Student and Staff Wellbeing

Staff Profile

Sandy Alden

UCAN Team Leader and Specialist Learning Adviser

Background

Background

I joined the Student Health and Wellbeing Service in 2000, taking up a role to develop administrative systems and screening and assessment provision for students with specific learning difficulties. My role extended in 2002 to deliver specialist study skills support and to offer study needs assessments to students to identify support and adjustments. From 2012 I have managed the Assessment Centre, UCAN, with my role extended in 2014 to lead the Specialist Learning team and more recently the Disability team. A key focus of my role is to guide the University on its position regarding reasonable adjustments and work with colleagues to develop learning support provision and adjustments for students with disabilities. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Team Manager, Specialist Learning and Disability Support
Student Health and Wellbeing Service

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties

Memberships

NADP (National Association of Disability Practitioners)

Research

Research Interests

Dyslexia and assessment in creative practice based disciplines and the problems posed by large pieces of written assessment.

Current Work

Exploring the potential and problems posed by large pieces of written assessment for dyslexic students in practice-based disciplines as part of a UTLC Innovation Fund project. The project is researching the viability of alternative modes of assessment or equivalents which have the potential for wider application through the University.

Publication:

Alden S, Pollock VL. Dyslexia and the Studio: bridging the gap between theory and practice. International Journal of Art & Design Education 2011 30 1:81-89.

Publications