Upgrade has now been in existence for six full academic years. We hold sessions on all campuses during semester times (see Opening times) and offer a flexible reduced service out of semester times.
We aim to start from where the student is - so our locations are in public open spaces, accessible to all. Our approach with students is to start with the issue the student comes with - a particular essay, assignment, feedback, query. We work 1:1, or if students prefer to come with a friend or small group, this is fine too.
In the course of 2008/09 we completed an evaluation of the service, from the perspective of students and staff colleagues. Generally students gave us the thumbs up - and we acted on suggestions for improvement - like more drop-in times. Contact us if you’d like a copy.
In 2010/11 we held 1805 tutorials, with 1108 students. Some students make several appointments; for other students a single session is enough to set them on their way. In 2010/11 tutorials included:
- 527 first years
- 426 second years
- 400 third years
- 331 Masters
The ratio of study skills sessions to maths/stats was about 3:1. In 2010/11, core staff increased the number of tutorial sessions they delivered, but overall we had to reduce the number of tutorials available because of budget restraints, despite increased demand for study skills advice from students.
We see students from all Schools, all years, home, EU and international students. If you would like further data, do get in touch.We accept invitations!
Some course and module leaders have invited Upgrade to work in partnership with them, to contribute specific sessions (on some aspect of study skills or Stats / Maths) at particular points in the academic cycle. We are pleased to accept these invitations.
We will also accept invitations from other colleagues to run workshops on particular topics in response to student interest or requests.
Do contact us if you would like to discuss any of the above.
Kate Williams
Upgrade Learning Manager
September 2011
