A Student Engagement Appointment is a 30 minute session where you can book in to speak with a Student Engagement Advisor. In these appointments we can discuss a range of topics, answer your questions and help resolve any concerns you have.

We encourage you to book an appointment with us as soon as you feel like you need some support. It may be that by talking through your concern early we can help you avoid becoming disengaged and keep you on track towards completing your chosen course.

When to Book

Some of the common reasons students Book an Engagement Appointment include:

• Unforeseen circumstances e.g. Pregnancy, Ill Health, Family/Personal difficulties
• Support around serious incidents (Victim of Crime, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault/Harassment or Homelessness
• Discussing complex mitigating circumstances and evidence
• Feeling like they've chosen the wrong course
• Struggling to balance work and your studies
• Wanting to discuss taking a break or thinking of leaving your course
• Signposting to other Support Services like Counselling, Student Money Advice, Disability Support or the Mental Health team.

This is not a complete list and we will regularly discuss other topics that students bring to us so please do get in touch with other queries at studentengagement@beds.ac.uk and we can discuss if a Student Engagement Appointment is right for you.

How to Book

There are two ways for you to book an appointment:

• Via the Student Information Desk (SID) - If you would like to speak to someone to discuss the specifics times you are available or if you do not have access to a computer you can speak to a member of the SID team who will be able to directly book you into the next suitable appointment slot.

• Directly with Student Engagement- If for any reason you would like to keep the details of your appointment to only our team you can always email our team directly and an advisor can book you into the next slot available. This option is also the best to use if you have a single question as we may be able to answer it faster via email.

Contact us

SID - sid@beds.ac.uk or 0300 300 0042

Student Engagement Team - studentengagement@beds.ac.uk

Online security is taken very seriously by the University, we therefore ask all current students emailing and sending attachments to email from their University @study.beds.ac.uk account. Please also include your student number on all communications with the team.

Alternatively you can safely send your enquiry and any attachments to the Student Information Desk (SID). Find out how to log an enquiry. If you are experiencing problems accessing your University email address please email SID@beds.ac.uk who will be able to advise and help resolve.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

You may consider taking a break from your studies for a range of reasons. This can include; To explore a placement opportunity, Personal reasons, to take a gap year or a range of other reasons. In the event you decide this is something you choose to do you would need to formalise this with the University by completing an Interruption of Studies.

What is an Interruption of Studies?

This is the formal process for taking extended leave from the University and your studies, this is usually a 12 months period unless you have discussed an alternative option with your academic staff.

We recommend that before you complete the process to interrupt your studies that you book an appointment to discuss an support options available to you with a Student Engagement Advisor.

Before you complete the Interruption of Studies Form you must consider both the Academic and Financial Implications.

Academic Implications

Please discuss your request to interrupt with your academic department. This could be a course coordinator or Personal Academic Tutor. If you are requesting to interrupt for less than the standard 12 months your return to studies date must be agreed by the department.

Financial Implications

It is very important that you are aware of any potential financial impacts that may arise as a result of taking a year out from your studies.

As the Student Engagement team cannot advise or support with any student finance or general finance enquiries, we strongly recommend that you discuss your intent to interrupt with the Student Finance Officer (SFO) for your faculty. They will then be able to discuss if any fees will be owed and when this would be due.

Fee Liability:
Please read Tuition Fee Liability Information [PDF] information for more details on what fees you will be liable to pay if you choose to interrupt your studies.
For more detailed information read the Tuition Fees Policy [PDF]

You can contact the right Student Finance Officer (SFO) by choosing the email address that is linked to your Faculty:

• Education and Sport (E&S): sfoE&S@beds.ac.uk
• University of Bedfordshire Business School (UBBS): sfobusiness@beds.ac.uk
• Creative Arts Technology and Science (CATS): sfocats@beds.ac.uk
• Health and Social Sciences (HSS), including if you are a NHS funded student: sfohealth@beds.ac.uk

If your query is more general you can contact our central Finance Team at sortmyfinance@beds.ac.uk or by calling 01582 743993.

For a detailed checklist of steps to take before you submit your interruption of Studies form please download our support document: Interruption of Studies - Support Document [PDF]

Interruption of Studies Form

Download and complete the Interruption of Studies Form [DOC]

Please send a completed copy of the form and email directly to studentengagement@beds.ac.uk where a member of our team will check the form and send this on to your course administrator who will ensure a exit interview is completed with the academic admin, personal tutor or academic who will then formally update your record.

