Key staff

• Lorraine Roberts - Student support and guidance adviser
• Lizzie Eatwell - Student adviser (Helpdesk)
• Sarah Friend - Information Services Manager (Library)
• Wendy Philcox - Widening Participation coordinator

Lorraine Roberts

Student support and guidance adviser Lorraine dedicates her time to supporting and advising students through their university experience.

"I provide help and support services to students and get to know many in their first year when they require the most support with settling into university life. Students can visit me in my office for one-to-one advice but many grab me for a more informal chat when they see me around the building – having a relatively small campus means this is something that happens frequently.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing students who initially thought ‘people like me don’t go to university’ grow in confidence and succeed in the university environment. I believe strongly in empowering students through education and am passionate about issues of equality and diversity.

Lizzie Eatwell

Lizzie graduated in summer 2011 and has now joined our student services team, supporting our students.

"I set up our student mentoring scheme as the volunteering element of my course (Applied Social Science). It is based partly on the PASS scheme (peer assisted student support) available on other campuses, but embraces general well-being and study skills as well as course– specific queries.

"I set up the scheme during my second year, and it went live in my third year after our mentors had been trained. I feel I understand student needs from all angles. My own route to university was not particularly straightforward but it really can work out well. There’s plenty of help if you need it – you just have to ask."

Sarah Friend

Information services manager Sarah manages the library, meeting a range of people every day.

"My role is really varied but student support is always high on my agenda. Seeing how students grow in confidence as they progress with their studies gives me a lot of job satisfaction. One of the highlights of my role is seeing students mark their success with their family and loved ones at our graduate celebration.

"I grew up in Hastings and have a personal interest in the history of the town. The University of Brighton’s campus in Hastings has been created to fit the needs of the local community, offering students the opportunity to study high quality courses without having to move away from home."

Wendy Philcox

Widening participation coordinator Wendy was born and bred in Hastings. She studied Applied Social Science here before joining the team. As part of her role she gives information, advice and guidance to local students looking to apply to university.

"Coming to an open day here was the best decision I ever made. At the time I was working at a local supermarket and was unsure about what I wanted to do with my life. A few years later I have both a degree and a great local job.

"My role is very varied and I meet people from all walks of life here at the university and in colleges and community venues. I give practical advice about how to continue with education as well as more specific advice about the application process. I feel that being a recent graduate helps me to give an insight into the real student experience at the University of Brighton in Hastings.

"My degree has given me a lot of transferable skills, such as report writing, research and presentation skills – if someone had told me five years ago I would have a job where I have to give presentations I would have laughed! I’ve come a long way."