Who's who at RUSU's Student Advice
RUSU has a dedicated team of Advisors who will guide you through any problems, by giving advice and information in order to help you resolve issues. You can find the team located in The Hub in the Students’ Union building on the Whiteknights Campus.
Advice and Representation Manager
Katharine Davey
Kath joined RUSU in 2001 as an advisor with a keen interest in immigration and issues affecting students from overseas. She works part-time and is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Kath is responsible for the management and development of RUSU Advice Services and oversees the delivery of advice related projects and initiatives. Her priority is to ensure a quality provision of advice and guidance is available to all students at University of Reading.
« back to top »
Advice Services Manager
Cheryl Milne
Cheryl joined RUSU as an advisor in November 2003 and became Advice Services Manager in September 2011. She is responsible for the development of the team and supervises the Student Advice teams’ casework across all areas of advice. She has been advising HE students since 2003, having previously had a career in nursing. She has a particular interest in money advice, but also has experience advising on immigration, housing and general issues. For the past 3 years she has worked towards the Advice Studies BA at Staffordshire University which she completed in June 2012. During the course she studied DWP benefits to an advanced level. Cheryl is also a trustee of the National Association of Money Advisors and SW England regional co-ordinator.
Cheryl is available Monday to Friday, 9.30am until 4.00pm.
« back to top »
Student Advisor
Zena Facherty
Zena joined RUSU in September 2008.
She is a generalist advisor but is particularly interested in student finance and money as well as housing advice.
If you need help managing your money, dealing with debt, investigating benefits, applying for extra funds or if you are experiencing housing problems such as issues with your landlord, outstanding repairs, or claiming your deposit back, Zena is happy to help.
Zena is currently on maternity leave.
« back to top »
Student Advisor
Clare Lowe
Clare joined the team in October 2012 and is covering Zena’s maternity leave..
Clare has worked in both further and higher education, in a variety of information and advice related roles. Whilst employed by Thames Valley University (now the University of West London) she led the ‘Money Doctors’ financial capability project, leading on supporting students with a range of money related issues.
Clare is particularly experienced in supporting students with student money issues – student finance, welfare benefits, money management and dealing with debt - and can also assist with housing related issues.
« back to top »
Student Advisor
Olayinka Lewis
Yinka joined the RUSU Advice team in September 2011. He is a generalist advisor, but is also particularly responsible for providing immigration related information, advice and support. He is available on Mondays to Thursdays for appointments, drop-in sessions, workshops and to respond to email queries and questions.
Yinka is very passionate about immigration. He has previously worked as a volunteer with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau in Aberdeen and a private immigration organisation where he gathered knowledge and experience of UK immigration law. He also studied at the University of Aberdeen. His interests include cycling and travelling. Yinka is always happy to assist with queries in relation to immigration or any other general issue.
« back to top »
Student Advisor
Alison Spooner
Alison joined RUSU as a Student Adviser in February 2012.
She has experience of advising in a busy Citizen’s Advice Bureau in North London and has also completed the Citizens Advice Bureau certificate in Advice with competencies completed in housing, money management, immigration and welfare benefits. She has also completed the CAB certificate in drop in assessments.
She has a particular interest in housing and accommodation matters.
« back to top »
Student Advisor
Rebecca Sundharam
Rebecca joined RUSU as a Student Advisor in September 2012. She specializes in academic advice, and can help students with issues relating to extenuating circumstances, examination appeals, academic misconduct, disciplinary hearings, confirmation of registration or other research-related matters, and complaints against the university. If you are concerned about the impact of personal or medical problems on your studies, about a decision of the university relating to your academic performance, or about any aspect of your relationship with the university, Rebecca is happy to help. She can help you fill in Extenuating Circumstances Forms, advise on procedures and grounds for appealing your marks, assist in preparing appeal statements, and attend disciplinary and appeals committee hearings with you as a ‘friend’.
Rebecca completed her PhD in English Literature from the University of Reading in March 2012. She has previously worked with Peer Support and Study Advice, and has taught briefly at the Department of English Literature.
« back to top »