framework on the Complaints Procedure to understand what is regarded as having the grounds to complain.

If you are making a complaint against the University it is recommended you speak with your Student Union in the first instance, as they are a separate entity from the University. However, students can also request an appointment with the Academic Advice Coordinator or Head of Student Wellbeing and Support.

If you are content on your wish to make a complaint email the Academic Standards Officer, Norman Jope (njope@marjon.ac.uk) to request the official paperwork.

Counselling

COUNSELLING

Marjon Counselling Service for students

What you might like to know…

We recognise that at times in our life things can feel tough for whatever reasons there might be and sometimes we don’t know why we feel the way we do. This can leave us feeling confused, alone and not sure what could happen next.

Perhaps the following might help you look at how we can help support you.

You will find our Counselling Centre in the east block of the Quad (grass area) between the Chaplaincy and Barjon. You are very welcome to pop in and have a look inside, even if you don’t want to see or talk to anybody, or perhaps just knowing we are here will help.

We thought there might be lots of questions you want to ask and we hope that some of them might be answered here.

How will I know I need or want counselling?

We can offer you an initial appointment to discuss your thoughts and feelings to help you make decisions over your wellbeing. Counselling may be suggested by your GP or a member of staff at Marjon, or your family and friends. It is very much your choice to have counselling and to make that choice of when and if you feel you want to access support.

How do I find out about the counselling service?

You are very welcome to get in touch and make a self-referral through our Counselling email – counselling@marjon.ac.uk or ring us and leave a message – 01752 636850. We aim to answer your request within 5 working days and to offer you an initial appointment within 10 days. Times can be longer due to our service being term time only, which is something for you to consider when you contact us.

We can arrange an initial appointment with you to tell you more about our service. This is also an opportunity for you to find out more and to ask questions and for us to find out more about you and how you have been feeling. Our initial appointments are usually for 30 minutes and will be with one of our friendly counsellors.

Can I get counselling right away?

We can be a busy service which sometimes creates a waiting list. The length of the waiting time depends on the demand on our service, and the time of the year. You may be put on our waiting list for counselling until a session becomes available for you. We can talk more about your wellbeing during your initial appointment and if you feel you are in crisis, we may encourage you to link with your GP, as well as look at other areas of support available for you.

What do you offer for counselling?

We offer short term counselling up to 7 sessions with one of our qualified counsellors. We can offer counselling face to face, telephone or online sessions through TEAMs. Your sessions will be offered weekly and last for up to an hour. We try to match a time to fit in with your timetable and your commitments. Although we are unable to offer long term counselling, you can come back to our service throughout your time as a student here at Marjon.

What if I don’t feel counselling is right for me?

Counselling is very much your choice, and there is no expectation for you to have all 7 sessions. You may feel one or a few sessions are enough, or that counselling doesn’t feel right for you. We would encourage you to discuss this with your counsellor.

What hours are you open?

We open Monday to Thursday, 9:30 – 5:00 every day except Fridays when we close at 1pm.

Things our counsellors hear that might make people doubt they should go to counselling………..

“I feel I’m a burden if I talk about my problems and how I’m feeling”

“My problem is not as big as others”

“Other people deserve more help than me”

“I need to be able to deal with my problems and get on with them”

“I feel embarrassed to say I need help”

We wouldn’t want anyone to think or feel their problem is too small, or that they aren’t entitled to ask for support. We want everyone to have the opportunity to come and talk about what is going on for them.

Disability & Inclusion Advice Service (DIAS)

We provide information, advice, guidance and support covering a wide range of inclusion issues including disabilities, medical and mental health conditions and specific learning difficulties.

We Offer

Eligible students guidance in applying for DSAs (Disabled Students Allowances)
Appropriate liaison with Academic Departments relating to on course support
Wider liason with other areas of Marjon
Specialist Study Skills tuition
Specialist Mentoring
On-going review of support

Who Are We

Lynda Tout (Inclusion Co-ordinator)
Anne Lewis (Disability Adviser)
Nikki Breed (Assistant Disability Adviser)
Emily Waterfield (Administrator)
Tory Adams (Specialist Mentor)
Sarah Ord-Houghton (Specialist Mentor)
Amanda Anderton (Specialist Mentor)
Edward Wood (Specialist Study Skills Tutor)
Jeremy Cox (Specialist Study Skills Tutor)
Heather Sunderland (Specialist Study Skills Tutor)
Karen Griffiths (Specialist Study Skills Tutor)

Where Are We?

West Block, next to the Student Hub

Appointments

For a new appointment with the Disability Adviser please email disability@marjon.ac.uk

If you already have one-to-one support with a Specialist Mentor or Study Skills tutor, please contact them directly to arrange further sessions.

If you are a new student your Specialist Mentor or Specialist Study Skills Tutor will be assigned to you by the Disability Adviser. If you have not been assigned a specific member of staff then please email disability@marjon.ac.uk

Useful Documents

DIAS A Guide to Needs Assessments 2018/19: A Guide to Needs Assessments

DIAS Statement of Service 2018/19: DIAS Statement of service

DSA1 Application Slim Form 2018/19

DSA1 Application Long Form 2018/19

DSA1 Guidance Notes 2018/19

DSA Medical Evidence Form 2018/19

DSA Reimbursement of Costs Claim Form 2018/19

Useful Videos

Dyslexia Support

We provide specialist study skills tuition, advice and guidance for students with SPLDs including Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia.

We offer

Dyslexia screening
Specialist support and tuition
Appropriate liaison with Academic Departments relating to course support
Up to date personalised reviews of relevant support.

