Tips for dealing with unfair staff?

I have requested something that I really need and that I know is being given to another student with extremely similar accessibility needs to me, but keep getting told this option does not exist, despite me telling them I know other students are getting it, and have proof of that.
I deserve to be treated the same as other students, not just brushed off because the uni dont want have to do any extra work.
How can I get them to treat me fairly and with respect?

Reply 1

Heriot-Watt Uni

Official Rep

9

Original post by Anonymous

I have requested something that I really need and that I know is being given to another student with extremely similar accessibility needs to me, but keep getting told this option does not exist, despite me telling them I know other students are getting it, and have proof of that.
I deserve to be treated the same as other students, not just brushed off because the uni dont want have to do any extra work.
How can I get them to treat me fairly and with respect?

Hello there,

I totally get where you're coming from, and it's frustrating to feel like you're not getting the support you need, especially when you know others in similar situations are getting it. It's not fair.

Here's what I suggest: keep pushing for what you need. Have you tried talking directly to someone in the student advice or support? Sometimes, going straight to them can make a difference. Make sure you're clear about your needs and bring up the fact that you know others are getting something similar. Also, there should be a class rep or someone representing students from your cohort. Did you try talking to them about this and asking them to escalate the matter?

It might also help to get some backup. Is there a faculty member or advisor you trust who could advocate for you? Sometimes having someone else in your corner can make a big difference.
Hang in there and keep fighting for what you deserve. You're not alone in this, and some people want to help you get the support you need. Please feel free to reach out to update me on what's happening or if you need any help.

Cheers,
Shri (MSc International Business Management).

Reply 2

ageshallnot

21

Original post by Anonymous

I have requested something that I really need and that I know is being given to another student with extremely similar accessibility needs to me, but keep getting told this option does not exist, despite me telling them I know other students are getting it, and have proof of that.
I deserve to be treated the same as other students, not just brushed off because the uni dont want have to do any extra work.
How can I get them to treat me fairly and with respect?

Document your proof.

Reply 3

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post by Anonymous

I have requested something that I really need and that I know is being given to another student with extremely similar accessibility needs to me, but keep getting told this option does not exist, despite me telling them I know other students are getting it, and have proof of that.
I deserve to be treated the same as other students, not just brushed off because the uni dont want have to do any extra work.
How can I get them to treat me fairly and with respect?

HI there,

This sounds like a really frustrating situation so I can understand why you are feeling annoyed about this.

I would suggest if you have an academic advisor or personal tutor to get in contact with them and see if this is something that they can help you with. Mine have always been very helpful when I have needed them so maybe try and arrange a meeting with them so that you can go through the problems you have been having and see if they have a solution. If this is already who you have spoken to, I would keep trying and explain how important it is that your problem gets fixed and also highlight the unfairness you have seen.

You could also try and speak to your module tutors and see if they know anything that could help you, or your course leader may also be able to help. It is worth emailing these people just in case they know of something which could help your situation.

As has been mentioned, if you have a course rep, you could try and speak to them about this and see if they can escalate this for you. Usually course or class reps are there to help you and advocate for their peers so this could be a good route to go down.

If you have a student support service at your uni you could also go to them and see if they can do anything to help you. Or the university wellbeing team will also be able to help you and listen to your problems.

I hope some of this helps and you get the help you need,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 4

Davenursing

8

Adjustments are fickle things. The justification for an adjustment can be quite nuanced.

Talk to the students your comparing yourself to, explain to them that you have some adjustments and ask them if they’re willing to fill you in on what theirs are. Build allies. Enquire about the exact nature of their adjustments and check your understanding of the situation.

Sometimes there’s more factors or facts you might not have have noticed or had before.

Next step is your personal tutor and the university’s student disability support team.
(you may need to be reassessed).

Be open to the process and engage with the process.

If you denied a request, as for it in an email or writing so that it’s recorded. Only then should you consider escalating to a complaint or appealing the decision.

Also make sure you have read the policies.

Tips for dealing with unfair staff?

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