When a student needs help with a finance enquiry

What should you be aware of?

For many students this may be the first time in their lives that they have had to take financial responsibility for themselves. This can be very challenging for students, but they need to be made fully aware of the implications of not dealing with their financial responsibilities in a timely fashion. Failure to meet payment deadlines can result in a financial hold which can prevent students being able to submit their work, use the Library facilities or access their timetable and grades. In the worst case scenario, for some students this can lead to their withdrawal from the course, and in the case of an international student with a Tier 4 visa, this could result in deportation. Students are often unaware of the support that is available to them so if you realise that they could benefit from help or advice, please encourage them to seek support from the appropriate team (see Key Contacts on page 76).

What should you do?

Students who are experiencing financial difficulties:

If a student is experiencing financial, practical or legal difficulties they can contact the Student Welfare Advice Team (SWAT). SWAT provides professional and confidential guidance on the following range of issues: student loans, grants and bursaries, fee assessments queries, debt and money management, childcare costs, housing issues and welfare benefits.

They also ensure that students are accessing any welfare benefits or extra funding that they are eligible for. This is particularly important for students who are Care Leavers or are estranged from their family.

SWAT contact details:
Call 020 8411 3008
Email: welfare@mdx.ac.uk
Welfare Advice Guides: http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/fees-payments-funding/welfare-advice-guides
Daily appointments can made via http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/make-an-appointment

Students who want to make a payment (e.g. fees and field trips) and enquiries about Financial Holds:

Payments and enquiries can be made online, in person and by telephone.

Please direct students to the Payments and Finance team in the Sheppard Library, Ground Floor.
(Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 4:30pm). Please note the University does not accept cash as a method of payment.

Telephone: 020 8411 6400
Email: stufees@mdx.ac.uk
Further information: http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/fees-payments-funding

Students who are experiencing a delay in receiving their student finance
(loans, grants and fees):

Please refer students to the Student Financial Support Services.
Email: sfs@mdx.ac.uk
Telephone: 020 8411 6286

Further information: http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/fees-payments-funding

Students who require information about Scholarships and Bursaries:

Please refer students to the Scholarships and Bursaries Team.

Tel: 020 8411 6286
Email: scholarships@mdx.ac.uk

Further information: http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/fees-payments-funding/financial-support/scholarships-bursaries

What happens next?

The student will receive relevant advice and support relating to the student funding for which they are eligible. SWAT will also liaise with other departments and external organisations to advocate on behalf of students in the course of seeking funding solutions where possible.

Policy Information: http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/student-life/university-regulations-and-policies/policies

---