The Interview UK
Durham University
Academic Registrar and Director of Academic and Student Services

Monika Nangia

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Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping institutions that inspire, empower, and drive meaningful change. From fostering inclusivity to modernising systems, today’s leaders are tasked with creating environments where both students and staff can thrive. Effective leadership not only addresses present challenges but also lays the foundation for future progress through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to core values.

At Durham University, this mission comes to life under the stewardship of Dr Monika Nangia, Academic Registrar and Director of Academic and Student Services. With extensive experience at top UK universities, her expertise spans strategic planning, governance, and transformation. Currently overseeing student administration, she champions initiatives that ensure students are supported at every stage – from recruitment to graduation. In this discussion, Monika sits down with Co-Host of The Interview, Max Webber, to delve into her journey, the transformative power of education, and the strategies that are reshaping the student experience.

Monika's Journey

Max: Let’s begin with a brief introduction to yourself and your institution…

I’m a senior leader in Higher Education (HE) with extensive experience in strategic planning, transformation, and governance at institutions like Durham, King’s, SOAS, and Queen Mary. At Durham, I oversee student administration from recruitment to graduation and, as part of that, sponsor major transformative programmes, such as the Student Information Systems Modernisation, ensuring our digital infrastructure aligns with the needs of both students and staff. Durham University is one of the world’s leading institutions, blending tradition with forward-thinking strategies to shape an inclusive, global academic community. 

Max: What drew you to the world of HE and keeps you enthused in the field?

HE is where ideas shape the future, and people realise their potential. I was initially drawn to the sector by the opportunity to improve educational access and outcomes for all. What continues to inspire me is the transformative power of education – not just for individuals but for society as a whole. Every day, I see how impactful policies, meaningful student engagement, and innovation can open doors for so many. Having said that, what gets me out of bed every single day is the drive to improve student experience during their formative years before they embark on their careers and aspirations. 

Max: How is Durham fostering inclusion and belonging for all students?

At Durham, inclusion isn’t just a goal; it’s a guiding principle. We are embedding inclusivity into every aspect of university life, from creating cutting-edge curricula to supporting diverse student groups through networks and small groups through our colleges that provide the best pastoral care for our students. 

Some of our recent work has centred around enhancing the accessibility of our digital and physical spaces and launching virtual field trips within our programmes to support neurodiverse students. These actions ensure every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. No one is left behind. 

Max: What unique challenges do international students face, and how are you addressing these?

International students often navigate the dual challenge of academic adjustment and cultural adaptation. To address this, we’ve introduced tailored support services, including pre-arrival orientation, dedicated visa and immigration guidance, and peer mentoring programmes. Every year, we celebrate cultural diversity through events and societies, ensuring our international students feel a sense of belonging while contributing to Durham’s vibrant community. 

We have over 4,500 international students from 136 different countries and are really proud of their achievements here at Durham. In fact, we showcase and celebrate their successes during the Global Week which culminates into an Awards ceremony that they all look forward to. It’s also a good way for them to connect with the vast global alumni network during that time.  

Max: What are the key priorities in enhancing student safety and preventing harassment on campus?

The safety of our students is a foundational priority. We’re fostering a culture where harassment has no place by implementing zero-tolerance policies and providing robust reporting mechanisms. Key initiatives include enhanced lighting and security on campus, bystander training, and accessible mental health and counselling services. Regular dialogue with students ensures we remain proactive in addressing emerging concerns. 

Our colleges play a significant role in this area. They not only provide pastoral care but ensure our students feel safe by having someone they can contact in an emergency, especially out of hours. Like many other institutions, we do have our fair share of challenges in this area, and we have done our very best to keep our policies, processes and support systems updated and in line with good practice guidance coming out from various sector bodies. 

In fact, we are proactively engaging with these sector-wide conversations and bringing about the change that is much needed to build trust and confidence in our community. We have close links with various charities and NGOs, as well as public bodies such as the NHS and the police when dealing with more severe cases. This is part of our holistic approach to enhance student safety on campus.

Max: What lessons have you learned about driving meaningful student engagement?

True student engagement stems from partnership. It’s about listening to students’ voices, co-creating solutions, and ensuring transparency in decision-making. At Durham, our transformation programmes are developed with student input at every stage. 

Building trust and maintaining open lines of communication have been crucial to ensuring our initiatives resonate with the student body. We have recently launched a new portal for students called Voice Matters, which provides tools, advice and guidance for both staff and students. It provides an enviable resource on how to make student representation most effective and how best to promote student voice through informal and formal channels such as our governance framework. 

Our staff-student liaison meetings are now called Student Voice Committees, which signals a shift in empowering students to make their voices heard and become co-creators of their educational experience at Durham.

Max: How do you prepare teams to adapt to change and encourage innovation?

Successful change starts with a shared purpose. I encourage teams to see change as an opportunity rather than a challenge by fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Through regular training, clear communication, and celebrating small wins, we create an environment where innovation thrives. I also empower my teams to take calculated risks, knowing that learning from setbacks is part of the process.

Max: What’s the one thing you’ve found most critical for creating lasting, positive change in HE?

For me, human-centred leadership is the cornerstone of lasting change. The ability to communicate a compelling vision through narratives that resonate with people’s values and experiences is transformative. Listening to people’s experiences inspires action, creates emotional connections, and brings abstract goals to life. 

In my work, I’ve seen how sharing stories of student success, institutional progress, or the impact of a new initiative can rally support, build trust, and sustain momentum for meaningful change. By grounding change in relatable, human experiences, we can create a shared sense of purpose that drives lasting impact.

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Max Webber
Max, our Interview Series Co-Host & Partnerships Lead, collaborates with Higher Education leaders to explore strategies for engaging students and fostering healthy, rewarding & retentive campus environments. If you're interested in being featured on The Interview or learning more about GoodCourse, get in touch with him at max.webber@goodcourse.co
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