Dr Susy Cook

Briefly outline your role at the University

My job is to lead the delivery and development of our learning and teaching in the School of Health & Life Sciences. That involves supporting colleagues and staying connected with our students.

We support students both in terms of their health and wellbeing, and also their academic achievement.

It's also important to listen to our students too, as they have a key role to play in shaping the future of Teesside University.

What's been the biggest change to your daily routine during the coronavirus outbreak?

The biggest thing has been sorting out placement arrangements with our healthcare providers, to make sure our students get the experience they need in a safe and supportive environment.

However equally important has been the need to ensure online learning and support is available for students who are not on placement.

It's a national and regional challenge, and it's essential we get it right.

What's the biggest challenge you and your team have faced since the coronavirus outbreak began?

The biggest challenge has been adapting to a rapidly changing situation and working with the government and regulatory bodies to manage healthcare student placements.

We've had to keep students updated, answer their questions, and manage their concerns while continuing to teach online.

It's involved a lot of planning for both the short and long-term, and making the right decisions at the right time.

What is the single most important element of your job at the moment?

Without a doubt it's providing leadership and support to colleagues and students to help them in such exceptional circumstances.

How are you managing personally during the current situation?

I'm trying to maintain a good balance between work and home life, and I've found it helps to try to stick to a routine.

It's difficult and takes a lot of planning, and you've got to be flexible too as things change all the time.

I'm building up my resilience by exercising every evening. It's something I enjoy because it keeps me healthy and allows me time to reflect and keep things in perspective.

How has your team pulled together under difficult circumstances?

My team has been excellent. We've adapted quickly to unprecedented challenges and delivered quality teaching and learning for our students.

It's been fantastic to see, and I hope it continues as it demonstrates the power of human kindness and behaviour when facing adversity.

What does it mean to you to be part of Team Teesside?

It's great to be part of a Team Teesside. Everyone has pulled together and shown what we can achieve, and people's ability to adapt and support one another has been amazing. I am proud to be part of this!

What do you think the response to the current situation says about the resilience and commitment of the Teesside University Community?

It says we are a highly committed and motivated workforce, and demonstrates our ability to adapt and innovate.

Most importantly, the way people have treated and supported one another is just brilliant and it's something that really needs to be recognised and celebrated.

How are you supporting your students at the moment?

Personal tutors and course leaders are supporting our students in many different ways.

As Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, I'm working closely with our Heads of Department to send out regular update to all of our student cohorts.

We are also running sessions with all our student representatives to work through any queries, and to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Any advice for your fellow staff, and students?

Stay strong, stay safe and we will all get through this. We have done amazing things so far and we will continue to do so, together!

What are you looking forward to most once we are able to resume to some sense of normality?

Seeing our colleagues and students once again, and building on all our learnings to become ever more creative and achieve great things.