Meet some of your new University Contact Officers (UCOs) Part 3

You are here:

Meet some of your new University Contact Officers (UCOs) Part 3

Thursday, 14 January 2021

Tags:

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:

Dr Shams Islam

Dr Shams Islam

What do you most enjoy about working at ECU?

I enjoy most the multi-cultural aspects of ECU, its state-of-the-art automated teaching, research and admin management systems, and above all its values (Integrity, Respect, Rational Inquiry and Personal Excellence) being observed in all aspects of academic atmosphere.

What interested you in becoming a University Contact Officer?

I have been co-ordinating and lecturing large first year core units of different undergrad and post-graduate courses for the last four years at ECU. I am also supervising 12 MS/PhD students. This gave me an opportunity to understand the specific needs and difficulties of students from different ages, abilities, genders, nationalities and socio-cultural backgrounds. While reviewing many student appeals (assigned to me by the Associate Dean Teaching and Learning) and taking interviews of the students and staff members, I also realised that having someone like UCOs would be a great relief for many of us to resolve many issues without them escalating further. My long experience of voluntary work in various social and professional organisations, and the extensive training that I have undergone after joining as a UCO also made me confident to be a helpful support for our students and staff members in their distressful situations.

Elly Welch

Elly Welch

What do you most enjoy about working at ECU?

At the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), and within ECU more generally, there is a strong sense of community and collaboration that I feel privileged to be a part of. It is an inspiring place to work, and I love that I am surrounded by smart, creative, kind, and supportive people!

What interested you in becoming a University Contact Officer?

I am passionate about helping students and staff alike navigate their WAAPA experience successfully and enjoyably. I get much personal fulfillment from assisting people when they are feeling overwhelmed by information, experiencing times of vulnerability, or need help understanding the requirements of their course -especially in challenging times like those we are currently going through! -and am always happily on hand to discuss the options available.

About ECU