Meet some of your new University Contact Officers (UCOs)

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Meet some of your new University Contact Officers (UCOs)

Thursday, 14 January 2021

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ECU is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination and harassment where everyone feels safe and welcome.

University Contact Officers (UCOs) perform an important role by acting as an alternative support contact, for staff and students, on matters related to harassment, discrimination and/or victimisation.

ECU is proud to welcome all newly listed UCOs who have been selected to perform this important role. Meet two of these new UCOs below and find out why they decided to undertake the role.

To find out further information regarding the program and a full list of ECU's current UCOs visit the UCO webpage at ecu.edu.au/uco.

Meet some of our new UCOs:

Professor Sophia Nimphius

What do you most enjoy about working at ECU?

There is a great wealth of fantastic people in every corner of the University. Over the many years, I have met some fantastic colleagues and friends in every part of the University!

What interested you in becoming a University Contact Officer?

I understand what it feels like to just need someone that can give you clear information in a situation that can often make one need feel vulnerable or nervous about whom to reach out to. I wanted to be able to be a point of contact that assist in giving clear options so you feel like there is a way to move forward when often you’re doubting yourself and your concerns the most.

Michelle Austin

What do you most enjoy about working at ECU?

Working at ECU gives me a sense of working within a community. As part of my role as the Science Engagement Coordinator for the School of Science, which involves planning events and programs for prospective students in Joondalup and the SW campus, I work in collaboration with many of the ECU Schools and Service Centres. I enjoy and am grateful for the on-going support I receive from my ECU colleagues, who have a ‘yep, I can do that’ spirit. I know from my experiences with meeting prospective students, that they also pick up on this sense of community, welcoming and friendliness when they visit our campuses.

What interested you in becoming a University Contact Officer?

I have worked within the Tertiary sector for the past 20 years, both in the UK and in Australia, mainly in roles focused on social inclusion, widening participation and community engagement. One of my most fulfilling roles was to train and support current University students to be mentors and positive role models to high school students, mostly who were the first in their families to be considering higher education. This role enabled me to meet with and work alongside a diverse and inspiring group of people. My experiences have shown me that during times of uncertainty or challenge, sometimes all it needs to support someone is to stop, take a breath and listen. I was interested in becoming a The University Contact Officer because this would give me the opportunity to support and hopefully enable someone that needs a listening ear to find the necessary and relevant support they may need.

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