My name:
Charon Gates
My role:
Faculty Representative Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS)
My priorities for the 2024–26 term:
As a Neurodivergent and physically-disabled student, I would like the OU to be equally accessible to all. My priorities are:
- To ensure all WELS students are given a voice in all matters concerning them.
- To continue to develop, with a fellow student, the student-led neurodiversity cafés in the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport (ECYS) across the WELS faculty.
- To work with the Senior Leadership Team to improve academic outcomes for all Neurodiverse students and under-represented student groups.
What I’ve been up to and what I’m currently working on:
I do a lot of work for the Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport school (ECYS). At the moment, I'm...
- A Personal Development Planning (PDP) team leader on the undergraduate and postgraduate Education Studies programmes.
- A student voice and wellbeing ambassador.
- A member of the ECYS Board of Studies.
- A member of the ECYS retention group.
- Part of the Student Representative Careers and Employability Service (Race Equality Action Group – REAG)
- Working on the induction for 24J (September / October 2024) for Education Studies programmes.
- Planning for the neurodiversity cafés with a fellow student for 24J.
What I’m studying:
I am near completion of my Masters in Education on the Inclusive Practice Pathway – my dissertation focus is Dyslexia. I previously completed my BA (Hons) in Education Primary Studies with the OU.
What I do when I’m not studying:
My time away from study is spent with my two boys who understand the complexities of my health. My youngest (who is also Neurodivergent) is my personal typist. I enjoy visiting my favourite place – the Empire Hotel in Llandudno, watching my beloved Manchester City FC and Formula 1 Grand Prix. I also like reading and (when my health allows) knitting.
My top study tips:
- Set realistic and achievable targets.
- Communicate with your OU family.
- Ask questions – no question is a silly question.
- Set aside downtime for your wellbeing.
- Treat yourself.
How to contact me:
Email: oustudents-WELS@open.ac.uk
Please note that a handful of Association staff team members have access to this mailbox.
Twitter / X: @OpenWELS