We want the transition process into Higher Education to be as smooth as possible and to ensure your individual support is in place for the start of your first academic year.
Student Inclusion Recommendations (SIR)
Our team can agree Student Inclusion Recommendations (SIR) with you. An electronic document will be created outlining the reasonable adjustments to support you on your course, this may include extra time in exams. This will reduce barriers that you may face because of a disability, additional need or other barriers that affect your studies. This may include extended deadlines, or extra time in exams. Once we have suitable evidence and you have completed a Student Inclusion Registration form we will send you a basic LSS. Once you have met with a Student Inclusion Advisor, then your Student Inclusion recommendations can be updated. If you are a student and want to review a SIR, please arrange to meet a Student Inclusion Advisor.
Disability Workshop for applicants
The Student Inclusion Team will be holding online workshops for applicants who have a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD), mental health condition, visual or hearing impairment, autism, long-term health condition. This will be an opportunity to meet the Student Inclusion Team and learn about the support available at university.
Autism Transition Residential
6th and 7th August 2024
This is a free event to support autistic applicants starting at Staffordshire University.
We offer an annual two-day transition to University event for applicants who have a diagnosis of autism or seeking a diagnosis. This is an opportunity for applicants to experience an overnight stay in student accommodation during the summer, when the campus is quiet.
Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) Application
Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) can help with the extra costs that you may face as a result of a disability, ongoing health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty. You can apply for the DSAs as early as March onwards for a September start. The application can take around 14 weeks and you will need to arrange a DSA Study Needs Assessment to complete the process.
- If you have a specific learning difficulty, you will need to provide a diagnostic assessment report as evidence for the DSAs. Evidence of exam access arrangements at school or college is not sufficient. There is a cost to a diagnostic assessment which is not covered by the DSAs. However, we may be able to help you to access a diagnostic assessment. This is offered on the basis that you take up a place at Staffordshire University. If you do not, then we would invoice you for the cost of the assessment.
- Diagnostic assessments must be completed by our agreed provider. We are unable to refund any costs associated with assessments from alternative providers.
Accommodation
Where you live at university becomes an important part of your student experience. If you are planning on moving into university accommodation, and have specific requirements, please remember to indicate this when you apply for your accommodation.
Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding
We all experience problems and difficulties that affect our mental wellbeing and as a student, you may well find yourself experiencing some of these. These might be related to issues and events at university, or they might be connected to previous experiences or issues in your personal life. We work alongside the Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding team who are here to help and support you whatever your circumstances.
Accessibility
A range of guides are available via AccessAble (formally DisabledGo) where you can find out more about access to our teaching spaces, venues and accommodation.
If you are intending to travel to the campus by car, you can apply for a student parking permit . A Blue Badge does not guarantee a dedicated space in a specific part of the campus; however, there are dedicated bays in each car park across the campus. If you do not have a Blue badge but have temporary mobility impairment requirement, you may apply for a temporary accessibility permit to qualify to park within the dedicated bays. Please note that these permits are chargeable and are applied for through the parking team. If you are applying for a temporary accessibility permit, let the Student Inclusion team know so that we can confirm your details with the Parking team.