About the Student Support Officer

The Faculty Student Support Officer, Mike McGarry, is here to support students during their time in the Faculty. He can advise students (and staff), or direct them to the appropriate service, on a range of issues related to university life including:

• finding your way around campus and the local area
• jobs and careers
• accommodation
• managing your time
• presentation skills
• reflective journals
• research
• essay writing
• exam tips
• dealing with stress
• getting the best from your course
• anything else you would like to talk about

Mike is available to meet with students between 12 and 3 on Tuesdays on a one-to-one basis, in confidence. His office is on the ground floor of the Laurence building, room L 0-30. Appointments can be made for other times.

If you would like to know more about the service and how it can help you, please contact Mike by phone on 0161 247 5237 or via e-mail: m.mcgarry@mmu.ac.uk

Feedback welcome

We welcome your feedback on the support we've provided. All comments welcome.

Frequently asked questions

• I'm not sure who I need to speak to – can I ask you?
  Yes you can. If I'm not the person to answer your query I'll point you in the right direction. You can also contact the Student Information Point on 0161 247 5135 / 5272 or studentlife.cheshire@mmu.ac.uk to ask for help or advice.
• 'I want some advice about some really basic study skills stuff ... ?
  Don't worry about this; no query is too small and there's no such thing as a silly question. However, if you're stuck and you need help quickly you might be able to find what you're looking for in the new Skills Online resource on Moodle. This resource includes sections on writing essays and reports, time management, referencing, presentations and much more.
  
  Log into Moodle and select 'Skills Online 0910'...
• Will you proof read my work?
  No, I don't proof read your work, but I will look at it with you and advise you on how to edit it.
• I'm getting high 2:2 grades and really want a 2:1. Can you help?
  Yes, definitely. A fresh pair of eyes may be able to highlight areas for improvement, and help you see what your subject tutors are looking for.
• I'm a postgraduate student... Is it OK to come?
  Of course. There is a lot to take on board in postgraduate study, especially if you come from a working background and it is a long while since you studied.
• Can you help with personal problems?
  The service is confidential and non-judgemental, so if you just need to get something off your chest that's absolutely fine. I can provide information and contact details for various services, both within the university and the local area, which may be useful to you. However, it is not a counselling service, and if you would like to speak to a counsellor please contact the university counsellors on 0161 247 3493 or contact your local GP.
• Do I need to bring anything with me to an appointment?
  If you want to discuss a piece of work it's also useful to bring your work, assignment brief and unit Handbook with you. If you want to focus on improving your work it is useful to bring any feedback you have received from your tutors.
• I'm not enjoying my course, can you help?
  Yes. If you have doubts about your course you are welcome to discuss them in confidence. There are a number of options available to you which I am happy to discuss.

Online support

Are you stuck? Need some Study Skills advice quickly or just a reminder?

Use the NEW Skills Online resource at MMU. The resource includes sections on writing essays and reports, time management, referencing, presentations and much more Log into Moodle and select 'Skills Online 0910'

Other support available

Student Services
International Students