Student Parents at UWTSD

A big welcome to student parents studying at UWTSD, from your Students’ Union!

UWTSD Students’ Union is YOUR Students’ Union. We’re independent of the University, and our mission is to represent the interests of all students – including student parents.

We’re led by a team of elected Officers and Reps, who are keen to hear more from student parents about what would improve your student experience.

As well as the full-time Officers, the Officer team includes Student Parent/Carers’ Officers for Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter. Alongside their studies, these part-time officers specifically represent student parents in Students’ Union decision-making. Get in touch with the Officer team – they’d love to hear from you.

 

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Make the most of your student experience

Student parents bring a range of life experiences and qualities that enrich campus life for everybody in the UWTSD community. Many student parents are active in activities and events, and stand for election for Officer and Rep positions.

 

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Supporting student parents through the challenges of University life

At the same time, we understand that students with parental responsibilities face particular challenges – in particular, finances, and organising studies around childcare and personal responsibilities. Our Advice team is on hand to help you navigate the support available to you from the University.

 

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Support for student parents

Financial support

• Firstly, make sure that you’re receiving your full entitlement from Student Finance England / Student Finance Wales: Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance. You might also be eligible for Government-funded childcare places, or for a Childcare component to your Tax Credits.
• If you’re not eligible for any of the above, the University has its own Childcare Bursary.
• The University also has a Hardship Fund for students in acute financial need.
• In addition, you might be eligible for other types of funding listed on the University’s Scholarships and Bursaries page.

 

Study support

• If you need more time to complete your assignments because of urgent issues or changing circumstance in your family life, you can apply for Extenuating Circumstance on MyTSD. Contact the Advice team for help with this.
• The University has agreed to simplify the evidence required for Extenuating Circumstances. For example, for a school closure, a screenshot of the school’s announcement will be accepted.
• Your Programme Manager will be able to advise you on whether there are any steps that can be taken to help you manage the demands of your programme – for example, if there’s any more flexibility around assignments that’s possible. Don’t feel shy about asking for their support, and contact the Advice team if you’d like us to support you in this conversation.
• Your Personal Tutor should be able to provide you with additional guidance, and the University’s Student Services team has a wide range of student support on offer.
• Many lecturers already record their lectures. The Students’ Union has campaigned for this to be the rule across all subject areas, to make it easier for student parents to manage their time.