Third Party Monitoring

Third party monitoring is a system of support for Open University research students to provide support for the student outside of the supervisory environment, to identify and resolve potential problems, to provide a dispassionate view if difficulties arise with the student’s progress and to identify resource management problems.

Within the first month of registering with the Open University, each student will be assigned a faculty member who is outside the supervisory environment to provide support to the student as outlined in the Third Party Monitoring guidance from the Open University.

In addition, the Institute also provides access to a number of resources, which include the Employee Assistance Program and access to “LifeWorks”, a service provided by the Stowers Institute that offers help with personal and work-related issues. LifeWorks trained consultants are available to help with family problems, managing relationships, preparing for a new baby, getting out of debt, stress, depression and other problems affecting personal or work life.  LifeWorks is free, confidential, and provides resources to help with many life issues. Information about this program and how to access it, are provided at the time of Orientation (See also SIMR Policy 213, Employee Assistance Program).