Book an Appointment

Need academic advice and guidance? Book a free, confidential and impartial appointment with one of our independent advisors and get the help you need.

The image shows a woman with a yellow jumper looking at a computer screen. The background is navy and teal. The title is in a yellow box that says 'Book an Appointment'

 

Our service offers advice on academic matters

We want to ensure you get the right help for you. Please read the following instructions carefully so that you can get the support you need. Our Advice Service is here to suppport you with guidance under our academic policies, this includes: 

  • Academic misconduct
  • Extenuating circumstances
  • Appeals
  • Breaks in learning
  • And more

If you do wish to speak to one of our external advisors, select a date and time below and fill out some details. Please remember, these appointments are 30 minutes long.

Should you require advice and guidance on a non-academic matter you can find the most appropriate resource below. University support services are those services provided by the University, whilst external services are charities and organisations external to the university that is available to you.

University Support Services External Support Services

 

Book your appointment

If our service is appropriate for you, please book below one of our 30 minute assessments. These will help us to determine next steps and is an opportunity for you to:

  • Discuss what is on your mind
  • Review your situation
  • Determine the best support options available

Simply use our calendly booking system below to take that first step. Struggling to access your appointment? Contact the team - ardenadvice@alkhemy.org.uk

What to Expect?

This initial assessment heps us to understand you and your current situation to ensure you receive the right resources or advise moving forward.

To assist us please have a brief overview of your issue ready to share with the advisor. We would also recommend:

  • You have something to make notes, such as questions you may want to ask the advisor
  • Are in a place where you will be able to speak openly and honestly with the advisor on the call

If you are no longer able to make the appointment please cancel using the link in your calendly booking confirmation. Please then proceed to book another appointment on a date and time that works for you.

Our advisor will join you on video call, the used system will be told to you upon booking the appointment. You can choose to have your camera on or off for these calls.

The appointment is more like a friendly conversation where the advisor will ask you a series of questions in order to better understand the situation and talk you through any next steps.

This will depend on each person situation but after the assessment appointment, the team may:

  • Schedule a full advice session
  • Provide immediate guidance and quick tips
  • Direct you to other relevant university support services

Meet your Advisors

We have a dedicated team of Advisors, through our third party service provider Alkemy, who are here to provide you with advice and guidance.

Declan Katwala


I have spent over a decade working in advisory roles, with over 6 years experience providing advice to university students. I am a highly experienced caseworker, having worked in the support sector throughout my career, with a direct focus on providing person-centred and effective advice guidance and support to individuals.

Lauren Jones


I have worked as an advisor in higher and further education since 2018. I specialise in disability and wellbeing support. I understand how various challenges can impact studies and am committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility. My goal is to support students in a way which simplifies academic processes, using a person-centred and collaborate approach.

Melissa Adams


I have been a Careers Advisor since 2010, working in a variety of roles within the community, schools, colleges and most recently in Universities. I feel so privileged to do the job that I do and really enjoy making a difference and seeing the students journey. During my time in Universities, I have worked in a number of capacities including widening participation, UCAS, admissions and careers, so alongside my recent work in SU advice, I feel I have a very strong overview of the student journey.

Advisors are assigned to cases based on then appointments are booked. You are not able to choose an advisor and you will be able to view all policies relating to service by clicking the button below.

Find out more about the service