Discover training and resources that will help you support your students effectively.
Training modules for APTs
Academic Personal Tutors can benefit from the following training.
UKAT Training
The University is a member of UK Advising and Tutoring (UKAT), the professional network for academic personal tutoring in higher education. UKAT provides a wide range of online professional development modules developed by experts at UK universities including Sussex.
You can browse and select modules here.
Registering with your Sussex email account will give you free access to all Fundamentals modules and selected Level 2 modules. After logging in you will need to register for modules on the catalogue. You can then select 'My Account' and then 'My Learning' to access modules.
APTs should complete at least the following three UKAT modules (each is a 10 minute video):
- communicating effectively with your students
- setting boundaries and expectations
- being inclusive.
Sussex training
All staff should complete the 'disability inclusion training', 'addressing harassment' and 'sexual misconduct affecting students in Higher Education' training modules available on LearnUpon.
All staff should complete training in GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) via LearnUpon. Read guidance on handling requests for disclosure of student data.
You can also access online courses on supporting the mental wellbeing of yourself and others.
Resources for your students
As an APT, you can signpost your students to guidance on the University website that covers most non-academic questions tutees might have.
Questions relating to academic matters, including academic progress and course options, are likely to be answered best by the APT.
This space provides a list of common resources that APTs can use or signpost tutees to.
General support
You can direct students to the following guidance:
- the Student Centre, the key source of information and advice for students
- emergency help for students
- guidance for students about freedom of speech and academic freedom.
Academic support
Students can access the following resources, designed to support successful study:
- guidance and tips for improving academic study on the Skills Hub, including academic integrity
- booking academic skills workshops and accessing support
- understanding academic misconduct
- Information about exams and assessments, including how to submit assessments, access results and feedback, appeals, exceptional circumstances and reasonable adjustments
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guidance on attendance and engagement, including expectations for attendance and processes for students who may be experiencing issues.
Careers and entrepreneurship
You can signpost students to a range of guidance and opportunities during and (for three years) after their degree, such as:
- an overview of resources about careers support, opportunities and career planning, including additional information for international students
- the where to start and using your degree pages alongside our sector guides – for those exploring options
- advice on CVs (including CV checker), interviews and other recruiter assessments – for those making applications
- Career Lab, our award-winning programme of opportunities, stepped by year group, to help students develop skills, experience and confidence, as well as information about support for year-long placements, the CareerHub vacancy listing and opportunities to build early experience through societies, clubs and the Spirit of Sussex Award
- opportunities for 'internationalising' degrees, through studying abroad, Summer Schools or language short courses
- entrepreneurship support (including 1-1 advice, workshops and seed funding) to go freelance and to start or grow a business, social enterprise or creative project.
Health, wellbeing and disability
Students can access extensive support around health and wellbeing:
- support for disabled students, including Reasonable Adjustments and contact details
- how to maintain good health and wellbeing during your time at university
- support regarding harassment and sexual misconduct
- information about the Mental Distress Pathway.
Student life and community
The following resources can help students to feel part of Sussex life:
- the Spirit of Sussex Award celebrates and recognises students’ wider experiences and activities, which can lead to an accredited certificate
- students can make friends and build social connections by getting involved with sports teams, societies and media through the Students' Union
Accommodation
Students can access support with their accommodation, both at the University and in the private sector.
IT services
Students can get help with IT, such as setting up their email accounts, using the Sussex mobile app and finding out what free and discounted software they can access.