Life at Merton: Disability

Merton is committed to providing effective support so all our students may achieve their academic potential. As such, we are signed up to the principles of the University’s Common Framework for Supporting Disabled Students, and we work closely with the University's Disability Advisory Service (DAS) to offer information, assistance and support to students with any disability that may impact on their academic, social or residential experience at Oxford.

Disability includes:

  • Specific Learning Difficulties – dyslexia, dyspraxia, etc.
  • Physical and Sensory Disabilities
  • Chronic health conditions
  • Mental health problems
  • Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism

Overseeing Merton’s provision is Dr Jane Gover, the Senior Tutor, as Disability Lead. The Disability Lead works with Fellows, students and staff to promote inclusivity and shape the broader culture across the College. Merton’s Disability Coordinator is the Academic Registrar, Jemma Underdown, whose remit includes:

  • Assisting with practical support in College
  • Arranging extended library loans
  • Liaising with departments and faculties
  • Making alternative examination arrangements where these are agreed by the Proctors, such as
    • Extra time
    • Use of computer
    • Rest breaks

In our experience, support can be most effective if we are provided with the details of any disability or chronic condition as soon as possible.

If you are coming to study at Merton and have not yet disclosed a disability or chronic condition, we encourage you to get in touch with Suzi Hughes (mental health and autism) or Cressida Ryan (other disabilities), the Disability Officers at the DAS who are linked to Merton, and also to complete the Disability Advisory Service Registration form as soon as possible. All disclosures are treated confidentially. Prospective applicants and current students are encouraged to contact Jemma Underdown, Merton's Disability Coordinator with any questions, or take a look at our entry in the University's Access Guide and the Disability Advisory Service website for further information.

For additional information on disability support in the University contact:
Disability Advisory Service
email: disability@admin.ox.ac.uk
telephone: +44 (0)1865 289825