After 30 years at the University, Dr John Harris has decided to retire from his role as Director of Academic Registry on 30 April 2020. John joined the University in 1988, taking responsibility for the conduct of examinations and the winter degree ceremonies.
During his time here, John helped streamline examination arrangements, moving from typewritten documents to digitisation, and was responsible for student records and the reporting of student data to statutory bodies, overseeing the introduction of the University's modular framework, development of University-wide central timetabling of teaching, and online student registration.
In 2006, John became deputy to the Academic Registrar and assisted the then Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) to create common assessment regulations, and the first career progression framework for staff in the Education and Research job family. He has managed the Academic Registry since May 2013. The last seven years have seen yet another period of major change in higher education, and John has enjoyed the challenge of helping to find new ways to assure the University's continuing success.
John's wife, Sally, retired from the Faculty of Science Finance team last summer and made such a good example of retirement that he said: “The pull is irresistible, but I know I will miss working with such a great range of colleagues, in my own department and right across the University. It's good to be able to look back at the contributions of all those who helped to achieve our current success, and to feel confident in those who will go on to help shape the future of higher education. I am glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of it."
Peter Lambert, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) said: “John’s expertise, insight and dedication have been a driving force behind the experience of students and staff at the University. Over the 30 years he has spent working at Bath John has played a key role in helping us navigate internal and external changes to support the best possible experience for staff and students, helping create the academic community we benefit so much from today. I have learned a huge amount from John and have very much enjoyed working with him. I wish him a very enjoyable retirement.”