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A little extra help goes a long way

12 December 2021 - Sumaya Mamdoo

Keen eyes like those of Lynne Pritchard’s are needed during the era of online learning.

In 2020 Wits University and other institutions were launched, unexpectedly, into emergency remote learning. With this came additional administration as a result of curriculum redesign and the frequent assessments to measure that students are truly learning and grasping content online.

Lynne Pritchard, the Administrative Officer at the School of Physiology in the Faculty of Health Sciences rose to the new demands taking on the role of “quality controller” and coordinating various logistics in the Department. These include the collation of the marks for the massively increased number of assessments and overseeing Covid-19 safety compliance, particularly during exams, amongst other tasks.   

Her ability to lighten the load for people, despite what she had on her plate, is what earned her a nomination as a Wits Covid-19 Hero.

Pritchard, who has worked at Wits for 31 years, says that her work has always been important to her. “It is especially [important] during this time to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible. From the student’s perspective if things are done right the first time it is less stressful for them.”

The stature of the University is dear to her and informs her work ethic. “Whatever I do is a reflection [on the University], and I want to ensure the good name of the University,” she continues.

The School was the first in the Faculty of Health Sciences to conduct on-campus, end of year assessments. Pritchard’s seamless coordination and communication ultimately contributed to a successful exam period.

Pritchard believes that effective communication is what leads to an effective department.

“Simply communicating with each other and drawing on each other’s strengths” are the key ingredients to achieving unity and cooperation.

Also important is collegiality. “Sometimes we forget during this stressful time to be kind, and more importantly [to] acknowledge the assistance from colleagues.”

Boasting three decades of experience, Pritchard says, “Covid-19 definitely took me out of my comfort zone as I had to adapt to the changing environment and how the School operated.”

She observed that students felt far removed from campus and that responding timeously to student queries is vitally important in this new environment.

Pritchard says that the Department has also helped her keep her sanity during these past two years when work has been so demanding. “I also work with such amazing people who helped keep my sanity in check. They say laugher is the best medicine and it sure was during the past two years,” she concludes.

��һ�Թ��� Wits Covid-19 Heroes

The Wits Heroes Series celebrates staff and students who went beyond the call of duty at the onset of Covid-19 in 2020. Wits Heroes were nominated by members of the Wits community. Discover other Heroes.