Where to go for help

Who can help?

If you are unwell, or going through difficulties that you think are having a negative impact on your studies and/or your ability to take assessments, it is vital that you let someone know.

Although it might feel easier to stay quiet, we are in a much stronger position to offer support and help you if you raise any issues as soon as you can. The longer you stay quiet, the harder it will be for us to accommodate or support your situation.

Remember, if you put in a claim for consideration of exceptional circumstances after the deadline, the first question we will ask is whether there was a compelling reason to explain why you could not have made an on-time submission. If there is no compelling reason that your application was late and no grounds for a review of this decision, we will not be able to approve your request and a 'Completion of Procedures' letter will be issued.

Seeking appropriate support

There are a number of people and services in place to help you when you need support. You may feel more comfortable talking to people you have already met, or you may prefer to discuss your issue with people you don’t normally interact with in your academic life, especially if your problem is personal and sensitive. Remember that staff here at Brookes have often worked with students for many years and have been able to help students with all manner of difficulties. The most important thing is that you speak to someone as soon as you can.

Sources of support are:

Student Support Co-ordinators

You will have been assigned a Student Support Co-ordinator at the start of your course. They are a first point of contact and their role is to guide and support you. When it’s appropriate, they will also be able to make other relevant staff aware of your difficulties, but they would normally only do this with your permission. Your Student Support Co-ordinator will be aware of the University Regulations and will be able to guide you through the exceptional circumstances process. You can find more information about Student Support Co-ordinators and how to contact them through their webpages.

Student Support Co-ordinators

Academic Advisers

You will also have been assigned an Academic Adviser at the start of your course. They are another initial point of contact who can support you and provide guidance. Your Academic Adviser should also be aware of the University Regulations for Study and be able to guide you through the exceptional circumstances process. You can find out who your Academic Adviser is by logging onto Student Information.

Student Information login

Academic staff

When you’re talking to academic staff about your work, you might find that you end up discussing difficulties that you are experiencing and that is fine too. They may be able to advise you themselves or they will direct you to staff who can help.

Disability support

If you have a long-term disability or a condition that affects your ability to study, you should register with the University’s Inclusive Support Service as soon as you can. They can help to identify what support you require in line with your specific needs. They will work with you to formulate an Individual Support Plan (ISP).

Inclusive Support Service

Dyslexia/SpLD support

If you are having difficulties with your course that could be related to a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you should contact the University’s Inclusive Support Service. They offer advice, screening and assessment and can help to identify what support you require in line with your specific needs. If you have a full assessment of your specific learning difficulties by a suitably qualified professional, they will work with you to formulate an Individual Support Plan (ISP).

Inclusive Support Service

Student Investigation and Resolution Team

The Student Investigation and Resolution Team is responsible for administrating and processing claims for consideration of exceptional circumstances. They can offer you information and guidance on the Exceptional Circumstances Policy. They can only discuss procedural matters as they will be involved in making decisions about your application. You can contact the Student Investigation and Resolution Team on sirt@brookes.ac.uk.

Student Investigation and Resolution Team

Brookes Union Advice Service

Brookes Union Advice Service can offer in-depth, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of University policies and procedures including the Exceptional Circumstances Procedure. They are part of the Students’ Union which means they are independent of the University. They are very experienced in advising and supporting students who are making exceptional circumstances applications. You can find more information about the services they offer and how to contact them by visiting their website.

Brookes Union Advice Service

University Counselling Service

If you have been going through personal difficulties that are having an impact on your mental, emotional and personal wellbeing, you can seek support from the Counselling Service. Their service is open to all students, is free of charge and confidential.

Counselling Service

Multifaith Chaplaincy

The Multifaith Chaplaincy offers companionship and spiritual care to all members of the University from all faiths or none. You may find it both helpful and comforting to seek pastoral care if you are experiencing personal difficulties and need to talk things through with someone.

Multifaith Chaplaincy