Who we are

Heather Sunderland (Specialist Study Skills Tutor) Howard Coakley (Specialist Study Skills Tutor) Jeremy Cox (Specialist Study Skills Tutor) Karen Griffiths (Specialist Study Skills Tutor) Ed Wood (Specialist Study Skills Tutor)

Where we are

Student Wellbeing and Support – West Block If you have any queries or issues in regards to SPLDs or think you may need academic support then we highly recommend coming and seeing us for a pre-booked appointment or scheduled drop-in Student Support.

Appointments

For an appointment please follow this link for guidance on how to book an appointment with Student Wellbeing and Support staff. If you already have one-to-one support with a Learning Mentor or Study Skills tutor, please contact them directly to arrange further sessions. If you are a new student your Learning Mentor or Study Skills Tutor will be assigned to you by a member of the DIAS team. If you have not been assigned a specific member of staff then please

email disability@marjon.ac.uk Telephone External 01752 636891 / internal extension 2091

Out of Hours Campus Support

Marjon supports its residential students through a team of Resident Life Coordinators (RLCs) and Resident Student Assistants (RSAs). The Resident Life Coordinators and Resident Student Assistants are on a duty rota to support students out of normal office hours.

Campus can be a lively place to live and has a diverse population where sometimes not everyone is able to “get along”. For more information on Accommodation (including how to deal with “Flatmates from Hell”) please click here.

The RLC and RSA teams can help with noisy neighbours, feeling homesick, not knowing your way around and are the first port of call for any incidents or accidents.

The Campus Support Team assists in making your stay on campus enjoyable whilst taking into account everyone’s safety and wellbeing. In the event of an incident please telephone 2222 and the Campus Support Assistants or Campus Security Staff will contact the duty RSA.

The Campus Support Assistants work between 07.30 and 20.00 Monday to Friday.

This team will offer the support you need on a day to day basis and are located in the Campus Services Office. The Campus Security Staff provide support from 20.00 to 08.00 Monday to Friday and at weekends. They look after the safety and security of the establishment and will conduct regular patrols.

Plymouth Student Safety Guide

Please feel free to download or collect a hard copy from the Information Hub/Student Wellbeing and Support.

Plymouth Student Safety Guide – provided by Devon & Cornwall Police and well being.

Student Funding Advice

From basic advice on funding entitlements to complex advice about serious financial problems. The service offers impartial, confidential and professional guidance and information to students.

What we do

We administer the University Hardship Fund, Care Leaver and Estranged Student Bursaries and University Emergency Loans. (Please see below for further information)

We offer appointments to discuss:

Financial or personal situations which may affect study.
Financial implications of interruption, re-start, programme transfer or withdrawal of study.

Contact Us

Via telephone: 01752 636891
Via email: studentsupport@marjon.ac.uk or studentfunding@marjon.ac.uk

University Hardship Fund

The University Hardship Fund is available to help students who need extra financial support because they have higher than expected costs or experience severe financial difficulty during their course due to unexpected events.
If you have children, are a mature student with existing financial commitments, are from a low-income family, were previously in care, or are homeless, the University Hardship Fund may be able to help you fund your studies.
All applications will be means tested and payments will usually be made in instalments.

For the full University Hardship Fund guidelines detailing further information regarding eligibility, conditions, assessment procedures etc. please click here.

To download the 2018/19 application form please click here.

Paper copies of the application form are available from the Information Hub.

To download the student bank details form required for University Hardship Fund applications please click here.

Care Leavers Bursary

Plymouth Marjon University provides a Care Leavers Bursary of £2,000 per academic year for eligible students.

Students who have indicated on their application to the University that they are a Care Leaver will be contacted by the Student Funding Adviser and sent a bursary application form after the start of the Academic Year.
Continuing Care Leaver students will be sent an application form by the Student Funding Adviser at he start of each academic year.

If you did not indicate your Care Leaver status on your University application please email studentfunding@marjon.ac.uk

To download the Care Leaver Bursary Guidance for further information please click here.

Estranged Student Bursary

Plymouth Marjon University provides a Estranged Student Bursary of £1,000 per academic year for eligible students.

If you are under 25 and estranged from both of your biological/adoptive parents or only living parents you may be eligible to apply.

To download the Estranged Student Bursary Guidance for further information on the bursary please click here.
For an application form please contact studentfunding@marjon.ac.uk

Securing independent status on the basis of estrangement with Student Finance can sometimes be difficult and time consuming so if you are struggling with this process please contact studentfunding@marjon.ac.uk for help and/or visit the Stand Alone website.

University Emergency Loan

University Emergency Loan’s are intended to help students who need extra financial support in emergency situations due to unforeseen events and who do not have any other means of financial support.

Each application is assessed on an individual basis during a meeting with the Student Funding Adviser to discuss the situation and to assess if a University Emergency Loan is appropriate for the circumstance and/or if there is any further support that we can offer.

For further information the University Emergency Loan Guidance can be downloaded by clicking here.

The University Emergency Loan application form can be downloaded by clicking here.

To arrange an appointment regarding an University Emergency Loan please email: studentfunding@marjon.ac.uk

International Student Emergency Fund

The International Student Emergency Fund (ISEF) is available to help International (including EU) students who are experiencing financial difficulty due to unexpected circumstances e.g. family illness/bereavement in their home country and high travel costs to return.ISEF is not intended to help with general living costs because International students are expected to have made enough provisions prior to starting their course to cover their living costs and tuition fees.

For the full International Student Emergency Fund guidelines detailing further information regarding eligibility, conditions, assessment procedures etc. please click here.

The International Student Emergency Fund application form can be downloaded by clicking here.

Further advice & information leaflets

For information regarding Council Tax, funding FAQ’s, receiving your funding, insurance, money worries and tuition and accommodation fees please go to the “Money Matters” section of the Student Handbook.

Please click on the titles below to download the relevant information & advice leaflets: