Alison Egan joined our University in February, taking on the role of Director of Services for Students.

At a difficult time with student fees increasing, and with such a strong focus on student experience, she was straight in at the deep end. Between countless meetings, third year Journalism student Lucy Craigs, managed to meet with Alison to discuss her plans in the new role. As a student myself, I am keen to find out exactly what the role of Director of Services for Students entails, how Alison intends to tackle current issues, her plans for developing services and increasing student satisfaction. I know first-hand the issues students often face, so have genuine interest in the services available and how they may change with Alisons guidance. I met Alison in the Helpzone at Headingley campus, a fitting location for our meeting, where we are photographed together. Alison immediately makes a joke about having her photo taken, and I feel at ease in her company. She is polite, friendly and very down-to-earth. Although Alison began working here two months ago, she feels like shes never stopped; Im surprised youve managed to find me between meetings! she laughed. Though her work load is heavy, Alison smiles and says how happy she is here, how welcomed she has been made to feel, I feel like Ive been here longer, Ive really settled in. Joining us from the University of East London, Alison, originally from Liverpool, is happy to be back up north. She joined UEL in 2004 as Associate Director of Student Services and went on to become Director of Student Experience in 2010. I asked why Alison why the move to Leeds Met? Firstly the job, Student experience is so important academic, professional and personal, I believe it should be at the heart of operations within University and so services provided are vital. She believes equality is crucial and, where often student services are often a separate unit to University; the two should be deeply integrated. She recognises Leeds Met as a well-known University with a good reputation, which has seen progressive changes and strengthened since the arrival of new Vice Chancellor, Professor Susan Price, who also joined us from University of East London. The extensive induction Alison has, and still is, receiving has settled her in her new role, the staff have been extremely helpful, I immediately felt connected, a part of the University. I was curious as to whether Alison has had much personal interaction with the students so far; not as much as Id like because Ive been so busy with meetings, Ive attended applicant days, met student ambassadors and had good contact with the student union, but Im hoping after induction I can really get on with the job in hand. I can tell Alison is determined to succeed, she admitted loving a challenge which attracted her to the job at such an important time; if youre going to do something, you do it the best you can and you can always make it better. It is never cant, it is how! Inspirational words to hear, as a student about to graduate. My role is to lead and give strategic structure; services provided are the underpinning of the development and success of students. I work with a large number of staff to integrate them with their students, its essential my colleagues can provide the best for their students. Students can drop out of University if they have a problem and feel they have nobody to contact for support, it is my role to ensure this doesnt happen. I aim to make the services visible, which include: financial support, careers, counselling, disability service, international student advice, chaplaincy, childcare, equality and many more.

I asked Alison what changes she would like to see, improving student satisfaction is my key focus, I want students to feel the benefit of University and develop to their potential. The broad aim is to get students in to graduate employment, which also improves staff morale. Trust is important and we need to maintain this with students through meeting their expectations. With University fees increasing, the expectations are students are higher than ever, we want to know exactly what we will get for our money. Alison is very aware of this, realising the need for added value, she says that, though Leeds Met already offer a lot of support through scholarships, bursaries and loans, it is not complete and there is always room for improvement. Continuous improvement, through student interaction and staff feedback will ensure things are constantly getting better. Students having 24/7 access to resources and technology is important, we need to make things as accessible as possible, students should be able to print that important form online at 3am, while buying trainers! I wanted to know why Alison is so keen to work with students; she is obviously extremely passionate about helping others and our chat reveals she always has been, as I find out she is also a qualified teacher and nurse. She has two children, a son (26) and daughter (22) who both travelled north to attend University in Manchester. Alisons career began as a History and English teacher in an East end grammar school, always looking for a new challenge, Alison decided to train as a nurse at Kings College. After years of nursing, she missed teaching and an opportunity arose to work I health education; her journey came full circle and she was put in contact with students who underachieved due to learning difficulties. She was fascinated by the students she met and became a Disability manager at UEL. I wouldnt say I planned my career, I have always followed my interests and strengths. I think that is important for students, to do something they enjoy and are good at above anything else. I could talk to Alison for longer about her career; she has done so much and had such varied experiences but I want to know more about her personally and so I asked her some quick-fire questions to build a personality fact file. She is extremely easy to talk to, Im fascinated by people, their speech and mannerisms, I love talking and getting to know new people. The role is well suited to Alison; I imagine students would feel comfortable and confident talking with her, as I did. After meeting with Alison, I am much more knowledgeable about Services for Students and feel reassured things will only improve with Alison as Director. Given the choice which subject would you study now? Probably a social science, maybe psychology with another subject, Im very practical and interested in people. Or perhaps business, Id like to have my own business and see something grow to success. I believe you build your own luck! What was the last song you listened to? Celine Dion- My heart will go on, because Ive been watching Titanic. I like Wind beneath my wings too! What do you enjoy doing I your spare time? I meet with friends. Im really interested in history too, especially local history, I love period dramas and Im tracing my ancestry. I like restoration too, from antiques to housing improving something! If a movie were to be made of your life, who would play you? A lunatic! (Laughs) No, Im trying to think of someone, slightly different Julie Walters maybe.