1. INTRODUCTION

Personal tutors make a significant contribution to the student experience through providing a single, identifiable and familiar first point of contact for their tutees. This is particularly important in a modular system like Keele’s, where students may experience a lack of continuity of support due to studying across different programmes. All undergraduate students have a single personal tutor, who can gain a more holistic overview of the student’s progress and welfare. Students on Postgraduate Taught courses likewise have a tutor who is their designated point of contact for pastoral issues and more information can be found on this on the Postgraduate Taught section of this online handbook.

Personal tutoring is also important because the effectiveness of student support and guidance is an integral part of the system of institutional review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, and is evaluated by Keele students as part of the National Student Survey. In addition, funding and positioning in league tables is in part dependent upon student retention and there is evidence that high quality support can reduce student drop out rates, particularly with regard to new students. The personal tutor, providing a consistent point of advice and support and referring to other university services when appropriate, therefore plays a vital role in enhancing the experience of students and ensuring they make the most of their time at Keele.