Discussing Academic Problems

In college

If you are experiencing problems with your tutor or tutorials, you should initially discuss the matter with other students and your common room Academic Affairs Officer. Within the college administration talk first to your personal or moral tutor if you are an undergraduate, or your supervisor if you are a graduate.  Other relevant people would be the Senior Tutor for undergraduates and for graduates, the Tutor for Graduates. 

If you feel uncomfortable talking to college tutors or the Senior Tutor, there will be someone in college who oversees the pastoral care of students, for example, the Dean, JCR Advisor or the Tutor for Women, all of whom you can talk to on a confidential basis.  It is important that you address and try to resolve individual problems as quickly as possible, so as not to impair your own learning.

In Faculties

Joint Consultative Committees (JCCs)

Most of the faculties and departments in Oxford have a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC). These committees provide an opportunity for undergraduates to voice opinions on academic and administrative matters. The organisation of JCCs varies across subjects; some have a representative from each college, whereas others elect a few people each year in core lectures. The membership of JCCs includes student representatives, subject tutors and departmental staff.
JCCs are important because they provide an opportunity for interactive discussion between students and academic staff. They give students the chance to make their feelings known and perform the important function of collecting and communicating students’ opinions in an organised way. Departments and faculties are known to respond to the concerns and wishes of students, and JCCs have an impressive record of achieving real results whether through securing cheaper photocopying, more core books in the faculty library or changes in course structure.
If you have a faculty related comment, query or problem (e.g. about exams, lectures, reading lists, etc.) getting in touch with your subject JCC representative is probably the best way to get the department’s attention.  Contact your faculty administrator for their contact details.

Graduate Joint Consultative Committees (GJCCs)

Like their undergraduate counterparts, Graduate Joint Consultative Committees (GJCCs) provide a forum for graduates to express their opinions and concerns about course structure, teaching, supervision and other academic support issues.  GJCC representatives are usually elected within the incoming class and work closely with departmental officers to assure quality provision and high standards in all degree programmes.  If you have a suggestion for improving the course that you are studying, or a request for additional equipment or other materials which would improve the course, the GJCC is a good place to raise these issues.

Within the university

OUSU Education Committee

OUSU Academic Affairs Committee acts as a forum for all common room Academic Affairs Officers, JCC Reps and Divisional Board Reps, to share ideas and discuss issues of concern to the students they support and represent. Their attendance allows them to help you more easily, with greater knowledge and backing.  OUSU can also follow up on problems students have had with changes in their course or teaching and library provision through the campaigns run by this committee.

OUSU Student Advice Service

If you want to talk to someone one-to-one about academic matters the Vice President (Access and Academic Affairs) and Vice-President (Graduates) are available for confidential and impartial listening and advice as part of the Student Advice Service.  These members of the Student Advice Service can advise you on academic matters, such as changing tutor or course, provide assistance in seeking dispensation for university exams and act as advocates during disciplinary procedures.

Graduate Studies Office

If, as a postgraduate student, you have questions about nearly anything concerning your academic work, feel free to phone or email the Graduate Studies Office or, if you prefer, pay them a visit. The office is there to offer support and guidance and will always try to direct you to someone who can help. It cannot, however, give final adjudication on non-academic matters such as fee liability, which are handled by your college.

Proctors’ Office

The Proctors’ Office deals with enquiries about exams and they can help students to make special arrangements if they have particular requirements.