I like to write. I am a published writer. I am therefore often asked for help or advice from other people who are struggling to write things. In this post…
Written by Sharon Brookshaw
Dr Sharon Brookshaw has worked as a Research Administrator at the University of Gloucestershire since 2008, a role that involves supporting and advising postgraduate research students from first enrolment to examination and completion. She has published articles and book chapters in both academic and general interest publications, and enjoys working across the administration/academia divide. Prior to her move into Higher Education, she worked in the museums and heritage sector.
Higher Education and Twitter: Five things we have learned from Tweeting
Over the past month, our team has been dipping a tentative foot into the waters of Twitter with a new feed dedicated to research activity, staff and students at our…
Coping with uncertainty at work
“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” John Allen Paulos Uncertainty at work comes in many forms. Restructures. Office…
5 Ways A PhD Can Be Useful In A University Support Role
What possible use could a PhD be to someone in a professional support role? The knowledge you gain over the course of doctoral studies is likely to be niche and…
Working with challenging or difficult students
Most of the students that we come into contact with at work are lovely; they are bright, engaged, independent and a pleasure to talk to. The ones that usually stick…
Using Reflective Writing in your Work
Many of you will likely have come across the phrase “reflective writing”, probably in connection to continuous professional development (CPD) or improving professional practice. So what exactly is it, and…
Writing effective minutes
Writing minutes seems to be a task that strikes fear into many administrative staff. Do you worry that you won’t be able to concentrate for the length of the meeting,…
Writing effective agendas
We have all been in meetings that have over-run, gone off-topic or seemed to achieve nothing at the end of a lot of discussion. Ineffective committees discourage attendance and those…
Supporting research students as an administrator
If you are working in a University support role, you will be aware that there are many different types of student on many different courses of varying length, level and…