Student Committee
The WA Occupational Therapy Association’s Student Committee consists of a group of Occupational Therapy students from Curtin University of Technology and Edith Cowan University, ranging from 1st to 4th year. There are representatives from each year, in addition to President and Treasurer roles and Vice-president and Secretary roles.
Goals & Aims
The aims of the Student Committee include:
To develop a sense of cohesion between the WA Occupational Therapy Association, Curtin University and Edith Cowan University staff and OT students. Increase the profile of the Association within Curtin and Edith Cowan Universities and the student population and encouraging future involvement in Association activities. Enable links/networking opportunities between students, working occupational therapists and the WA Occupational Therapy Association.
To provide students with opportunities to further their learning and professional development.
Structure
The Student Committee mirrors the structure and function of the WA Occuaptional Therapy Association’s Management Committee, and as such has similar portfolios. The holders of the portfolios on the Student Committee directly liaise with the holders of the corresponding portfolios on the Management Committee. In addition to these portfolios, the Student Committee has a number of Working Parties that organise and coordinate many of the projects that are undertaken.
Activities
Examples of activities that the Student Committee plan and run include:
Professional Development Evenings – These evenings are based on a specific topic, and give students the opportunity to meet and speak with professionals working in those chosen fields. Previous topics for Professional Development Evenings have included Accreditation (what it means for students), OTs in Private Practice, World Federation of Occupational Therapists and OT in Drug Rehabilitation. Articles about Student Committee activities are submitted to the Association’s newsletter.
The Student Committee are involved in OT Week Events & Promotions – A breakfast for university staff and students will be held during OT Week with an occupational therapist keynote speaker. The Student Committee will also be involved in activities to promote occupational therapy to the university communities.
Community Education – The Student Committee is involved in the education and promotion of Occupational Therapy to the wider community. They have played a large role in Career Expos and University Open Days, informing students and the general public about occupational therapy.
For further information on the WA Occupational Therapy Association’s Student Committee please contact students@waota.com.au