Director of Student Experience
The Director of Student Experience (DoSE) is responsible for developing and implementing policy determined at University level and by the School of Life Sciences’ senior management team in the area of student support, to help ensure consistent practice across the University.
The DoSE, Qiao Chen, also takes a proactive role in ensuring that students have effective academic advice and in identifying and supporting students who are struggling to engage with the University. The Director works closely and collaboratively with fellow Directors from within and across Schools, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching) and the Director of Student Services and other Professional Services colleagues, in particular the Student Experience and Attendance Coordinator.
The DoSE provides oversight for all Engagement Monitoring activities, including seeing students face-to-face where there is cause for concern over engagement or support needs, and Chairing the School Student Progress Committee (SSPC). The DoSE is actively involved in the School Student Experience Group (SSEG) where student reps meet with faculty, has oversight of the Induction week activities, and recruits and selects Student Mentors. The DoSE is also responsible for contacting and supporting all students returning from a break in their studies, and manages the interaction between Disability Advice and the School with regards to Reasonable Adjustments. The DoSE is also a member of a number of School and University committees (including the School UG and PGT Progress and Assessment Boards, the School Teaching & Learning Committee and the University Student Engagement Sub-Committee) contributing expertise in relation to student support.
Whilst the Student Centre provides non-academic advice and helps student access support services at the University, Academic Advisors provide the first point of contact for academic progress matters and recently subject-specific Senior Academic Advisors were appointed to liaise directly with the DoSE to help facilitate effective academic advising and personal development for students.
The Director of Student Experience can be contacted if you would like additional support regarding your engagement with University, your experience here at Sussex, or if you have concerns relating to your progress or support needs.
Please contact: lifesci.studentexperience@sussex.ac.uk