Preparing for your meetings

The Academic Tutoring system is part of the University’s commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full academic potential, but it is your responsibility to engage with your Tutor and prepare for your meetings. 

Before you meet with your Academic Tutor, it’s important to do some thinking beforehand:

• What am I enjoying? What are my strengths/interests/achievements?
• What am I finding difficult? Is there any areas that I’m worried about or don’t feel confident in?
• Do I understand my assessment feedback and how I can improve?
• What are my goals for the term or year ahead?
• Am I participating in other activities outside of my studies?
• What are my plans for life after University?

This will help you to come up with some questions or things to talk about. Make a note of these on the Academic Tutor meeting template and bring it with you to the meeting.  If there is anything which you feel is affecting your progress or if you’re struggling, you should raise this with your Academic Tutor. They will be able to give advice on what to do and guide you to the appropriate support.

Keeping a record of your progress

In your meetings, your Academic Tutor may suggest things for you to do in order to develop. This could include taking part in a co- or extra-curricular activity to gain skills and experience, or practising time-management techniques to help keep on top of your workload.

You should keep a record of your meetings, what you discussed, and any actions to take from them. Keeping a record of your development will help you to reflect on your performance and progress - you can revisit these at a later date by yourself, or in the next meeting with your Academic Tutor. 

Your Academic Tutor may also make notes during your meeting and store these online on the RISIS portal, where you will also be able to access them. You will receive an email to let you know that your meeting notes are available on RISIS and you will be able to request to edit them if anything has been misinterpreted.

To help you record your meeting, download a printable copy of our Academic Tutor meeting template.