Why pastoral tutoring for young Scottish solicitors should matter to you Dr Temitope Omotola Odusanya, Master of Laws Programme Lead at Robert Gordon University

In a world where academic pressure is intensifying, the need for pastoral care has never been more urgent, says Dr Temitope Omotola Odusanya.

In recent years, the mental health crisis within universities has reached a critical tipping point. One of the most high-profile cases of student tragedy, at the University of Bristol in April 2018, highlighted the stark consequences of insufficient support for young people navigating the pressures of higher education. This tragedy sparked a global conversation on the importance of mental health in academic institutions, raising a key question: what more can be done to protect students’ wellbeing?

One answer lies in pastoral tutoring, which is an often-overlooked but transformative element in the modern educational landscape. Beyond academic guidance, pastoral tutoring represents a vital connection between a student’s welfare and their academic success. When done effectively, it not only supports students’ wellbeing but can also save lives.

Pastoral care or tutoring refers to the system through which educational institutions provide non-academic support to their students. This type of tutoring helps students address personal, emotional or social challenges that could impact their educational journey. However, many universities historically treat pastoral care as secondary to academic support, overlooking the profound impact it can have on student outcomes and mental health.

Recent events, like those at Bristol, have highlighted the dire need to place pastoral care on equal footing with academic tutoring. When institutions fail to provide adequate emotional and personal support, students may suffer unintentional negligence, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Mental health struggles often go unnoticed in academic environments that prioritise grades and achievement over personal welfare, leaving students isolated in times of need.

The tragedy at Bristol University served as a sobering reminder of the pressures students face and the real consequences of insufficient mental health and wellbeing support. Students reported feelings of overwhelming stress and depression, which went largely unaddressed by university support services until it was too late. While many universities worldwide have since taken steps to address these gaps in support, there remains a persistent lack of preventative care – a space where pastoral tutoring can make a crucial difference. Academic institutions must recognise that proactive mental health support, integrated into the very fabric of educational leadership, is a necessity rather than a luxury.

As a course leader and personal tutor at Robert Gordon University, I have seen first-hand the transformative effect of pastoral care on student success and wellbeing. Pastoral tutoring enables students to discuss not only academic challenges but also personal struggles that may be impacting their studies. This dual-focus approach helps students manage their mental health, academic pressure and personal responsibilities more effectively.

When students are given the space to talk about these issues, it often prevents personal crises from spiralling into something far more dangerous. For instance, within our Master of Laws (LLM) programme, a structured support system has been established, incorporating regular student check-ins, tailored meetings that reinforce the significance of student feedback, and initiatives aimed at managing stress and fostering a healthy work-life balance. These initiatives have proven invaluable in ensuring that students do not feel isolated as they face the demands of postgraduate study. It is this proactive engagement in reaching out to students before issues escalate that truly makes pastoral tutoring a life-saving intervention.

As a course leader, I believe that leadership and pastoral care go hand in hand. Academic success cannot thrive in isolation from student wellbeing. Course leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that students are provided with more than just an excellent education; they must also feel supported and valued as individuals. This means making oneself accessible and approachable and establishing an open line of communication that encourages students to share concerns long before they become overwhelming. In my role, I have found that early intervention is key. By holding regular office hours and encouraging students to talk about both academic and personal challenges, I create a culture where seeking help is normalised. This culture of care addresses potential issues before they have a chance to escalate, allowing students to refocus on their studies with a clear mind.

Furthermore, as course leaders, we must facilitate dialogue between students and mental health services within the university. At times, students may not even realise they need additional help until they are encouraged to reflect on their wellbeing. By maintaining a strong connection between pastoral tutors and mental health professionals, we can ensure students are receiving the care they need at every stage of their academic journey.

The Bristol University case revealed how disconnected some students feel from their institutions. This disconnect fosters isolation, particularly when students feel they have no trusted figure to turn to in times of distress. Effective pastoral care depends on building trust between students and academic staff. Students who feel comfortable approaching their tutors about personal or mental health challenges are more likely to seek help early, avoiding more severe consequences down the line. This means being visible and approachable as a course leader, showing students that their wellbeing is just as important as their academic progress. My role as a pastoral tutor is not just to provide academic advice but to demonstrate that I am invested in my students as people. This builds an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, which in turn fosters student success on all fronts.

A holistic approach to education, one that integrates academic support with pastoral care, creates an environment where students can flourish. By understanding that students’ personal lives and academic performance are intertwined, course leaders and institutions can provide more effective, compassionate support systems. The Bristol tragedy was a wake-up call that every university needs to consider the mental health implications of student life. It is no longer sufficient for universities to focus on academic success alone. Student wellbeing, emotional health and personal development must be embedded in the educational experience, and pastoral tutoring is the vehicle through which this can be achieved.

The tragedy at Bristol University should never have happened, but it offers a valuable lesson for universities across the globe that pastoral care must be a priority. By integrating pastoral tutoring into the very foundation of the academic experience, we can create a future where students are not only academically successful but emotionally resilient and supported. The role of the course leader extends far beyond delivering lectures and grading assessments. It is about creating a space where students can grow intellectually, emotionally and personally. Pastoral tutoring is essential to achieving this balance, fostering an educational environment that not only prepares students for their professional futures but also ensures they are equipped to thrive in all areas of life.

In a world where academic pressure is intensifying, the need for pastoral care has never been more urgent. It is time for universities to take these lessons to heart and build systems that truly support the whole student, body and soul. In doing so, we can ensure that no student is ever left to struggle alone and that every student has the opportunity to succeed, not just academically but in life.

Written by Dr Temitope Omotola Odusanya, Esq, ACG, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Law and LLM (Master of Laws) Programme Lead at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Email: t.odusanya@rgu.ac.uk; ORCID: 0000-0001-7782-265X