ABSTRACT
The role of the personal tutor is central to the achievement and social and personal development of each student. You are the first point of contact for students, their tutors and parents. You are the person who will listen to their problems and observe changes in their behaviour or demeanour that may indicate underlying difficulties at home or in the classroom. You will probably have a number of roles and tasks to perform and these may include:
• enrolling and undertaking the induction of students; • overseeing changes to their course or programme; • monitoring attendance and performance; • acting as a ‘learning coach’ or mentor-helping students to set and meet realistic targets; • delivering a tutorial programme; • helping with higher education and careers guidance and education; • writing references for students; • taking responsibility for providing personal, emotional and social support; • acting as first point of contact for parents; • maintaining detailed records on students; • acting as your students’ advocate with their tutors.
