Students as Partners

Student Partnership

The University of Manchester’s commitment to Student Partnership includes providing meaningful opportunities for you to take part in decision-making and service development at all levels of the institution and be paid for it.

You can participate in a variety of ways, for example:

• supporting staff to deliver a focus group
• undertaking a casual role as Student Ambassador
• working as a Student Partner as part of the ‘Students as Partners’ programme;
• right up to working in a leadership role such as an Executive Officer at the Students' Union

There are different levels of partnership, and we encourage you to move between them (think of a “ladder of participation”) as you develop your skills and confidence throughout your time at University.

What is ‘Students as Partners’?

‘Students as Partners’ describes opportunities for students to take an active role in supporting the University of Manchester to improve aspects of teaching, learning and the student experience.

Since its inception in 2020, Students as Partners has delivered paid flexible partnership working opportunities for students, matching over 80 students with a staff member offering a project. In these roles, students are paid for around 28 hours per month to co-create a project alongside a Staff Partner. Work takes place mostly during term time and typically includes a mix of in-person and remote work.

Meet the Student Partnership Team

The Student Partnership Team is part of the Access, Student Employability, Success and Development (Success and Development) Team in the Directorate of Student Experience and is responsible for coordinating partnership opportunities for students to work with University staff. They offer general guidance for University staff looking to recruit and work in partnership with students.

The Student Partnership Team work collaboratively with other departments and the Students' Union to ensure there is a consistent approach to partnership working at the University of Manchester.

You can reach the team on studentpartnership@manchester.ac.uk.

Abi Dickinson-Trowbridge

Student Success and Development Officer (Student Partnership & Welcome, Induction, and Transition)

Abi manages the team, generates new opportunities for students, and ensures the continued development of ‘Students as Partners’.

email: abi.dickinson-trowbridge@manchester.ac.uk   

Shadia El Mokdad

Student Success and Development Coordinator (Student Partnership & Welcome, Induction, and Transition)

Shadia coordinates all aspects of Students as Partners, including set-up of new posts, recruitment of students, and overseeing timesheets and payments.

email: shadia.elmokdad@manchester.ac.uk

Theo Abbott

Student Success & Development Graduate Intern

Theo is our Graduate Intern who provides support to our Student Partners from the perspective of a recent graduate and ex-Student Partner.

email: theo.abbott@manchester.ac.uk