Pastoral Advising: A Guide for Queen Mary Business School Students

1.  What is pastoral support?

Pastoral support is a student-focused service designed to help you manage the personal, practical, wellbeing, and study-related challenges that may a:ect your university experience. Your Pastoral Advisor is a member of the Student Experience Team who can provide guidance, support, and referrals to specialist university services when needed.

Pastoral support is di:erent from academic advising. While academic advisors provide programme and curriculum guidance, pastoral advisors focus on your wellbeing, engagement, personal circumstances, and helping you access the right support services.

 

 

2.  What can I discuss with my Pastoral Advisor?

You can speak to your Pastoral Advisor about a wide range of issues that may be a:ecting your student experience, including:

·        Settling into university life.

·        Time management and study-life balance.

·        Personal circumstances a:ecting your studies.

·        Health or wellbeing concerns.

·        Financial, housing, or practical di:iculties.

·        Attendance and engagement concerns.

·        Extenuating circumstances and support options.

·        Questions about university systems such as MySIS or CampusM.

·        Accessing specialist support services such as Counselling, Disability and Dyslexia Services (DDS), Careers, or Academic Skills support.

 

 

3.  What can I expect from my Pastoral Advisor?

Your Pastoral Advisor will:

·        Be a supportive and approachable point of contact throughout your studies.

·        Listen to your concerns and help you explore possible solutions.

·        Help you reflect on your progress and identify areas for development.

·        Provide information about relevant university processes and support services.

·        Signpost or refer you to specialist services where appropriate.

·        Monitor engagement and proactively contact you if there are concerns about your participation or attendance.

·        Provide opportunities to meet through group sessions, drop-ins, and one-to-one appointments.

 

 

4.  When will I meet my Pastoral Advisor?

You will have several opportunities to meet your Pastoral Advisor throughout the academic year, including:

·        During Welcome Week, your Pastoral Advisor will contact you by email to introduce themselves.

·        Details of your Pastoral Advisor will also be available on Mysis.

·        Group advising sessions scheduled throughout the semester.

·        Drop-in sessions where you can seek advice or support.

·        Additional support sessions during key periods such as examinations and results release.

·        One-to-one appointments, which can be booked when needed and may take place either in person or online via Microsoft Teams.

·        Your Pastoral Adviser is based in the main School O:ice on the fourth floor of the Bancroft Building. If you would like to speak with them in person, please visit the reception and ask for a member of the Student Experience Team.

 

 

5.  What is expected of me?

To get the most from pastoral advising, you are expected to:

·        Attend scheduled advising sessions where possible.

·        Engage positively with your advisor and respond to communications.

·        Raise any concerns or issues early so support can be arranged.

·        Take responsibility for following up on agreed actions.

·        Access recommended support services when referred.

·        Keep your university contact details up to date.

 

 

6.  What happens if my engagement becomes a concern?

If there are concerns about your attendance or engagement, your Pastoral Advisor may contact you to check on your wellbeing and understand whether there are any barriers a:ecting your studies.

The aim is to provide support, identify any challenges you may be facing, and connect you with appropriate resources or services. Early engagement with your advisor can help prevent issues from escalating and support your academic progression.