New to higher education: how a university works
Description
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New to higher education: how a university works
Universities run on structures, calendars and acronyms that nobody explains on day one. Who is a Pro Vice-Chancellor and who is a Dean? Why does everything stop in some weeks and peak in others? What does everyone in the meeting mean by REF, NSS and HESA?
This free one-hour session is for professional services staff in their first year or two in higher education. It covers the basic shape of a university, who does what, how the academic year runs and where it breaks its own pattern, and the terms you will hear most. It includes a live activity and a jargon buster you can keep adding to.
It is the first session of AHEP's new Introduction to Higher Education series, which runs from January 2027. Booking for the full series opens at the end of the session.
Attendees will leave with:
A clear picture of how a university is organised and who does what
An understanding of the academic year and its pressure points
A jargon buster to keep and add to
Wednesday 25 November 2026 | Online | 12:00 to 13:00 | Free
Open to AHEP members and non-members. Counts towards the AHEP Professional Framework: Wider context; Service excellence.
Lineup
Ben Rogers | Managing Consultant | AHEP Consulting
Ben Rogers is Managing Consultant at AHEP Consulting, supporting universities to navigate the challenges of higher education through practical advice, sector insight and a focus on people, processes and governance. A former Director of Registry Services and Chair of the Academic Registrars’ Council (ARC), Ben brings extensive experience of university operations, academic administration and the student journey. He has also contributed to three Universities UK advisory groups, helping shape national conversations on higher education policy and practice. Ben began his career in higher education as a Students’ Association President, giving him a lasting commitment to the student experience and the importance of ensuring students remain at the heart of university decision-making. A passionate advocate for compassionate communications, Ben believes that effective higher education is built on understanding, collaboration and strong relationships. He enjoys helping people make sense of the complexity of universities, understand how the different parts of an institution fit together, and recognise the important contribution they make to students’ lives.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
Book your place now!
Book your place now!
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