The team
Alexa Wong (lead); Asma Lali (support), Rebecca Nasterlack (support), Peter Bratby (supervisor)
Department
Natural Sciences
What happened?
The EDS UCL ChangeMakers project was proposed to evaluate existing support services available for neurodivergent/ disabled students in the hopes of making the Natural Sciences Department more inclusive. We aim to identify existing policies, practices and resources that make a positive difference for students with neurodivergence and evaluate shortcomings in wellbeing services. This project was proposed by students in response to student feedback about wellbeing services. The project saw Natural Sciences students and staff come together to understand the experiences and needs of persons with a disability/ neurodivergence through research, surveys, and one-on-one interviews. Through conversations with the Student Wellbeing Services team and departmental mental health services, deeper insights were gained into the inner workings of support systems. Findings from the surveys and individual interviews will be compiled into a report which will be used to advocate for changes to Natural Sciences Departmental policies and practices with the goal of strengthening support systems to better meet the needs of students. By working closely with staff to analyse data, especially thematic analysis, a report analysing both the quantitative and qualitative data will be created alongside recommendations to improve such services. This report will be shared within the Natural Sciences department to increase awareness about these needs, with the potential of disseminating our findings to the larger MAPS faculty.
What advice or encouragement would you give to someone thinking of doing a ChangeMakers project?
My first tip is to find a team of people who are equally passionate about your project and committed to the cause. Juggling your project on top of academics will prove challenging at times, but being surrounded by dedicated people who remind you of the project’s importance will allow you to find it rewarding in the end. Secondly, maintain good communication between your entire team, including staff/ student partners. Thirdly, keep an organised checklist of things to be done and ensure everyone keeps to deadlines!