What’s your passion and how do you want to make a difference in the world?
I am passionate about education for all. I have a firm belief that students from all backgrounds have the potential to succeed if they receive appropriate resources, timely advice and support. I manage the Fairway UWA program which was initially developed as an access program for students facing challenging circumstances. Over the years, I have transformed the program into a ‘Success and Support’ program because I believe that access without support is meaningless. The retention rate of Fairway students at UWA is above 90% which is higher than the overall retention rate of UWA.
Why is inclusion important to you personally?
As I come from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background, I completely understand the challenges faced by students and staff from under-represented/minority groups including International students. I came to UWA as an international student in 2003 and still remember the challenges I had in transition to the new culture and the educational environment. If I had not received appropriate support and made friends, I would not have achieved my educational goals. English is my second (actually third) language so it is not always easy to understand formal communication. I still struggle with understanding some phrases and jokes. As a staff member, I want to champion for students and staff members from minority backgrounds and support them wherever and whenever possible.
How do we create a society that does more than accept difference?
Respect is the basic element of acceptance. To create an inclusive society we need to learn to ‘respect diversity and understand diversity’. For this we need to challenge misconceptions, stop being judgmental and stereotyping others, have an open mind and stand up for all acts of discrimination.
About Umneea
My name is Umneea Ahmad Khan and I am originally from Pakistan. I came to UWA in 2003 as an International student. I completed Master of Special Education in 2004 and Ph D in Educational Psychology in 2011 from UWA. I started working for Aspire UWA in 2010. I have been working for Fairway UWA since 2012.
I thoroughly enjoy my work as it is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience for me. Students call me UniMum and I absolutely love this title!
I have published nationally and internationally on the at-risk behaviours of teenagers and young adults. I have a through understanding of the needs of young students. My areas of interest include equity in higher education, adolescent behaviour, youth violence and aggression.
In my spare time, I like to read about history, nature and different cultures. I am passionate for classical Urdu and Persian poetry.