Views of some graduates
Tom Haig
As a part time student and professional manager working in the TAFE sector, I wanted to study via an institution with a solid reputation for distance education delivery that could fit in around my busy life hence the UNE. From my initial call to UNE I was made to feel special and welcome by the very helpful staff who directed my inquiry to the appropriate people in the institution.
The library service to external students of the UNE is simply brilliant. Ordering learning materials is so easy and efficient. Again whenever I needed help researching or finding articles, books or whatever the library staff were first rate and never patronising no matter how many times I contacted them.
The UNE EdD recognises and accommodates the valuable insights and skills busy professional educators and managers already have and bring to the learning experience. It treats students as equals - as partners in researching and advancing knowledge within their actual workplace settings.
Secondly, its flexibility allows for a wide range of professional research interests to be pursued.
Thirdly, it would be hard to find another institution with such friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. My experience with UNE is of an institution that is very much 'student centred' in the way it does its business.
The EdD experience has given me an increased confidence in my own abilities and potential for further career opportunities."
Tom Haig Regional Educational Manager - Onkaparinga Institute of TAFE
Merryn Twemlow
I undertook my Bachelor of Business at the University of Southern Queensland, an experience that stood in good stead for further study. All my examinations for that degree were held at UNE, so I had a chance to get a feeling for the University and its assistance for students.
It was, however, the staff of the Administration and Professional Studies Unit that made my experience at UNE special when I followed the Bachelor of Business with Management Studies and Diploma in Administrative Leadership.
When I first inquired about the possibility of undertaking the Doctor of Education some years ago, I was very tentative about what was required and how much commitment I would need to give. However, the staff were supportive and the ability to have constant access to UNE's facilities (particularly at weekends and after work during residential school times) helped with my workload. My Supervisors have been an absolute 'plus' -(the role of the Senior Supervisor is 'unsung' when it comes to Doctoral studies).
The other issue that impacted positively on my experience was the two weeks Residential School. Not only did I meet the other two candidates and developed a friendship which will endure, but the quality of the presenters was incredible. I felt that the support shown by UNE for just three candidates (plus visiting students from other areas) indicated the dedication and high level of support that UNE is prepared to give to its Doctor of Education candidates.
At the time of commencing the Doctor of Education I had been employed by TAFE for 16 years in the capacities of part-time teacher and Registrar. Enrolment in the Doctor of Education was an additional positive I was able to offer when I applied for, and was offered the position of Business Manager, NSW Police, New England Local Area Command. It supported my view that education is on-going and its continued relevance in today’s competitive world. Whilst I have been with the NSW Police for over five years, my educational background has left only positive experiences.
My thesis topic for the Doctor of Education was a natural progression from my Masters special study. I now feel that I have offered two quality papers on the topic of disabilities for which little research has been done. The levels of postgraduate study (Certificate, Diploma, Masters and Doctorate) are distinct and present an ever increasing challenge to the student. The Doctor of Education is a coursework/research educational degree which prepares the student more than the pure research of the PhD for the rigours of major study.
The incredible satisfaction levels that are experienced on completion and graduation, should be shared by not only the euphoria of the student and his/her family and friends, but the Supervisors and the University as a whole.
Merryn Twemlow Business Manager - NSW Police - New England Local Area Command.
Paul Potaka
It’s not easy to access suitable professional development from the principal’s office. Too often one becomes bogged down in the minutiae of work without making time to locate work and self in the context of the wider world. It was important for me to retain the momentum of learning and in doing so, to demonstrate for my staff and students, the value and principle of life-long learning. The opportunity to undertake doctoral studies through UNE made all this possible and I am grateful to the university for that.
For me, the doctoral journey was as important as the destination. I was able to meet people who worked in similar as well as in different areas of education from my own. I was able to use my work to help overcome the deficiencies I had perceived in my earlier academic endeavors. Study at this level was more about self-discovery, affirmation, objectivity and the opening of the mind to possibilities within the workplace.
I was able to use vacation times to travel to UNE on an ‘as needs’ basis in order to meet with my supervisors for healthy doses of critique, encouragement and support. Amongst my campus memories are wonderful hostel experiences; valuable library support; opportunities to share with co-students; and, knowledgeable, patient and helpful supervisors.
UNE provided me with more than a programme of professional development. As an international student I had the opportunity or, if you like, excuse, to travel via several different routes to Armidale for consultation with my supervisors. As a result I have been able to be a tourist as well as a student!
Paul Potaka Principal of Nelson Central School, Nelson, New Zealand