Community and alumni

Gord Miller and student researchers

Welcome from the director

Daniel Scott For those of you who are new to the school as students, sessional instructors, or administrative support, I want to extend a very warm welcome to the School of Child and Youth Care. You have indeed chosen a wonderful place to work and study. For those of you who have been with us for awhile, I also want to say “welcome back” after what I hope was both a restful and productive summer.

As many of you know, I am the Acting Director until July 2013. Dr. Daniel Scott has generously agreed to resume his role as Director after his administrative leave. In the meantime, I want to provide a few information items.

We have reached our target numbers for both the undergraduate and graduate programs so have a full enrollment both on and off campus.
After years of course development leadership from Dr. Roy Ferguson and Dr. Sibylle Artz, we have a new curriculum chair, Dr. Veronica Pacini-Ketchabaw who will work closely with Christine Shelton to ensure that our program is continuously updated and relevant to the field.

At the graduate level, Dr. Jennifer White will continue as Graduate Advisor until December at which time, Dr. Doug Magnuson will assume this role until July 2013. Professor Jin-Sun Yoon will continue as chair of the Community Life Portfolio and Professor Greg Saunders will continue as chair of the Learning and Teaching portfolio. Our SILKS chair, Shanne McCaffrey, will resume her role as chair in January 2013 after an eight month study leave. An updated description of the roles and responsibilities for all of the portfolios will be posted in the next few weeks.

We continue to be fortunate to have retained our front office staff and administrative officer, our graduate secretary, our student advisors, and practica co-ordinators. All of their consistent efforts and vast experience helps the school to function with minimal glitches. Please visit our website to see the various staff and faculty positions so that you know who to contact for specific information. http://www.cyc.uvic.ca/facultydirectory/index.php#section0-59

Some of faculty and staff (Sandra Curran, Chris Shelton, and Dr. Jessica Ball) have been working hard over the summer on a brochure that highlights the work of the school. This publication provides an excellent overview of many of the school’s current initiatives so I encourage you to pick one up at your convenience.

We will also be having several major events happening at UVIC this year and you will receive notices over the next few months.

UVIC Homecoming Event (Sept).
The School of Child and Youth Care’s 40th anniversary celebration, Friday, May 3, 2013 at the University Club. (We anticipate this will be a very well attended event so please mark your calendars.)
UVIC’s 50th Anniversary (several events will take place throughout the year)
The Congress of Canadian Learned Societies will take place the first week in June (no on campus classes will be scheduled at this time)

So once again, welcome to all of you and thanks for all of the multiple contributions you make to foster a rich learning environment for students. And to those of you who are here to study, may you work hard, be challenged and energized by your courses, make life-long friends, and enjoy what is often referred to as the best years of your life.

Dr. Marie Hoskins
Acting Director

Featured

A Day in the Life: Debbie Robinson

The Ring, January 25, 2013

Written by: Kim Westad, Staff, Faculty of Human and Social Development

Debbie Robinson knows a thing or two about stage fright—the 20-year veteran of local community theatre faces it every time she sings or acts in a new production. But Robinson also knows that as the show goes on, the teamwork and preparation kick in and the stage fright fades. And she applies the same strategy to the changing nature of her job as a program assistant in the School of Child and Youth Care.

Deb

When the mother of three returned to the work force at the University of Victoria in 1994, she used a typewriter, classes were in buildings and she had limited computer skills.

Now, Robinson’s job is dramatically different. Robinson calls herself a “modern secretary,” building sites for online classrooms, updating them continuously and facing new technological challenges on a regular basis.

“The learning curve was very steep—like this,” Robinson says, putting her arm straight up in the air.

When it seems overwhelming, Robinson breaks the program down just as she’s done for the dozen plays she’s performed in.
“I might have choreography, music and lines to learn. As a whole, it can feel overwhelming, so I break it down into smaller pieces and then put it back together again,” Robinson says.

“When we’re going through a time of change in the office, I tap into that same process.”

Robinson loves the sense of teamwork in a production, and in her work. The three other program assistants in the office are good friends. They’re also among her biggest fans.

News and events

Visit our news and events page

Alumni reception

Join us for our annual alumni reception. 'Continuing the Circle' Wednesday, February 6, 2013. First Peoples House, Ceremonial Hall. 4:30pm - 6:30pm. To register for the event click here.