About the Connector Programme
Source: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/experience/connectors/about Parent: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/careers/student-jobs/on-campus
Find out what the Connector Programme is and what it’s like to be a Student Connector.
What is the Connector Programme?
The Connector Programme is a student-staff community that aims to improve the student experience at Sussex through collaborative working.
We offer a range of flexible roles, paid £12.19 per hour. These may last just a few weeks or up to a full academic year, usually a few hours a week. These are advertised through CareerHub, and you can also follow us on Instagram.
Each co-creation project is different, but all involve working in collaborative teams with Sussex staff. You might contribute to developing a new student experience event, advise on careers support, improve inclusivity for specific communities, and more.
You don’t need any previous work experience; we’re looking for your enthusiasm to make positive change. The main skills we look for are creativity, teamwork, communication, inclusivity, and your individual perspective as a student.
Every Connector is encouraged to participate in our networking and professional development activities alongside their role, to support your employability after university.
Programme aims
- support the delivery of the University of Sussex Strategy and Access and Participation Plan (APP)
- create a sense of belonging for students at the University of Sussex
- engage students as co-creators in the evolution of their student experience
- embed student voice in policy and process development
- provide paid opportunities for students to help support their studies.
Who can be a Connector?
Each paid role will be advertised separately on CareerHub. It will clearly state who is eligible to apply.
While some roles may be open to all students, the majority of paid Co-Creation Projects are funded by, and support, the University's Access and Participation Plan.
As part of our commitment to the APP, we want to amplify the voices of under-represented student groups. We'll prioritise appointing students who identify with these criteria, or students with lived experience relevant to the project’s aims.
Each paid role will have different criteria, but will prioritise applications from one or more of the following groups of undergraduate home-fees students:
- mature students (aged over 21 at the start of your undergraduate course)
- from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) cultures and identities
- disabled, or who have mental health conditions, long-term health conditions, are neurodivergent or have social and communication difficulties
- care-leavers, care-experienced or estranged from their family
- parents or carers
- refugees, forced migrants or seeking asylum
- from military families
- rom Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater communities
- from low-income or lower socio-economic backgrounds and postcode areas
- or who are the first in their family to study a degree.
We also encourage male-identifying students to apply for co-creation roles, as they're underrepresented in our co-creation projects.
Meet our Connectors and see what they do.
What paid co-creation projects involve
There are projects set up across the University, so the focus of your role depends on what you work on. Paid projects may be advertised at any point during the year.
If you take part in a paid project, expect to:
- collaborate with staff and students from across the University
- work independently and in a team to develop your ideas and plans
- manage your own time, tasks, emails, and calendars
- be supported to reflect on your development in the role.
Our Student Connectors say they have gained meaningful work experience in areas like:
- team-work and collaboration
- research, project and/or event coordination
- organisation and time-management
- interpersonal, written and verbal communication
- independent working, professionalism and initiative.
If you work on a paid project, your Staff Connector (line manager) will start by meeting you and agreeing ways of working, and any adjustments you might need. They'll meet you regularly to discuss your work and check how everything is going. They'll look out for you, support you to take part in the community, and help you build on your strengths.
You'll be encouraged to set your own development goals and boost your skills throughout your time with us.
What next?
Why not: