Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Study Skills and Access Unit has been shortlisted for a national education award in recognition of its work with students.
The team is a finalist in the ‘Academic Support Team of the Year’ category at the Herald Higher Education Award for Scotland.
The awards, which will be held at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday, July 16, recognise the high standard of education that is offered across Scotland.
In association with the University of the West of Scotland, the event aims to highlight innovative teaching methods whilst sharing good practice.
The Study Skills and Access Unit helps students by providing support for essential skills which will allow them to succeed independently at university and in the workplace.
These include: academic writing; critical thinking; maths, statistics and numeracy; English for academic purposes; and IT skills.
The unit also offers services through a variety of methods so all students can access help, including: one-to-one appointments, drop-ins, standalone workshops, embedded sessions, tailored programmes, and bespoke online resources.
James Dunphy, Study Skills and Access Unit Co-ordinator at RGU, said: “We are very proud to be shortlisted as a finalist for a Herald Higher Education Award for Scotland.
“The team has worked hard to enhance and expand the support it provides and this is a fantastic endorsement of our efforts. By working in partnership with students the service has tailored its approach around the learner journey.
“The launch of a Writing Clinic and re-development of our online support channels are two key innovations this year which have increased the number of students who access and benefit from the support we provide.”
In 2013/14, more than 750 students accessed one-to-one support through approximately 1,500 appointments. This represents a 113% increase in student numbers and 170% increase in appointments since 2010/11.
In 2014/15 numbers have increased even further with the team supporting more than 860 students.
The growth of students accessing support can be linked to the introduction of weekly drop in writing clinic sessions at the Georgina Scott Sutherland Learning Centre.
More information about the Study Skills Team is available online at: www.rgu.ac.uk/student-life/student-advice-and-support/study-support/study-skills