Professional Staff from Bonn, Charles and Padua visit St Andrews
From the 23rd to the 27th of June, the University of St Andrews hosted professional services staff from the the University of Bonn, Charles University and the University of Padua, as part of efforts to support English language skills and boost connections with our European strategic partner universities.
During the mornings, our visitors took part in a professional English course with the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute, while participating in a varied programme of discussions, visits, presentations and team-building exercises in the afternoon. The programme was coordinated by the Global Office and involved professional services staff from across the University of St Andrews. Additionally, St Andrews staff from the Global Office, University Libraries, Centre for Energy Ethics, and more met with their counterparts from Bonn, Charles and Padua to exchange career insights.
After the first English course, the week began with a welcome from Sam Lister (Director of the Global Office) over lunch. Sam highlighted the vital role of professional services staff in underpinning university collaborations and driving universities forwards. Afterwards, members of the group split up for their preferred activities. Half of the participants were taken on an e-bike taster session and tour, led by Alistair Macleod (Transitions St Andrews), enjoying the beautiful views and challenging cross-winds. All safely survived the ride across the Old Course. The other half were taken on walking tour of the campus with Regina (Global Office Intern), followed by an accommodation tour led by Lesley Wilson (Deputy Residential Services Manager), which allowed them to see some of St Andrews historic student accommodation. With the group composed of fans of The Crown, medieval studies experts and study abroad coordinators, a visit to St Salvator’s Hall and Deans’ Court was of interest to everyone.
On Tuesday, staff from Bonn, Charles, Padua and St Andrews participated in a Saints Sport Activity Day. With activities ranging from dodgeball, archery, curling, and even mini golf, it was a classic primary school sports day, tailored for adults. Though it was a close call between the Red and Green teams, a final archery shootout revealed the Green team to be the champions.
On Wednesday, our guests headed to Eden Campus after their morning lessons. The group was received with a warm welcome from Ester Ruskuc (Vice Principal Strategy and Chief Operating Officer). Ester introduced Walter Bower House and the University’s plans for professional staff, before answering a wide range of questions relating to the future of professional services in higher education. After lunch and a tour of Eden Campus and Walter Bower House, the group either had the option of participating in a Customer Service First Contact Course with Lynda and Harrinei (Organisational and Staff Developments Services) or an AI and Professional Services Discussion with Bethany, Fiona and Monica (IT Services). The day concluded with an introduction to the Eden Mill Distillery.
On Thursday, our visitors gave presentations about their areas of work and projects they were working on: international administrative services, professional development in human resources, team-building within staff teams, library space, an exhibition on female inventors, a data centre with precision cooling, and trans-disciplinary research areas. This provided some fascinating examples of the varied work undertaken by professional services staff, as they serve students, staff and wider social needs. The presentations were attended by St Andrews colleagues. Conversation continued into the final Staff Week dinner.
The Global Office would like to thank our visitors for coming to us with open minds and a willingness to engage. Many staff from professional service units and schools contributed to hosting our visitors, and we would like to thank them all. Blair and Ros (IELLI) delivered an engaging English course. Colleagues from Transitions, Residential and Business Services, Organisational and Staff Development Services and Saints Sport led engaging sessions for our visitors. Staff from University Libraries, Global Office and the Center for Energy Ethics found time to meet colleagues for a coffee, lunch or afternoon meetings. Accommodation, Conferences and Events delivered wonderful catering and accommodation at Agnes Blackadder Hall. Global Office Intern Regina provided much help with the busy programme of activities and answering questions about student life.