1. University of Wolverhampton
  2. Current students
  3. Student Support
  4. Academic support commitment statement
University of Wolverhampton Academic Support Commitment Statement

At the heart of the University of Wolverhampton student journey is a blend of structured teaching and accessible support. Together, these ensure our students are equipped to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

This statement outlines the academic support available to our students and sets expectations on how students can engage with these services. It sets out clear expectations for communication between students and academic staff and outlines the support available to help students succeed in their studies.

This statement is designed to ensure that all students have equitable access to timely, professional, and supportive academic engagement to help them succeed in their studies.

Academic Contact Time

An essential part of the University of Wolverhampton academic support is ensuring all our undergraduate and taught postgraduate students are provided with sufficient academic contact time to ensure a supportive learning environment.

Academic contact time refers to any structured or scheduled interaction between students and academic staff that supports learning and academic progress.

Scheduled Academic Contact Time

These are scheduled learning sessions where students engage with their academic content and staff. They include:

  • Timetabled events, such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops: core teaching formats where key concepts are introduced, explored, and applied.
  • Scheduled feedback or review meetings: opportunities to reflect on your progress and receive guidance on how to improve on your learning (e.g., assessment feedback meetings, supervisor meetings).
  • Online learning activities: such as live webinars, discussion boards, and virtual group work that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Students should use these scheduled academic contact times to meet with their teaching staff to discuss any aspects related to module and/or course content and to raise any questions they may have (e.g., regarding assessment tasks).

Scheduled learning and teaching hours will vary depending on the module's structure and level, but a common pattern around 3-4 hours per week of scheduled activities (lectures, seminars, etc.) with the remaining hours dedicated to independent study.

Teaching staff will aim to address any questions/issue within these scheduled contact times and/or will organise a personalised academic support session.

Personalised Academic Support Time

In addition to timetabled sessions, students also have access to a wide range of academic support. These personalised academic support sessions are for students to discuss more individual/bespoke aspects related to their academic experience and studies.

Students should be aware of the type of personalised academic support sessions being offered, when their teaching staff are offering these and what support they will receive. They also need to ensure they follow the required procedures to access these personalised academic support sessions and attend any sessions they have requested. This is to ensure our students are able to contact their teaching staff and receive the support they need in a timely manner.

Response Times to Student Queries

All University of Wolverhampton staff aim to respond to student queries within three working days (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and university closures). This applies to:

  • emails
  • messages via the e:Vision Helpdesk, VLE or other approved platforms
  • requests for meetings or feedback.

If a query requires more time to address, staff will acknowledge receipt and provide an estimated timeframe for a full response.

Escalation Procedures

If a student does not receive a response within the expected timeframe, they should follow these steps:

  1. Send a polite follow-up message after three working days.
  2. When contacting teaching staff, if there is still no response, contact the Module Leader (if the original contact was a member of the teaching team). If unresolved, then students should escalate to the Course leader.
  3. When contacting professional services staff (e.g., Finance, Digital Services), if there is no response after the follow up message, then email student@wlv.ac.uk.
  4. For persistent issues, contact the School Office or Student Support Services for further assistance.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

  • Attend scheduled teaching sessions in line with the Student Engagement Policy
  • Use their university email account for all official communication
  • Be respectful and professional in tone
  • Allow reasonable time for responses before escalating
  • Attend scheduled meetings or notify staff in advance if they are unable to attend.

 

Student Commitment Statement

 

Academic staff will publish regular office hours during which students can seek academic advice or clarification. These are in-person or online (via Teams) sessions, which can be either booked in advance or will be delivered as open drop-in sessions.
Each member of a teaching team will advertise their scheduled office hours within their email signature, with a link to the booking system.
Students are encouraged to use these personalised contact hours for:
• clarifying course content
• discussing feedback
• seeking academic guidance or support.

These are one-to-one or small group sessions with an academic supervisor to support students’ progress on independent research or project work. These meetings provide:
• guidance on research design, methodology, and ethical considerations
• feedback on drafts or project milestones
• support in developing critical thinking and academic writing
• a space to discuss challenges and plan next steps.
These meeting should be scheduled routinely (at least every month, with duration/ frequency dependent on subject area) during the dissertation or project, and attendance should be recorded via the Student Check-in system to ensure compliance with UKVI requirements.

Students are expected to prepare for supervision meetings, attend regularly, and take responsibility for following up on agreed actions.

Assistance with academic skills such as writing, maths, referencing, time management, use of artificial intelligence, digital skills and study strategies is available through the Skills for Learning team, based within the Library. Students can book onto Skills Workshops as well as attending one-to-one drop-in sessions.

University of Wolverhampton students also have access to a wide range of academic and wellbeing support services, including:

• Accessibility, disability and Inclusion Support: adjustments and support for students with disabilities or learning differences
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Specialist Support: offering tailored triage and assessment of need with co agreed therapeutic intervention and personal development support plan
• Financial and Housing Advice: support with budgeting, accommodation, and hardship funding, as well as Student Finance England queries and concerns
• Support to Study: provides a pathway for referral when concerns are raised about a student’s academic progress, behaviour, health or wellbeing, or ability to live safely and independently whilst at university
• Safeguarding concerns: students who may be navigating abuse of any kind such as domestic, or emotional. Students who become estranged from their families and who may have spent some time in the care of their local authority
• Careers and Employability Services: CV advice, interview preparation, and career planning
• Library Services: access to resources, research support, and subject librarians
• Digital Learning Support: help with using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and other online tools
• Multi-faith Chaplaincy: support for spiritual, cultural and pastoral needs, through one-to-one meetings and events
• Students’ Union: support for students, including societies, academic representation and the Advice and Representation Centre (ARC).

Students are encouraged to seek help early and make full use of the support available.