We are delighted to announce the launch of a new Themed Network; Business Schools. You can sign up to get involved in this network by editing your details in My AUA and selecting it from the drop down menu.

This network was proposed by Zoe Bourne, who will also be the inaugural Network Coordinator. We asked Zoe to share a little bit about herself and his vision for the network going forward.

Zoe’s background

I have been working in education administration for over 15 years: first in FE, then moving into HE at the University of Reading in 2006. I worked in student support and programme administration before moving into my current role as Teaching and Learning Officer at Henley Business School, University of Reading.

I now manage a small team looking after the administration of T&L matters across a range of different elements of including student experience, programme design and development, quality assurance, accreditation and programme management. It’s an interesting and varied role and there is never a dull day!

I’ve been a member of the AUA since 2016 and have attended two Annual Conferences which I really enjoyed and have impacted a lot on my day to day work. I’m very much looking forward to attending the 2019 Annual Conference soon! I am also hoping to undertake the AUA PgCert in 2019/20.

Network developments

My hope is to bring together all those who work in Business Schools as well as anyone who is interested in Business Schools because of working with a Business School, or thinking about working for one in future.

The aims of the Business Schools Network are to provide opportunities for all members who are interested in networking, to share best practice, to discuss challenges and innovations, and to offer support and guidance to others.

My hope is to develop relationships and inter-working between institutions, and to build a wide network of contacts to support members with career development and progression. And of course to enjoy meeting others and socialising with colleagues in similar environments.

Some ideas which have occurred to me as possible themes for activities are listed below, but I am keen to be responsive and for the Network to be whatever works best and is most useful for its members so please do get in touch with me with any ideas or suggestions!

• Professional development in a Business School environment
• Accreditation and accrediting bodies
• Diversity of students
• MBAs
• Non-standard programmes: non qualification, closed cohort etc.
• Distance learning and blended learning

More information will be available soon and I hope to meet some of you at the AUA Conference! In the meantime if you are interested in being part of the network or have any suggestions for possible activities please get in touch.