Name: Louise Poole

Job title: Student Records Management Assistant

Department: Academic Office

Number of years at Warwick: 21 years

There’s no such thing as a typical day, but, in brief, my job involves...

‘...no such thing as a typical day…’ is certainly a dichotomy because in Student Records Management a typical day is doing the same kind of work using standard processes but with a difference that it changes on a regular basis. Something new always crops up and changes the way you work. Procedures and processes change which inevitably brings new challenges that need resolving. The way we do things is at times different from the standard. This happens regularly which lends credence to the fact that every day is not typical. I have seen and been through many changes and restructuring in Student Records. In the past, I had first-line supervision for the University’s Hardship Fund, Student Loans and was the first to take on taught postgraduate work, which eventually was rolled out to the rest of the Student Records Team.

Student Records Management is responsible for maintaining accurate student records and providing expert advice and guidance to students and departments about how to apply for temporary and permanent withdrawals, repeating study, restarting a course, course transfers, extensions, upgrading to a higher degree or exiting with a lower award, changing mode of attendance from full-time to part-time vice-versa and the implications or not of doing so. Our expert knowledge has enabled us to build strong working relationships with departments to ensure an exceptional student experience.

My most memorable moment at Warwick has been...

when I was asked to be Mace Bearer (aka Esquire Bedell) during the 2018 summer graduation ceremony. It was an honour and a privilege and I was proud to do so. A ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal (e.g. silver). The Mace dates back to the middle ages and was traditionally used as a weapon to protect a king. Nowadays it is used for ceremonial purposes for formal academic processions where the Mace Bearer leads the Academic Procession, and according to tradition, protects the Chancellor.

In my time at Warwick, the biggest change I’ve seen is...

the growth and expansion of University buildings (e.g. Medical School, Business School and WMG) including expansion overseas internationally and worldwide) with a resulting increase in the number and diversity of students and the eventual introduction of new apprenticeships (e.g. social work) where apprentices do on-the-job training whilst studying for a degree simultaneously. The idea is apprentices apply for a job with an employer who then puts them forward for a degree after meeting certain criteria. This is indeed a step-change as apprenticeships were traditionally the preserve of Further Education colleges. Another change for me personally is that our working practices are moving from paper-based to online technology.

Warwick's kept me here because...

it is a great place to work, in a convenient location, easy to get to by bus, foot, cycle and train. There are excellent job benefits (e.g. awards schemes, a subsidised staff Christmas do, staff discounts, an attractive pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement, personal development opportunities, etc.) and offers many opportunities for extra-curricular activities.

I've only just realised that...

just how much the University has grown in size and stature because of the sheer number of new student accommodation blocks springing up all over campus and many new buildings. It is a real challenge to expand and still keep our green spaces. So far, the University appears to be managing this.

Warwick’s unique because...

it has no music degree on offer but there are many opportunities for talented musicians to practice and make music, for example: the Student Opera, Wind Orchestra and Rock-Gospel Choir and the non-auditioned chorus of Music Theatre Warwick's weekend shows. For those who take it seriously, private tuition is available for both newcomers and diploma holders, and for the really talented, several scholarships are available each year. The University Symphony Orchestra has the privilege to perform in the same place as the London Symphony Orchestra.

The best thing about working at Warwick is...

the unreserved support of my colleagues. I work with a great bunch of people who work well together and are very supportive of each other. We have our own informal walking groups where we go on walks around campus. It is a great way to spend time with and get to know each other better during lunch breaks.

Also, for me personally, is the opportunity for self-development and progression. I have worked as acting Student Records Management Co-ordinator, explored what other departments do and how they work by doing project work for the Deputy Registrar’s Office on the University’s Document Retention Schedule, work-shadowing staff at Engineering Business Management, Warwick Foundation Studies International Foundation Programme, and assisting with Awards and Ceremonies.

I'm really glad I got involved with...

the Warwick book club. I no longer belong but, when I joined, I met new people and we took turns suggesting interesting books to read and review for our next and subsequent meetings. We engaged in diverse and lively discussions offering different viewpoints. I have also used Warwick Learning Account vouchers to play tennis and studied for a Preparing to teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector certificate.

My favourite place on campus is...

Tocil Woods. I love nature and enjoy exploring the many paths in and around the woods. I have walked all around and off campus, have explored many different areas with colleagues and by myself, sometimes underestimating the time and have to ‘run like a bat out of...' and get back to work on time!

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