PPLS Undergraduate Student Support
Student Support Officer (SSO)
The Student Support Officer (SSO) for PPLS UG students is Moira Avraam. The SSO will act as primary point of contact and deal directly with the majority of queries from undergraduate students, and will provide advice on all matters relating to the undergraduate degrees to both students and Directors of Studies. All undergraduates are encouraged to visit the SSO before contacting their DoS. Moira Avraam also manages the teaching offices in Dugald Stewart Building and in 7 George Square.
How can the SSO help me?
The SSO can:
- provide advice on curricula, regulations, procedures;
- process course changes and transfers;
- provide advice and support to students studying abroad and ensure that overseas students are referred to the University International Office for advice on immigration issues;
- help and advise students who have or may have special circumstances;
- help with other general enquiries relating to undergraduate study.
(For standard letters for references, letting agencies and banks please ask at the teaching office in either the Psychology Building or the Dugald Stewart Building).
Where can I find the SSO?
Office Hours:
Drop-in Sessions (no appointment necessary)
| Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 14:00 - 15:30 | Room 4.03, Dugald Stewart Building |
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 13:00 | Room 4.03, Dugald Stewart Building |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 12:00 | Room G6, Psychology Building - during term Room 4.03, Dugald Stewart Building - outwith term |
| Thursday | 15:00 - 16:00 | Room 4.03, Dugald Stewart Building |
| Friday | 11:00 - 13:00 | Room 4.03, Dugald Stewart Building |
Other times by APPOINTMENT ONLY:
- Email: Moira Avraam
- Telephone: 0131 650 3661
Other members of staff that maybe able to help when the SSO is not available:
- The Teaching Office (room 4.01, Dugald Stewart Building - Philosophy & LEL)
- The Teaching Office (room G8, Psychology Building - Psychology)
- Your Director of Studies
What things do I need to see my Director of Studies (DoS) for?
Your DoS is available for academic advice and guidance. You should also speak to your DoS if you need an academic reference.
If you have any concerns at all about your studies, please do not hesitate to contact the SSO. University staff are here to help and support you and Moira is your first point of contact for any queries on your studies. The earlier you share your concerns with the SSO, the more likely we will be able to help you.
Students with a disability, health condition, or specific learning difficulty.
Students are advised to discuss their needs with the Student Support Officer, Moira Avraam, in the first instance (Room 4.03, Dugald Stewart Building, 3 Charles Street; email Moira Avraam; tel: 0131 650 3661). Students should also contact the Student Disability Service (email Student Disability Service, tel: 0131 650 6828, or in person: 3rd floor, Main Library, George Square), and arrange to see an adviser who may draw up a schedule of adjustments. It is important to make these contacts as early as possible in the academic year, to allow special examination arrangements to be implemented should these be recommended. Students who already have a schedule of adjustments, and whose needs have not changed, do NOT need to contact the Student Support Officer or Disability Office, unless they wish to do so: the schedule will automatically remain in force. Adjustment schedules will be circulated to the relevant course organisers and course secretaries. If there are problems with the implementation of adjustments for PPLS courses, students should get in touch with the Co-ordinator of Adjustments, Dr James Kirby (tel: 0131 650 3952). The PPLS Disability/Schedule of Adjustments Guidance summarizes the key procedures and support mechanisms that exist for students with a disability and outlines some of the 'adjustments' that can be made.
Extensions for Coursework
If you require an extension for an assessment because of illness, you must submit a request to the relevant teaching office (either in 7 George Square for Psychology or DSB for LEL and Philosophy) before the submission deadline. Other than in exceptional circumstances, extensions will only be granted in cases of illness or family emergency. Please see the extensions policy for more information on how to ask for extensions.
Speaking Up Group
This is about students speaking up in discussions.
We have established a small, informal group that meets every Wednesday (during semester time) at 3.00pm in S38 in the Psychology Building, 7 George Square.
The goal of the group will be to help undergraduates with making verbal contributions in tutorials and other discussion forums. The group will be student-run, but will be informed by a lot of background theory and practice regarding this issue.
Speaking up in discussions is a complex issue involving all sorts of cultural and subcultural norms, gender issues, shyness, social phobias, speech impairments, and so on. Edinburgh undergraduates come from a wide variety of social and educational backgrounds with varying access to practice at speaking for different purposes in small and large groups of different kinds. Many undergraduate courses give a mark for tutorial contributions.
If you are an undergraduate in any year and you're concerned about your own readiness or skills concerning speaking up in different university contexts, then you are encouraged to go along to the group, perhaps just to listen initially. You will get more out of your undergraduate time at Edinburgh, and develop a key skill for later life.
(Contact Richard Shillcock for any issues related to this group, and for any out-of-semester meetings.)