Government recognises student support at Teesside

The University of Teesside’s commitment to student welfare has been officially recognised by a government scheme.

The Student Services Department has received the Matrix accreditation – the Department for Education and Skills’ quality standard for information, advice and guidance providers.

The Matrix standard provides a flexible framework of standards focussing on delivery of service, management and development. Less than six Student Services Departments from all of the UK’s universities have earned the accreditation.

The University of Teesside’s Student Services Department ensures the delivery of vital support units for students including accommodation, financial advice, careers, health, chaplaincy, counselling and sport & recreation.

Garry Toulouse, Director of Student Services, said: “The whole department worked hard to meet the standards laid out by Matrix and I think it’s brought us closer together as a team. We’ve all learned more about each other’s roles and have been able to share examples of best practice to improve our service to students.

“Applying the standard has highlighted areas where we needed to do more work and enhance the service we provide. It’s not a dogmatic standard that prescribes how every detail of the department should be run. Instead, it encourages the department to fully review and assess its services and make sure they are providing the best service possible. Earning the accreditation is proof that our service meets, if not exceeds, the needs and expectations of our students.”

Areas highlighted by the Matrix assessors included the development of a Well-Being Centre for student health issues and the establishment of the new DiversiTees mentoring programme, as well as a very high level of student satisfaction.

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