Frequently Asked Questions
This page covers a range of our most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's).
- I have a general question about SOAR
- I am a teacher with a question about organising a SOAR event
- I am a student at Loughborough with questions about being a Student Helper
- I am a member of staff at Loughborough, and have questions about helping with SOAR events
- I am a mature student and have questions about studying at university
About us
What are the links between SOAR and Widening Participation?
Student Outreach and Recruitment includes the Widening Participation initiative which is based and run from within individual higher education establishments.
Student Outreach and Recruitment Events
I am a teacher and I have an idea for an event, how do I go about organising it?
Please go to the all you need to know page
Do you charge for events?
We are able to provide our events free of charge.
What's the maximum group size you can accommodate?
On occasion we do run events for very large groups (100+) but what can be achieved is very limited, simply because of the staffing and room requirements involved. Experience has shown us that working with groups of about 30 participants allows us to engage students with maximum effect and run more interactive sessions.
How much notice do you need to organise an event?
Ideally, as much as possible! Certain times of the year are very busy, so the more notice you can give us, the more likely it is that we will be able to accommodate your request. Leaving things to the last minute is likely to result in disappointment for you and your students!
Do you run activities for Gifted and Talented Students?
Yes, we can offer activities for Gifted and Talented students from year 9 upwards.
How do I get details of your risk assessments?
Please see the teachers information pack section of the all you need to know page
As a teacher will I be expected to join in with the event?
We want you and your students to get the most out of your events. Therefore we require staff to attend all sessions and to play an active and encouraging role under the guidance of the session leader.
Help Us with Events - Students
What happens if a student helper is ill/ unable to work on an event they have signed up for?
We understand that very occasionally students are not able to attend events that they have signed up for because of ill health or exceptional circumstances. If this is the case please contact us as soon as possible so that we have time to arrange cover for you.
Students who persistently fail to come to events they have volunteered for will be given lower priority when student helpers are selected for subsequent activities.
How do Student Helpers get paid?
After their first event of each academic year, student helpers need to fill in a first payment for casual services form which will be provided by the SOAR team. This registers the students bank details with the University payroll and enables them to be paid by BACS for any work they undertake.
At the end of each event students will be asked to fill in a pay claim form (which will be provided by SOAR) which will be checked and signed by SOAR staff before being sent to finance for processing. For ease students usually complete and submit the form to SOAR form immediately after their event to ensure there is minimal delay in issuing payment.
Student helpers are paid on or around the 15th of the month following the event they worked on providing pay claims are submitted by the pay claim submission deadline (usually about the 20th) of the previous month. For example, a student working on the 18th June, would be paid on the 15th July. Whereas a student working on the 30th June may not be paid until the 15th August.
The University Finance Office are ultimately responsible for issuing payment, so if you are having any problems with the receipt of your pay please contact the SOAR team and we will help you resolve any problems.
How much do Student Helpers get paid?
Please contact us for details of student helpers rates of pay.
Will I be taxed on my earnings as a Student Helper?
All students will be required to fill in a P46 form when they start working with us, to ensure that the Inland Revenue can provide the University with an appropriate tax code. Many students fall below the annual income threshold for taxable earnings - see the Inland Revenue's website for details.
How do I update my details on the SHS mailing list?
Please contact the SOAR Office, who will amend your details.
Help Us with Events - Staff
Do staff members or their departments receive remuneration for participating in SOAR activities?
To discuss all matters relating to SOAR and funding please contact Justine Sanders
Do staff members need to have a CRB check before participating in SOAR activities?
Staff who regularly deliver sessions for SOAR will be asked to undertake a CRB check, for your protection and that of visiting students. This is funded and organised by the SOAR team.
Do staff receive training prior to working with SOAR students?
On request we are able to provide training and advice on any aspect on working with school and college students.
Mature Students
How much will university cost?
The costs of university are generally considered under the following three areas: tuition fees, accommodation and living costs and additional course costs. Details of all three, for students who have been living in the UK for three years or more can be found here
What are the entrance requirements for Loughborough University?
Please see the thinking of applying pages for mature students.
How do I apply ?
Please see the thinking of applying pages for mature students.
What support is available to help mature students?
Loughborough University provides a range of support specifically for mature students as follows:
Financial support for mature students
Academic Support for mature students
Guidance and welfare for mature students
Does the university provide childcare ?
Loughborough University has on campus childcare for children of students and staff. Full details are available under Guidance and welfare for mature students