University of Roehampton

Funding for an SpLD assessment

Can a student be referred for a Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) support with a Specialist teacher through the University?

All enrolled students can attend a free screening with a specialist member of the team. If there are positive indicators of SpLD, you will be put forward for a full diagnostic assessment, with a student contribution of £100.

Disability Adviser available

Are there specialist staff available to talk to within the service?  Is there a disability officer or a disability adviser for students to talk to?

All students can book an appointment with a Disability Adviser to discuss their needs at any point in their course (including pre-entry). Disability Advisers offer specialist advice tailored to your needs and can advise on accessing funding and reasonable adjustments for your course. To do this, we request medical/diagnostic evidence from you.

Support from academic staff

Is advice and support available from academic staff within the faculties of the University? How do students access this advice and support?

We encourage students to engage with the central Disability Service to create a Summary of Adjustments (SoA) to be shared with your department. There is also a designated Departmental Disability Coordinator (DDC) for each academic department who can support you.

Staff continuity and understanding individual needs

Are the specialist disability staff in the team able to offer a personalised, bespoke response to a student’s needs? Where possible, is continuity provided for the student in meeting the same Disability Adviser and/or mentor so the student can get to know them over time?

Disability Advisers work with students to complete a Summary of Adjustments, relevant to your needs. You may have contact with different advisers (for example, at a drop-in or via email), but the team will always try to maintain continuity of support where possible.

One to one mentoring support

Are there any additional services available such as mentoring, counselling services or a buddy scheme to help a new student to settle in if needed?

The University provides in-house Specialist Mentors and Study Skills Tutors as part of support funded by Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA). There is also a Wellbeing Team, made up of Student Wellbeing Officers, Mental Health Advisors and Counsellors. The University has also run an optional peer mentoring scheme for first year students.

One to one / group study skills

Does the institution provide support with arranging One to one/Group study skills sessions?

The Disability Service supports students to arrange their DSA Specialist 1:1 Study Skills. There is also a range of study support material on Moodle and available in the library for all students to access. This includes 1:1 ‘drop-in’ support or group workshops with the Academic Achievement team.

Students can also access 24/7 study support through Studiosity.