Academic Skills Unit
FAQs
Responses to these typical questions appear as text, plus video or audio format (content is not the same). Click on the questions to find the written responses. Click on Watch video or Listen to audio for content in the other formats.
I don't feel very confident asking for help with basic English - what should I do?
How can I achieve my potential?
I am a University of Portsmouth student but I study at a partner college, can I still come to ASK?
Listen to audio (pending)
Will you discuss my needs with my course leader or my personal tutor?
Listen to audio (pending)
I am an International student. Can ASK help me?
I have a disability. Can I come to ASK?
I don't feel very confident asking for help with basic English - what should I do?
First of all, you should never feel stupid about wanting to ask for help. It is a strength of character to be able to ask for help. Secondly, many students struggle with grammar in particular, but we also see lots who need help with their spelling and punctuation. We also have some online resources which may help you in these areas.
How can I achieve my potential?
When you come to your first session the lecturer you meet will ask you about what you want to achieve. Don't worry if you are not sure as we are used to helping students find out what their needs are. You and your ASK lecturer will work on an individual programme that will help you to work towards reaching your goals.
Will you proof read my work?
Unfortunately we are not able to proof read your work. If the piece of work is ongoing, ie it has not been marked, or has to be resubmitted, then we only look at a small section (one paragraph) and make some comments. If the piece of work has been marked we can comment more fully.
We can teach you the skills to enable you to proof read. We can also run sessions on this if requested. We have a handout about proof reading in the Resources section of our website. Once there you need to select Handouts, then Written Assignments. It appears at the bottom. All of our resources are in pdf format and need Acrobat for access.
I am a University of Portsmouth student but I study at a partner college, can I still come to ASK?
Yes of course, ASK is for any student of the University.
Anyone studying for a University of Portsmouth award at one of our Partner Colleges is welcome to come to ASK.
Will you discuss my needs with my course leader or my personal tutor?
Not without your permission, as we offer a confidential service. However, we will often ask your permission to contact a member of your course team as this can be helpful in terms of setting tasks and making sure we do not give you conflicting advice.
I am an International Student, can ASK help me?
Yes of course, ASK is for any student of the University.
However, if you are an International student and you are experiencing difficulties with your English you should contact English for Academic Purposes (EAP). EAP is run by specialist lecturers and covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Please note that we do not teach EAP, ESOL or EFL.
For further information on EAP, visit their website or contact eap@port.ac.uk
I have a disability, can I come to ASK?
Again, any student can use ASK. If you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia you should also go to the Additional Support & Disability Advice Centre. They can advise you on issues such as funding and specific support they may offer once funding is in place.
Email: academicskills@port.ac.uk