Employee Spotlight: Dawn Vickers | Manager, Accommodated Learning Centre

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador. We were nomads moving through seven communities and a dozen homes before adulthood, but my family’s roots run deep. My ancestors arrived in Newfoundland in the late 1700s. I am an alumna of the University of Prince Edward Island. Employment brought me to Alberta in 1990; I taught on a Cree reserve in the North and worked in child protection with the Government of Alberta. We headed south in 2004 and I worked at the City of Lethbridge for 12 years in program and community development. I am really good at packing and moving!

When did you come to the U of L and what do you do here?
I joined the University in October 2017 as manager of the Accommodated Learning Centre. I work with a team of staff who facilitate learning support for students with a wide range of disabilities. We engage with students, staff and faculty to arrange academic accommodations and adjustment to the learning environment that increase opportunity for success. I work closely with the campus community to ensure that our students with disabilities receive the support they require. This can involve increasing awareness, partnership building and meaningful conversations toward engaging all stakeholders in creating a more inclusive and equitable university experience.

What’s the best part of your job?
My position gives me an opportunity to combine all the roles I love. I get to be creative in creating plans for students, develop programming and work collaboratively with a broad network of passionate, like-minded individuals. We learn about and work with new and improving technologies that give students who could never have imagined a post-secondary education a chance to not only participate, but thrive. I am able to share in the struggles and successes of our students. We work together to create a safe and supportive environment. Nearly every day, I am able to directly experience the positive difference we make in how our students navigate their time on campus.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
While in university, on a dare, I applied to join the militia. We were the second troop to include female participants in reconnaissance with the Prince Edward Island Regiment. I learned many practical and dangerous things with a variety of scary weapons.