What we speak to the students about
During the calls, we ask students about their studies, if they know their personal tutor, their experience of loneliness and any pressures they might be facing. We tell students about GSU and the university support services available to them. Even if they don’t currently need the support, it ensures that they have the information, should they need it in the future.
The service has been running since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and in this time has provided follow up support to over 2000 students. We have had some excellent feedback from students who appreciate the time and consideration that reaching out shows:
"I liked how patient as well as understanding the staff behind the call was, she was extremely helpful in response to my queries and offered me advice with what I needed. I think that checking up on students is a very positive, and often overlooked aspect of Greenwich University as it shows how devoted the uni itself is to content and successful graduates.”
In 2025 we are looking to diversify the methods we use to reach out to students and start to incorporate WhatsApp messaging as part of the Check-in service.
We work alongside university departments, including with the Engagement team, the International Student Advice Service and the Student Finance team, as well as with SAS and with faculties and schools.
Who we call
We prioritise calling students who are most at risk of being withdrawn due to nonattendance and students at risk of withdrawing or interrupting themselves. These categories include:
- New starters for that term
- Students with low or no engagement
- Responsive calls to students affected by global events
- Students on courses with a large awarding gap
- POLAR Q1 first year students
- Returning repeating or interrupted students
Request a check-in for a student
University staff members can request we check-in with a student. We'll ask them about their experience so far and link them with support if they need it.
Please email the team at gsu-retention@gre.ac.uk.
If you have questions about the service, please get in touch with:
Steph Scott
Retention and Wellbeing Manager
s.e.scott@gre.ac.uk