During November and December the Advice Centre get a lot of visits from students who have been asked to a meeting to explain their poor attendance. In most cases the student has good reason for not attending but because they have failed to inform the office in their school of the reasons they get summoned to a meeting to explain their absences.

The Students’ Union Advice Centre can help and support you through the attendance monitoring process and ensure you get the help to get back on track and graduate successfully. If you are unsure about what to do or who to tell get in touch with regarding being absent, come and see us for help.

This week the University and Students' Union are running the 'Are You Present?' campaign to highlight the importance of attendance and seeking help early. Visit the campaign website to access the resources and case studies around attendance monitoring.

Case Study: Andy’s story

Andy came into the Students’ Union Advice Centre in November 2013; he was in his own words “a mess”.

Just before starting his final year at University he had lost his father to a long term illness, this had quite understandably affected him, he was living away from home, felt lonely, kept going back home to see his mum and therefore he had not been regularly attending classes and as a result was falling behind with work.

He came into the Advice Centre in a panic. Andy had received a letter from his school asking him to a meeting with the Dean to explain his attendance which it stated in the letter had dropped to 52%.

Jillian sat down with Andy who explained what had happened and his non attendance and how he was just about getting back to normal.

Jillian arranged to attend the meeting with Andy but also arranged for him to go and see the “Back on Track” service in the University to talk to them about his academic issues.

Andy, also at Jillian’s insistence, went to see his family doctor and attended the student counselling service all of which helped Andy enormously.

At the meeting with the Dean, Andy was able to tell the school how he had sought help, and was now attending regularly and catching up on work, he also explained that he had been given a few extensions by tutors to complete some assignments and how Glenda in “Back On Track” had helped him, as had David one of the counsellors who had helped him cope with his bereavement.

The outcome of the meeting was positive, Andy had demonstrated he was sorting his issues and hopefully he was now going to finish his final year and graduate. The Dean recommended no further action was taken and reminded Andy to seek help if required.

Over the next few months Andy kept popping in to see Jillian, seeking advice or clarification on everyday matters. Jillian also encouraged Andy to join one of the many clubs and societies and as a result he enjoyed a number of activities with FRAG - the gaming society - making student life even more comfortable.

STOP PRESS: On results day, Andy came into the advice centre ecstatic, he had secured himself a 2:1 in Politics with History, his mum was proud and he was sure his dad would have been too.

If you are experiencing any issues with attendance the Advice Centre is there to help. Open Monday to Friday 10:00-16:00 every week during term they provide independent and impartial advice in a professional and confidential environment.