Tutors and Directors of Studies

Every student has a Director of Studies (DoS) in their subject area who is your first port of call for any academic concerns or advice. You may not be taught by your DoS every year, but they will always stay in contact with you, advising you on which lectures, seminars and supervisions to attend to ensure you get the best out of your degree, and setting you up with supervisors from out of College if you require someone who specialises in a field which is not covered by a John’s supervisor. They are the motherboard in terms of termly progress, and can be approached regarding reading lists, essays, supervisions or any other work-related topic or concern.  All students see their DoS regularly to ensure that they are making progress and benefiting from their studies.

Tutors are another way that College maintains and looks after the interests of its students, they form the basis of all pastoral, academic and personal support in College and their role is to maintain a close interest in the general well being and academic progress of their students, to advise and encourage. They are always College Fellows who work in a different academic field to their students, and can thus provide confidential advice on any problems you may be having with your work.  Students are assigned to the same Tutor throughout their time in College, and you meet with him/her once or twice a term to discuss your academic progress and general welfare. They also hold weekly clinics (known as Tutorial Times), so, if you ever have a problem, they are there. This allows students to get to know their Tutors well, and enables Tutors to understand their pupils as individuals.

The Senior Tutor has overall responsibility for students’ educational needs, as well as providing advice on welfare issues.