Student Services Team

The Student Services team provides guidance and referrals for student concerns, staffs field studies trips and are the first port of call for students.

Claire Anderson, Student Services Manager


Hi, I am Claire and I am the Student Services Manager here at the Castle. I lead the Student Services team - a group of individuals charged with fostering a sense of community within the Castle, ensuring the welfare of each student here, programming events and services and mediating any incidents that may arise. I am responsible for ensuring the team functions properly and I take responsibility for any major issue in residence life. My background is varied, starting off as a tree surgeon, moving on to work as an instructor at an outdoor centre for adults with learning disabilities, then working with young offenders in residential institutions - all before I started my first degree in International Relations at the University of St Andrews where I am currently completing my PhD. I have worked in the Residence and Student Experience systems at St Andrews for several years and now, like you, have just moved to the Castle. I look forward to working with you all to build on the wonderful community here and benefiting from the challenges and good times.

Rachel Smith, Assistant Student Services Manager

Rachel has worked at the Bader International Study Centre since December 2009, and has a BA (Hons) Psychology and American Studies and an MSc in Applied Psychology from the University of Liverpool. During her undergraduate degree Rachel studied abroad in Pennsylvania, USA where she gained an understanding of life in North America and the potential problems that international students may face while attending university overseas. Rachel has travelled extensively and has worked in both Australia and New Zealand. She has over five years experience working in further and higher education establishments in the UK, assisting students of varying backgrounds and ages. Her passion lies in working with international students, however, where she feels she has an inherent affinity. Rachel believes that every student should have a fulfilling, enjoyable and enriching experience on a cultural, personal and academic basis, similar to that which she experienced while studying abroad. Outside of work Rachel has a keen interest in photography, is fanatical about travel, and loves finding out about new places that should be on her wish-list. Whilst overseas, Rachel certified as an Open Water diver in the Great Barrier Reef, has swam with whales, and skydived over the Lord of theRings backdrop!

Favourite Castle Memory:

I will never forget my first day of work at the Castle. It was the Fall End of Term Ceremony and it was the first time I got to meet all of the students. I was absolutely awe-inspired by the musical performances that the students showcased. It wasn't just the musical talent, but also the sense of friendship, community and respect for one another that made me realise what a special place the Castle is.

Favourite Travel Destination:

I have travelled a lot, so this is always a hard question! I love the Pacific Islands of Samoa and Tonga because they are still relatively untouched by tourism. The locals are always happy to meet new people and to welcome you to their lives. Visiting this part of the world definitely gave me the best experience of being truly out of a westernised world. However... if I was to recommend somewhere in the UK that I think a student should visit, I would definitely say the Lake District in the North West of England. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful part of the country, and offers inspirational scenery, tradition and adventure!

Cheryl Hutton, Assistant Student Services Manager

Cheryl is the new Assistant Student Services Manager having just moved to the castle and starting work on the 1st June 2012. Before moving to the Bader International Study Centre Cheryl studied LLB (undergraduate law) and recently completed her LLM (Masters of Law) at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. For the last five years as well as studying there Cheryl also worked in a number of roles within Student Services and student support at the University. She was also responsible for helping set up and run the student services department at their new Burnley campus for the last two years as the Student Liaison Officer. Cheryl was born in Scotland but lived on the Wirral, near Liverpool most of her life before going to University. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with friends, exploring new places, meeting new people, going to gigs, reading, swimming and running. Cheryl lives in B121 in Bader Hall. Her telephone extension is 4456 and you can also email her: c_hutton@bisc.queensu.ac.uk