Guide for students witha Care background

www.chi.ac.uk

“From the first time I visitedthe University of Chichester,I knew it was for me. It isa great chance to meetlots of different peoplefrom different backgrounds.I would really recommendyou come on a taster dayand meet the lecturers,they are really friendlyand you will love it here!”Lucy Keyamo,English and Creative Writing

The University of Chichester is committed to offering extra supportto those students who have been in local authority care. Ouroptional package offers these students financial, educational andemotional support to help them fulfil their potential whilst studyingwith us here at Chichester.

What do we offer students who have a Care Background?

We have provided this Guide as a starting point to help applicantsunderstand what is available for Care Leavers. The University hasappointed a Care Leavers’ Co-ordinator to provide a central point ofcontact . This should minimise any difficulties applicants might havein being fully informed about entry to higher education. Advice andguidance is offered pre-entry, during the admissions process andthroughout the course of study at the University. All communicationwith our Care Leavers’ Co-ordinator is confidential.

What is the process?

If you tell us that you have at some time been in local authority care,either on your UCAS application or via an alternative entry route,your details will be forwarded to our Care Leavers’ Co-ordinator.We will then ask you for some information relating to your time incare and permission to contact the relevant local authority. Oncethis is received your application for the Care Leavers Package willgo before our Care Leavers Review Panel who will consider suchapplications on an individual basis.

Welcome to theUniversity of ChichesterA University with a commitment to help all itsstudents fulfil their potential

For those whose application is approved by the Care LeaversReview Panel, the University of Chichester’s package for those witha care background consists of:

• A Care Leavers’ Bursary - currently £2,000 per annum payablein two instalments for 2011-12

• The offer of campus accommodation 365 days a year charged at the current rate (subject to applications being received by our Admissions Office by 15 January and campus accommodation requests being received by our Accommodation Office by 31 May)

• A named Student Advisor throughout your stay at University

Communication

All communication with the Care Leavers Co-ordinator is strictlyconfidential. We will, however, ask whether we can share thisinformation for example, with our Finance and Accommodationoffices but we can always agree on a one-to-one basis a protocolfor sharing any relevant information.

A discreet email address has been set up for communicationbetween any students and our Care Leavers Coordinator andstudents will also be given the name of a Student Advisor who hasa designated role of working confidentially with any of our students.

Want to find out more?For more information onany of the above pleasefeel free to contact us.Please note all enquirieswill be confidential.

Carole Nairn Tel: 01243 812169Email: clc@chi.ac.uk

www.chi.ac.uk

Admissions Processfor Care Leavers toUniversity of ChichesterAll correspondence and communication with Applicant/Student to go through theCare Leavers Co-ordinator (CLC)

Applicant • Self identities on UCAS form

Admissions • Send letter and form to applicant requesting further information• Letter signed by CLC

Applicant • Responds directly to CLC

CLC • CLC obtains confirmation from relevant local authority toconfirm time in care

ReviewPanel

• Consider application for extra support/provision on caseby case basis

CLC • Advises applicant of outcome and ensures they have allnecessary paperwork and information

CLC Contacts:• Student Support to arrange additional tutor support• Finance for bursary details• Accommodation requirements

CLC • Arranges for welcome message/meeting for student onarrival at university

Please note this process applies to applications received by our Admissions Office onor before 15th January. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.