People features

An education coordinator in the School of Global Studies, supporting International Relations students, Kit is also a member of Senate, the highest academic committee in the University. Together with Gemma Harman, Kit acts as an elected spokesperson for Professional Services (PS) staff, representing their needs and interests on Senate. Hear more about how being a senator has an impact, and how you can get in touch:

My favourite aspect of my role is easily the people. I’ve been at Sussex since 2009 and it’s the people I work with that really make the job fulfilling and special. Everyone is friendly, professional, and committed to providing a public service to our students and campus visitors. That’s reflected across colleagues in other Schools and central Divisions, from the Library and Human Resources to IT Services and the Division for the Student Experience. I really feel part of something bigger.  

I hope I can future-proof ways to integrate PS voices from across the University into key forums. Being part of Senate supports this. Senate is primarily an academic body, but the University delivers best when academic and PS colleagues work as one team. I take part in the Senate meetings that happen three times a year, as well as other working groups that examine specific issues, representing the PS staff perspective. I also join campus-wide and School-level meetings to keep informed of developments and hear how other PS colleagues feel about topics of concern.  

My favourite place on campus is the view from the boundary walk. Having access to beautiful nature next to the office for a walk with colleagues is bliss and washes away my Monday blues. It’s best during summer but even in winter with fog and mist sitting low, it has frosty appeal.  

I love to go swimming with friends to destress after work. I also cycle for enjoyment and to commute to campus. It keeps me fit, though I don’t love some of Brighton’s cycle paths and infrastructure! I’m a book nerd and am doing a part-time BSc in Social Sciences at Birkbeck. I love the course and being in the classroom, and the sunnier weather means I can sit and read on my balcony under the warm sun. However, after four years the commute to London each week has become a little tiring. 

The best advice I’ve been given has been plain and simple. Never go grocery shopping when hungry. Drink water, go to bed earlier, and disconnect from your phone and computer screens. It’s easier said than done though… 

Sharing your views with Senate

Please contact Kit at ce79@sussex.ac.uk or Gemma at g.harman@sussex.ac.uk in confidence if there is a matter you would like them to raise at Senate. You can also email the general email inbox: pssenators@sussex.ac.uk.

The next meeting is planned for 26 June 2024 and you can view information on past and future Senate meetings.