Dear Students and Staff of SLLF
I hope the semester is going well and that it continues to do so. As Head of SLLF, I want to emphasise that our community of students, academics, advisors and professional services Admin staff, are here to support each other and to ensure that all our students achieve the best degree they possibly can. Staff are available to our students: come and talk to us during our academics' / advisors' office hours, during the Admin Office opening hours (Arts One Room 1.40 10-4 (10.30 on Wednesdays)), or whenever you see my door open (Arts One Room 1.26).
Israel and Palestine Conflict
I am writing to you today with regard to the escalating situation between Israel and Palestine. This is an horrific situation and I realise that some of you, particularly those with family or friends in Israel, Gaza or the Middle East more generally, are very likely to be affected. My thoughts, and those of all our SLLF and QMUL community, are with you at this time - and the University is putting in place support for those students and staff who are suffering because of the conflict.
For information on the support available for all our students and staff, the University has set out a statement here - but I've summarised the various support below for convenience: Items - Statement on the conflict in the Middle East - MyQMUL
Just to remind you: Queen Mary is proud of its diverse and inclusive community of students and staff, and I want to be clear that, regardless of the circumstances, we will never tolerate racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, abuse, incitement or harassment. If you experience or witness anything like this, please report it through Report + Support: Report + Support - Queen Mary University of London (qmul.ac.uk)
Support for staff is available here: Staff Wellbeing Hub Wellbeing - Wellbeing (qmul.ac.uk)
Support for students is available : Student Wellbeing Hub Student wellbeing hub - Student Experience Directorate (qmul.ac.uk)
Summary of additional Student Support
- Student Wellbeing: support for students through our Student wellbeing hub - Student Experience Directorate (qmul.ac.uk)
- Studies: Assessment & Submission: Facilitated Extenuating Circumstances: we have amended our Extenuating Circumstances policy to assist with assessment completion and submission. Claims for Extenuating Circumstances related to the ongoing conflict will be accepted for affected students for all assessments taking place between 18 September and 15 December 2023. Please read the full details here: Items - Statement on the conflict in the Middle East - MyQMULGeneral information on how to submit a claim for Extenuating Circumstances can be found here: Extenuating Circumstances: a guide for students - Student Experience Directorate (qmul.ac.uk)
- Emotional Support: we understand the emotional impact these events may have on our students and our Advice & Counselling Service is available to provide you with emotional support. Advice & Counselling offers in-person and online appointments and to request an appointment, please complete the self-referral form which is available through MySIS (Log in to the portal (qmul.ac.uk) click on the Student Services/SEC Online tab at the top and select 'Submit a request for counselling or mental health advice'). A member of the team will respond as soon as possible.
- Counselling: students can also read the Counselling blog Looking after your mental health amid distressing world events – Your Mind Matters – the blog (wordpress.com) which has information about looking after your mental health during distressing world events.
- Specialist Advice: the Welfare and International Students Advisors in the Advice & Counselling Service can provide specialist advice on a range of practical issues such as money (Money options - Advice and Counselling Service (qmul.ac.uk)) and student immigration permission (Visas and international student advice - Advice and Counselling Service (qmul.ac.uk). To access practical advice at any time please complete this contact form Contact us form - Advice and Counselling Service (qmul.ac.uk)
- Out of hours and 24/7 support: Support is available 24/7 through our 24/7 Student Wellbeing Helpline which is staffed by trained counsellors Support for students when the University is closed - Student Experience Directorate (qmul.ac.uk)
- Chaplaincy: our Chaplaincy also welcomes both students and staff of all faiths and none. St Benet's Chaplaincy | Faith at QMUL
Please look after yourself and others during this difficult time - be kind and be tolerant. Please talk to your advisors, our Professional Services team or myself if you are unsure of how to access support.
Best wishes
Kathryn
