My name is Manpreet Virdi and I have been working at The University of British Columbia since July 2015. I work in the Student Records & Systems Management department in Brock Hall as the Enrolment Services Administrative Assistant. I attended The University of British Columbia as student from 2008 until 2012 and received a certificate of completion from UBC in collaboration with STEPS Forward.
STEPS Forward was a great experience for me because they supported me in my university experience. I applied with STEPS Forward in summer of 2008.
When I started at The University of British Columbia I took some random classes in the beginning and then by my 3rd and 4th years my course selection was focusing on Sociology.
During my studies at The University of British Columbia STEPS Forward supported me a lot by making sure that I had a manageable course load, helped me modify my assignment if necessary and making sure that I enjoyed campus life as well.
STEPS Forward is an initiative that support students with developmental disabilities to access the same academic courses, recreational, social and employment opportunities as any other student at their local college or university.
STEPS Forward facilitators provide the inclusion support required for the student to learn, engage in campus activities, complete course material, and find employment. As non-crediting students, they complete academic work to the level of their ability leading to a Certificate of Completion issued by their post-secondary educational institution.
I conducted a short interview with Arden Bonokoski (Provincial Coordinator + Senior Facilitator) to learn a bit more about the initiative:
When did Steps Forward start at The University of British Columbia?
STEPS Forward, the BC Initiative for Inclusive Post-secondary Education, partnered with UBC in 2002 and supported the first UBC student to enroll through the partnership in 2003.
How many students does Steps Forward support during the week at The University of British Columbia?
Inclusion facilitators support six UBC students at any given time. Each student is supported independently in a different course of study over 4 – 5 year and work towards a certificate of completion.
On average how many applications does Steps Forward get every year?
During the last application cycle there were eight applicants for one opening. We only accept applications when there is an opening because a student has completed their studies.
Steps Forward also continues to support their alumni students like me once they have found work. They support me in work related tasks and actives if necessary.
For more information on STEPS Forward you can visit www.BC-IPSE.org
Manpreet supports all of Enrolment Services by completing a variety of clerical tasks including OPT input, spreadsheet reconciliation and transcribing written notes! If you have some work that you need help with, please contact Ashley Elchuk, HR Business Partner, to see if it’s something Manpreet can help you with!