A new Academic Registrar has been appointed to lead the support of academic systems, regulations and governance at Sussex.

Sharon Jones, currently Academic Secretary at University College Cork, will take up the post on 12 September.

Before moving to Cork in 2008, Sharon was Head of Registry at the University of Brighton for four years, having been Deputy Registrar and Secretary at Brighton from 2001-04. 

She previously held posts at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness, London Metropolitan University and Middlesex University.

Sharon has an MSc from Sussex in Science, Technology and Society (taught by SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research), as well as degrees from Middlesex University and the University of Brighton.

She will head up the new Academic Services division, which delivers key cross-University operations:

• The Admissions Team, which handles admissions to all undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses
• The Student Systems Team, which manages student data, registration, teaching timetabling, and certification
• The Academic Registry, comprising the Academic Office, which is responsible for curriculum and quality assurance processes and academic appeals, and the Student Progress and Assessment team.

The Academic Registrar also manages the Partnerships Office and the Teaching and Learning Development Unit (TLDU).

Sharon will work closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), Professor Clare Mackie, and will report to the Registrar and Secretary, John Duffy.

Welcoming the appointment, John said: "Sharon will bring to this senior role at Sussex her track record of management and leadership in academic administration, and her wide experience of higher education in England, Scotland and Ireland.

"One of Sharon's main challenges will be the introduction of a new IT system for student records.

"She will also play an important role in supporting the University's move to a new shape of academic year from 2012-13."

The Academic Registrar post became vacant with the appointment of Owen Richards to the new post of Academic Secretary at Sussex.

In his role as Academic Registrar, Owen also had responsibility for many aspects of student services. Following a restructuring, a new post of Director of Student Services is currently being advertised externally.

The Director of Student Services will take responsibility for the Careers and Employability Centre, the Student Life team, International Student Support, the Student Support Unit and the Psychological and Counselling Service. This role will also lead upcoming major developments in widening participation.