Harriet Swain

High achievers are made more often than born, and lecturers can support and stretch students to enable them to hit the top target

If you are asked to provide a job reference for a student, make sure your facts are correct, avoid generalisations and discriminatory statements, and mind your p's and q's

Obtaining press coverage for your research and gaining a name as a media commentator requires preparation

When seeking research partners, it is worth considering junior colleagues, peers with different skills or areas of expertise, and academics from the developing world

Proper support for care-leavers in higher education, and encouragement for children in case to consider university, is essential

Corporate sponsors expect a mutually beneficial relationship, and terms and expectations must be clarified in advance.

Fight feelings of isolation by part-time students with some creative thinking and a flexible approach to setting work

A successful open day that will attract both prospective students and their parents needs judicious planning, plenty of publicity and, ideally, good weather

When a colleague expresses controversial and offensive views, must take academic freedom into account – but also take notes, tread warily and act collectively

Evaluating students via online assessment both tests what students know and helps develop their understanding

The diverse backgrounds of today’s students mean that the role of personal tutor is more important than ever.