Linacre College is committed to supporting the welfare and wellbeing of our members where possible, and as such there are a range of mechanisms in place for students seeking support.
This short film offers students an overview of the welfare and wellbeing support that is available at Linacre. Full information about the College Welfare Lead and support services can also be found below.
Welfare Lead - Melissa Cross
I am excited to be the dedicated Welfare Lead at Linacre and hope to ensure a supported and enriching experience whilst you are with us.
As we all know, life throws us challenges regardless of where we are, what we are doing and who we are. Our ability to thrive relies on support, resilience, determination, purpose and patience. My role works closely with the Junior Deans, the Lodge Porters, Common Room Welfare Committee, Peer Supporters and the Academic office to create a team around you for practical and emotional support. Please know that you do not have to feel alone and that we have a whole team of people wanting to help create a positive experience for you.
My office is located on the Academic Support floor, next to the Library. I look forward to providing you with a safe supportive space to have a cuppa, chat, breathe, regroup, make plans…and continue on your way to thriving and flourishing. If my door is open do feel free to pop in, alternatively send me an email to find a time that suits you.
Academic Office
The Academic Office are here to support students with both academic and welfare issues affecting their ability to study. The Senior Tutor and Academic Registrar are always happy to meet with students to discuss their circumstances and implement any relevant support mechanisms. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Academic Office to arrange a meeting within the regular College opening hours. For out of office hours welfare issues, not requiring an emergency service response, students should contact the Junior Dean team.
Junior Deans
The Junior Deans form a core part of the College’s welfare and pastoral support, assisting the Common Room Executive Committee, student porters and College staff to create a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for our College community. The Junior Dean team can be contacted on junior.dean@linacre.ox.ac.uk and are always happy to chat to any member who may need support or advice. Linacre College have a team of Junior Deans who work on a rota, ensuring that there is 24/7 availability.
Peer Support
Peer Supporters are students who have been trained to help other students think through issues and give them emotional support in a safe and confidential way. Linacre has a team of trained Peer Supporters who are available to talk to students about a variety of issues, big or small. You can contact a Peer Supporter by emailing peer.support@linacre.ox.ac.uk.
Common Room
The Common Room Executives and Representatives offer a student-to-student, informal support resource for all of our students. For more information on our Executives and Representatives, visit our Common Room page.
Dean for Equality and Diversity
As a representative for equality issues across the College, our Dean for Equality and Diversity is available for students wishing to discuss matters relating to gender, race, sexual orientation, culture, ethnicity, or disability. Students can contact the Dean for Equality and Diversity via equalities@linacre.ox.ac.uk
Welfare Boxes
The Common Room Welfare and Equality Officers have enabled students access to welfare boxes around the College. These boxes can be found in communal toilet facilities and are stocked with welfare essentials, such as sanitary items. Students are encouraged to take what they need from the welfare boxes, which are monitored and re-stocked regularly by the Officers.
Healthcare
All students are strongly encouraged to register with the College Doctors at 19 Beaumont Street which should be used for non-emergency physical and mental health issues. The Practice is open Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. Request a consultation online here or by phone on 01865 240501. The John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington has an Accident and Emergency Service (A&E). If you are have a life threatening medical emergency, ring 999.
If an unexpected illness or accident means that you cannot complete work for your course on time, contact the Academic Office who will advise you on what your options are, and help you to make the appropriate applications to the University.
Counselling Service
The central University offer a Counselling and Mental Health service for students who want a confidential space to discuss issues that may be affecting their ability to complete their studies. The Counselling Service can be reached for non-urgent cases via email to make an appointment.
Disability Advisory Service (DAS)
The DAS offers a wide range of support options for students with disabilities, and can also support you in any requests for special arrangements for study or examinations. If you have a disability, you are strongly advised to register with the DAS before starting your course. Registering with the DAS will ensure that all reasonable adjustments can be made for your disability at Linacre and in the wider university. A specialist DAS advisor will invite you for an interview to speak in detail about your individual situation and how you can best be supported.
Sexual Violence & Harassment Service
The University Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service is an all-in-one provision for any students regardless of age or gender who have been affected by sexual harassment or violence. It provides free support and advice, along with a safe place to be heard independently of your college or department. The service supports all students in all situations, whether the experiences of sexual harassment or violence happened in Oxford or elsewhere, and whether it was recent or in the past. It will support you at your pace and will help you to explore your options, and it will support you whatever you choose to do. For further information –https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/supportservice
Careers Service
For students seeking advice on what to do after their studies, the University have a Careers Service which can offer a comprehensive network of support. Whether this is advice on further studies, help job-seeking, or building skills, the Careers Service is a great resources for those planning their next steps.
There are a number of central Student Welfare and Support services available during your studies at the University, you can find useful information about them below.