University to make confirmation process easier

Prospective students will get the chance to speak directly with their future lecturers as part of efforts by Plymouth University to make the confirmation process less stressful.

Thousands of applicants will receive their A-level results on Thursday 14 August and call the University’s specially established hotline to confirm they will be coming to Plymouth in September.

They will get through to one of 60 trained advisers, on hand to guide students through the confirmation and Clearing process and into university life.

But they could also be transferred to academics and tutors, if they have specific questions about their chosen subject and want to make sure it is the right option for them.

Dr Maureen Powers, Dean of Students at Plymouth University, said: “Confirmation and Clearing is a time to unlock a host of amazing opportunities that could transform your life. We have support and advice available to help students make an informed choice about the next stage of their education.

“Through a range of channels, our well-prepared staff and enthusiastic student ambassadors will be engaging with prospective students and we look forward to inspiring them to join the thousands of others making Plymouth University their first-choice destination.”

For 2014, existing students and staff will once again operate the Plymouth Clearing hotline, allowing people to obtain instant answers to queries about their application.

The hotline, which deals with around 4,000 calls annually, will be staffed from 8am on Thursday 14 August, finally closing at 4pm on Friday 22 August.

That will be supplemented with an interactive digital hub, which will provide the latest information – through social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook – on course closures, vacancies and contact points and warn of any problems in the UCAS environment.

There will also be a specific schools and college hotline, which will deal directly with teachers who can pass the latest information to their own students.

Preparations are also underway for a special Confirmation and Clearing Information Day on Sunday 17 August, to provide an opportunity for anyone wishing to join Plymouth University in September to have a last look and get a feel for the campus and culture.

Dr Maureen Powers added: “Our continued investment in world class teaching and research has earned us numerous national and international accolades in recent years, and gained us a place among the UK’s top seven modern universities.

“We have so far had a very successful year in student recruitment with better conversion rates, which is testament to our growing reputation for providing students with an unparalleled student experience.

“So if you are interested in Plymouth University, we are interested in you and look forward to discussing how we can make your dreams come true.”

The University’s hotline number is 01752 585858, and more information about the confirmation and Clearing process is available from the University’s website at www.plymouth.ac.uk/clearing. You can also join them on Facebook at /plymuniapply or join the conversation on Twitter at @plymuniapply.