I’d like to think I have had a truly impactful year as Aberystwyth University's Academic Affairs Officer. Looking back on my time here, I am proud of the significant milestones I’ve helped achieve—each one profoundly shaping the academic experience at our beloved University.
Neurodiversity: The first of my three main focuses has been neurodiversity, a cause that is deeply personal to me, as I am neurodiverse myself. Throughout this year, I have poured my passion into making real change—transforming special circumstances and fit-to-sit policies, and integrating AI solutions—to ensure neurodiverse students can fully experience and thrive in education. This work is close to my heart, and I truly believe it will open doors for many.
Special Circumstances: I have dedicated much effort to the implementation of the Special Circumstances Policy, a vital support system for students facing difficult times. It has been incredibly rewarding to see these policies come to life, providing essential accommodations that empower students to succeed. A particularly meaningful breakthrough this year is that evidence is no longer required to submit a claim—an important step toward fairness and understanding. There’s so much more I’d love to share, but for now, I can only say that extraordinary things are on the horizon.
AI: Another proud milestone is the streamlining of AI in our academic processes. It’s been a labour of love, working tirelessly to make procedures more efficient and accessible for everyone—students and staff alike. Alongside the dedicated teams in Information Services and the Library, we’ve crafted guides and systems that are engaging and easy to navigate. The upcoming “traffic light” system is just one example of how these innovations will continue to shape a brighter, more connected future.
As I prepare to leave, I feel both sadness and gratitude—wishing I could stay longer, continue to help and make a difference. I know I haven’t always aimed for grand, flashy displays of change; sometimes, the most profound transformations happen quietly, without fanfare, through steady, meaningful effort.
If you spot me around Aberystwyth, please don’t hesitate to say hello—I’m not going anywhere just yet.
For one last time, I believe wholeheartedly that “where there is a Will, there is a way”.