This role descriptor provides an overview of the Senior Tutor (Taught) role across the institution. ?It is recognised that larger Schools may have Head Senior Tutor positions (or similar), who will have additional responsibilities. ?It is also recognised that many Senior Tutors are asked to undertake complementary functions, such as the Special Consideration Assessor role. ?This role descriptor establishes the minimum expectations within the Senior Tutor role, with the understanding that Schools / Departments may set additional requirements.

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1.1?? ?The Head of School (or nominee) shall appoint one or more Senior Tutor(s) for their School and / or Department.
1.2?? ?Senior Tutors must have, or commit to developing, a good understanding of the University's processes, regulations and services, to assist students and staff in using the correct processes for managing their circumstances and in accessing the appropriate support services.
1.3?? ?It is recommended that those delivering the role of Senior Tutor are experienced in supporting students and / or have at least 1 years¡¯ experience as a Personal Academic Tutor at the University of Ìì·¢ÓéÀÖÆåÅÆ_Ìì·¢ÓéÀÖAPP-¹ÙÍø|ÏÂÔØ.

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The Senior Tutor role provides a second tier of support for students, beyond the role of the Personal Academic Tutors. The role exists to ensure Schools and/or Departments provide high-quality and consistent support for students, through liaison with services across the institution, working with and guiding PATs, and supporting students directly.

Senior Tutors are expected to support Personal Academic Tutors to deliver their role and maintain a detailed understanding of personal academic tutoring within their School / Department. ?To deliver this, Senior Tutors should:

3.1?? ?Maintain a thorough understanding of the Personal Academic Tutor system within their School / Department both in terms of how it operates and how it is performing, ensuring that any concerns regarding its operation are escalated to the relevant academic leadership, such as the Head of School, Deputy Head of School (Education) or similar.

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3.2?? ?Provide regular briefings for Personal Academic Tutors to ensure that they understand and can deliver their obligations ?This should include:

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3.2.1?? ?Briefing newly appointed PATs to ensure they understand the expectations of the role.
3.2.2?? ?Ensuring all PATs are sign-posted to the core information and guidance issued for PATs, including mandatory training.
3.2.3?? ?Reminding all PATs of the student support channels offered by the University and that these are accessed through the Student Hub.
3.2.4?? ?Ensuring all PATs are kept updated on key organisational or operational changes that may affect their role, as appropriate.

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3.3?? ?Act as first point of contact for Personal Academic Tutors who need advice, providing guidance on support for the student and referring them to relevant policies, services and resources in the University, including the SUSU Advice Centre.

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3.4?? ?Act as an escalation point for Personal Academic Tutors for complex student cases.

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Senior Tutors are expected to directly support students who are experiencing difficulties and require support beyond that offered by their Personal Academic Tutor. ?To deliver this, Senior Tutors should:

4.1?? ?Meet with students who require assistance beyond what their Personal Academic Tutor can provide. ?These meetings could be requested by the student, by the Personal Academic Tutor or by colleagues raising issues or concerns regarding a student¡¯s performance or wellbeing.?
4.2?? ?For those students the Senior Tutor is supporting, they should:

4.2.1?? ?Provide individual support and advice on academic related matters, including how to navigate processes such as Special Consideration / Pause in Study, etc.
4.2.2?? ?Work in collaboration with Student Support services to ensure information is shared and students are supported in a holistic and coordinated way.
4.2.3?? ?Escalate crisis situations to the Student Hub and work closely with Student Support services to ensure appropriate action is taken to support and safeguard the student.

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4.3?? ?Contribute to student inductions through activities such as providing an introduction during Welcome Week; ensuring students are aware of the role of the Personal Academic Tutors and the Senior Tutors and are clear on how to contact them.

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4.4?? ?Advise and support students (in confidence) who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships with their Personal Academic Tutors.

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4.5?? ?Maintain oversight of and / or help to deliver Return to Study and Wellbeing and Fitness to Study meetings within the School / Department to ensure that:?

4.5.1?? ?Students returning from a Pause in Study, placement or external study year can successfully re-integrate into the University community. ?
4.5.2?? ?Students who require a formal Wellbeing and Fitness to Study meeting are supported through the process.

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Senior Tutors are expected to build effective relationships across the institution to support the delivery of personal academic tutoring and effective student support. ?To deliver this, they should:

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5.1?? ?Build good working relationships with PATs, Senior Tutors and colleagues in Education leadership roles within the School / Department, to ensure effective student support.
5.2?? ?Ensure institutional issues affecting the delivery of personal academic tutoring are escalated to the Senior Tutor Steering Group or other relevant University groups.
5.3?? ?Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of University / Faculty / School level developments in student support, policies and regulations.
5.4?? ?Ensure that at least one Senior Tutor from the School / Academic Discipline attends Special Consideration Boards, in accordance with the Regulations Governing Special Considerations.
5.5?? ?Contribute their knowledge and expertise to School, Faculty and University projects and committees, as required.
5.6?? ?Collaborate with Student Support services, sharing information about students and attending meetings as needed, to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting students.

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6.1?? ?Schools or Departments may allocate additional tasks as required.

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Document Information
Author: Senior Tutor Steering Group
Owner (committee): Education and Student Experience Committee (ESEC)
Approved Date: 02 June 2025
Last Revision: N/A
Type of Document: Role Description