Churchill College is a welcoming and supportive community. As an undergraduate or a postgraduate student here, you will have a strong support network of fellow students and College staff.
The University is responsible for your teaching and research supervision. As your college, Churchill will provide pastoral support within a stimulating academic community.
Who to talk to for support
Tutors
All students are given a tutor. Tutors are concerned with your welfare and progress throughout your time at the Churchill. If you have a wellbeing matter, they may refer you to our Wellbeing Co-ordinator. Academic problems are primarily the responsibility of your research supervisor or Director of Studies, but these matters can also be discussed with your college tutor. From advice on anything from rules and regulations, financial problems or personal matters don’t hesitate to contact your tutor, either by turning up at one of their regular tutorial times or by making an appointment. All discussions will be entirely confidential.
Mentors
All new postgraduate students at Churchill are given the opportunity to have a college mentor from the College’s Fellowship. Mentors volunteer to take on this social and friendly role to welcome you to Churchill and to dine together at formal halls from time to time.
JCR
An important part of a postgraduate’s college life is the Junior Common Room (JCR) – a term for the postgraduate student body, and for the shared space graduate students enjoy in college. Churchill’s JCR Committee has several welfare officers, who offer confidential counselling and support services. They are available to listen and chat about any worries you have or problems you may be experiencing no matter how big or small.
Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Churchill College has a dedicated Wellbeing Co-ordinator for students. Louise Ranger, provides 1:1 Confidential support and advice to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students for matters relating to psychological wellbeing.
Contact our Wellbeing Co-ordinator
MCR
An important part of college life is the Middle Common Room (MCR) – a term for the postgraduate student body, and for the shared space graduate students enjoy in college. Churchill’s MCR Committee has several welfare officers, who offer confidential counselling and support services. They are available to listen and chat about any worries you have or problems you may be experiencing no matter how big or small.
Other Support:
In addition, there are many other people at College, including your fellow students, who can offer advice and help on non-academic matters. The Porters deal with lots of queries, the staff in the Tutorial Office (undergraduates) or Postgraduate Office (postgraduates) can clear up many points, whilst the College Counsellor provides a confidential service to anyone experiencing personal problems or difficulties.
What to do if you become ill
An undergraduate or postgraduate who falls ill should ensure that his or her Tutor is informed as soon as possible; if you are in lodgings you should ask your landlady or landlord to ring the Porter’s Lodge and leave a message for your Tutor. Also try to get a message to your Supervisors and Director of Studies explaining any necessary absences from supervisions. Anyone with any kind of illness, disability or other difficulty likely to affect his or her performance in examinations should consult the College Nurse during the Lent term so that all possible help can be organised before the start of the exams. It is also essential to inform your Tutor so that steps can be taken to alert the University Board of examinations to your problem. It also makes sense to visit your Cambridge GP so that he/she is aware of your problem, and is in a position if need be, to provide evidence of the severity and duration of your illness. If you are likely to be affected, e.g. in practical’s, by colour perception deficiency, make sure that your Tutor is aware.
Chronic illness
Any member of College suffering from a chronic medical condition or disability, or who is undergoing long-term treatment for any reason, should inform the College Nurse. This could be of great assistance in the event of illness or accident. The Nurse and Catering Manager should be informed of any food allergies. It is also helpful if students are willing to inform their Tutors of such conditions.
Food allergies; anaphylaxis
The University has produced a set of guidelines for dealing with the fact that an increasing number of people are vulnerable to severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) which can affect the entire body within a few minutes of exposure to the allergen and lead to death if not treated promptly. There are several causes of which certain components of food (especially nuts) are the most common (others include insect bites).
