Queen's University Belfast - Advisor Exchange

In this episode of Advisor Exchange, we are joined by Deirdre Lynskey to explore how coaching approaches can enhance academic advising and support both advisors and students.

Rather than seeing advising as simply providing answers or directing students towards the right service, we discuss how coaching techniques can help create more meaningful conversations; encouraging students to reflect, identify their own priorities, consider possible solutions and take greater ownership of their next steps.

We explore some of the practical skills that advisors can draw from coaching, including active listening, asking effective questions, creating space for reflection and resisting the temptation to immediately solve every problem presented to us.

The conversation also considers the benefits of coaching for advisors themselves. How can a coaching mindset help us navigate difficult conversations, establish appropriate boundaries, build confidence in our role and support colleagues through the challenges of academic advising?

Ultimately, the episode asks how we might move from advising for students towards working with them and helping students develop the confidence, self-awareness and skills they need to navigate university life more independently.

A practical and reflective conversation about listening, questioning and how coaching can help us become more effective advisors.

In this episode of Advisor Exchange, we are joined by Dr Leanne Henderson, Senior Lecturer in Education at Queen’s University Belfast, to explore the importance of transitions in a student’s educational journey.

Leanne’s research focuses on educational trajectories and transitions, assessment and education policy, with a particular emphasis on understanding the perspectives and experiences of young people. Drawing on this expertise, we discuss what makes periods of transition so significant for students, from entering university and adapting to new expectations, to navigating changes in confidence, identity and their sense of belonging.

We consider the role that academic advisors can play in helping students make sense of these transitions, the importance of listening to the student voice, and why understanding the wider educational journey behind each student can help us provide more meaningful support.

The conversation also explores how seemingly small interactions can make a difference at important points in a student’s university experience, and what advisors can do to help students navigate change, challenge and uncertainty.

A thoughtful conversation about transitions, relationships and the value of seeing the student journey as much more than simply progression from one year of study to the next.

In this episode of Advisor Exchange, we’re delighted to be joined by Professor Judy Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at Queen’s University Belfast.

Judy shares her vision for education and the student experience at Queen’s, reflecting on the strategic priorities shaping teaching, learning, and support across the institution. We explore the vital role that Advisors of Studies play within this landscape, and how advising contributes to student success, belonging, and retention.

This episode offers valuable insight into the intersection of leadership, education strategy, and day-to-day advising practice.

In this episode of Advisor Exchange, we’re joined by Connie Craig-Lucey and Shalewa Adebowale from the Appeals, Conduct and Complaints Team at Queen’s University Belfast.

Together, we unpack the processes that underpin student appeals, academic conduct, and complaints areas that advisors are often asked about but may not always feel fully confident navigating. Connie and Shalewa provide clarity on procedures, share practical guidance for Advisors of Studies, and explain how staff can best support students during what can often be stressful and complex situations.

We explore common misconceptions, discuss the advisor’s role in maintaining fairness and transparency, and highlight the importance of clear communication and early support.

This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in advising, student support, or academic leadership offering reassurance, insight, and practical takeaways to strengthen practice.

Tune in to gain a clearer understanding of how appeals, conduct, and complaints processes work and how advisors can support students effectively and confidently.

In this episode of Advisor Exchange, we’re joined by Johanna McMullan, Director of Education in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast, to explore academic advising within professional healthcare programmes.

Johanna shares her perspective on the unique challenges and opportunities of advising students in nursing and midwifery; from supporting learners on demanding clinical placements to fostering resilience, professionalism, and wellbeing alongside academic success.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on advising in healthcare education and what we can learn across disciplines.

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Phil Hanna to explore one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving topics in higher education, the future of Artificial Intelligence.

Phil shares his insights on how AI is reshaping the academic landscape, from supporting teaching and learning to transforming the Advisor of Studies role. We discuss the opportunities AI offers to enhance student engagement, streamline support, and empower staff to focus on what matters most; meaningful human connection and guidance.

Whether you’re curious about the ethical implications, practical applications, or future possibilities of AI in education, this episode offers plenty of food for thought.

Advisor Exchange returns with a brand new series! In this opening episode, Declan and Olivia look ahead to what’s in store for Series 2, including exciting developments within the Advisors of Studies Community of Practice at Queen’s University Belfast.

They discuss upcoming plans, new initiatives, and the many ways they hope to further support and connect Advisors across the university, building a stronger, collaborative network focused on enhancing the student experience.

Tune in to hear what’s coming next and how you can get involved!

In this episode, we sit down with Taher Hatahet, an Advisor of Studies and Personal Tutor who works almost exclusively with international students. Taher shares his journey into this unique role and the insights he's gained from supporting students as they navigate academic and cultural challenges in a new environment.

We explore the critical role of advisors in fostering student success, the importance of personalised guidance, and the strategies Taher employs to address the diverse needs of his international students. From tackling language barriers to helping students build a sense of belonging, Taher offers valuable tips for both advisors and students alike.

Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your support for international learners or a student curious about what resources might be available to you, this episode is packed with practical advice and meaningful takeaways.

In this episode of Advisor Exchange, Olivia and Declan chat with Will Doggart, Disability Officer, and Rebecca Burns, Mental Health Advisor for Disability Services (now Accessible Learning Support) at Queen's University Belfast. Will and Rebecca share insights into the crucial services offered by the University to support students with disabilities and mental health challenges. They discuss their roles, the evolving needs of the student population, and how the university is adapting to meet these demands.

Declan and Oliva are joined by Dr Laura Collins, a Senior Lecturer (Education) in the Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education. Laura is a trained Biomedical Scientist and Programme Lead for BSc Biomedical Sciences at Queen's. She brings her experiences of working in many institutions across the UK to her work.

As an Academic member of staff she is responsible for the teaching of her students, but also acts as Disability Officer within her Centre. As a disabled member of staff herself, Laura discusses her own experience of being a student, and how that has impacted and influenced her approaches towards teaching and supporting and advocating for students.

If you have been affected by anything in this podcast, QUB People and Culture have resources for supporting staff members with a disability :

https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/managers/sickness-absence-toolkit/supporting-staff-with-a-disability/

For staff supporting students, Accessible Learning Support also has information on how to support and guide students: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/disability/