Get Academic Advice
Supporting Students. Protecting Rights. Strengthening Success.
At JMSU, Help & Support is more than advice. We stand alongside students navigating university challenges, from academic appeals to personal circumstances, ensuring you’re treated fairly and with dignity. Our independent, confidential service empowers you to understand your options, defend your rights, and overcome barriers - so you can focus on achieving your best.
- Academic Appeals
- Academic Misconduct
- Attendance
- Complaints
- Criminal Convictions
- Disciplinary
- Fitness to Practice
- Fitness to Study
- Personal Circumstances
- The Advice Process
- Not Sure?
- Other Support
Need Advice?
To ensure the process is as smooth and as quick as possible, please take a moment to read through the pages to identify which category your enquiry falls under. Also, check the timeline below to get an understanding of what to expect before booking your appointment.
Student Union Support Timeline
This timeline shows the step-by-step process of getting advice and support from the Student Union. It outlines what to expect from the initial contact through to ongoing support, so you know exactly how we can assist you at each stage.
1. Get in Touch
The first step is to contact the Student Union. You can reach out via our online booking system, email, or phone. At this stage, we will:
- Record your enquiry and the type of support you need.
- Provide an overview of the services and guidance available.
- Book a convenient available time for your initial conversation with a Student Union advisor.
- Ensure your confidentiality and explain how your information will be handled.
2. Initial Conversation
During your first conversation with a Student Union advisor, we will:
- Discuss your situation in detail and clarify any immediate concerns.
- Help you identify your needs and priorities.
- Explain your options for support, including university procedures and external resources if applicable.
- Agree on a plan for next steps and any documents or evidence you may need to provide.
3. Guidance
Once we understand your circumstances, we provide tailored guidance to help you navigate the process. This stage may include:
- Assisting you with navigating forms, applications, or requests.
- Explaining university policies, procedures, and deadlines.
- Providing advice on how to communicate with university staff, such as module leaders or Student Governance.
- Supporting you in preparing statements, documentation, or evidence if required.
4. Ongoing Support
After initial guidance, we can continue to support you as needed. This stage includes:
- Follow-up conversations to address new developments or questions.
- Assistance with appeals, extensions, or mitigation requests if circumstances change.
- Providing guidance throughout the process to help reduce stress and confusion.
Our aim is to ensure you are fully supported at every stage and can navigate university procedures with confidence.
Not sure what fits?
Sometimes you might not know exactly what type of advice or support you need. Don’t worry – the Student Union is here to help. Just get in contact with us and try your best to explain your situation in as much detail as possible. This allows us to understand your needs and provide the best guidance and support available to you.
Other support
While the Student Union primarily provides advice on academic issues, we can also offer guidance and signposting for other types of support you may need. This includes directing you to relevant services for wellbeing, financial advice, housing, or other challenges you may face. To explore everything we can guide you on, please visit our Non-Academic Support page for full information and resources.
