Quality Of College’s Student Support Gains Prestigious Recognition

Posted on: 14 September, 2009

The College of Estate Management has won a major accolade for effective information, advice and guidance on distance learning as its Learning and Academic Support department has been accredited with the matrix Standard. This is the national quality mark that recognises the support that organisations provide to overcome barriers to achievement and advancement.

All students, 30 per cent of them from overseas, work through a Virtual Learning Environment in which the quality of support is vital. This is provided by expert tutors and administrators to enable students to realise their learning and professional goals. Support covers assignments, exams and technical issues, and access to library resources and online materials.

Each student is assigned a Course Administrator as a personal guide and advisor on hand to offer assistance and direction throughout their studies. The Administrator acts as mentor, providing pastoral support, liaison with tutors, advice on study options, or simply lending a sympathetic ear over an academic problem.

Jane Fawkes, Director of Academic Support, commented: “We are an organisation with a leading role to play, important responsibilities and a reputation to match. It is essential that we offer our disparate students across 19 courses a consistent and highly personal service. It is gratifying to gain recognition for the information, advice and guidance we see as inseparable from the quality of our education.”