We offer a 5 day holding period as standard to allow for students to change their mind within this time after they have sent in their form. If you would like your form processing as soon as possible please indicate this in your email and confirm you have contacted the finance team.

A completed form does not mean that the interruption request will be automatically processed at this stage, the Student Engagement Team will be in contact to advise you further.

The date the form is submitted will be used as the date of the interruption of studies, the university cannot backdate your request.

Important Reminders

• Your department may set conditions for you to meet before you can re-join
• You cannot sit exams, attend classes or hand in work to be marked when you are interrupted
• You will not be allowed to attempt completed assessments again when you return to your studies
• You will not be classed as a student so you will not be entitled to a student loan or other student benefits (eg council tax exemption).

Taking a Second Break?

In the event that either your circumstances change or do not improve and you are still unable to return to your studies after your 1st interruption you may be eligible to apply for a 2nd year Interruption.

This follows the same process as a standard interruption but in order to authorise the second year we will require evidence that shows that your situation still prevents you from attending University.

Evidence that can be considered can be discussed in a student engagement appointment (see "Booking an appointment" tab). Evidence should be sent to studentengagement@beds.ac.uk along with your completed form.

International students

If you are an international student and you are thinking about interrupting you must contact the International Office (IO) to discuss your options. The International Office is the only team that can approve your interruption, however an Engagement Advisor will be happy to meet with you to discuss support options.

The IO can be contacted at internationalstudentexperience@beds.ac.uk

Thinking about Withdrawing?

Many students struggle with the change of learning style or living away from home for the first time. This can leave you feeling lonely or out of your depth, whatever your age or background!

If you are considering leaving your course please speak to student engagement about the support available to you before completing the formal withdrawal process.

To transfer to another university you must first complete a withdrawal of studies from your current course.

Financial Implications

It is very important that you are aware of any potential financial impacts that may arise as a result of Withdrawing from your studies.

As the Student Engagement team cannot advise or support with any student finance or general finance enquiries, we strongly recommend that you discuss your intent to withdraw with the Student Finance Officer (SFO) for your faculty. They will then be able to discuss if any fees will be owed and when this would be due.

Fee Liability:
Please read Tuition Fee Liability Information [PDF] information for more details on what fees you will be liable to pay if you choose to withdraw from your studies.
For more detailed information read the Tuition Fees Policy [PDF]

You can contact the right SFO by choosing the email address that is linked to your faculty:

• Education and Sport (E&S): sfoE&S@beds.ac.uk
• University of Bedfordshire Business School (UBBS): sfobusiness@beds.ac.uk
• Creative Arts Technology and Science (CATS): sfocats@beds.ac.uk
• Health and Social Sciences (HSS): sfohealth@beds.ac.uk

If your query is more general you can contact our central Finance Team at sortmyfinance@beds.ac.uk or by calling 01582 743993.

For a detailed checklist of steps to take before you submit your Withdrawal from Studies form please download our support document: Withdrawal from Studies Support Document [PDF]

How to Withdraw

If you have made certain you understand all of the implications your withdrawal will have and are still confident that you wish to leave you are ready to complete a Withdrawal form.

Please download and complete the Withdrawal Form [DOC]

Please send a completed copy of the form to studentengagement@beds.ac.uk

We offer a 5 day holding period as standard to allow for students to change their mind within this time after they have sent in their form. If you would like your form processing as soon as possible please indicate this in your email.

It is important to note that non-attendance on your course is not a formal indication to the University that you wish to withdraw from your studies. It also will not alter any fee implications.

Completed withdrawal forms sent to the Student Engagement Team will be reviewed and you will receive correspondence from a member of the team.

A completed form does not mean that the withdrawal request will be automatically processed at this stage, the Student Engagement Team will be in contact to advise you further.

The date the form is submitted will be used as the date of the withdrawal of studies, the university cannot backdate your request.

If you are an international student, making any change to your course may have implications for your immigration status and the completion of your studies. if you are thinking of taking a break or withdrawing from your studies, please contact the International Office for advice and guidance on this.

Contact details:

• InternationalStudentExperience@beds.ac.uk
• visaadvice@beds.ac.uk

Cancellation of Registration

Note that there is a statutory 'cooling off' period of 14 days following your receipt of the University’s emailed Offer Letter, in which you can which you can withdraw without incurring liability for a Tuition Fee.

