Student and Academic Administration

The Student and Academic Administration Department (SAAD) began life as a Department in April 2008. Our aim is to develop our practice and reputation in managing services for students and staff working collaboratively with our partners distributed across the University and the wider educational community. We aim to be a central point of contact for professional expertise and advice in stages of the Student Life Cycle and Programme Administration. Our approach will be collaborative, innovative and accountable. As a Department we have worked to develop a Vision and Mission statement based on the Values and Behaviours to which we are committed. We have developed approaches to Leadership and Excellence that we will strive to develop. Fuller information about our approaches can be found on this website.

The UK Student Recruitment and Outreach Team delivers the University's educational liaison activities, engaging with potential students locally, regionally and nationally. The team works with schools and colleges, and with local communities, to encourage potential learners to consider progression to higher education in general and the University of Southampton specifically.

Enrolment is the process whereby students join the university and agree to abide by our regulations during their time here. Our students enrol online and are supported by Registry Services who maintain the University’s enrolment policy, publish the Welcome Guide, and guide students through the process.

Our aim is to help students and staff with any administration relating to the three main exam periods (Semester 1, Semester 2 and re-sits). Our roles include producing and publishing the exam timetable, making arrangements for students with additional exam requirements and arranging exam invigilation. We can also facilitate exam paper printing for Schools by arrangement.

We liaise with the Student Loans Company to ensure that students receive their loan payments by providing information about our programmes and their term dates, confirming that students are in attendance at the University, and talking to the Student Loans Company on behalf of students to resolve any problems with their loan payments.

Registry Services coordinates the University’s admissions activities working in partnership with academic schools to provide a high quality service to our applicants. We can provide expert advice regarding all aspects of UCAS and direct admissions.

The SAAD Management Information Team is responsible for ensuring the University’s compliance with statutory external reporting of student and program data. The team also designs and maintains an extensive collection of comparative analyses derived from applicant and student data for periodical internal publication.

As students progress through their programme they make a number of choices about their study which need to be recorded on their records. We provide support to ensure that student records are kept up to date in relation to option choices, programme transfer, suspension or withdrawal of study etc.

Our aim is to ensure every student receives their award, and associated documents, as soon as possible after finishing their programme. Our responsibilities include ensuring all awards are presented to Senate accurately, and producing and distributing certificates and diploma supplements (transcripts) as quickly as possible.

The Graduation Office is responsible for all aspects of organising the University’s graduation ceremonies which are held annually in July and December. Our aim is to provide a unique and memorable celebration that a graduands family and friends can attend as a fitting finale to their hard work and dedication.

The Student Administration Systems Team is responsible for the maintenance and support of the University’s live student records system. Under the Student and Academic Administration umbrella of projects to improve student administration, the team plays a key role in working with partners to deliver system solutions to meet University business process needs.