Student Support

Equal Opportunities

Dumfries and Galloway College is committed to equal opportunities, and actively encourages access to courses by everyone. The College believes in equality of opportunity for all connected with the organisation and all members of the community. This includes the fulfilment of all relevant agreements and acts, which may have implications for our role in training and education.

Student Support and Guidance

Our Student Experience team led by Stuart Clark and Jan Clark are available to give guidance and support on a large range of issues including funding issues, money problems, housing, and any concerns you may have that affect your welfare or wellbeing.

Disabilities / Additional Support Needs

Dumfries and Galloway College is fully committed to providing the highest quality of support to any student who has a disability or additional support need. A Needs Assessment can be carried out by a Student Adviser, where appropriate support can be identified.

We strongly advise applicants requiring support to indicate this on their application form by stating ‘yes’ to the ‘support required’ query or to contact a Student Adviser at the relevant Campus. Support can include paperwork in a suitable colour/font, strategies for teaching and learning, assistive technology, class support and exam concessions.

For more information or to arrange a meeting, please contact a Student Adviser:

Educational Support

The Educational Support staff work across all curriculum areas as needed and provide support for students who have met with a Student Adviser for a Needs Assessment. The Educational Support team leader is Stuart Clark who can be contacted as follows:

If a student requires educational support in class, the Educational Support workers are skilled at supporting the needs of individual students. Examples of class support include the following:

  • Reading
  • Note taking
  • Communicating
  • Organising work
  • Numeracy and literacy
  • Emotional reassurance

Refugee’s and Asylum Seekers

Dumfries and Galloway College are committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusiveness within our institution and we endeavor to reflect that in the support we provide for Refugees and Asylum seekers. 

We offer help and guidance from the pre-application stage including information on courses, funding, entry criteria and support available.
We have named contacts within key teams who can help answer any questions you have about studying with us:

Claire Marshall – Student Journey Officer (Admissions, Pre-Entry Advice) 

Stuart Clark – Student Experience Officer (Student Support) 

In 2023 The Educational Support Team launched a new cross-college support group – DG PALS (Peer, Academic & Language Support)

Students in the College who have resettled in the region or have refugee status are invited to join the group with the ambition of creating a College Community where students with similar needs and backgrounds can meet and access targeted information and support.

We work closely with multiple partners such as Lifelong Learning, Massive Outpouring of Love, and the D&G Multicultural Association to create a platform where we can share their events, opportunities, and community support available with our students.

Opportunities to engage with ESOL courses, study skills workshops, employment opportunities, and community events are also promoted using the platform.

Applicants who have disclosed their refugee/resettled status on their application are invited to join but you can also contact the Educational Support Team directly at clarks@dumgal.ac.uk to request to be added.

If you are a student who has English as a second language, are socially isolated, or have recently arrived in Scotland from another part of the world then please get in touch to find out more about the group.

Student Advisers

The Student Advisers are based in the Point behind Reception / Room 2077 in Dumfries and room G35A in Stranraer, they are very approachable and are available to give guidance and support on a large range of issues. Examples of support provided are as follows:

  • Funding and Benefits
  • SAAS Applications
  • Discretionary and Childcare Funds
  • Emergency Funds
  • Health and Welfare
  • Disability / Additional Support Needs
  • Assistive Technology
  • Study Skills

Should you require information or advice, please contact one of the team as follows: