My background is that I’ve not only worked in Aberystwyth University for over 30 years, specifically in the fields of distance learning and student support, but I’ve also studied courses through distance learning myself (philosophy at the Open University). So I have a real understanding of the pressures and sense of isolation this method of learning can bring. Being able to talk to someone who’s been through it themselves may be a real help if you’re feeling uncertain about how to cope.

Please be assured that I will always assume our conversations (whether by phone, email, messaging or video calls) are relatively confidential, so you need not worry that you might be compromising your marks or your position on the course by anything you tell me. ‘Relatively confidential’ means that I would only share our conversations with others in the university as necessary (with Student Support, for example). In particular, if you are ever in a crisis situation I may have to contact other people to ensure that you get the support you need.

Finally, although mine is a part-time post, I will try to be available by email or messaging at those ‘out of hours’ times when you are most likely to be studying, given that you probably have many daytime commitments (professional and personal), and I will try to be available during your working day if you would like to have a chat in a prearranged phone call or video link. And while I may not know all the answers to all of your questions, I should be able to put you in touch with the specialists who do!

I am very much looking forward to “meeting” you.