What support is offered?

Note-taking

If you have a disability that makes it difficult to take notes while listening, you can receive note-taking support. SLU offers two types of note-taking support:

1. Classmate as note-taker
   

   This support allows you to receive a copy of a classmate’s notes after each lecture. These notes are meant to help you, but they do not replace attending the lecture yourself.

   SLU pays your classmate for this service. More information is available here: Mentoring and note-taking.
   
   
2. SmartPen
   

   In some cases, you may be offered a SmartPen instead of a note-taker. This pen records audio while you write.

   You take brief notes, and the pen records the lecture. Later, you can tap your notes with the pen to listen to the audio from that specific moment. This tool helps you work independently, improve your note-taking skills, and review lectures at your own pace.
   
   SLU provides the SmartPen and the special paper required for it. You must ask your course coordinator for permission to record audio in class. Audio files are for your personal use only. You are not allowed to share them with others.

Adapted assessment

There are several ways to adapt an exam to your needs. Examples include using a computer during the exam, receiving extra time or taking the exam in a smaller group or a separate room.

The examiner makes the final decision on adaptations based on the course objectives. If your specific adaptation is not possible due to limited resources, the exam services team will find the best alternative. When you apply for support, talk to the coordinator. They will recommend the adaptations that best suit your needs.

Read more about the requirements for adapted assessment.

Support for degree projects/independent projects

Degree/independent projects (theses) at the undergraduate and Master's level can present challenges. Therefore, the SLU Library offers writing and language support for all students. Visit the SLU library’s pages on personal assistance. Make use of the library's resources to help with your work.

As you work through an independent project, it can be helpful to keep the following in mind:

1. Attend the course introduction and library information sessions if provided.

2. Make good use of regular supervision! Prepare for supervision sessions and clearly state what you need help with.

3. Use specialist software to structure your work and manage references. See Library search & write guide (instructure.com).

4. Use the text-to-speech software Tortalk to listen to articles and other texts – even those you have written yourself. This way, text-to-speech can help with both reading and writing. Contact the library if you have questions about Tortalk or other reading and writing support software.
   
   
5. Contact the library's drop-in service if you get stuck. See the library’s page on personal assistance. Do not wait unnecessarily long to get in touch if you need help.
   
   
6. Contact the student health services if you are feeling unwell, see Student healthcare at SLU. There is also support and advice at In English - Studenthälsa (studenthalsa.se).
   
   
7. Contact funka@slu.se if you encounter difficulties or problems you cannot resolve. Discuss with your coordinator what might be possible. For students with particularly significant challenges, extra supervision hours can sometimes be provided. SLU does not offer a proofreading service.
   
   
8. Some general advice for succeeding with your work:

• Create a reasonable timeline and try to stick to it. Stay in touch with your supervisor. Send reminder emails if responses are delayed.
• Browse and get inspired by previous theses.
• Discuss your work with others. Study together and support each other, even if you are not working on the same thing.
• Develop good habits. Keep in mind that location can be important for getting work done.
• Separate the creative writing phase from the critical and language review phases.
• Remember to plan for recovery time.

Mentor

f you have a mental health problem or a neuropsychiatric condition, you may in some cases be given a mentor who can help you structure and plan your studies. The mentor acts as a discussion partner and can help you make your study tasks more concrete and set priorities.

Mentor support is approximately one hour per week. The mentor will receive an hourly payment from the university to compensate them for their work.

If you have a mental health condition or a neuropsychiatric condition, working with a mentor may be an option. A mentor is a discussion partner who helps you plan and structure your studies, prioritise your tasks and make them easier to manage.

You will typically meet with your mentor for about one hour per week. SLU pays the mentor for their time.

Read more about working as a mentor.

Sign-language interpreter or note-taker

If you have a hearing impairment or are deaf, you can receive help from a note-taker, a sign language interpreter or a deafblind interpreter.

Sign language interpretation is offered only in Swedish sign language.

Submit your application in good time, as interpretation takes time to arrange. You can contact a coordinator as soon as you have submitted your application to SLU.

Study support you do not need to apply for

Visit the study support page to find more tips on how to make your studies easier.

If you have difficulty reading or writing, you may find it helpful to listen to your course literature or the texts you write yourself. 

Read more about listening to course literature and texts.

Other support

Adjustable desks are available in some SLU libraries and at the back of many lecture halls. While any student can use them, they are especially helpful if you have back problems or chronic pain.

If you need specific adapted furniture for your lectures or exams on campus, please contact your coordinator. They can tell you what equipment is available at your specific campus.