Meet our new Student Support Officers

As part of Mental Health and Wellbeing Week, we catch up with Clare Chadd and Claire Thomson to talk about their new roles supporting our students.

As our students’ first point of contact for help with administrative and pastoral matters, the Student Support Office in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) is a busy place.

The team of four operate a year-round, open-door office so that students don’t have to book in advance to access advice and guidance.

This Mental Health and Wellbeing Week (which takes place across the University of Edinburgh from 12th to 16th November 2018), we spoke to the two new Student Support Officers joining existing team members, Jackie Barber and Fiona Scanlon, in their newly-relocated office on the first floor of 50 George Square.

Clare Chadd is an LLC graduate who has held similar positions at Edinburgh College of Art and Durham University, while Claire Thomson joins us from the Students' Association's award-winning Advice Place.

Making sure all students have a positive and inclusive experience

“I’m thrilled to come back to the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures”, says Clare Chadd, who is a three-time graduate in English Literature at LLC.

Having tutored undergraduate students while completing her PhD with us, she joins the Student Support Office on a part-time basis (three days a week), sharing her role with Jackie Barber.

LLC new Student Support Officers
Clare Chadd (l) and Claire Thomson (r)

“A key part of my role is to look after student wellbeing, making sure all students have a positive and inclusive experience, preventing problems from becoming bigger ones, and always taking a student-focused approach.”

“I’m keen to raise awareness of the many fantastic support options available, and above all I’m looking forward to continuing working with students and staff in a supportive and diverse community.”

"It’s so important to feel able to talk with someone" 

Like Clare, Claire Thomson is no stranger to the University of Edinburgh. For the last couple of years, she’s worked as an academic adviser at the Advice Place, which is a free and impartial service provided by the Students’ Association.

Claire tells us “I applied for the Student Support Officer role because I really enjoy being a first point of contact for students and doing what I can to help with any questions or difficulties that may arise.”

“When it comes to mental health and wellbeing, it’s so important to feel able to talk with someone and I hope to be a friendly and approachable face around the School. No matter how big or small a problem may be, I hope students will feel able to come and speak with us.”

Might you benefit from Student Support?

There are a range of things our Student Support Officers can help you with.

Find out more about who we are and what we offer

Related links

Find out what's on during Mental Health and Wellbeing Week 2018