If you did not accept your offer, but registered with the University of Bedfordshire for your course, there is a 14 day 'cooling off' period from the date of registration, in which you can which you can withdraw without incurring liability for a Tuition Fee.

If you withdraw after these 14 days, you are liable for the tuition fees for your course.

Please contact your Student Finance Officer (SFO) as detailed above to discuss this.

If you require a suspension of studies or an extension to a specific deadline, you must make a request to the Research Degrees Committee (RDC). Applications should be made via the Student Engagement and Mitigation Team (SEAM).

Extensions to deadlines will only be granted by the RDC when clear evidence is provided showing that the delays you have faced were beyond your control. Research degrees have a built in pre-approved extension period, to allow for any general delays to be taken into consideration in your planned thesis submission date.

The RDC will only consider requests for Extensions and Suspensions once a student has contacted Student Engagement and Mitigation (SEAM) and SEAM have provided the RDC with a recommendation on the request. Due to this requirement and RDC deadlines, we strongly recommend that you begin the process of applying for Extensions at least two months prior to the specific deadline the request relates to.

Asking for a SEAM Recommendation

In order for SEAM to make a recommendation for you we require you to fill out the SEAM Support for Research Students Form [DOCX] and send back to us at student.engagement@beds.ac.uk and we can look at making a recommendation for you, to be considered at the next opportunity of the Research Degrees Committee (RDC).

Please note, SEAM do not make recommendations on academic issues/queries, please contact RGS for these queries.

If you would like to speak to an advisor about what option would be best for you please look at our booking an appointment tab for more details on how to speak to a student engagement advisor.

If you haven't already you will also need to fill out the extension paperwork which goes to the RGS which you can find on BREO.

If you have a visa or are funded we advise you check any implications directly with your sponsor.

What we do

Once the team has read through your case an advisor will complete one of the below recommendation forms. In there the team will either support or not support your request. This recommendation is then sent to the RGS team to be presented alongside other evidence discussed with your supervisory team at the next sitting of the RDC.

• PGR Extension Recommendation
• PGR Interruption Recommendation

Possible outcomes

The recommendation provided by SEAM does not constitute a final decision. This power sits with the RDC who will look at the recommendation and will ultimately decide to make one of the following decisions:

• Accept as stated: Fully accept your request and grant the Extension/Interruption)
• Accept with amendments: Accept the request but with slight changes to the award, this could be an increase or decrease in the time awarded based upon evidence and fitting in with deadlines etc. (This will be fully explained in the RDC's contact with you).
• Reject: Reject the claim and provide a reasonable justification for this decision.

If you need to retake units due to mitigating circumstances, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Grant.

For advice on your eligibility and to discuss the application process, you will need to make an appointment with a Student Engagement Advisor.

You can make an appointment through SID or by emailing studentengagement@beds.ac.uk

You will need to complete a Discretionary Grant Application form (on BREO login needed), with any additional information and evidence attached, and submit your form by emailing studentengagement@beds.ac.uk

Your application will be considered by the Student Engagement team in the first instance. It will then be forwarded to the Faculty who will make a decision on your application and notify you of the outcome in writing.

Remember, the support teams are here for you. We support students based on individual needs and circumstances, please reach out for support.

For more information on the available support within the University please visit Student Support website or make contact with the teams.

Health and Wellbeing Support

• Visit Disability Support for information including dyslexia screening, DSA and study needs assessments information and how we can support you. You can email the team on Disability@beds.ac.uk
• Mental Health support including self help resources and list of services for those managing an existing mental health diagnosis. You can email the team on mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk
• Find out about Counselling support available at the university and you can email the team on Counselling@beds.ac.uk

Student Money Advice

• Visit Student Money Advice for information including part time job, bursary information and financial support options, you can contact the team by emailing: studentmoney@beds.ac.uk

Financial / Fee queries

• Fee related queries, including financial implications if considering interrupting or withdrawing you’re your studies, contact sortmyfinance@beds.ac.uk or Credit Services via telephone on 01582 743993.
• Contact the department student finance officer for each faculty on:
  • Education and Sport (E&S): sfoE&S@beds.ac.uk
  • Business School (UBBS): sfobusiness@beds.ac.uk
  • Creative Arts Technology and Science (CATS): sfocats@beds.ac.uk
  • Health and Social Sciences (HSS), including if you are a NHS funded student: sfohealth@beds.ac.uk

Community and Faith

• Community and Faith team who offer pastoral and emotional support can be contacted Chaplaincy Team Support is available by emailing: treehouse@beds.ac.uk. Visit Treehouse for information including a map highlighting places of worship and a guide of spirituality and faith in the Bedfordshire and surrounds areas.

