The Academic Mentoring Learning Exchange Day is an annual event organised by the Inclusive Education Team at the Eden Centre. Now in its third year, it brings together academic mentors and advisors from across the School to share experiences, reflect on their practice, and explore new approaches together.
This year's programme focuses on two themes that are increasingly relevant across LSE: mentoring postgraduate students, and intercultural communication. We will be joined by Professor Jan Bamford (London Metropolitan University) and Dr Maria Hussain (University of Leeds), alongside Anjali Sarmah, a PGT student representative from the Department of Anthropology. Together they will explore what it means to mentor students from diverse backgrounds and what LSE mentors can draw from current research and practice. We will also hear from members of the Academic Mentoring Community of Practice, who will share highlights and reflections from the UKAT Conference 2026.
Programme
11:00 – 12:30 Relevant mentoring themes across the sector
Participants are invited to hear from colleagues who attended the UK Advising and Tutoring (UKAT) annual conference and reflect together on the main topics discussed at the conference that resonate with our practice at LSE. Working in small discussion groups, we will consider how we might implement and build on these themes in the coming academic year.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break (providing vegetarian and vegan options)
13:30 – 15:00 Panel: mentoring postgraduate students and intercultural communication
This panel brings together researchers and a student representative to explore what it means to mentor postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds. Panellists will share their work and open a conversation about what LSE mentors can draw from current research and practice, relevant too for those working with international undergraduate students.
- Professor Jan Bamford, London Metropolitan University
Professor of International Higher Education and Co-Director of the Higher Education Research Group (HERG) at the University. A Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, her expertise includes international higher education, intercultural communication, student engagement, and the internationalisation of curricula and learning environments. Her research focuses on international students’ experiences, cultural plurality in higher education, and internationalisation at home. She has held a range of leadership roles, including Head of Student Experience and Head of Postgraduate Recruitment, and has contributed nationally to Advance HE’s work on internationalising the curriculum.
- Dr Maria Hussain, University of Leeds
Associate Professor in Management and Organisations at Leeds University Business School and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her expertise covers inclusive management education, intercultural communication, and EDI in complex organisations, with a particular focus on race equity. She is currently a Fellow at the Leeds Institute of Teaching Excellence, leading a project on attitudes towards diversity from student and employer perspectives.
- Anjali Sarmah, PGT student representative, Department of Anthropology, LSE
Anjali brings a background in education and community development, having worked as Programme Manager of the Bhumi Fellowship in India before joining LSE. Her experience spans inclusive educational practice and working with diverse student communities.
Who should attend?
This event is open to academic mentors, student advisors, and anyone involved in mentoring or pastoral support across LSE. Whether you are new to the role or have been mentoring for years, the day offers something valuable, from practical insights to the chance to connect with colleagues who share your commitment to student success.
To register, please use this link: https://apps.lse.ac.uk/training-system/userBooking/course/10933257
If you have any questions, please email Daniela Perez Aguilar at d.c.perez-aguilar@lse.ac.uk