Dr. Tom Sork, Associate Dean

Tom Sork is the Associate Dean for External Programs & Learning Technologies. He is responsible for the overall direction of the unit, with a particular responsibility for the Master of Educational Technology (MET) program. He meets on a regular basis with the directors and managers to discuss issues that arise. Tom represents EPLT on the Dean’s Advisory Committee, chairs the External Programs Advisory Committee, and works with CMS to provide learning technology support to the Faculty.

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Dr. Mark Edwards, Director of External Programs

Mark is the Director of External Programs. One of his passions is mobilizing the remarkable research of UBC’s Faculty of Education in the service of children in British Columbia and around the world. Mark facilitates collaborative working relationships between the Faculty and the field for the development and provision of off-campus M.Ed. programs, Diploma programs, and Certificate programs. Mark assists in the planning, marketing, and delivery of Distance Education, Direct Instruction, and Cohort courses and programs.

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Shapoor Marfatia, Director of Business Development

Shapoor Marfatia is the Director of Business Development and is responsible for the business operations of the unit, including finance and HR. His role is centred around working with the team to ensure that the unit continues to be in a self-sustaining position while providing staff, students and faculty with the service and support they require to be successful.

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Dr. Changyun Kang , China Projects Advisor

Changyun Kang is a Research Associate in the UBC Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy and China Projects Advisor for the Faculty of Education. He assists in the Faculty's efforts to develop collaborative projects with universities in China. He is also associated with the Research Centre for Elementary and Secondary Education Curriculum and the Research Centre for Science Education at Beijing Normal University.

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Shaheen Jivraj-Sangara, Manager of Special Projects

Shaheen Jivraj-Sangara is responsible for working with the team on various special projects as they arise. Current projects include development of training resources, international projects and evaluation of EPLT services within the Faculty.

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Heather McGregor, Manager of Marketing and MET Program

Heather McGregor develops and manages marketing and communication campaigns for programs administered by our unit.  Heather designs and creates our brochures and marketing materials, writes and polishes messaging and press releases, and develops and manages our websites.  In addition, Heather manages the Master of Educational Technology program and supports a number of international programs and special projects undertaken by our unit.

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Natasha Boskic, Manager of Educational Technology

Natasha Boskic helps instructors design, develop and deliver online courses, both undergraduate and graduate-level. Natasha gives one-on-one tutorials and workshops on WebCT and instructional design to new EPLT instructors, as well as to the larger UBC community. She has been involved in different projects, exploring international collaboration, online learning communities, ePortfolio implementation, accessibility issues, Aboriginal education, and other areas.

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Sharon Hu, Instructional Designer

Sharon Hu helps instructors design, develop and deliver online courses and manages projects from proposal to readiness for course delivery. She also delivers staff and faculty learning initiatives in online and blended learning environments and supports the planning of educational programs.

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Ian Linkletter, User Support Specialist

Ian Linkletter helps develop and support online courses, programs, and related materials. Ian supports educational technologies, troubleshooting technical problems and finding solutions. He also develops and delivers staff and faculty learning initiatives in both online and blended learning environments.

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May Mei Liu, Financial Processing Specialist

As a financial processing specialist, May Liu's main responsibilities are administering expenses related to EPLT programs and courses, including creating appointments for instructors and graduate teaching assistants. She also assists with payroll follow-up and the financial-reporting side of EPLT.

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Jo-Anne Chilton, Senior Program Assistant

As a Senior Program Assistant for the Faculty of Education’s distance education online courses and off-campus f2f courses and institutes, Jo-Anne Chilton's main focus is to provide student support. As well, Jo-Anne coordinates course scheduling with the Director and departments. Additionally, in collaboration with both EPLT and UBC staff she implements effective administrative processes for both students and instructors.

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Tracey Pappas, Senior Program Assistant

As a Senior Program Assistant, Tracey Pappas's main responsibilities are in the administration and support of M.Ed. cohort programs offered through EPLT. Central to her many responsibilities is ensuring that students receive timely and knowledgeable attention to their questions and concerns, thus giving them a level of service that allows a smooth and virtually worry-free experience in dealing with the administrative processes that they must undertake as part of life at UBC.

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Linda Haftner, Senior Program Assistant

Linda Haftner, Senior Program Assistant, provides administrative support for off-campus M.Ed. cohort programs (usually for practicing teachers). These are face-to-face degree programs that can be situated far from the university campus. The administrative support consists of providing information and assisting students with administrative issues. Linda aims to help students avoid feeling isolated from UBC in order to help them to concentrate on their studies.

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Dave Roy, Senior Program Assistant

Dave Roy is the Senior Program Assistant for the Master of Educational Technology (MET) on-line program, consisting of a 30-credit master's degree or one of two 15-credit graduate certificates. Dave handles all admission, as well as administrative, inquiries for the program. Dave is generally the first point of contact for all potential and current MET students.

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Jenny van Enckevort, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Jenny van Enckevort provides support for marketing and communications initiatives within External Programs & Learning Technologies (EPLT) and the Faculty of Education.

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Yvette Kharoubeh, Senior Program Assistant

Yvette Kharoubeh, Senior Program Assistant, provides administrative support for off-campus M.Ed. cohort programs (usually for practicing teachers). These are face-to-face degree programs that can be situated far from the university campus. The administrative support consists of providing information and assisting students with administrative issues. She also provides administrative support to distance education online courses and off-campus f2f courses and institutes.

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Fiona Czeschel, Senior Program Assistant

As a Senior Program Assistant, Fiona Czeschel’s main responsibilities are in the administration and support of  M.Ed. cohort programs offered through EPLT.  As part of her role, she is responsible for ensuring that students receive timely attention to their questions relating to administrative processes that they must undertake as part of life at UBC.  Fiona aims to provide a contact for students that will assist them to feel connected to the wider UBC community, even when the program is far from the Vancouver campus.

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Melinda Sam, Associate Dean's Support

Melinda Sam provides administrative support to the Associate Dean, Dr. Tom Sork. Melinda assists with coordinating meetings, preparation of minutes and documents, as well as other administrative tasks as required.

Jeanette Hansen, Secretary and Reception

Jeanette Hansen is the EPLT secretary, providing administrative support including scheduling, correspondence, preparing reports and presentations, organizing and coordinating special events, and general reception duties.

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Renira Vellos, International Student Support

Renira Vellos is the Graduate Academic Assistant for International Student Support. Working across departments in the Faculty of Education, she liaises with graduate secretaries, International House and other faculty groups in support of International Students. Renira also plans academic workshops and socials for international student across the faculty.

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