Today the Student President and Principal jointly cut the ribbon to open the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education’s bright new Student Services Centre.
Principal, Geoff Draper, said:
'Student Services are a key element in any educational establishment and as such provide invaluable support to students both prior to joining the College and throughout their studies. We are fortunate in having such dedicated and professional staff at the College and it is only right that we have suitable facilities on campus to enable students to be properly supported. I am delighted to open the new facilities and would like to thank all staff involved in the design and construction of the new Centre and making the vision a reality.'
Sami-Jaine Martin, the College’s first full-time sabbatical Student President, added:
'I am so excited about our new Centre; it is accessible and welcoming and very colourful. It is such a versatile space too. As well it being a fantastic place for students to get involved with everything from the Student Council to fundraisers, there are also places to have some quieter conversations about any concerns, issues or questions students may have. I know it will be a real asset to all of our students.'
Student Services staff offer a wide variety of support for current and prospective full and part-time students, including: financial information and guidance; welfare support; dietary advice, physical activity and health guidance; stress and anger management; assertiveness training; childcare support and parenting advice; a laptop loan scheme; university applications through UCAS; and signposting to specialist agencies.
Julie Bibby, Student Welfare Officer, explained:
'Students talk to us about a wide range of concerns including many sensitive topics such as bereavement, panic attacks, eating disorders and abuse. It takes a lot of courage to ask for support so it is essential to have a friendly and welcoming service which is easy to access and which provides a safe and comfortable space for confidential conversations. We are delighted that our new Centre enables us to do our work in such student friendly surroundings.'
Student Services also organises group tutorials in topics such as healthy lifestyle, online safety, bullying, sex and relationships, drug and alcohol misuse and financial management.
Last academic year, Student Services dealt with over 3,000 enquiries, provided 1,318 welfare appointments and delivered approximately 150 group tutorials.
The work on the new Centre was undertaken by John Parsons and his team from Government’s Estate Shared Services and contractors J. Clawson Ltd.
Anne Gundry, Head of Student Services, commented:
'As well as the committed team in Student Services, we also work with our own tutors here in College to offer holistic support to our students. We are also really fortunate to have close working relationships with schools and other support agencies across the Island to ensure students are given the best possible experience when starting their course, as well as achieving success on completion. Having this new, dedicated facility is a great resource which allows us to facilitate this.'
Chloe Ball, Health and Social Care student and Vice President of Student Events on the College’s Student Council said:
'The new Student Services Centre is very appealing and has a modern touch. The staff are very approachable and I wouldn’t hesitate to go there in the future if required.'
The Student Services Centre can be contacted on 648254 or see www.iomcollege.ac.im/about/student-services for more details.
