As the student body in most universities becomes ever more heterogeneous, one of the greatest challenges has been to see and understand students beyond a single administrative demographic label or identity. As universities begin acknowledging students’ complex, intersecting social identities, staff approaches to engaging and supporting students become much more than a question of using the right language or “labels”. They become about supporting every student to feel seen, heard and valued as an individual, beyond a single identity characteristic – that they belong to a community and that, as an individual, they matter.
The question of how to engage students, then, becomes ever more complex. The UKAT Professional Framework suggests staff should appreciate students’ views and cultures, maintain a student-centred mindset, and treat students with sensitivity and fairness, respecting individual needs and perspectives. As the focus shifts towards the conscious development of “the whole person”, regardless of social/educational background, personal characteristics or academic discipline, the role of the personal tutor must also shift. Yet adopting a personalised approach can be challenging and time-consuming in a profession that has become increasingly time-poor and feels under-skilled.
The holistic view of the student is one that moves the relationship with staff from the transactional to one more in line with what students are increasingly coming to expect: “interactions with a familiar face and to establish a relationship, which leads to a sense of community and belonging.” Personal tutoring is an ideal space in which non-curriculum topics such as values, identity and aspirations can be explored.
