As part of Dal’s Employee Appreciation Week, we highlight some of the university's key champions in select areas.
Today’s theme: Student support.
Jessica Chubb
Coordinator, Studying for Success Program (Bissett Student Success Centre)
Jessica is responsible for supporting students by teaching them how to become more efficient and effective learners who can fulfill their academic potential.
Year joined Dal: 2010
What aspect of your work have students been most openly grateful for?
From what students have told me, they are grateful to me for helping them to stay on track throughout their years at Dal or to get back on track (if they’ve experienced academic difficulties). They mention being happy to learn how to stay organized, have defined goals, be active learners, and generally have guidance in their academic lives. Many students have noted that they also appreciate my being able to help them stay motivated in an often challenging university environment, and giving them the skills to feel confident and capable. Equally as important for students is that I am here to listen to them with compassion, to support them without judgment, and to genuinely care about them, and their success and development. In addition to me helping them with practical strategies to succeed in their studies, they are grateful for me treating them like valued human beings (more than just a B00#). They are grateful to have someone with whom they can be comfortable, open, and honest.
Faiza Nauman
Residence Life Manager — Residence Life, Student Affairs
Faiza provides direct front-line student support, education and development in addition to crisis management to 2400+ students in residence.
Year joined Dal: 2016 as a student, 2020 in role as Residence Life Manager
What aspect of your work have students been most openly grateful for?
My dad jokes! I always start my meetings with a dad joke. Students know me for that now and won’t let me start a meeting without one. But on a more serious note, students have often come to me this year with thanks for helping them navigate issues that come up and for advocating for them. I am leading the project called “Culture Shift - Anti Racism in Residence” that we started last year to address the occurrences of racism, disrespect, and inappropriate behaviour towards our student and full-time staff working in Residence. The students I oversee have been keen to hear updates about this ongoing project.
Michele Graveline
Indigenous Student Advisor, Student Affairs
Michele supports Indigenous students in academic, social and wellness matters towards post-secondary success.
Year joined Dal: 2017
What aspect of your work have students been most openly grateful for?
Students often say thank you when I have helped them navigate challenging situations — those that are brought on by personal matters and are impacting being engaged in class and/or completing assessments. One thing that students often say is how I 'get it’, and that they don’t have to explain Indigenous oppression backstory for them to be understood. Students are also grateful for the Indigenous Student Centre, the safety of the space, and the programming we offer from it. And of course, Friday feast. I believe in students' success; I believe it is possible.
Shelley Caines
Director, Finance and Operations (Student Support) — Master of Engineering in Internetworking Degree Program in the Faculty of Engineering
Shelley's support begins when a potential student inquires about the MEng in Internetworking program of study and carries through their application and enrolment process, during their program of study, and beyond.
Year joined Dal: 1995
What aspect of your work have students been most openly grateful for?
My view of student support is simple: be present and appreciative. Being present is not limited to a quick conversation in the office but to every aspect of the student experience. It can be as easy as saying hello when passing them in the hallway to applying an individualistic approach during a meeting. I want students to feel someone cares about their academic and personal lives and success. Being appreciative of the human elements intertwined with the expectations of being a student and understanding the larger context of the student's situation can go a long way in helping a student overcome hurdles. I do not expect students to be openly grateful. Their gratefulness is obvious when they leave with more confidence and a more positive perspective. I am grateful for the opportunity to surround myself with so many inspiring and aspiring individuals (our students).