Frances Couch (left) one of two examination supervisors to be acknowledged in the 2018 Disability Information and Support Appreciation Awards with the Manager of Disability Information and Support Melissa Lethaby after the award ceremony on Friday evening. Charlotte Dunn, the second examination supervisor to recieve an award was absent. Photos: Sharron Bennett.
Two examination supervisors were among 18 people to be recognised in this year's Disability Information and Support Appreciation Awards held at the Staff Club on Friday evening.
Frances Couch and Charlotte Dunn each received a Supervisor Award for “being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangements”.
The Manager of Disability Information and Support, Melissa Lethaby, says the Awards, now in their eighth year, acknowledge and thank individuals who have worked towards the service's vision of working in partnership to promote an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, promotes comprehensive academic support and empowers individuals with impairments to achieve their full potential.
"They go above and beyond to ensure students are provided an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge by taking on roles of reading, writing or computer supervising."
The Awards also recognise those who offer exceptional support to our service and do their bit to ensure students have an outstanding experience while at Otago.
Mrs Lethaby says 2018 has been a very challenging year for Disability Information and Support.
“We began the year with a 20 per cent increase in students accessing our services and this tracked steadily throughout the year.
“All of the support services we offer experienced growth in requests from students and additional staff resource was required to enable us to implement academic support in a timely manner.”
In addition, requests for alternative test and exam arrangements rose this year – and she says they could not implement the sheer number of arrangements they do without the support of their reliable and diligent supervisors – which include Ms Dunn and Ms Couch.
“They go above and beyond to ensure students are provided an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge by taking on roles of reading, writing or computer supervising.”
Ms Dunn says she was very honoured to receive this award, and is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the wonderful team, contributing towards supporting an environment that values diversity.
"I know that the students who receive this help are grateful, and in some cases quite amazed at the help that they receive – not only at exam time but right through the teaching period."
“Alternative arrangements during tests and exams is just one of the services available to students through Disability Information and Support, and I believe that this is absolutely invaluable. Education is so important and should be accessible to all. This service ensures that all students can receive the support they need in order to reach their academic potential.”
She says the Disability Information and Support team at Otago is incredible.
“They are kind-hearted, innovative, and treat students as individuals, coming up with all sorts of creative and supportive solutions to ensure that all of their students have the opportunity to do the best they possibly can during their time here at Otago.”
Ms Couch agrees.
“The University does a great job with the help it offers students with disabilities. I know that the students who receive this help are grateful, and in some cases quite amazed at the help that they receive – not only at exam time but right through the teaching period.”
She says she felt very honoured to receive this award, and rather overwhelmed.
“You don't do a job like this to receive acknowledgement. I really enjoy the work I do.”
All of the winners of Disability Information and Support's Appreciation Awards for 2018.
Disability Information and Support's Appreciation Award recipients 2018:
Tracey Adamson (Information Technology Services)
For transforming the notetaking service and providing outstanding support to our teamJohn Cornfoot (now AskOtago)
For providing quality IT support during final examinationsFrances Couch (Exam supervisor)
For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangementsDylan Davies (Residential Colleges)
For providing first-class tutoring support for studentsCharlotte Dunn (Exam supervisor)
For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangementsSteve Dunn (now AskOtago)
For providing quality IT support during final examinationsArman Genobe (Information Technology Services)
For transforming the notetaking service and providing outstanding support to our teamMargaret Grundy (Accountancy and Finance)
For providing exceptional support and guidance to staff and studentsCarol Hunter (Tutor)
For providing first-class tutoring support for studentsJohn Marrable (Barrier free consultant)
For providing exceptional support and guidance towards making the University of Otago a more physically accessible placeAmanda McConnell (now AskOtago)
For providing quality IT support during final examinationsJane Patterson (Information Technology Services)
For transforming the notetaking service and providing outstanding support to our teamNatalie Smith (Sociology, Gender and Social Work)
For providing exemplary support for studentsHayley Stent (Undergraduate student)
For being an outstanding note-takerChris Stoddart (University Registrar)
For providing exceptional support and guidance to staffRay Tobin (HR Shared Services)
For providing exceptional support and guidance to staffCathrine Waite (ex. Anthropology and Archaeology)
For being an outstanding Departmental ContactAnna Wood (Botany)
For providing exemplary support for students