Maintaining lines of communication and relationships have become increasingly important over the past year. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has seen many of us locked down, working from home and isolated from our day-to-day interaction with colleagues.
Ironically, though, the shift to a largely online environment has also provided unexpected opportunities to broaden connections. Previously, for example, members of ATLAANZ (Association of Tertiary Learning Advisors Aotearoa New Zealand) came together only once a year, with our northern, central and southern regional hui (gatherings) that alternated with our biennial conference. Now, however, as shown by the successful ICALLD’s symposia over time, the online environment allows us to meet whenever we wish, unbounded by time, travel or space.
Accordingly, ATLAANZ members have set up ChatLAANZ, providing an informal monthly opportunity for colleagues across the country to come together by Zoom and share their interests with others. To date, we have had two highly successful sessions: Working with Neurosensitive students (in July) and Rainbow101: Supporting diversity on campus (August). Upcoming sessions will explore What equity looks like to Māori (indigenous) learning advisors (24 September 9-9:45am NZ time) and Wellbeing for Learning advisors (29 October: 12-12:45pm). ICALLD members are warmly invited to attend and the recordings are also available on our website.
Deborah Laurs
ATLAANZ President
