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Access to email systems can sometimes be limited e.g., if there's a problem with servers, or if a student graduates. It's generally a good idea for record keeping purposes to have emails to your student account forwarded to a personal account you control.
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You should develop timetables for assignments, studying, and exams.
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In some places, counselling staff may give priority to the wellbeing of staff and not students. This can sometimes cause a conflict of interest.
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Just because a university has a policy does not mean it is enforced. It is essential to have good record keeping practices to protect yourself and others. Record meetings when you can so people can not lie about what was or wasn't said in a meeting.
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If you have a disability you are often legally entitled to bring a representative with you in many jurisdictions. So you do not need to have meetings on your own.
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Your student union should be there to support students. Some unions and staff are better than others. When raising concerns there is usually more safety in numbers if others are having similar difficulties. Sometimes it may be appropriate to contact your political resprentatives if an issue arises. However, local politicians and their colleagues may have, or have had, roles in your local university such as being on authority boards. It may therefore be in their political interest not to let on that a problem has happened under their watch. When appropriate seek independent legal advice. Human resource groups usually protect the institution they work for and the wellbeing of the student body may not be their priority. A complaints procedure in your university may therefore have limited effectiveness. There have unfortunately been many cases where 3rd level staff have gotten away with outrageous behaviour.
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If seeking a supervisor, it is usually a good idea to reach out to former or current students and enquire about the nature of different staff members.
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If staff are non-responsive in emails, CC-ing their fellow staff in an email can sometimes lead to a better response as they may feel their actions or inactions can be observed by others.
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In many jurisdictions, you can usually request information a 3rd level group has by making it a Freedom of Information Request. This creates an obligation to respond within a reasonable timeframe. This can be sent in writing (signed delivery or registered post helps create a record of delivery, and a follow-up email). In writing, specify that this is a Freedom of Information Request. Make it clear what records or areas of information are being requested.
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Your university may have a reward system for volunteering with an award that goes on your student transcript. It's worth applying for if you've done the time. People who volunteer are also 12% more likely to find employment.
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Pass this advice onto future students. Send us tips or suggestions if you have any: info@mentaldiy.com
