THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - When it comes to running Aurora College's Thebacha Campus, Dwayne Woodward is involved in just about everything.

That is except for actual student instruction. Woodward is manager of student services at the campus in Fort Smith.

"We mostly deal with students outside of the classroom," he explained.

Dwayne Woodward is the manager of student services at Aurora College's Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Student services include such things as registration, counselling, a student success centre, a student wellness co-ordinator and property maintenance. "I would say it's a very important role," Woodward said, adding he has a great team of six people who report directly to him.

"The team I work with is all dedicated to the students," he added.

A major part of his job is to ensure students have a campus conducive to learning and they are not distracted from their studies.

"We try to build a positive atmosphere for them, a positive learning environment," he said. Woodward also oversees students staying in campus housing, usually around 100 of the overall 200 or so students at the campus.

While not directly involved in instruction, student services run workshops to help students with such things as how to study and how to budget their money.

Part of Woodward's role is also overseeing a number of special events at the campus, such as orientation week.

"We want everyone to meet and greet and learn about each other," he said.

Then there are other significant events he organizes during the year, such as Aurora College Week and convocation.

"It can be busy," Woodward said.

The 48-year-old is only responsible for Thebacha Campus, and has counterparts at college campuses in Yellowknife and Inuvik.

Woodward began working as the student services manager in 2005 after moving from his former job as a project manager in Fort Smith with the Department of Public Works and Services.

However, it is technically not his first job at the college. When he was a teenager, he worked for two summers with casual maintenance, doing such things as cutting the grass.

Originally from Edmonton, Woodward has lived in Fort Smith since 1976 when he was in Grade 9.

Woodward said he enjoys his role as student services manager.

"It's been a really good fit for me at the college," he said.Woodward said his days at Thebacha Campus are full of new activities.

"It's never the same day twice here," he said. Woodward's personality appears suited to his work with students.

"I'm a fairly positive person," he said. "I'm positive and upbeat."

Woodward said he looks forward to going to work at Thebacha Campus. "I'm happy here," he said. "I'm thrilled every day I come in here."