Personal tutors and academics have a direct role in relation to student wellbeing, as they are often perceived by students as being more immediately accessible than student support services because of the pre-existing personal tutor relationship. Institutions also advise students that their personal tutor is a key personal point of contact.  Furthermore, academic and pastoral responsibilities are often related as academic problems frequently have a non-academic cause. Getting the balance right between pastoral and academic responsibilities is challenging and has an element of risk if a referral to specialised services is not made or completed.

• Understand that student wellbeing is a broad concept involving the entirety of student experience –  it is not confined to the mental health of students 
• Clarify the role of a personal tutor and manage boundaries and expectations in relation to student wellbeing
• Identify and adopt strategies and procedures for effective referral to other student wellbeing services 
• Identify training and support needs in relation to student wellbeing

• Wellbeing requires an Institutional definition
• There is a need for a clear division of responsibility between personal tutors, academic departments, student services and the wider university
• A lack of clarity around responsibility can result in time, effort and emotion being invested in protective, defensive behaviours and activities, and less effective support for students
• Training in relation to student wellbeing is not simply desirable but essential

M101 What is Personal Tutoring? [Learning Module]

M103 Listening Effectively [Learning Module]

M209 Managing Students in Distress [Learning Module]

M209 Managing Students in Distress [Learning Module]