MEET THE ACADEMIC AND STUDENT SERVICES TEAM

Leaving home and travelling to study in a new country can be a hugely rewarding experience. Even though it may be something you have planned and prepared for, the extent of the change and the effect it has on you may take you by surprise. At ICP we realise how important it is to meet our students' needs, both academic and personal, so we offer students a range of services and facilities.

The Academic and Student Services team are here to support you throughout your time at ICP. The team are all graduates themselves and will help you to not only settle in but to make the most of your time at the University of Portsmouth. We cannot wait to meet you!

Meet Heidi:

Full name: Heidi Podd

Role: Director of Academic and Student Services

Education: MSc Educational Leadership and Management, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Responsible for: Oversight of the student experience and teaching and learning at ICP including; New programme development, Board of Examiners, quality and statutory oversight with external bodies, University liaison and College strategy.

Favourite place in Portsmouth: Hot Walls

Welcome to ICP, it is our pleasure to have you studying with us. It is our responsibility, and desire, for you to achieve success in your studies and to be as prepared as possible as you continue in your Programme at the University of Portsmouth. Our fantastic Academic and Student Services Team are here for you every step of the way and I honestly believe that you could not be in better hands.

As well as achieving success in the classroom, there is so much going on, both at ICP and the University of Portsmouth, please do take advantage of everything that is available to you and above all have fun.

We always want to hear from our students so if you ever have anything to say, my door is always open

Meet Chris:

Full name: Chris Rowe

Role: Student Services Manager

Education: MA Translation Studies, BA (Hons) Spanish Studies

Responsible for: Oversight of the Student Services team and student experience.  

Favourite place in Portsmouth: Fratton Park

Hi I’m Chris and I’m delighted that you will be studying with us. Myself and the Student Services Team are here to ensure that you not only succeed at ICP, but that you do so with a smile. If you ever have any questions, issues or concerns no matter how big or small, we will always be there to listen and help in whatever way we can. Many students come by just to tell us how their weekends have been or show us the many different places they have discovered in Portsmouth, and we love hearing about these too!

Meet Cat:

Full name: Catherine Tolmie

Role: Student Services Officer

Education: PGCE Further Education, BSc (Hons) Water Sports Science

Responsible for: Additional Learning and SEND students, Tutorial Programme, Police Registration and Sponsored Students.

Favourite place in Portsmouth:

Hello, I am Cat and I work closely with students who need support with Police Registration when they first arrive at ICP. I am a main link and closely liaise with both sponsors and sponsored students during their time at ICP.

Meet Chloe:

Full name: Chloe Brown

Role: Student Services Officer

Education: BA (Hons) French Studies

Responsible for: Orientation Weeks, Off-Site Visits Programme, Community Cohesion, Student Experience, Module Ambassador Programme, Academic Skills, Referrals, Explained Absence.

Favourite place in Portsmouth: Spice Island

Hi, I’m Chloe and I’m so excited to meet you all! I’m part of the Student Services team, making sure you succeed whilst enjoying your time here at ICP. I’m always happy to sit and reassure you of any worries you may have, but I also want to hear of all the exciting things you get to do whilst living in this amazing city!

Meet Chrisi:

Full name: Chrisi Diamondis

Role: Student Services Officer

Education: PGCE Senior Phase and Further Education, BA Psychology, English and Linguistics

Responsible for: Accommodation Support, Council Tax Support, Proof of Residency

Favourite place in Portsmouth: Portsdown Hill

Hi, I am Chrisi and I am here to help you find your home away from home while you are at ICP. My role consists of supporting students with accommodation queries so if you have any concerns about your future or current accommodation in Portsmouth, I am here to listen and help. Feel free to come in for a chat and let me know how you are settling in!

Meet Sophie:

Full name: Sophie Butler

Role: Student Services Officer

Education: BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology

Responsible for: Welfare Weeks, Onsite Activities, Attendance, College Enhancement Team, Airport Pickups, Exam Skills Workshops, Moodle & Leave of Absence.

Favourite place in Portsmouth: Southsea Beach

Hi and welcome to Portsmouth! My name is Sophie, I plan activities and talks during Welfare Weeks to make sure you get everything you need whilst at ICP! I am also on hand to support students at ICP, from attendance, to onsite activities, to exam skills workshops.

Meet Tanya:

Full name: Tanya Blanks

Role: Student Services Officer

Education: MA Comparative Literature, BA (Hons) Drama and English

Responsible for: Enrolment Plan, Home Office Reporting, Student Welfare, Student Council and Awards Evening.

Favourite place in Portsmouth: Victoria Park

Hi, my name is Tanya and I have one of the best roles in Student Services: organising fun activities! We’ve hosted events from ‘British Tea’ to trips to the Spinnaker Tower. Let me know if there is an activity you would like to do and we’ll try and organise it!

Meet Thania:

Full name: Thania Ahmed

Role: Student Services Officer

Education: BSc (Hons) Psychology

Responsible for: Integrated Students, Module Ambassador Programme, Virtual Reception, Employability Week and Social Media.

Favourite place in Portsmouth: Portsdown Hill

Welcome to Portsmouth! My name is Thania and I love my role in Student Services. From organising Sports Events, planning our varied Welfare Weeks and keeping you up to date with all of our news and events, I am your go to person. If you’re just as much as a sports fanatic as I am, please do let me know.