As self-described UofG ‘lifers’, Karen Christoforou and Frances Docherty - Senior Internal Communications and Engagement Leads for the Transformation Team - agree that the University (pardon the oft-repeated Hogwarts pun) has ‘cast a spell’ on them.
Karen and Frances are in the Transformation Team, with Karen responsible for Comms and Engagement on the flagship Service Excellence programme and Frances similarly with the remainder of the Transformation portfolio, including MyGrades, Routes to Enrolment, Timetabling and Automation.
Having been part of the Transformation Team since its inception in 2018, Karen has seen it evolve from a primary focus on Assessment and Feedback to its now wide-ranging portfolio delivering change across the University.
Prior to her current position, Karen was part of the University Court Office for 26 years. Though she credits her first role at the University, a temporary administrative role in the Pharmacology department in 1991, for instilling her sense of a close-knit university community.
“There was a group of technicians (some of whom I think are still there!) who really took me under their wing. I looked forward every day to tea-break time where we would have a good chat together. They instantly made me feel part of the University.”
Frances has been at UofG for 18 years, first in the School of Education where she was involved with the growing web and social media-boom, particularly in student recruitment. Engaging with students is one of Frances’ favourite aspects of the University:
“I love doing anything with the students. It’s such a rewarding experience and very much a privilege to see the sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome to come here and be part of the University.”
Joining the Transformation Team in 2023, Frances saw it as a great opportunity to build on her skills in student engagement and communications and to pursue her interest in the levers of change and innovation at the University.
Karen and Frances see the peer support they have received as pivotal in their own careers and look to pay this forward in their work with the Change Network (an open group for anyone interested in change at the University) and the Communication Community of Practice.
“Peer support is integral.” says Frances. “Having worked at the University in a variety of roles, I can attest to the number of people who have helped me along the way – nobody has ever said ‘no’ when I pick up the phone asking for help.”
“We see building and maintaining bridges of peer support across the University, Colleges and Schools as vital – particularly with hybrid working and the move away from working entirely on campus.”
They both laugh at the idea that they are ‘lifers’ at the University: “We have chatted before about how you’re either a ‘lifer’ or you’re in and out quickly. The University definitely casts a spell on you – there’s something about the place that gets under your skin.”
Karen credits this to the UofG Community: “It’s all down to the people. ‘TeamUofG’ is fundamentally the people that you see and work with every day that embody the University. It’s why I have stayed so long. Despite its size, I think it also feels small and full of characters.”
Quizzed on their favourite parts of the University, Frances credits the peaceful (and perhaps unnoticed) Professor’s Walk where she often enjoys a quiet read.
Karen is loyal to the East Quadrangle, where in the Court Office and Transformation Team she has spent almost her entire UofG career:
“I love the graduations period. Every year, I always enjoy having a nosey at the graduates as they walk the academic procession around the quads – how fashion has changed over the years!”
They both remind themselves occasionally to appreciate the history and grandeur of the campus and enjoy the awe and wonder of students experiencing it for the first time.
Never shy to get involved, Frances has been spotted in costume as the Unicorn mascot, helping to raise the profile of the Transformation Team’s projects and student engagement sessions at Freshers Week.
Rumours of the UofG Lion making an appearance next year are circling…