Who does what? Where to find help?
Undergraduate Handbook
Essential information about the course is available through the Undergraduate Handbook, which contains the most up-to-date information about all the course regulations, module descriptions, and things you should be doing. If you have questions regarding your degree, the Handbook is the first place you should look before you ask anyone else in the department.
Taught Programmes Office
The Taught Programmes Office (TPO) is your destination for most of your day-to-day administrative queries in the department. Staff in the TPO can answer enquiries regarding modules and registrations. They do not deal with more general University issues such as fees or residences. The TPO staff are very friendly and happy to help, but please bear in mind that at certain times in the day they will be very busy, so time your visit carefully.
The TPO can also be contacted by email (ugmathematics@warwick.ac.uk), but please be patient as they receive a large volume of email enquiries.
Student Support and Progression Officers (SSPOs)
Within the Taught Programmes Office we have dedicated staff who can help with mitigating circumstances and general wellbeing issues. If you are having problems it is likely that you will be directed towards the SSPOs first, and they will then be able to signpost where you can get help, or if necessary escalate to other members of staff.
For academic year 26/27, the SSPOs are Ms. Anna Ott (Monday to Wednesday) and Ms. Isabel Smith (Wednesday to Friday).
Personal Tutor
Your personal tutor is a member of academic staff who is your first port of call for academic problems. They can give you advice on module choices and help with problems you are having with lecture material. They should also be the first person you see if you are having problems that are affecting your ability to continue your studies. You will see your tutor regularly in your tutor group with other students, but they will also make themselves available to see tutees individually. They may not always be able to help, but can tell you where to go to get the help you need.
Tutor meetings are compulsory. You must let your tutor know beforehand if you cannot attend a scheduled tutor meeting, giving a valid reason.
Supervisor
Your supervisor is normally a senior undergraduate or a postgraduate student whom you will meet at least once a week in the same group as the tutorials. You will know who they are within the first week of Term 1. Your supervisor knows the maths degree thoroughly and understands what you are going through. They have a good understanding of the material, but some may be teaching for the first time so it is a learning experience for all of you. Supervisions are organised for your benefit so you should engage with them actively.
Supervisions are compulsory. You must let your supervisor know beforehand if you cannot attend a supervision, giving a valid reason.
Senior Tutor - Dr. David Wood
The Senior Tutor is responsible for the Tutorial system, and is there to help students with serious pastoral problems. If your tutor or the SSPOs think that you are having problems and need help, they will refer you to the Senior Tutor. Depending on the situation, a chat might be all that is needed, or help can be provided either within the department or through the Student Support Services. In extreme circumstances it may be possible to take "temporary withdrawal" to allow students to recover from a medical problem or serious extenuating circumstances, or occasionally students are given help to change degree.
Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) - Prof. Siri Chongchitnan
The Director of Undergraduate Studies is responsible for all things to do with the Undergraduate teaching in the department. The DUGS makes sure that all students follow the regulations set out in the Handbook.
In the first week you will hear from the DUGS quite a lot, as he leads the induction sessions. If you have a problem that needs his help, you will be referred to him through either your Personal Tutor or the Taught Programmes Office. A lot of his work also overlaps with that of the Senior Tutor so you may find that you are getting help from both if you are struggling for whatever reason. The DUGS is ultimately responsible for authorising module choices including Unusual Options and course transfer, but mostly he will not need to see you personally and his approval will be sought through the Taught Progrmames Office.
Director of Student Experience (DSEP) - Dr. Helena Verrill
The DSEP's role is to ensure that your student experience is positive, productive, supported and enjoyable, from induction week through to graduation. Dr. Verrill champions student鈥檚 voice and ensures that staff and students maintain a collaborative dialogue through the SSLC, focus groups, module evaluation forms and student surveys. She also plays a key role during Welcome Week.
Head of Department - Prof. James Robinson
Apart from the Welcome Session during Welcome Week, unless he is your Personal Tutor, it is unlikely you will need to see the Head of Department in your first year, but rest assured he is looking after the department to make sure everyone is happy!
Deputy Head of Department (Head of Teaching) - Prof. Samir Siksek
Much of the Head of Teaching's involvement in the degree for first years will also be in the background, but you may see his name occasionally.
The Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
The SSLC is an elected committee of mathematics students who meet regularly to discuss problems for students in the department with academic staff in attendance. You will have the opportunity to put yourself forward as a Year Rep in the first couple of weeks of term.
The SSLC has its own Moodle page and a noticeboard outside the computer rooms in the Zeeman Building. They discuss library issues, building issues, general problems with lectures etc. and are consulted over proposed changes to the mathematics degrees.
For academic year 26/27, the Chair of the SSLC is Alfie Giffen.