Students at the University of Aberdeen are to benefit from the launch of the University's Students' Association Information and Advice Centre.
The University has recruited 12 student volunteers who have been fully trained to provide information, advice and referrals every weekday between 10am and 4pm for the 13,500 students who study at the University
James Noble, Welfare & Equalities Convener, from the University's Students' Association welcomed the launch taking place today (Wednesday, November 26). He said: "This shows a clear direction of the Students' Association's welfare policy. We are keen to be a forerunner in student welfare matters, and the Centre takes us that step closer towards that."
He added: "The Centre's launch shows that the Students' Association is committed to student well-being and equality of opportunity for all."
The services that the Centre now offers, include:
· accommodation service, where landlords can place details of their available properties for lease by University students;
· free legal advice service where three of the top law firms in Aberdeen give free legal advice to students on a wide range of subjects;
· a free money advice service from a licensed Money Advice Officer;
· welfare advice and items in line with University campaigns: for example, personal attack alarms are available at a discounted price, as well as pre-paid taxi vouchers for a night out so students do not have to carry lots of cash around, and pre-paid vouchers giving discount at Safeway;
· a personal link between the general student body and the student officers and sabbaticals - appointments can be made with any of our officers or staff ranging from our Welfare Services Officer to the student newspaper marketing team;
· thousands of information leaflets covering relating to student well-being;
· or just a place to drop by and enjoy a coffee if students need someone to chat to.
The official opening of the Centre will take place today (Wednesday, 26 November). Various representatives from the University's senior management team, including the Principal and Vice-Principals, Heads of Schools and Student Affairs Directorate (incorporating Student Support Services) have been invited to attend the Centre's launch any time between 10am and 4pm.
Further information on the launch of the Centre is available from James Noble, tel: (01224) 272965, or email: j.noble@abdn.ac.uk