Dean of Students

Dean of Students (Welfare)

• How to Contact the Dean of Students Office
• Code of Conduct
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Office of the Dean of Students (Welfare)
• Illnesses requiring vigilance
• Representation
• Appeal a Fine
• Emergency Accommodation
• Cause for Concern Form
• Vice Warden Vacancies 2013

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a problem with my course.

Firstly you should discuss this with your tutor or the undergraduate/postgraduate tutor for your department. If your question is about your marks or progression and cannot be resolved by your department, then ask your tutor to put you in contact with your faculty tutor and the Dean of Students (Academic). If the issue remains unresolved, then contact the Dean of Students (Welfare) and we may be able to further advise you, and if necessary mediate your case.

Please also see the Student Grievance Procedure.

Do I need a sick note if I am ill and need to miss classes?

Students can self refer for sporadic periods of up to 5 days. For longer periods or if you need to take time off frequently you should obtain a note from your doctor.

I am a postgraduate student and my course is not progressing in the way I expected.

Firstly you should discuss the matter with the graduate school. If the issue remains unresolved, then contact the Dean of Students (Welfare) and we will be able to further advise you, and if necessary mediate your case.

I wish to dispute a fine I have received from the library.

You should have received a letter from the library explainining why you have been fined and on what grounds you may appeal.

I am trying to re-enrol but find that I have a fine from the Dean of Students Offfice - what can I do about this?

You should have been informed of any fines levied against you. The most common fines to be levied by our office relate to breaking library rules and behaviour in halls of residence. You can pay the fine through Portico or in person to the Dean of Students office at 4 Taviton Street.

I have paid a fine through Portico but I still can't re-enrol. What's going on?

If you paid your fine through Portico it takes a little while for this news to filter through to the Dean's Office allowing us to remove the "debtor's flag" against your name. If you have recently paid a fine through Portico feel free to contact Shelley in the Dean's Office to ask her to acknowledge the payment.

How can I go about becoming a vice warden in a hall of residence?

Vacancies for vice warden positions in UCL residences are advertised each year during the spring term with applications closing around the end of the term. Appointments usually run from August 1st. UCL graduate students who will be studying full time at UCL for at least a year from August 1st are invited to apply. An email advertising the positions is sent to all current postgraduate students. The positions will also be advertised on this website so watch this space.

I am being harassed / stalked through - can UCL do anything to help?

We'll certainly do whatever we can to try. You should make an appointment with the Dean of Students (Welfare) to discuss this further. If you find yourself in a position where you believe there is a threat of violence do not hesitate to contact the police (and/or UCL security if you are on UCL premises).

I have run out of money. What are my options?

The online student handbook section on student financial support has a comprehensive list of the various sources of funding available to students.

The Dean of Students can authorise an emergency loan of up to £300 for students who are suffering from a cash-flow problem. To get the loan you will have to make an appointment to see the Dean of Students. The Students' Union Rights & Advice Centre also has a small loan fund if you need more than is available from the Dean.

The student hardship funds can make small (up to £1000) contributions towards maintenance where as a result of unforeseen circumstances your original funding plan has suffered.

I've got a problem with my halls of residence.

There are two immediate sources of assistance. If it is a problem which relates to maintenance or your contract then your first port of call is the office at the hall of residence. If it is a matter which relates to the welfare of yourself or others then you should contact the hall Warden. The Warden isn't involved in the day to day management of the hall but may be able to make an enquiry on your behalf to the site management team. See the next question for information about how to get in touch with the Warden.

If the local management and/or the Warden can't satisfy you then you should refer to the "Student Residences General Regulations" booklet which you will have received when you first moved into your residence. The booklet explains the complaint procedure.

My son/daughter is studying at UCL. I'm worried about them but can't seem to make contact, can you help me to get in touch?

University - particularly the first few weeks - can be very hectic during which students sometimes aren't as efficient at keeping in touch as their loved ones would like them to be.

While UCL staff can't directly help you to make contact it may be possible to ask the staff at your son or daughter's residence to leave them a note asking them to "ring home".

I am worried that I or a friend may have meningitis.

You can view the UCL information on meningitis here.

I am concerned about another student's behaviour.

Please don't hesitate to make your concerns known to a member of UCL staff. This might be your personal or department tutor or a residence Warden. Alternatively feel free to contact the Dean of Students (Welfare).

You shouldn't worry that you are getting yourself or the other person into trouble. Sharing your concerns will be in everyone's best interests.

I am being bullied or harassed by another student or member of staff.

UCL has a firm commitment to equality of opportunity and, as such, will not tolerate the harassment or bullying of one member of its community by another or others.

If you subjected to bullying or harassment you can speak to a member of staff in your department, the Dean of Students, or a member of staff in the Rights & Advice Centre.

There is a clear policy on bullying and harassment that can be viewed here.

I think I might be pregnant.

If you wish to discuss your options you can contact the Adviser to Women Students, Hilary Richards, or a member of staff at the Rights & Advice Centre. There is also further advice for UCL students who become pregnant here.

I have been arrested. What can I do?

You can contact the Students' Union Rights & Advice Centre for advice and support. They will be able advise you further and help you find legal representation if you need it.

If you are studying a programme that leads to a professional qualification or registration you may have been required to sign a statement confirming your fitness to pursue a particular career. An arrest and subsequent charge may affect your fitness, and you are required to inform your department if your circumstances change.

It may also be considered a disciplinary offence if you bring UCL into disrepute.

Offensive material has been posted about me on facebook or similar websites.

You should contact the owner of the website, and request that it be taken down. If the material has been posted by a UCL student or staff member it can be dealt with under the bullying and harassment procedure. Alternatively you can report the matter to the police.

I am a mature student - how can I be helped?

Mature students are specifically prioritised by the government for the receipt of the Access to Learning Fund, so if you need additional funds and meet the other criteria you should make an application.

I have a disability. What help is out there for me.

UCL Disability Services work to ensure that any needs related to your disability are met when you start university. This can range from specialist equipment, additional support, or alternative arrangements for assessment.

Where can I go for counselling and help?

The UCL Student Counselling service is based at 3 Taviton Street. They offer individual counselling, personal development workshops, and group therapy sessions.

How can I repay my Emergency loan/fine?

You can pay a fine, or repay a loan at the Dean of Students office at 4 Taviton Street. The office is open Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm.

I am being forced into arranged marriage. What can I do?

A number of organisations provide advice and assistance for people who are being forced into marriage. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a Forced Marriage Unit. They can provide information and support for anyone in the UK or abroad that is at risk.

Women's Aid are a national charity that provides advice, support, and shelter to women at risk. If you need to find a local contact click here.

You can also approach the Dean of Students' office, personal tutor, or Rights & Advice Centre.

I am having problems with my landlord

The Rights & Advice Centre provides advice on any problem you may encounter with private rented accommodation. They will be able to explain your rights, outline what action can be taken, and if necessary mediate with your landlord.

Alternatively you can find a lot of useful information on the Shelter website.

I am under 18. What are my options?

If you are under 18 when you join UCL you will be subject to additional regulations aimed to ensure your rights and safety as a student. The specific UCL policy can be viewed here . You will still be able to be involved in the social activities of the Students' Union, although licensing restrictions and insurance may prevent you from taking part in everything.