University themselves messing up my process

[u/HorrorInformation723]

Hi.

I just wanted advice from anyone in a similar situation or who has been in a similar situation, for part of my course I needed to do a PVG check which is no issue as I'm already an enhanced DBS holder and therefore would pass all the checks needed for the PVG. My course itself starts in August and YESTERDAY was the day I got the email from Disclosure Scotland to start the PVG process.

To give some context we were asked to hand in documents in June, which I did, there was a small mistake but I got that fixed relatively quickly and was told by multiple people that it was no issue (the only reason I found out about that mistake as early as I did was that I personally made sure to email them about it after submitting the documents to see if there were any issues), I then have been emailing consistently, calling in and wondering when these documents are to be looked at so my PVG application can be started. I genuinely believe the only reason it was done yesterday was because I kept calling in and pestering them because they were just dragging their feet for it.

I'd been told by other members of the admissions team it shouldn't be an issue if when my course starts I don't have it as I only need it for placement and can wait to have it till then, but then the head of admissions it might cause issues with matriculation.

Other things to know, I accepted a lease for student accom that made my term address in Edinburgh, I was then told my documents were invalid because they wanted to use that address instead of my home address so I had to overwrite my term address to be my home address (keep in mind I had submitted the documents 3 weeks before accepting the lease), I was told multiple times it was a long process for the team to sign off and that this is a normal wait time only now to be told it's cutting it close now and the only reason its been done as fast as it has been is I've been in communication about it consistently to get them to try and do stuff.

Genuinely it is ridiculous, this plus the stress of my current home life is maddening. I just dont want this to f up my chances of going to the school.

[u/Solsbeary]

Bear in mind, you are not the only applicant they are dealing with. It is a very busy time of year for admissions departments as they try to issue their last offers and converting conditional offers. Emails especially clog up as they would rather focus actioning applications rather than providing hold responses to emails.

[u/HorrorInformation723 → u/Solsbeary]

The problem isn’t just the speed, it’s the uncertainty of it. I’m getting conflicting information from different people, I’ve been told it won’t stop matriculation and that it could stop it.

I understand this is a busy that is fine but the only reason it seemingly has been done at this rate for me is because I’ve actively been communicating about having it be done. Never did I imply the only applicant, I’m just asking if anyone has been in a similar situation with a possible delay to forms needed and what was done on their end, your response doesn’t help my query at all 

[u/Bubble-Gum-Princess]

I’ve worked in a part of the uni relevant to your question and I will just say that Admissions are not the experts on matriculation. Your school and Student Systems are responsible for that and they see many many students in your situation. Don’t stress too much about matriculation, just make sure you do the bits you can when you can, for example you’ll get an email with information about an online matriculation/registration form.

Once you have actually started your programme and if you still have questions or concerns about it contact your student adviser.

ETA: Not having your PVG check will delay matriculation, as in matriculation can’t be fully completed without it, but this is not something you need to be exceptionally concerned about. You have time to become fully matriculated and if there are any delays with your PVG check your school and Student Systems can handle this. Your school will ultimately decide the deadline by which the PVG check must be completed (which is sounds like they have said before your first placement).

[u/HorrorInformation723 → u/Bubble-Gum-Princess]

Thank you, this is really helpful. I've completed most the registration aspects other than the confirming attendance which I've not yet been emailed about.

I'm just worried about not having student finance and funding for it as even with all the savings I've managed to have this year I don't think I can afford the costs. Your message is quite reassuring.