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University of Reading

Introducing the Academic Tutor System: Guidance for Schools and Functions

Monday, 02 July 2018

ATS guidelines for schools and functions

We are launching the Academic Tutor System (ATS) from September 2018, following extensive consultation with current students and staff and detailed research.

Overview

The new system focuses the Academic Tutor (formerly Personal Tutors)/Tutee relationship on students’ academic, personal and professional development. To complement the Academic Tutor role, we are recognising the role of School Directors of Academic Tutoring (SDATs formerly Senior Tutors) in providing essential school leadership of the ATS and investing in our student welfare provision through the introduction of a new dedicated Welfare Team. 

The Welfare Team will have the qualifications and experience to support students with any personal challenges that may impact on their studies, working alongside our range of specialist services such as Counselling and Wellbeing and the Disability Advisory Service. This holistic approach will ensure our students’ individual needs are catered for at every stage of their studies, aiding retention and success.

A diagram setting out the core principals of the ATS is available for reference. 

Implementing the ATS – ATS Steering Group

The ATS Steering Group has developed Guidance for Schools and Functions (University log in required), which provides an overview of the ATS and sets out how staff and students will be supported to implement the system (pages 7-8).

Over the coming months, colleagues will receive further information, supporting materials and training to support them with introducing the ATS in their context.

The Steering Group are also hosting central staff briefing sessions to introduce the ATS. Briefing sessions will take place on:

  • Wednesday 18 July, 14:15 – 15:45, Carrington 201.
  • Thursday 23 August, 10:15 - 11:45, Carrington 201.
  • Thursday 20 September, 10:15 - 11:45, Carrington 201.

Book your place on a central briefing session via the Employee Self Service portal. 

Implementing the ATS – schools and functions

The Guidance for Schools and Functions outlines the activities schools and functions will need to complete over the summer break and before the start of Welcome Week 2018 to support the introduction of the ATS (page 8):

  • Disseminate the Guidance for Schools and Functions and other relevant ATS communications to staff as appropriate.
  • With support from CQSD, SDATs and relevant professional services teams should deliver a local in-school/function briefing session on the ATS.
  • Update any school/department-specific communications to reflect the new system and roles and responsibilities of academic staff.
  • Where appropriate/required, appoint a SDAT based on the new role description and appointment process. 
  • Discuss the Guidance for Schools and Functions at School Board for Teaching and Learning (SBTL) summer term meetings.

The ATS Steering Group look forward to working closely with schools and functions to introduce, embed and evaluate the ATS over the next two academic sessions.