Building bridges to success:
Published: 14 November 2023
A day in the life of a student support officer
by Mara Dougall
There’s a lot of great support available within the university – but in such a big institution it can be a bit overwhelming, and there’s lots of information to take in during inductions.
As a Student Support Officer (SSO), a big part of my work is making sure students are aware of the help that is out there, and how they can access it. I regularly meet with students to confidentially discuss how they are getting on, and any non-academic issues they might need help with. I link students up with specialist services but also talk to them about how they manage their health and wellbeing alongside their studies. I work closely with colleagues in the Disability Service and my Schools.
In my role, I’m based primarily within the School of Physics and Astronomy, but as Team Lead I also support my fellow SSOs across the College of Science and Engineering. The best thing about my job is that no two days are the same and I get to meet a lot of interesting people. Students can sometimes be a little reluctant to reach out for help, or they might come from a culture where support is framed differently. I need to be able to spread the word about our services, so students get the support they need to succeed and also feel a part of a positive and inclusive university community.
As as a student, you can always contact your SSO, here. Additional wellbeing support can be found here:
Masterclasses: Online masterclasses are tailored to address common student challenges. You can gain practical skills to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing. Check out the workshops here: Masterclasses Link
Counselling Services: You can self-refer to counselling through our user-friendly online form. Visit this link and check under 'Register for support.' Engage in an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and assess the suitability of our services.
24/7 Helpline: Our partnership with Health Assured brings you a 24/7 confidential helpline—accessible at any time. Reach out at 0800 028 3766 to discuss your challenges. The free helpline offers support via live chat or video chat through the app. Learn more and access the app on our website: Student Support App
First published: 14 November 2023
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