I worked in facilities management for several years, and although I had indirect influence on the student experience there was very little interaction with our student population. The little that I did have, I thoroughly enjoyed. Prior to moving to Barbados, I worked in housing management in the United Kingdom, so my desire was always to work in student housing. Having a direct impact on how a student away from home feels and experiences living on campus is a process that I always wanted to be part of.
The most recent confirmation that my choice was the right one happened when a number of residents came together to not only say thank you to me and my staff for our interventions during a time of uncertainty, but in doing so one student expressed how much they valued our interactions and shared that I was able to help them work through certain challenges in order to reach their goal. Truth be told, I have never really doubted for one moment that I made the right career choice.
The biggest challenge I am facing right now would have to be financial resources and having to do things differently. COVID-19 has definitely had an impact on expenditure, and this is particularly challenging for our infrastructure/plant. If I could secure funding or sponsorship opportunities for building projects, it would benefit our campus greatly.
My 44 oz. water bottle full of water.
In an ideal world and if I was university vice chancellor for one week, I would reach out to every student and university in every country represented through ACUHO-I membership and invite them to visit our campus for a familiarity trip to form linkages with our faculties and possible partnerships.
Our campus is not only on the most beautiful island in the eastern Caribbean, which has white, sandy beaches and turquoise water, but it has a very vibrant and rich culture and history. The campus population is very diverse, not only in the student population but also in academia.
Our annual celebration of “Island Weeks” is a rich tradition of cultural sharing that leaves wonderful memories in the hearts of students.
Something I have learned about my campus is that it is very much part of the island of Barbados and respected for the insight and assistance in working through the pandemic. Across all faculties, medical students, researchers, and our professors, we have played an integral role in assisting the government in managing this pandemic. What have I learned about myself? Well, for sure, I have learned that I am resilient and that in the middle of a storm I can be calm. I have learned that I impact the way others feel, and having to put on a brave and strong face despite the challenges is much easier than I ever thought it would be. I have learned that we are social beings, and although I enjoy having the presence of others around, it is not a need.
I have learned that the housing profession should be viewed holistically and not with one approach, as it encompasses so much more.
I’ve learned that student-centeredness, which is one of our institution’s core values, is deeply ingrained in all facets of operation at our campus. This was evident in the creative responses to ensuring that teaching and learning and the full slate of student support and development services continued and resulted in sustained student success and retention levels despite the pandemic.
Apart from the campus environment and diversity I am motivated by the fact that I am responsible for the perception of our students that live on campus.
The most helpful superpower would have to be changing the mindset of those who think that the impossible is not possible.
Diana Bryan is the department head for student accommodation at the University of the West Indies–Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. Have a colleague you think others should get to know? Please share with us at talkingstick@acuho-i.org and you may see them in a future issue of the magazine.