I had the privilege of being invited to spend 2 days with DDS when they held their information days for incoming students. On both days I gave a short talk regarding my role as Student Disability Officer and what services and support the Student Union offers to students.

Both days had an amazing attendance rate and it was good to see so many parents taking an active role in their child's future. I had chats with some inspirational young people who were eager (but understandably nervous) to be embarking on the next chapter of their lives. It was also a pleasure to meet one of the first students who will be strarting our new law degree in September, a completely new direction for the University and if the other students who are registered on it are of the same mindset as the person I talked to then the course will be an outstanding success.

Ross Renton (Vice-Chancellor) opened the first day and shared some amusing anecdotes regarding his student experience in rainy Glasgow as well as giving information on how the future of the University of Worcester is evolving. Caryn Thorogood (Head of Student Services) opened the second day by describing the over arching role of student services and how it is there to help students but also touching on the fact that the onus is on students to say when things aren't right because staff are not mind readers and only by students approaching them and discussing issues can things be addressed. A sentiment that I back 110% because its no good stagnating and allowing things to build up to bursting point before seeking help and advice.

Patrick Clark and Alice Kemble-Davies (Managers of DDS) co-ordinated the information days seamlessly and went through the process of support, from identifying a student's needs to putting support in place, including how to apply for DSA and the evidence required. They could not emphasise enought that DDS were there to help every step of the way and that no questions were pointless questions, and that they are available through Firstpoint, email and telephone. Nuala Robinson (DDS Advisor) engaged attendees with the answers to a mini quiz that was in their information packs, and then got people talking with each other about any academic or non-academic worries that they might have and then asked for examples from each table. This activity not only got people talking to one another, it reduced anxiety and stress, shared worries alleviated some off the tension that people felt and I think that some initial friendships forged those days will blossom in September. A very worthwhile activity!

There was brief introductions to to some of the services available (money advice team, mental health & counselling, accommodation and the SU) and a talk from a student who received support during her course. There are also other services that come under the umbrella of Student Services and I am sure that students will become more acquinted with them during induction week.

When you are a student at university you are an adult so it cannot be stressed enough that the onus is on you to initialise contact with services, the bolstering safety net of teachers and parents who did things for you at schools and colleges has to be left behind because this is your journey, directed by you, and services are there to support but you have to keep them in the loop. I have met some students whose support was not exactly right (and we have to always remember that one size does not fit all, what works for one student may fail for another) but they did not go back to DDS and explain the issue. If DDS had been informed then the support could have been tweaked, course leaders/lecturers could have been approached and adjustments negotiated, it could have been dealt with swiftly. Instead stress built up, students lagged further behind their peers, and some were on the verge of leaving their courses. That is not a good position for a student to be in. So please never wait until you are at breaking point, flag up issues immediately and then we can all work together to solve it and therefore ensure that your student experience is the best that it can be.

I am so looking forward to September and Welcome Week amd meeting some of the lovely people that I met on the information days, and to greet those that could not make it. I will be around all week so come and have a chill, have a coffee and chat, even if its only about the weather or our newly refurbished SU building!!