Introduction

My name is Melissa Schuurman and I began my Masters in April 2017.  I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Economics, and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Human Resource Management from Thompson Rivers University.  During my undergraduate years, I worked as a co-op student in Open Learning, the online and distance education department at Thompson Rivers University.  After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I started working there in various roles in areas of research and analysis, planning and project management, curriculum services and most currently in program delivery.  I’ve worked in other roles at TRU that are outside of Open Learning, but I can say that Open Learning has been considered “home.”  The history of Open Learning (previously the BC Open University, and Open Learning Agency before that), the energy and passion of the people who work there, and the support for one another both personally and professionally, has created a unique and special place.  Many who have worked there and left will tell you that Open Learning will always hold a special place in their heart.

I have been the E-Learning Facilitator in Open Learning since January 2017.  In this role, I provide training, technical support and online best practices to Program Delivery staff and Open Learning Faculty Members (OLFMs) for a range of learning technologies and the use of TRU’s learning management system(s).  I’ve watched this job evolve from a specifically “training” focus, to now including professional development support and key to creating stronger engagement and connection between the OLFMs and the greater TRU community. 

I also volunteer with my union, CUPE local 4879. I am a member of the executive, grievance committee, bargaining committee and bylaw committee. I am very passionate about employee rights, advocacy and education, and feel very fortunate to represent and serve our members in varying capacities.

In my personal life, I come from a family many would consider large – having one brother and three sisters.  I am situated in the middle of my siblings, but I would not consider myself a middle child, as I took on many of the responsibilities of an older sibling.  My parents celebrated their 35^th wedding anniversary this year and are gearing up for retirement and everything that comes with that next chapter of life.  I have two “furbabies” – a 6 year old ‘larger than life’ orange tabby cat named Teddy, and Simon, an 11 year old chihuahua that I adopted from a local rescue organization.  Both are featured yearly in our annual Christmas card.

When I am not spending time with family, the furbabies, completing my masters or working, I enjoy a variety of activities.  I stay active through activities including barre, yoga, spin, paddle boarding, and hiking.  I love to travel but have not been able to do any traveling in the last couple years due to the pandemic.  Instead, I enjoy exploring the great outdoors, looking for new hiking spots with great views.  The pandemic has allowed me the opportunity to explore more locally and enjoy the beautiful province of British Columbia that I get to call home.  I also enjoy camping, art, cooking, reading and discovering new local restaurants and breweries.

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