Friday 01-03-2019 - 09:00

In 2017/18 over 1,200 people used Bristol SU's Just Ask advice service.

We’ve all felt the pressure to perform well at University and the stress that comes when an exam or assignment goes badly.

One bad grade can have a big impact on students both academically and in terms of wellbeing, and yet a whole range of circumstances can result in a student not performing to the best of their ability or not receiving the grade they were expecting. When this happens, our Just Ask advice service is on your side.

Martine Diepenbroek came to Just Ask as a PHD student studying Classics and Ancient History. After her viva to present and defend her PHD thesis, she waited a long time before receiving the news that she would not be able to submit her work for a PhD but would instead have to submit for a master's degree.

This came as a surprise to Martine, so she got in touch with Just Ask looking for advice. Our advisors listened to her experience and suggested launching an appeal. They were able to support Martine to get in touch with the right people, fill out the right forms and evidence her side of the story. In the end Martine’s result was overturned and she was allowed to submit for a PhD!

Hear more about Martine’s experience by watching the video:  

Just Ask exists to support students to use and get the best outcome from university policies, processes and procedures, which at times can be pretty confusing. We can help you to apply for extenuating circumstances, appeal a decision or make a complaint. We can also support you through disciplinary proceedings or sanctions from the University, and give guidance and support with plagiarism issues. So, if you’ve got academic issues, we’re the people to talk to!

To contact Just Ask visit https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/advice-support 

Find out more about how Bristol SU supports you - www.bristolsu.org.uk/impact