Student Support Policies & Procedures

Academic staff are often requested by potential employers to provide references for students. The purpose of this document is to advise staff on good practice in writing student references, bearing in mind the requirements of the Data Protection Act, University policy on management of student files and records, and recent court judgements. This guidance note has been prepared with reference to similar guidance provided in other UK universities.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equal opportunities for all, irrespective of disability. All members of the University community are responsible for playing their part in achieving the aims of this policy. Policy commitments include improving access in the built environment, improved communication for disabled people, ensuring equal opportunities in employment practices, to ensure provision for disabled students to educational services such as selection based on ability, alternative teaching approaches and more.

The aim of this guide is to provide mentors with some general information on how to support students with mental health difficulties. The Guide covers the signs to look out for, the triggers that can give rise to mental health problems, and ways of supporting and helping students with these problems. A list of useful contacts is also provided.

In the event of the death or critical illness or injury of a student either on or off campus, it is important that all appropriate personnel are informed. Whoever receives the information, whether it is the student's School or Institute, warden, medical practitioner or other, should immediately contact Student Welfare Services. Student Welfare Services will be responsible for ensuring that the appropriate personnel are informed.

The University has a duty of care to all students. Under the Disability Discrimination Act Part 4, the University has a duty to take every reasonable step to find out if students have a disability such as dyslexia or a mental health difficulty or long-term medical condition. The Disability Service is responsible for the co-ordination of support to students with disabilities.

The University recognises that the term mental health covers a broad spectrum of problems and issues ranging from promoting the mental well-being of all students to responding to the needs of students with severe and enduring mental illnesses. The policy outlines the University's position on mental health support to students and the action that the University will take to respond to concerns. The Director of Student Welfare Services has the lead role in managing and co-ordinating the University's management of student mental health problems.

The University recognises that drinking alcohol can be an enjoyable and harmless feature of student life and it has no wish to discourage sensible drinking. However, the University has a duty of care to all its students and considers that it is important to try to address the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use, whether physical, social or academic. The policy commits the University to developing a strategy to address alcohol use. The Director of Student Welfare Services is responsible for developing and implementing the strategy

At Heriot-Watt we are committed to fostering an environment in which students, staff and those associated with University activities may work and study effectively. All members of the University, staff and students, are responsible for ensuring that individuals do not suffer sexual, racial or any other form of harassment, and they are encouraged and supported in any legitimate complaint.