The transition from school to College can be a daunting experience for students. Faced with a new learning environment, studying a new course or travelling to a new location are just some of the problems encountered by students.
South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has recognised the need for extra pastoral care for students during this time and indeed throughout their time with the College. It was with this in mind that the College introduced a new student support service named SERC EXTRA.
SERC EXTRA is a service designed to assist students experiencing difficulties during their time with the College. The College have dedicated members of staff based in the four main campuses in Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards who are at hand to speak to students and help them overcome any problems that they may have.
Kieron O’Loane, Head of SERC EXTRA had this to say, “At SERC EXTRA we act as a point of contact for students who wish to discuss any issues they may have, whether it be in College or personal life. We will endeavour to point students in the right direction.
“We recognise that every person who signs up to a course at SERC has ambitions in life and we are here to help achieve these ambitions.”
Already this year the service has been a great success with a reduction of 76% on the numbers of students leaving their course, based on the same timescale last year.