August Update from the ENSA Advice Team

As Summer draws to a close, the ENSA Advice team has continued supporting students through what is often a surprisingly busy period of the academic year. Throughout August we have been helping students with a range of academic matters including Trimester 3 assessments, summer reassessments, appeals following the reassessment period and ongoing academic integrity cases. We know this can be an uncertain and stressful time, and we have been working closely with students to help them understand University procedures and their available options.

AI use within assessments campaign

Work has continued on our Artificial Intelligence in Assessments campaign. The campaign aims to provide students with clear guidance on the appropriate use of AI within their studies, helping to reduce confusion and increase confidence around academic integrity. Our new Sabbatical Officers have been keen to support the project and we are also hoping to involve students in the design of the campaign to ensure it is engaging, relevant and useful.

Working with other advice services

This month we met with the advice team from Heriot Watt University. It was a valuable opportunity to share experiences, discuss common challenges and explore ways we can work together in the future. Building relationships with colleagues across the sector and city, helps us learn from one another and continue improving the support we provide to students.

AdvicePro

Following the launch of our new case management system, AdvicePro, we have been spending time getting familiar with the new software and embedding it into our day-to-day work. The system will help us manage and track student cases more effectively while also providing more detailed insight into the types of support students are accessing. This will allow us to better understand emerging trends and continue developing our service.

Training and development

Diane attended the AdviceUK Scottish Members Forum, where advisers from across Scotland came together to discuss the current advice landscape, explore opportunities to strengthen peer networks and consider how online communities can support collaboration across the sector. Attending events like these helps us stay informed about developments affecting advice services and ensures we continue to provide the best possible support for our students.

Marianne and Hannah, together with other members of the wider ENSA team, attended the NUS Member Services Conference in Manchester, providing an opportunity to connect with colleagues from students' unions across the UK and bring back ideas to help strengthen our work.

Looking ahead to the New Academic Year

While we support students throughout the year, with many beginning their studies at different times, we're looking forward to welcoming our largest cohort of new students in September. Behind the scenes, the team has been busy preparing for another academic year. Planning is well underway for Welcome Week and we're looking forward to meeting both new and returning students, introducing them to ENSA and highlighting the support available throughout their time at university.

We are also developing a student housing campaign to provide helpful information and guidance on accommodation issues, with more details to follow soon.

Need advice or reassurance?

Whether you have questions about your studies, housing or wellbeing, the ENSA Advice team is here to provide free, independent and confidential advice. If you would like to speak with one of our advisers, you can book an appointment through the ENSA Advice booking system.