1. ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE = The ARC

2. INDEPENDENT Not part of the University or Local Government
It’s a Student Union service
Can advise and represent students without “conflict of interest”
Conflict of interest- arguing against our own position

3. FREE No charge for any of the services we provide
No added cost to your tuition fees
It is always free, no matter how many times you will need our help

4. UNLESS you ask us to do so
CONFIDENTIAL
We won’t report anything that you’ve told us to anyone
We will not contact anyone after you have visited us
We will not even tell anyone if you came to see us
UNLESS you ask us to do so
We keep all information very secure; documents are double locked and electronic information is protected by two sets of passwords

5. NON-JUDGMENTAL We will listen without criticising you
Whatever you tell us, we are not here to make you feel bad
You can be completely honest with us; we will always provide best service
You do not have to be embarrassed; we have seen thousands of students and we have heard all kinds of stories
Whatever you say, we will remain calm and helpful

6. PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCED
We employ professional advisers, who have many years of experience
We do not employ student staff so you will not be in a position to have to talk to someone who is for example on the same course as you
All our senior advisers are highly trained
We have experts on academic procedures, housing problems and other issues

7. WHAT WE DO
Academic procedures; mitigating circumstances, failed assessments, appeals, complaints, academic and non-academic disciplinaries, other problems with your course, for example difficulties with supervisor
Housing problems; difficult landlords, things that need repairs, withheld deposits, relationship breakdown with other tenants
Budgeting, debt negotiations, student funding, welfare benefits, disability benefits and financial hardship
We can refer you to another reputable organisation, for example for employment law enquiries or problems with goods or services you bought

8. WHAT WE DO NOT DO
Advice on immigration issues, like visas, working in UK, staying after studies, inviting relatives. Visit Student Centre instead.
Counselling or advice on emotional problems. Visit Counselling Service instead.
Criminal offences; we can help to find a solicitor for you and help you deal with the impact on your studies

9. HOW WE DO IT
When you contact us, your case will be first considered by an Adviser
The Adviser may ask you further question
The Adviser will either help you straight away or refer your case to a Senior Adviser
Senior Advisers are experienced and able to deal with more complex cases

10. HOW YOU CAN CONTACT US
You can come and see us during drop-in (check the website for opening times)
We are located next to the Locos bar, ground floor of the Hamilton Centre
You can us on
You can call us on
You can find a lot of information at

11. QUESTIONS? You can ask us now
You can your questions to
You can also download this presentation from the Student Union’s website