Careers and Employability

• Discover employees, graduate roles, part time jobs, volunteering, network with employees and apply for jobs through the university Handshake
• Kick start your career, create and review your CV, practice interview techniques and much more through the university Beds Career Builder

Students' Union (BedsSU)

• Visit the Beds SU Helpdesk for self-help resources, including a video on how to write an appeal Completing your UoB Academic Appeal Form - YouTube. If you have concerns about academic appeals and cannot gain independent advice please contact adjudication@beds.ac.uk to advice you are awaiting an appointment with the Beds SU.
• For information on the services that can help click where to go for support for more information.
• Post a comment at Student Voice
• Talk to your Academic Representative for your course (You can find your Academic Rep by using the "Find my Rep" tool)

Security

• Luton: 01582 489313
• Bedford: 07824 527537,
• (24/7 emergency number) 0800 389 8455

Student Accommodation

• Luton CLV (24 hour reception), telephone: 07808 770659
• Bedford Homes for Students, telephone: 01423 855960

Please review alternative sources of help and services who can provide support outside of the university and can often be contacted outside of the university support teams opening hours. Information below list organisations who can support, advice and guide you based on your individual circumstances.

All Medical Emergencies

• Call 999 and ask the operator for the service you require

Cost of Living Support

• Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, see their contact details and opening times
• If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of Trussell Trust free helplines
• Visit the University website cost of living support for information for students impacted by cost of living.
• Visit the Citizens Advice Website for information on advice and support including cost of living, debt advice, housing, benefits and work. For emergency food call 0808 208 2183 to talk to a trained advisor.

Warm Places to Study

• University has extended Library opening hours so you have a warm place to study, charge your electronic devices and have access to free Wi-Fi.
• Visit Library Opening Times for full information.
• Find a Warm Space to go in Dunstable and Luton, visit this Warm Spaces website to find out more.

Homelessness or Housing Issues

• Visit the university Homelessness Support Page for information including external agency support including local council who can provide housing advice and support for individuals living within specific areas.
• Please be advised if you require emergency accommodation, visit your local council for advice and support or if you feel there immediate risk to your safety and life, contact 999 or visit your local police station.

Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Support

• If you are experiencing domestic abuse you can find local and national services who can support
• If you or anyone else is in immediate danger call 999 or present to any Emergency Services Building (Police Station, Hospital, Fire Station or Doctor's Surgery).
• If it is not safe for you to speak, you can use Silent Solution available on most mobile phones.
• Additionally "Safe Spaces" can be found a Boots, Superdrug and Morrisons for those seeking support from Domestic Abuse.
• Rape Crisis, 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line, call free on 0808 500 222 or visit the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line website to free online chat.
• Report a crime online

Health and Wellbeing Support

• Crisis Cafes Bedford and Luton: Support and a safe place for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Find your local Crisis Café or call 01525 722 225 or email crisiscafe@mind-blmk.org.uk during the hours listed.
• Samaritans: Have a free to call service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you want to talk to someone in confidence. Call 116 123 or Email: jo@samaritans.org
• CALM: Suicide Prevention Helpline, Call 0800 585858- lines are open from 5pm until midnight.
• SHOUT: Free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope, Text “shout” to 85258
• Student Minds provide support to make the winter break work for you, whatever your plans or circumstances are.
• If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.

Due to a variety of personal, family, financial or academic reasons, you may decide you need to reduce your study time. The University's unit framework normally allows you to attend your programme of study on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Before you change from full-time to part-time attendance, you should be aware that:

• You will have to formally agree a change of circumstances with your faculty office as not all courses allow a change to your mode of studies
• Stopping attending classes without formal agreement does not indicate you intend to change your mode of study
• By spreading one year of study over 2 academic years, you are likely to extend the number of years it will take to complete your course.
• You should always talk to your relevant funding body or sponsor about this decision to check if there are any financial implications
• The Student Money Advice Team can offer additional information regarding financial support