Meet The Team

The Hub Reception Staff

When you visit The Hub, you will be greeted by a member of our friendly Reception team.  The Reception team is supervised by our RUSU Receptionist, Loretta Cashley.  Loretta is a permanent member of RUSU staff, all other members of the Reception team are students at Reading University.  The Reception staff are your first point of contact and can make appointments, provide you with basic information about the services on offer and deal with straightforward queries, for example, handing out application forms or leaflets.  Please note that they are not Student Advisors and never have access to Student Advice confidential records.

Katharine Davey - Advice Services Manager

I joined RUSU as a full-time Student Advisor in 2002.  I am responsible for the management and running of the Student Advice Service.  I enjoy the diverse nature of my job and get a lot out of working with students from all around the world.  I have a keen interest in immigration issues but am able to offer advice to students on a wide variety of issues.  I run workshops for students and provide support to the rest of the team with the organisation of student support programmes, for example, the International Student Welcome Programme, Housing Week and the Finalists Fayre.  I also provide support to members of the Sabbatical team.

In the past, I have worked in a variety of sectors, including banking, social services, hotel and catering. After completing my degree, I was keen to work in the education sector and gained invaluable experience whilst working at various educational establishments.

Cheryl Milne - Student Advisor (Money Doctor)

I joined RUSU as a Student Advisor in November 2003.  I am employed as a generalist Advisor but I focus on financial/money advice.  I am currently working on a financial capability scheme called "Money Doctors" in association with the Financial Services Authority and seventeen other higher education institutions.  So if you need help planning a budget, investigating benefits, dealing with debts, please come to see me.

Prior to working for RUSU, I spent many years working as a nurse in various areas, including accident and emergency and the Florey Unit.  I specialised in sexual health and education and cared for people who were experiencing a life crisis.  I have also worked as a Welfare Officer at an employment training centre for young adults with disabilities.

I work Monday to Friday, 10am until 3pm.  The rest of my time is spent organising a hectic family life.

Aishah Raja - Student Advisor (International)

I joined RUSU as a full-time Student Advisor in 2005. I offer support and advice to students from overseas and specialise in providing immigration advice.  I work closely with the University on matters relating to International/EU Students and work in partnership with the International and Study Abroad Office when organising the International Welcome Programme.

I used to work for Thames Valley University in Customer Services and also as an International Advisor.  I am able to help students from overseas with renewing their permission to stay in the UK and can assist with other immigration and nationality matters.

Whilst I focus on immigration advice, I am also able to help students on a range of other issues.

I have previously worked in the Motor Insurance Sector and Retail but I get great job satisfaction in helping students in whatever way I can.

I started working for RUSU in July 2007.  I am responsible for providing academic-related advice and support to students at Reading University.  If you encounter any problems on course, need to advice on university policies and procedures, need help preparing a case for an appeal, please come and discuss your case with me.

I am also responsible for co-ordinating and supporting the Student Academic Representatives Scheme (StAR).  So if you are interested in finding out more about the StARs or want to represent your peers, please come and see me.

I previously worked at Surrey University in an administrative role within a School and also worked on various university-wide projects.