Personalised Academic Skills Guidance
Our one-to-one academic skills appointments are open to all Keele students. They provide an opportunity to enhance your existing knowledge and to develop personalised approaches that suit you so you can get the grades you deserve.
During your appointment, an Academic Skills Tutor will spend up to one hour with you to help you identify your strengths and areas for development surrounding your academic skills.
We provide advice on a range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Critical Analysis
- Planning and Writing Assignments
- Reading and Using Literature
- Research Methods
- Dissertations and Final Year Projects
- Interpreting Feedback
- Time Management
- Revision and Exam Preparation
- Use of Generative AI
The one-to-one appointments are confidential and take place online using Microsoft Teams or in-person at the Library Education Centre.
You can request up to four appointments each academic year, with no more than one appointment per piece of work. You will receive instructions on how to access your appointment in your confirmation email from academic.skills@keele.ac.uk. Please check your Junk Email folder if you haven’t heard from us after booking.
You should read the Learning Agreement and Service Guidelines below before requesting your appointment.
Any available appointments will show on these booking pages.
Your responsibilities will be to:
- Take responsibility for your own learning and development.
- Make and keep arrangements in good faith and punctually.
- Consider what you would like to discuss before you arrive.
- Be prepared to experiment with new ideas, strategies, and approaches at a pace that suits you.
- Engage with staff respectfully and honestly.
Our responsibilities will be to:
- Enable you to consider your development and options for change.
- Carefully explore your specific areas for development.
- Refer you to appropriate professionals for further guidance and support where identified needs exceed the remit of our service.
- Maintain confidentiality, unless there are exceptional reasons such as risk to health, personal safety, or infringement of the law.
- Engage with you respectfully and honestly.
How many times can I use the service?
You can request up to four appointments per academic year.
You should consider what you would like to discuss to maximise the benefits from your time with us.
How many times can I discuss the same piece of work with you?
Once.
Your submission must be your own work, including the processes of planning, researching, understanding, and writing.
Can you proofread or mark my work?
No. We are neither a proofreading service nor can we mark your work. We advise you to read the University's Proofreading Guide for Students.
However, we can discuss your plan, a small section, or have a more general discussion about your work.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
If you miss your appointment without notifying us that you're unable to attend at least 48 hours beforehand, the missed appointment will count toward your appointment allowance for the year.
Can I get an appointment at short notice?
Our appointment service is very popular and our bookings operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. We review appointment requests beforehand to ensure the appointment falls within our remit.
We strongly encourage you to plan ahead to secure an appointment with us.
Can I book multiple appointments in advance?
No. You cannot book multiple appointments in advance. This ensures everybody has a fair opportunity to access the service.
