A Warning to parents
A Warning to parents who are considering entrusting their children to this institution. It should be said that I only have experience of the Maths department, but my son's experience here was terrible. Always academically a high achiever at school, he struggled with certain aspects of his course. Living away from home for the first time, it was quite easy for him and his pride to keep this from us. Unfortunately, there was absolutely no support or interjection made by the department. No personal meetings, no additional coaching or counselling, nothing. My son struggled through and passed the majority of his modules, but ultimately failed a few too.
In readying himself for his second year, he has rented a house with his friends, gained a part time job and is settled in Leeds, keen to commit to his second year.
Last week, with his second year about to start, he recieved a letter. You have not met the required standard for your first year, you are now permanently excluded. No discussion, no advice, no options.
His mum and I arranged a meeting with Mr Walker, the head of the mathematics department. We travelled up, dressed appropriately, had a list of questions prepared and were hopeful of at the very least, some guidance and some options. We were greeted by a scruffily dressed individual, who seemed irritated by our very presence. "There are no options available, your son (who was with us) has failed and we are not a University that gives second chances, so there are no further options available". Aside from his opening crushing of our son, nothing else was volunteered. Each time we asked him a question, he answered no and then nothing. No elaboration. We attempted to prise out of his socially inept manner, some constructive advice. "But he has has committed to his house.." "I deal with academics not lifestyle arrangements". Then silence. We then asked as he had done well in the economics part of his degree whether he might advise us how we might apply to Leeds Business School to continue or pursue a slightly different degree. "You'd have to speak to them. Again, I deal with this department and this University". After being politely asked 4 times, he eventually huffed as he found his counterpart at the Business Schools contact number.
It was without question, the most awkward, unsympathetic, uncaring experience I can remember being a part of.
In summary, yes, I am a disappointed parent and there are those who will only take that element from reading this. But that is not the reason for writing this. If you are a parent who expects, as I did, that Leeds Univerity, will care for and support your child, whilst providing them an excellent education, prepare yourself to be disappointed on all fronts.
29 September 2022
Unprompted review