Examinations

I have a diverse role which includes providing coordination of all accommodated exam and educational supports for students registered with the Accessible Learning Centre and managing all volunteers, paid student and casual staff (note takers, tutors, work study students, invigilators). In addition to this, I enjoy collaborating with other departments, volunteers and staff, to coordinate initiatives for department and campus-wide Accessible Learning Centre events.

I began working at Laurier in 2005 in the Accessible Learning Centre as the exams and educational supports coordinator, where I continue in this role. I have over 25 years experience supporting people with disabilities in both post-secondary and community-based programs and am a strong advocate of self-determination. I am committed to helping people with disabilities achieve their goals by reducing barriers to learning.

Education:

• Wilfrid Laurier University, M.Ed, Student Affairs. Research Interests: Mature Students, Ageism, Compassion Fatigue in Student Affairs
• University of Waterloo, Honours BA, Social Development Studies. Specializations: Individual Well-Being & Development, Child Abuse Studies, Social Work

• Georgian College, Communicative Disorders Assistant (graduate certificate)
• Cambrian College, Learning Disability Specialist Certificate. Assistive Technologies & Learning Strategies
• Mohawk College, Certificate in Volunteer Management

Evans, A. (2020). Compassion fatigue in student affairs: A closer look at the research. Communique, 20(1), 17–20. https://www.cacuss.ca/files/Communique/Communiqu%c3%a9%20Spring%202020%20(20-i)%20HI%20RES.pdf

Evans, A., Clarke, K. (in press). Student services for adult learners: Reviewing a sample of Ontario universities. In N. Simmons and J. Szpara (Eds.). Adults in the academy: Voices of lifelong learners. The Netherlands: Brill.

I am responsible for coordinating all tests, midterms and final examinations for students registered with Accessible Learning. This includes scheduling, acquiring specialized equipment and technology, requesting and coordinating support staff and rooms for the facilitation of tests and exams.

I have been an examinations coordinator in Accessible Learning at Laurier since 2005. I have been committed for over 20 years to helping students overcome barriers that impact their learning. I am a Laurier graduate (BA’12) and have previously worked with the Ontario Ministry of Education Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch and as a learning disabilities consultant to Literacy Practitioners throughout Ontario. I am also a member of the Gendered Violence Task Force Steering Committee.

Assessing Adult Student Reactions to Assistive Technology in Writing Instruction Mueller, J., Wood, E., Hunt, J., & Specht, J. (2009). Assessing Adult Student Reactions to Assistive Technology in Writing Instruction. Adult Basic Education and Literacy Journal, 3(1) https://www.learntechlib.org/p/71831/

Learning disabilities training: phase II : screening tools, strategies, and employment. Judith Anne Fowler & Jennifer Hunt. London, ON: Literacy Link South Central, http://www.en.copian.ca/library/research/ldtrain/tools/cover.htm

I co-coordinate tests, midterms and final examinations for students registered with Accessible Learning.

• MA Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care 2019, Martin Luther University College
• PhD Religious Studies 2012, Wilfrid Laurier University

In my position, I support in the facilitation of all in-class tests, mid-terms, deferred and final examinations written by students registered with the Accessible Learning Centre. I primarily provide this support after hours during evenings and weekends. In my role I have the opportunity to work alongside other Accessible Learning staff, faculty and students.

I see my position as one small part of a bigger support system at Accessible Learning that works together to ensure that all students feel capable and confident in working towards their degree. I am passionate about all individuals, despite diagnoses, labels and hardships, not only having access to education, but also having the opportunity to enjoy learning. I approach the work that I do with this mindset in hopes to achieve a less stressful environment for students while writing tests, midterms and finals. In my role, I also approach interactions with students, faculty and other staff with these ideas in order to achieve a more inclusive post-secondary environment overall.

I started my position with Laurier in October 2018. Prior to working at Laurier I was employed through Extend-A-Family and House of Friendship. I also attended the University of Waterloo and received my Bachelor in Social Work (BSW).