Advice

The Advice & Representation Centre can give you free, independent and confidential information, advice and support on a range of academic and non-academic issues.

We have professional advisers and elected student representatives and the service is completely confidential, independent from the University and no issue is too big or too small for us to deal with.

The Students' Union is here to help you make the most of your time at Sussex so if there's something bugging you that you think is likely to be affecting other students as well tell us about it by filling in our online form.

► Frequently asked questions

These are some of the questions we get asked about advice service. If you would like advice on a particular subject please take a look at the different sections of our website using the links in the menu on the right hand side of the website.

I need a solicitor - can you help?

I’ve left university - can you still advise me?

I’m a parent - can you contact my son/daughter for me?

How do I make an appointment to see an adviser?

I’m worried that you will tell the University/anyone else my problems

I need a solicitor - can you help?

In general terms we are advisers not solicitors so we can’t give specialist legal advice or represent you at court in criminal proceedings. However, we can help you try to access the appropriate level of help that you need.

Please note that the Students’ Union is unable to pay for you to access legal representation - you will need to contact the Community Legal Service to see if you can get legal help funded.

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I’ve left university - can you still advise me?

Our funding means that we need to prioritise advising current or prospective Sussex and BSMS students

If you have been a client here and have graduated then we may be able to continue to advise you if you have an ongoing issue that is still unresolved.

We are always happy to signpost you to an appropriate advice service for your enquiry e.g the local Citizens Advice Bureau

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I’m a parent - can you contact my son/daughter for me?

We often get this request but unfortunately we are unable to provide this service.

We are able to advise you on who best to contact within the University if you have concerns about your son/daughter. In addition, we may be able to advise generally on the options available to them in certain situations, however we always would advise getting the student to contact us directly, as often it is difficult to advise via third parties.

If we are advising your son/daughter we are happy to discuss their case with you ONLY if they have given their express consent to do so, in accordance with our confidentiality policy

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How do I make an appointment to see an adviser?

Pop in and book an adviser appointment with one of our reception desk student volunteers in the Advice & Representation Centre between 10am- 4pm Mondays – Fridays during termtime
E-mail us - advice@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Phone us - 01273 877038

Remember not all questions need an appointment!

We encourage students to read our comprehensive webpages and publications first - as it’s most likely you will find the answer to quick information queries there.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to make an appointment – we have a limited number available and 'no shows' mean that another student has to wait longer for our help!

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I’m worried that you will tell the University/anyone else my problems

We understand that this can be a concern for students. Remember we are independent of the University and our service is confidential - whatever you tell us remains within the Advice & Representation Centre walls! We only reveal details in really extreme circumstances e.g. if we are worried that you will seriously harm yourself or others. Reassure yourself by reading our confidentiality policy

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Advice

Contents

► Frequently asked questions