ADVICE & SUPPORT SERVICES During your time at Robert Gordon University, sometimes things may go wrong or you may need a little extra support – and that’s perfectly okay. This leaflet will hopefully point you in the right direction. At the Student Union, we treat your concerns confidentially as we want to provide you with the aid to fully enjoy your time at RGU. We will listen, at a time and place that is convenient for you, and promise not to judge you but to offer help and support. Website: http://www.rguunion.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 1224 262294 Email: advice@rguunion.co.uk Or drop-in to our Advice Office at RGU:Union, University Street
SOCIAL SUPPORT University can be a daunting place – new faces, new lifestyle, possibly a new location – and you may be concerned that you don’t know anyone, or you may not feel like you’re settling in as much as you would like. There are a large number of competitive and casual sports clubs you can join, as well as many societies based around academic courses or shared hobbies. There are also a few purely social societies that meet up simply for fun and conversation. Additionally, there are a number of volunteering opportunities available, which will give you another interest to share, enhance your CV and allow you to meet other people. Joining a group can build confidence and social skills. You have the choice to participate in these groups and projects as much or as little as you want – whatever suits you personally. RGU:Union has also been instrumental in promoting the “It’s Time to Listen” pledge organised by WhoCares? Scotland. This means the University and Union are committed to supporting student care leavers, and tackling the discrimination they may face.
FAITH & BELIEF SUPPORT Scotland is a multi-cultural country and we recognise that our students are of many belief systems, faiths, or none. If you require a quiet area for praying, meditation, or a space for personal reflection, a number of multi-faith rooms are available to use at Kaim Cottage (beside ABS). All we ask is some tolerance of others’ personal beliefs while using the areas. There are also a number of student-led societies for some faiths, where you can get in touch with other students with similar beliefs, and we can help you set one up if necessary. There is also a University chaplain, who will meet with you regardless of your faith and beliefs.
HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT If you have a short-term or long-term medical concern or illness that is affecting you, the Student Union can provide you support and advice to minimize the impact of this on your time at RGU. Your mental wellbeing is also incredibly important. If you feel in need of emotional or pastoral support, whether this is a new or ongoing issue, there are a number of support services throughout the University and we can help you get in touch with these. The Union also provides a discreet contraception delivery service for all genders, as well as supplying pregnancy tests. We want you to be safe whatever you do, and won’t ask invasive questions, nor judge in any way. We also have information available on the structure of the Scottish health system, and who best to turn to for medical advice and treatment.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT If something has happened that significantly affects your academic performance – a medical concern, bereavement, an unexpected change in circumstances, or something else – we can help you to complete an extenuating circumstances form, in order to ensure your own personal situation is taken fairly into account for assessments. We can also support you if you feel you have been treated unfairly during your course, and with any issues you may be having with modules. If you receive a letter asking you to attend a meeting to discuss alleged misconduct, we can support you. Please contact us to discuss the meeting or make an appointment, or we can talk over the phone. You can depend on our conversation being completely confidential.
EQUALITY SUPPORT The Students’ Union is here to represent you, and we ensure that we have a group of elected Presidents, Vice Presidents and Equality Champions who can help you to sort any issues with diversity that you may face, and that every student is treated fair and equally. We try and ensure there is additional support for all underrepresented areas of the student body. This includes distance learning students, LGBT+ students, mature students, students with disabilities, gender equality, and fighting racism and discrimination. We’re always happy for you to pop in and discuss any issues you are facing though, and we’d love to hear your suggestions to support our campaign of encouraging diversity across the campus.
FURTHER INFORMATION You can find out more about any of these areas on our website or by contacting us (details on the front page). We will also soon have a collection of information to help you on the website. This includes how to make an appointment with us to discuss an issue, some FAQs about academic regulations, details of other RGU services, and links to a number of useful websites that can help with exam preparation, stress busting, time management, and more. At any time, you are welcome to drop in to the Student Union to chat to one of our team. The office is generally open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, even during academic holidays.
The Robert Gordon University Student Association is a registered Scottish charity, no SCO 16639. All advice and support data, correspondence and conversations are treated confidentially.