Pastoral Team - Porters, Tutorial & Tutors

Homerton College Porters - Duties and Support for Students

The porters at Homerton College are responsible for various duties and provide support to students, staff, and visitors. College Porters are on duty 24/7 and will respond to all emergencies. Students can find the Porters in person at the Porters' Lodge or contact them directly by calling 01223 747111.

Some of their primary responsibilities include:

Reception and Information: Porters are stationed near the College's main entrance in the Mary Allen Building, where they provide a friendly reception service. They can assist with general inquiries, directions, and provide information about College facilities, events and services.

Fire Safety: Porters are responsible for testing the College fire alarms, responding to fire alarm activations and organising fire drills. They also notify and coordinate the emergency services in the event of a real fire or emergency.

First Aid: Porters are first aid trained and will respond to emergencies as required, they can provide initial support, assist students in acquiring transport to a hospital or arrange for the emergency services to attend. We expect students to inform the Porters if they have called the emergency services to the College so we can direct them to the correct location.

Student Support: The Porters are always available for a friendly chat, support and advice anytime during the day or night. They always try to assist whatever the issue, whether it’s to have a break from a long arduous assignment with a looming deadline or you want to discuss a noisy neighbour. Your wellbeing is always their main priority!

Security and Access Control: Porters serve as the primary point of contact for controlling access to the College premises. Porters use CCTV and access control systems to monitor entrances, grounds, gym and accommodation buildings to ensure the safety and security of the College community.

Mail and Packages: Porters handle the incoming and outgoing mail for the College. They place mail in the pigeonholes and notify students when they have packages to collect from the Parcel Room.

The Porters look forward to meeting and welcoming you to Homerton!

The Tutorial Team 

The Tutorial Office is responsible for tutorial and admission enquiries, student accommodation and provides administrative support to students. The Tutorial Office is a direct link to the Senior Tutor, Graduate Tutors and Admissions Tutors.

Students are always welcome to drop in for information, advice and assistance in any area of College life, they can also contact the team by telephone or email. If you are not sure who to contact please see the guide below on who we are and how we can help.

Find out more

Tutors

A Tutor is responsible for the general welfare of students in their care and represents them in many of their official contacts with the University. Key responsibilities of Tutors (some of which are shared with Directors of Studies and other members of the College staff) include the following:

• Introducing new students to Cambridge and College life
• Meeting tutees at the beginning and end of each term
• Maintaining social contact with students throughout their time at Cambridge
• Encouraging students to take advantage of the full range of opportunities available to them and to develop transferable skills
• Helping to deal with personal problems
• Assistance with special needs and disabilities (advice, signposting for practical support)
• Provision of advice on identifying and obtaining financial assistance
• Liaison with University Faculties and Departments
• Requests for permission to be absent from Cambridge
• Advice about complaints and appeals
• Advice about possible change of Tripos or suspension of courses
• Advice on study methods and support in the event of difficulties with courses or Supervisors
• Initial careers advice, help with CVs and provision of references

Tutors are available to advise their students on these and on any other matters; if they cannot help they usually know someone or some organisation that can. Tutors can be contacted by email to arrange appointments. In most cases, students will remain with the same Tutor throughout their studies.